A mattress protector is a thin cover that sits between the mattress and your sheets. It is meant to keep spills and everyday wear off the mattress, and it washes in a machine. Fit style, fabric and pocket depth decide how well it stays in place.
The six protectors below are all king size listings and include fitted, pull-on and zippered styles. Fabrics, depths and sizes come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these products ourselves. Waterproof and certification statements are the makers’ own. Our queen size roundup covers a different set of products.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Pocket depth | Must be at least as deep as the mattress |
| Fit style | Fitted-sheet, pull-on and zippered covers go on differently |
| Coverage | Top-only covers leave the sides uncovered |
| Top fabric | Cotton terry, polyester and bamboo viscose feel different |
| Care | Machine wash and dry directions differ by brand |
Specs at a Glance
| Protector | Fabric | Depth and fit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlushDeluxe bamboo | Bamboo viscose; 260 thread count | Up to 18 in; fitted sheet style | Listed at 76 x 80 in |
| Amazon Basics breathable | Top 80% cotton, 20% polyester; sides polyester | 18 in; pull on | About 0.95 kg |
| Linenspa | Polyester surface; polyurethane backing | 8 to 14 in; elastic skirt | Top-only coverage; 16 oz |
| Amazon Basics zippered | Polyester with polyurethane backing | 12 in pocket; zippered all around | Maker says 85% recycled polyester |
| SureGuard | Cotton terry top | Stretchable skirt; fitted style | 78 x 80 in; maker lists GreenGuard Gold |
| Bedgear Dri-Tec | Dri-tec fabric | Up to 18 in; pull on | Banded elastic; adjustable base friendly |
The 6 Best King Mattress Protectors
1. PlushDeluxe Bamboo Waterproof Protector
A fitted-sheet-style cover in bamboo viscose at 260 thread count, listed at 76 by 80 inches for mattresses up to 18 inches deep. The maker calls it noiseless and waterproof.
Suits: a soft bamboo top. Strengths: an 18 inch depth. Weaknesses: the listed 76 inch width is a little under the usual 78 inch king. Skip it if you want cotton.
View PlushDeluxe Bamboo Waterproof Mattress Protector King on Amazon
2. Amazon Basics Waterproof Breathable Protector
A pull-on cover with a cotton and polyester top and polyester sides, made for mattresses up to 18 inches deep, in a fitted-sheet design. The listing mentions an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 facility.
Suits: a cotton-blend top. Strengths: an 18 inch pocket and machine wash. Weaknesses: a low listed thread count. Skip it if you want a zippered cover.
View Amazon Basics Waterproof Breathable Mattress Protector King 18 Inch on Amazon
3. Linenspa Waterproof Protector
A polyester-top, polyurethane-backed cover with an elastic skirt for mattresses 8 to 14 inches thick. The listing says it covers the top only and is thin and quiet.
Suits: a thin top-only layer. Strengths: a light 16 ounce weight. Weaknesses: not for mattresses over 14 inches. Skip it if you have a deep mattress.
View Linenspa Waterproof Mattress Protector King on Amazon
4. Amazon Basics Zippered Waterproof Protector
A zippered, all-around cover in polyester with polyurethane backing and a 12 inch pocket depth, with reinforced seams. The listing says 85 percent of the polyester is certified recycled.
Suits: full coverage on a mattress up to 12 inches. Strengths: zippered coverage on all sides. Weaknesses: a shallower depth than others here. Skip it if your mattress is deeper than 12 inches.
View Amazon Basics Zippered Waterproof Mattress Protector King on Amazon
5. SureGuard Cotton Terry Protector
A fitted cotton terry cover listed at 78 by 80 inches with a stretchable skirt that the maker says fits any depth, plus a ten-year guarantee and a GreenGuard Gold statement. About 2.6 pounds.
Suits: a cotton terry top. Strengths: a stretch skirt and a guarantee. Weaknesses: the heaviest here; displayed dimensions list 17 inches. Skip it if you want a light cover.
View SureGuard Cotton Terry Waterproof Mattress Protector King on Amazon
6. Bedgear Dri-Tec Waterproof Protector
A pull-on cover with a fully banded elastic edge for mattresses up to 18 inches deep, made of the maker’s Dri-tec moisture-wicking fabric and described as adjustable-base friendly.
Suits: a deep mattress or adjustable base. Strengths: banded edge and an 18 inch depth. Weaknesses: moisture-wicking is the maker’s claim. Skip it if you want a cotton top.
View Bedgear Dri-Tec Waterproof Mattress Protector King on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Measure the mattress depth, including any topper, before buying.
- Follow the label; most list machine wash and low or no heat drying.
- Put the protector on under the fitted sheet.
- Keep a spare so one can be washed while the other is on the bed.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Ordering a protector shallower than the mattress.
- Assuming top-only covers protect the sides.
- Using high heat unless the label allows it.
- Forgetting a topper adds depth.
Mattress Protector FAQ
Is a protector the same as a pad?
Not always. Protectors are thin waterproof layers, while pads often add padding. Check each listing.
Can I use one on an adjustable base?
Only Bedgear’s listing mentions this, so check the others before buying.
The Short Version
For a bamboo top, the PlushDeluxe. For a cotton blend, the Amazon Basics breathable. For a thin top-only layer, the Linenspa. For zippered coverage, the Amazon Basics zippered. For cotton terry, the SureGuard. For deep mattresses, the Bedgear.
