TheRoundup is reader supported. We may earn a small commission when you make a purchase via links on this site, at no cost to you.
All products are personally reviewed and tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
Mattress protectors are a must-have addition to any sustainable bedroom. They do an excellent job of protecting your mattress from spills, stains, bugs and allergens, keeping it clean and hygienic for years to come.
The problem is that traditional mattress covers and pads usually achieve their waterproof protectiveness using a mix of vinyl and harsh chemicals, which can actually harm your health.
My family and I have been busy testing the top eco-friendly mattress protectors of 2025.
We've shortlisted some fantastic non-toxic options, made from organic materials. They offer premium protection, without the plastic, harmful chemicals or annoying crinkly sounds...
Why It's My #1 Pick: PlushBeds have created a premium quality, fully waterproof, non-toxic mattress protector. It has all the features you need, at an affordable price.
Personal Experience: We tested the king-size version of the PlushBeds organic waterproof mattress protector and were so impressed that we've been using it ever since.
The protector was easy to put on our bed and fit perfectly. When I first lay down, the first thing I noticed was that I didn't notice it! In fact, if I hadn't just put it on, I wouldn't know it was there. You can roll around as much as you like and it doesn't make a sound.
I also tested the waterproofing with a deliberate water spill, and not a drop leaked through. It's worth noting that (like all waterproof mattress pads) this protection is achieved through a very thin layer of polyurethane. There is no other way to achieve waterproofing, but I appreciated that the layer is at least kept as thin as possible, and is non-toxic.
At night, the moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties help me keep cool, which is important to me as I am a hot sleeper.
Overall, I was delighted with the product and am very happy to recommend it.
Why I Recommend It: The Naturepedic organic mattress protector pad is on a par with the PlushBeds protector in terms of quality and features, at a similar price point. This product has even more impressive certifications, but a shorter warranty and less customer feedback.
Personal Experience: This was another soft and quiet waterproof protector that stood out in our tests. There was very little to choose between this and the PlushBeds alternative in terms of comfort. They're both quiet, breathable, and stay in place snugly thanks to the elasticated edges.
Naturepedic's DrySleep™ Technology (their fancy name for medical-grade pure polyurethane), blocks liquids from passing through while allowing water vapor to escape. It performed perfectly in my spill test, with zero leakage.
The initial fit is slightly oversized, but this is done deliberately as it shrinks on the first wash. I'd advise you to wash it before you use it for this reason, and you'll then achieve a perfect fit first time.
✔ Oeko-Tex CERTIFIED Asthma & Allergy Friendly
✔ Luxury Feel
✔ 100% Organic Cotton
Why I Recommend It: The Boll & Branch mattress protector is made from 100% organic cotton, and is completely plastic-free. While this means it's not waterproof (making it more of a pad than a protector) it does mean it's the most sustainable mattress pad I tested.
Personal Experience: This is definitely the most stylish eco-friendly mattress protector I tested, with the quilted finish offering a luxurious, padded feel. If you don't have a mattress topper, then you'll certainly notice the benefit of the extra padding.
I noticed it was rated as asthma and allergy-safe, and being organic, it's also chemical-free.
I found the fit to be just as good as the Naturepedic and PlushBeds alternatives.
The Boll & Branch mattress protector is not officially waterproof (they have opted for a cotton comfort layer rather than a polyurethane layer) and during my spill test, moisture did seep through after a short time. However, it can still cope with minor spills provided you attend to them quickly.
✔ Extra-Deep Pocket Size Option
✔ Asthma and Allergy-Friendly
✔ Waterproof
Why I Recommend It: The Avocado organic mattress protector comes in a either a standard or deep pocket option, the latter fits mattresses up to 22" thick. Both versions offer an impressive range of certifications and efffective waterproofing.
Personal Experience: Avocado is a sustainable brand I keep coming back to because their products are almost always top quality.
This organic mattress protector is no exception. It is a little more expensive than the other waterproof options I've recommended, but it compares well in terms of comfort and durability.
We tested the King and Queen sizes and found that this protector offered a good fit on both. The waterproofing was perfect on small and medium spills. With a double layer of organic cotton, I found it completely noiseless even on one of my more restless nights.
Why I Recommend It: This is a great product at a great price. It's certified non-toxic, offers god comfort and waterproof protection, all at under $100.
Personal Experience: There’s very little in terms of quality and performance that gives away the excellent price point of the Brentwood Home mattress protector. It's cheap compared to products of similar spec, but there's no obvious reason why!
It did feel slightly scratchier than the other straight out of the packet, but that went away after the first wash. So, this was not an issue, seeing as I always wash new bedding before first use anyway.
It passed my spill test with virtually no leakage, so I would be confident about its effectiveness in keeping your mattress dry long-term.
Why I Recommend It: The Saatva Organic Mattress Pad is a premium product at a premium price. It's very high quality with a luxury feel, for those with a bigger budget.
Personal Experience: There's no doubt that the Saatva pad feels incredibly luxurious. It's halfway between a mattress protector and a topper, providing some (but not all) of the benefits of each.
The pad will shield your mattress against general wear and tear, and will protect from light stains, although my test confirmed it is not fully waterproof (as expected, since it is made from 100% organic cotton).
The elastic is strong, and we found the pad was easy to fit and stayed in place very well. I could certainly tell it was there - in a good way. You get an extra layer of padding which could be a game changer if your mattress is too firm.
I do feel the price point and lack of waterproofing means this isn't going to suit everyone. But if you're in the market for a pad rather than a protector, and you have the budget, then you won't find a better quality product than this one.
Why I Recommend It: Extra pocket depth, quality 300 thread count cotton weave, and very strong customer satisfaction made this product stang out from others available on Amazon.
Personal Experience: This is another 100% cotton mattress pad that contains no polyurethane, similar to the Boll & Branch protector.
The trade-off is that it is water resistant rather than fully waterproof. So while I wouldn't recommend either product for kid's beds, I feel both are a good option for most adults who are a little less prone to major leaks and spills.
The price of the Whisper Organics pad is mid-range, so it offers reasonable value for money. In terms of comfort and softness, I feel it compares well and more than holds its own against the more recognized brands.
The slightly larger pocket size might make all the difference if you have a thicker mattress. But those with thinner mattresses might find the elastic isn't quite strong enough, which can cause it to bunch up a little during the night.
Any waterproof mattress protector will keep your mattress dry, but the problem is how they do it and what they're made from.
Some of the potentially toxic materials commonly found in regular mattress pads and protectors are awful for the environment and your health.
Many traditional mattress protectors contain PVC to make them waterproof.
According to the NJ State of Human Services, “PVC contains dangerous chemical additives including phthalates, lead, cadmium, and/or organotins”, so it's probably best not to be adding it to your sleep environment.
And Greenpeace says that "PVC is the most environmentally damaging plastic. The PVC lifecycle -- its production, use, and disposal -- results in the release of toxic, chlorine-based chemicals."
If you’re unsure whether or not a mattress protector contains PVC, simply check for the recycling code. If it's #3… it's PVC.
Steer clear of all synthetic materials if possible. Most waterproofing materials and flame retardants in these products have chemical finishes, and are made from oil or other non-renewable resources that are not good for your health or the environment.
Look instead for mattress protectors made from sustainable fabrics.
Formaldehyde is often used in mattress protectors to prevent mildew.
The ATSDR reports that exposure to formaldehyde can cause the following issues:
Many traditional mattress protectors contain Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs) and Formaldehyde.
PFCs are used to boost the waterproofness and prevent creasing.
The Assistant Secretary of the Navy reports that exposure to PFCs can cause the following issues:
Traditional cotton is not as eco-friendly as you might think. It’s one of the world's dirtiest crops.
Always choose GOTS-certified organic cotton ahead of standard cotton whenever possible.
Ideally, GOTS-Certified organic cotton should be your material of choice when buying a mattress protector.
In some circumstances (for example, when buying from a reputable company you trust), non-organic materials are acceptable. Especially if your budget is tight.
Other materials (such as bamboo and eucalyptus) are also making their way into mattress protectors.
These are potentially good sustainable alternatives to certified organic cotton, providing they haven’t been produced using too many chemicals or in an open-loop process.
Polyurethane is an excellent alternative to PVC. It’s the safest and cleanest water barrier currently available in the U.S.
Not to be confused with polyurethane foam (which can be toxic), pure polyurethane, the type used in organic cotton mattress protectors, is medical grade and safe.
To ensure you’re getting the very best materials, look out for the following non-toxic and organic certifications:
The Global Organic Textile Standard is the key one here. If you see that on a product, you won’t go too far wrong.
Buying your mattress protector from a company with sustainable ethical helps ensure that the product you get has been manufactured in a way that’s kind to the planet and people in the supply chain.
Look for manufacturers who are holders of reputable certifications and give back to charities and local community projects.
To ensure your mattress protector comes from a reputable manufacturer, look out for the following eco-friendly certifications:
Check the depth of your mattress and buy a mattress protector that will fit correctly.
If your mattress is deep (around 15”+), you might need a deep pocket mattress protector.
To prolong the life of your mattress pads and protector, I recommend you follow the manufacturer's guidelines. However, here are some general washing tips.
The best organic mattress protectors should last you as much as 5-7 years with proper care. Some even get softer through continued use.
You should get a relatively breathable product if you go for a good quality waterproof mattress free from PVC.
However, the waterproof nature of some mattress protectors often comes at the expense of some level of breathability.
If breathability is your top priority, for instance, if you are looking for a protector for your baby or toddler, then a breathable waterproof crib mattress pad can offer the best of both worlds.
Not quite. An organic mattress pad is slightly thicker than an organic mattress protector but marginally thinner than mattress toppers.
Pads are generally not waterproof like protectors, but are cheaper than toppers and offer some of the benefits of both.
Mattress protectors, pads, and bed bug-killing covers all help keep your mattress dry and reduce wear and tear. But you need to go organic if you want to help protect the environment and keep harmful chemicals out of your bedroom.
In my tests, the PlushBeds and Naturepedic organic waterproof mattress protectors came out top.
If you prefer a fully natural mattress cover and don't need full waterproofing, then the Boll & Branch pad is the best option.
All of these products are well worth the investment - in fact they actually save you money in the long term when you consider that they can extend the average life of your mattress by between 5 and 10 years.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
TheRoundup.org - As Seen On
