This One Brilliant Item Can Make Your Mattress Last So Much Longer

We updated this article in August 2022 to ensure all products vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab are still in stock.

After finding your dream mattress, you may think the next step is putting on your sheets. But first, you should really consider adding a mattress protector. Mattress protectors are worth it because they're designed to extend the life of your mattress by acting as the first line of defense against wear and tear, allergens (like pet dander and pollen), spills and even bed bugs. Best of all, while cleaning your mattress is difficult, you can wash a mattress protector by tossing it into the washing machine. When accidents inevitably happen, you will be counting your lucky stars that you invested in a mattress protector before the damage.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tests hundreds of bedding products each year, from sheets to comforters to pillows to mattresses. When evaluating mattress protectors, we wash them in Lab to see if they shrink or show signs of wear after laundering. Lab analysts also evaluate any waterproof claims by pouring water on the protector to see if it leaks through. We also have consumer testers try out protectors to give feedback on ease of set-up, noise and more.

Our top picks:

After shopping for your perfect mattress protector, keep reading to learn more about how GH textiles pros test mattress protectors and find expert shopping advice.