Eco-Friendly Mattress Covers | Top 5 Picks in 2024
You’ve probably heard that you spend a third of your life (or more!) in bed. So why spend all of that time lying on a mattress that could be harboring dust, dirt, allergens, or even bed bugs?
Mattress covers definitely aren’t a new concept. But we’re becoming increasingly aware of just how many iffy materials are used to make many of the mattress protectors on the market.
Fortunately, eco-friendly mattress covers are quickly growing in popularity.
If you’re ready to jump straight to protecting your bed from household contaminants, the Whisper Organics 100% Organic Mattress Protector is a wonderful place to start! This absorbent mattress cover slows down liquid spills while providing a more comfortable night’s sleep.
Best Eco-Friendly Mattress Covers in 2024
Best Overall — Whisper Organics 100% Organic Mattress Protector
Whisper Organics 100% Organic Mattress Protector
Protect your bed from everything life throws at it with this absorbent, GOTS-certified organic cotton mattress protector.
For an all-around great eco-friendly mattress cover created without synthetic materials, you should definitely check out the Whisper Organics 100% Organic Mattress Protector.
Made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, there’s no question of what is or is not included in this protector. The material is extremely soft and breathable — perfect for bedtime temperature regulation.
This mattress cover is highly absorbent but not 100% waterproof. While it may prevent stains from reaching the mattress below, it should not be relied on to stop large spills!
If a mess does occur, you can machine-wash and tumble-dry this mattress protector without worry.
Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King.
Best Premium Option — Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Mattress Protector
Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Mattress Protector
Take advantage of the temperature-regulating quality of natural wool with this machine-washable mattress protector.
We often associate wool with staying warm and cozy. But a wool cover, like the Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Mattress Protector, is actually one of the best solutions for those who overheat at night!
This mattress cover is made entirely of natural materials. The inner layer of traceable British wool (no need to wonder about where the fibers came from) is protected by an outer layer of organic cotton fabric.
According to Woolroom, this mattress protector could remove up to 70% of body heat while you sleep. Of course, it also protects your mattress from spills, dirt, and bed bugs at the same time.
Despite being made of wool, this mattress cover is surprisingly easy to care for. It can be machine-washed on a delicate cycle and hung to dry.
Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King.
Best Budget Option — Cosy House Bamboo Mattress Encasement
Cosy House Bamboo Mattress Encasement
Save money and your mattress with this waterproof encasement made with bamboo rayon.
If you’re looking for a simple and affordable mattress cover for a guest room or similar space, the Cosy House Bamboo Mattress Encasement is one of the best options.
This mattress protector is constructed of 70% bamboo rayon and 30% polyester. While something made exclusively of natural materials is ideal, this combination ensures that moisture and dirt can’t get through.
And, since this encasement covers all six sides of the mattress, there’s literally no way for bed bugs to get inside!
You can safely machine-wash and dry this mattress cover without ruining the softness or waterproofing.
Available in Crib, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King.
Ettitude Bamboo Mattress Protector
Ettitude Bamboo Mattress Protector
Enjoy the best of both worlds with this eco-friendly mattress pad made of bamboo and packaged with recycled plastic bottles.
For those avoiding polyester, the Ettitude Bamboo Mattress Protector is a sustainable bamboo mattress pad worth checking out.
Although the outer fabric is made entirely of bamboo rayon, there is a thin layer of polyurethane underneath. While polyurethane is synthetic, it can’t be beaten as a waterproofing material.
The thin cushion included in this cover can help prolong your mattress’ lifespan without noticeably changing its comfort or support. The filling is made of 100% bamboo as well.
While this mattress cover is machine-washable, there’s a chance it will shrink slightly. Be sure to follow the care instructions closely for the best results!
Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King.
Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector
Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector
Stay cool and dry on organic cotton while you rest easy knowing your mattress is safe from spills, dirt, and more.
The Naturepedic Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector is another sustainable choice for those in the market for an eco-friendly mattress pad.
This mattress protector features two layers of organic cotton jersey on either side of GOTS-certified polyurethane backing for waterproofing. It offers just enough cushion without interfering with your mattress’ original support.
Unlike some other waterproof covers, the included DrySleep technology pulls moisture away from your body while you sleep for added comfort and temperature control.
You can machine-wash and tumble-dry this mattress protector as needed.
Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, and King.
What to Consider when Choosing an Eco-Friendly Mattress Protector
Material
What a mattress cover is made of plays a large role in how sustainable it is. Nearly all eco-friendly mattress protectors are made of natural fibers.
On top of the question of environmental friendliness, you may find that you prefer the performance of some materials over others.
Size
Selecting the correct size cover for your mattress is non-negotiable.
Trying to use a mattress cover that is too large or too small will lead to an extremely uncomfortable sleep experience. It could also impact how well the cover actually protects the mattress inside.
Care Instructions
Unlike mattresses themselves, mattress covers must be regularly washed.
The easier it is to clean a mattress cover, the more likely you are to stick to a consistent schedule.
Most — but not all — mattress covers are safe to machine wash. Some covers can be machine-dried. Air-drying is typically recommended.
Unless you’re willing to hand-wash your mattress protector every few months, be sure to double-check the care instructions before making your selection.
Padded vs Unpadded
Standard mattress covers do not include any thick padding — just a layer of fabric. And, if you enjoy the feel and support of your current mattress, that’s great!
For those looking to boost their bed’s cushioning or support, a mattress topper may be a better option.
Mattress toppers are pads that can be placed on top of your mattress. While this also offers a layer of protection, the main purpose is to create a more comfortable sleep surface.
Some mattress toppers are sold as standalone pads. But many of the best eco-friendly mattress toppers feature built-in covers as well.
Waterproof vs Non-Waterproof
We often associate waterproof mattress covers with childhood bed-wetting. But this is far from the only scenario where having a waterproof protector could save your mattress.
Enjoying a glass of wine or a morning cup of coffee in bed means potentially spilling liquid onto your mattress. Even spilt water could soak into a mattress and cause damage if not addressed.
Many people believe that waterproof mattress covers are plastic-like and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are several options available that feel no different than their non-waterproof counterparts!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mattress covers protect against bed bugs?
Yes!
Bed bugs are so-named because they love to live in mattresses and box springs. And once they’ve decided to call your bed home, they can be nearly impossible to treat.
Mattress covers create a barrier that bed bugs can’t cross. Not only will new bed bugs not be able to enter your mattress. Any that are already inside will be unable to leave (these bed bugs will eventually die without a food source).
Note that not all mattress covers are designed to keep bed bugs out. If bed bugs are a concern for your household, be sure to invest in mattress protectors that will get the job done!
How often should you clean a mattress cover?
On average, you should wash your mattress cover every two months. This schedule is sufficient to remove dust and dirt buildup from the protector’s fabric.
However, there are several scenarios where you should clean the cover more frequently:
- You suffer from sleep-related allergies
- Something was spilled on the bed
- The bed’s user was recently ill
- A guest recently slept on the bed
Washing your mattress cover after any of these situations will ensure the bed stays as clean, safe, and comfortable as possible!
Can you use a mattress cover on any type of mattress?
Yes! You can place a cover over a box-spring, memory foam, air, or really any other type of mattress.
The most important factor is whether or not your chosen mattress cover will fit properly. Different types of mattresses often have varying depths. So not all covers will fit all mattresses.
Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
