Eco-friendly mattresses are a significant investment. So it makes sense to protect that investment with eco-friendly mattress protectors.
The problem is that traditional mattress protectors usually achieve their waterproof protectiveness by using a mix of vinyl and harsh chemicals.
This simply will not do. There is zero point in spending good money on a toxic-free mattress and then covering it with a sheet of plastic.
The eco-friendly mattress manufacturers agree, and nowadays, there is a wide range of mattress protector options to add to your existing stash of eco-friendly bedding.
They Say: Pure, organic mattress protection. Made with certified organic cotton and a non-toxic 100% waterproof underlayer, you can breathe easily with this mattress protector. Smooth, soft, silent, and breathable — it’s like there’s no protector there at all.
We Say: You’re going to see many old friends in this article. I’ve previously used/recommended PlushBeds for mattresses, bedding, and cotton comforters, and now it's the turn of their excellent organic mattress protector.
Made from GOTS-Certified organic cotton, this organic cotton mattress protector is super smooth and totally silent to sleep on, thanks to the micro-thin polyurethane. There is no crinkling noise (even for the most active sleepers).
Mrs. M especially appreciated this lack of noise during the testing period. As I get older, I'm becoming a pretty restless sleeper. I still get my full eight hours…I just toss and turn much more.
The high-quality, sustainable cotton in this organic mattress protector is moisture-wicking and kept me at the perfect temperature all night long.
I also love that PlushBed makes this kick-ass mattress protector in 12 different size options. No matter what mattress shape or size you sleep on, there’s a very good chance PlushBed has a mattress protector to fit.
This organic mattress protector is made in the U.S. and is covered by a five-year warranty.
All packing material used is biodegradable.
They Say: Our waterproof mattress protector is made with two layers of soft organic cotton jersey on top and bottom and an ultra-thin waterproof barrier in the center. The pad stretches to conform to your body for maximum comfort. Its versatile design fits mattress depths from 9" to 16". With an organic cotton skirt and full elastic perimeter, it fits most bed sizes.
We Say: Naturepedic is another of my return favorites. In the past, I’ve used/recommended them for mattresses, bedding, crib mattresses, and mattress toppers.
Their company ethics are beyond reproach. They proudly carry a wide range of eco-certifications and accreditations, and their commitment to sustainability is impressive!
This GOTS-Certified organic cotton mattress protector is free from toxic chemicals, and, just like the PlusBeds offering, it's silent to sleep on.
Thanks to their proprietary DrySleep™ Technology (their fancy name for medical-grade pure polyurethane), which blocks liquids from passing through while allowing water vapor to escape.
The DrySleep™ Technology also makes this mattress protector incredibly breathable…no waking up in the middle of the night sweating!
Of all the organic waterproof mattress protectors I tested, this one was the most waterproof. However, saying that, they all performed above and beyond what I expected/needed.
Free shipping is available on U.S. orders. Your purchase is covered by a one-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
They Say: Finally, a padded mattress protector pure enough to meet our standards. Anti-microbial, GOTS-certified organic cotton surrounds a comfy layer of 100% organic cotton fiberfill, for a reassuringly safe barrier that protects both you and your mattress.
We Say: The Miller household is a big fan of the quality bedding and cotton comforters Boll & Branch make, and now we also love their mattress protector.
Boll & Branch (owned and ethically run by Missy and Scott Tannen) put their heart and soul into everything they do, and it really shows in the quality look and feel of this luxurious mattress protector.
This mattress protector is not officially waterproof (with Boll & Branch opting for a cotton comfort layer rather than a polyurethane layer). However, it can still cope with minor spills providing you attend to them quickly.
Free U.S. shipping and returns are available. You also get a 30-night risk-free trial.
They Say: Our MADE SAFE® certified fitted waterproof mattress protector is the ideal barrier to defend your bed — both safe and dependable. Two layers of GOTS-Certified organic cotton sandwich a super-thin polyurethane waterproof film, providing breathable protection so you can sleep with ease and comfort.
We Say: Time to welcome another old friend to the party (maybe I should have bought chips and dips?!).
I’ve previously used/recommended Avocado for mattress toppers, mattresses, crib mattresses, furniture, bedding, and cotton comforters…and can now add their great value GOTS-Certified organic cotton mattress protector to the list.
Ok. I appreciate that calling a sheet costing over a hundred bucks ‘great value’, might trigger some people. However, when you consider the high-quality materials, company ethics, and green certifications, you start to appreciate the value on offer here.
The lower price compared to its competitors above does not come at the expense of quality, though. This mattress protector still has everything you’d want/need:
The ‘standard pocket’ version of this mattress protector will fit mattresses up to a depth of 16”. If your mattress is deeper than 16”, you’ll need to order the ‘deep pocket’ version.
The comfort level of this GOTS-Certified organic cotton mattress protector was perfect for me.
However, if you want the ultimate in comfort, you should also look at the Avocado Organic Cotton Mattress Pad Protector. The organic mattress pad is more expensive, but, as with most things made by Avocado, it's worth every cent.
Free U.S. shipping is available. You also get a 100-night trial and a one-year warranty.
They Say: Defend your bed with Brentwood Home's safe, dependable, fitted, 100% GOTS certified Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector, featuring cotton layers and an interior waterproof polyurethane film. No rubbery, crinkly noise. Breathable. Elastic skirt fits up to 16" mattress height.
We Say: Ding dong! Another familiar face has just rocked up to the mattress protector party. I really should have got beers to go with the chips and dips!
I’ve previously used/recommended Brentwood Home for mattresses and yoga mats…and now they’ve just rocked my world of sustainable slumber with a killer GOTS-Certified organic cotton mattress protector…for under 100 bucks (queen-sized)!
The Avocado mattress protector was great value…but this Brentwood Home offering is crazy value!
There’s very little in terms of quality and performance that gives away the excellent price point of this mattress protector.
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.
This mattress protector comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a one-year warranty.
They Say: 100% Organic Quilted Fitted Mattress Cover GOTS Certified. Woven with a 300 thread count, our mattress covers are unbelievably soft & smooth. They're GOTS-Certified organic and breathable, so it's good for you & the environment. Will fit beds up to 17-inch deep. Keep your mattress clean and fresh, while giving you a luxurious sleep.
We Say: I also tested numerous mattress protectors from brands I was unfamiliar with, and one clearly stood out for me.
Whisper Organics sells a range of bedding on Amazon (you can visit their store here). It gets excellent customer reviews, so I was keen to test out the organic mattress protector for myself.
It was incredibly comfortable thanks to 300 thread count cotton and the generous filling of 300 gsm cotton wadding. It was an utter delight to sleep on.
Like the Boll & Branch mattress protector, it's not fully waterproof due to the lack of a polyurethane layer. However, again like the Boll & Branch option, minor spills don't soak in immediately, so you have time to clean them up before staining occurs.
Free delivery and returns are available, and the manufacturer will refund you in the first year if you’re not happy with the purchase.
In their own words, “we are so confident in the quality of our mattress protector that we offer, not a 30-day policy, but a full 1-Year Guarantee. If you are unsatisfied, simply contact us to return the product for a full refund”.
PVC is used in traditional mattress protectors 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.
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 are made from oil or other non-renewable resources and are not great for your health or the planet's health.
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. You can read more about PFCs in my Sustainable Waterproof Jackets article.
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.
You can read more about standard cotton v certified organic cotton in my sustainable fabrics article.
Ideally, GOTS-Certified organic cotton should be your material of choice when buying mattress protectors.
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.
I cover bamboo and eucalyptus in greater detail in my Best Organic Bamboo Sheets article.
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 eco-friendly 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.
A good quality eco-friendly mattress protector should last you many years with proper care. Some even get softer through continued use.
If you go for a good quality waterproof mattress free from PVC, you should get a relatively breathable product.
However, the waterproof nature of some mattress protectors often comes at the expense of some level of breathability.
If breathability is your top priority, you might want to consider a non-waterproof mattress protector. Or go for a waterproof option made with non-toxic breathable polyurethane.
Pretty much. An organic mattress pad is slightly thicker than an organic mattress protector but marginally thinner than mattress toppers.
If you're in the market for an organic mattress pad, check out the luxurious Avocado Organic Cotton Mattress Pad Protector.
We spend more than 200,000 hours of our life asleep, so it's no surprise that our mattresses can soon start to show signs of wear and tear.
Mattress protectors, mattress pads, and bed bug killing covers all help extend the life of a mattress.
The recommendations in this waterproof mattress protector review are the best of the best in terms of comfort and eco-credentials. They don't just protect your mattress. They also protect the planet and your health.
Ditch the toxic plastic mattress protectors and boost your sleep sustainability on a non-toxic, eco-friendly mattress protector.
Where do you buy your organic mattress protectors? Have I missed your favorite brand of waterproof mattress pad?
Are you happy to spend more to get organic materials, or are you satisfied with cheaper non-organic materials? Drop me a line and let me know.