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Why a mattress protector's a worthy spend - and 10 top-rated options

A mattress cover can be the key to a good night's sleep (Getty Images)
A mattress cover can be the key to a good night's sleep (Getty Images)

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The average person spends at least 26 years in bed. And while investing in a decent mattress seems obvious, the merits of a mattress protectors aren't perhaps as known.

It serves a far greater purpose just keeping your mattress clean. That washable extra layer between you and your mattress can help with allergies and germs, lengthen the life of your bed and boost your comfort while you're in it.

But with the sheer volume of choice available - and each seeming exactly the same as the next - we can appreciate how the quest for the perfect protector can leave you flummoxed. To help simply your life ever so slightly, we've done the leg work for you and read countless reviews to deduce which 10 are the best.

Each topper is designed to suit different needs, from those wanting a little more comfort from a quilted microfibre to those looking to stay cool with cooling activation based on your body's temperature.

We've rounded up the finest mattress protectors from the likes of John Lewis, M&S, Silent Night and Emma to take the stress out of your shopping.

Best places to shop mattress protectors online

Top-rated mattress protectors

John Lewis & Partners Quilted Microfibre Mattress Protector | £9 from John Lewis

John Lewis & Partners Quilted Microfibre Mattress Protector (John Lewis)
John Lewis & Partners Quilted Microfibre Mattress Protector (John Lewis)

This affordable option has the added benefit of being a microfibre mattress topper, giving it an extra layer of comfort as well as being great at protecting your bed.

Available in single, double and king, the mattress protector has nearly 200 five-star reviews; a testament to its all round greatness.

"This out performs all other, more expensive, covers we've had. It has not moved once since it was put on the bed. Will be getting another as a washing replacement," one reviewer said.

Others noted that it was especially great because it wraps around the mattress rather than just laying on top.

John Lewis & Partners Temperature Balancing Smart Cool Double Mattress Protector | £50 from John Lewis

John Lewis & Partners Temperature Balancing Smart Cool Mattress Protector (John Lewis)
John Lewis & Partners Temperature Balancing Smart Cool Mattress Protector (John Lewis)

Are you always throwing the covers off you at night? If so, this is the protector for you. Containing dynamic cooling technology, this style might be a little pricier than our other John Lewis option but it's no ordinary design.

The cooling mattress protector responds to the heat of your body and actively cools you down if it feels you're getting too hot. Once you're cool, it deactivates to keep you at optimal temperature while you sleep.

If you're worried it's just a gimmick, the reviews would beg to differ. One reviewer said: "It is a very comfortable and practical mattress cover that avoids the hot flashes I used to have. Very good product that works as it says."

Another shared equally great praise: "Was a bit sceptical about the 'temperature balancing' claim but it really works! Having suffered hot flushes/night sweats for 18 years I know the difference this under cover is making."

Supremely Washable Mattress Protector | £19.50 from Marks & Spencer

Supremely Washable Mattress Protector (Marks & Spencer)
Supremely Washable Mattress Protector (Marks & Spencer)

Marks & Spencer has such a fantastic selection of mattress protectors to suit different lifestyles, but we picked this one because of the great reviews.

The topper has been designed with special fibres meaning that it still feels soft to touch no matter how often you wash it.

"I have always purchased my mattress protectors from M&S. They are a good price and well made. Would definitely recommend." Other reviewers were pleased to see the protector comes in a small double size, which is a little hard to come by.

Anti Allergy Plus Deep Double Mattress Protector | £35 from Marks & Spencer

Anti Allergy Plus Deep Mattress Protector (Marks & Spencer)
Anti Allergy Plus Deep Mattress Protector (Marks & Spencer)

The Aegis®-treated fibres on this mattress protector are odourless, safe and bacteria fighting to protect those prone to allergies.

An added benefit is that it has an anti-mould filling to keep it feeling fresh for longer periods of time.

"Bought super king mattress protector and it fits perfectly. Thin padding on the top and good amount of stretch to fit mattress. Very pleased," one review said. Others were so pleased they went ahead and bought a second.

Silentnight Double Mattress Protector | £20.99 from Amazon

Silentnight Double Mattress Protector (Amazon)
Silentnight Double Mattress Protector (Amazon)

With almost 7,000 top-rated reviews, this Silentnight mattress protector is quilted for extra comfort. It's filled with a soft to touch hollowfibre, which is also great for allergies.

Unlike some of the other mattress toppers, this one now has white cotton edging instead of the straps used on some of Silentnight's older toppers. Reviewers prefer the newer style, so if you were disappointed by the old style, it's worth noting it has been updated.

"This one is far superior because it’s got a white cotton edging that fits around the bed like a fitted sheet. Excellent value for money and quality." One reviewer said. Others were very complimentary of the protector's washability.

Emma Flip Topper - Double | £154.50 (Was £309) From Emma Sleep

Emma Flip Topper (Emma)
Emma Flip Topper (Emma)

As you can probably guess from its price, this mattress topper is something special. Its zero-gravity foam gives an extra layer of support while the UltraDry cover leaves you with an ideal sleeping climate.

It also has adjustable firmness with a firmer and a softer side, meaning you can change it at any time. And, with almost 29,000 top-rated reviews on Emma mattresses, your bed will be in good company.

Many people have commented on how the topper keeps hotter mattresses cool, so that's something to bear in mind if your mattress is feeling a little stifling.

DUSK Supreme Goose Down Double Mattress Topper | £137.70 (Was £162) from DUSK

Supreme Goose Down Mattress Topper (Dusk)
Supreme Goose Down Mattress Topper (Dusk)

There's something indulgent about a Supreme Goose Down Mattress Topper. The breathable topper has a two-tiered design with the top providing the goose down comfort and the bottom the sleep support.

This topper sits on top of the mattress and is attached with straps, which some prefer and some do not, so it's worth doing some research into what would work for you.

One person said: "The comfiest topper I've ever used. Definitely worth the money. The quality is supreme. It's so soft and warm." Another review said: "Very satisfied with the mattress topper. Difficult getting out of bed in the mornings as it's so comfortable!"

Reversible Luxury Mattress Topper | £150 from The White Company

Reversible Luxury Mattress Topper (The White Company)
Reversible Luxury Mattress Topper (The White Company)

This may be pricier than your average protector, but it's an all year round option.

The reversible mattress topper means you can use the Merino wool side in the winter for warmth and comfort and the cool, crisp cotton side in the summer.

The comfort and luxury has been mentioned time and time again and when it comes to The White Company, you know you're in good hands.

Teflon Stain Resistant Mattress Protector | £22 from Dunelm

Teflon Stain Resistant Mattress Protector (Dunelm)
Teflon Stain Resistant Mattress Protector (Dunelm)

If you're in the market for a mattress protector purely to protect your mattress from spills and stains, this option from Dunelm is a great buy.

It's the only one of our 10 top-rated protectors to be treated with Teflon™, to make it extra durable. It's not all about substance over style, though. It also has a quilted top layer, making it comfortable as well as hardy.

"Find these covers are great, they don’t feel plastic like a lot of waterproof ones out in the market." One reviewer said, a lot of others agreed that given its level of waterproofness, you couldn't feel the plastic.

Flaxby Quilted Pure Cotton Mattress Protector | £40 from Dreams

Flaxby Quilted Pure Cotton Mattress Protector (Dreams)
Flaxby Quilted Pure Cotton Mattress Protector (Dreams)

This top-rated mattress protector is available in single, double, king and super king and is made with a naturally breathable cotton cover and an extra quilted layer for additional support.

It's an all-year-round, temperature regulating option and for £40, it's on the cheaper end of the temperature controlled mattress protectors.

The reviews are glowing, too; "It’s so comfortable I’ve been sleeping so much better since purchasing it, very happy with it. I would definitely recommend." Another said: "Covers the mattress well - has a generous depth and doesn’t move or come off the corners during the night."