Amazon Mattress Cover: What to Know Before You Buy

Reading Time: 8 minutes

Three Types of Mattress Covers (They Are Not the Same)

Search "mattress cover" on Amazon and you will get thousands of results across three very different product categories. Knowing which one you actually need saves you from ordering the wrong thing and dealing with a return.

1. Mattress Protector (Fitted Style)

This is what most people mean when they say "mattress cover." A mattress protector fits over your mattress like a fitted sheet, covering the top surface and sides. The back is usually open or has a thin skirt with elastic. The primary job is waterproofing: stopping spills, sweat, and accidents from reaching the mattress foam or coils underneath.

Good protectors use a thin polyurethane or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) membrane laminated to a fabric top layer. The membrane blocks liquids while allowing air and moisture vapour to pass through, so the surface does not feel plasticky or trap heat the way old vinyl covers did.

Price range on Amazon: $18 to $45 for a queen.

2. Mattress Pad (Quilted or Pillow-Top)

A mattress pad adds a layer of cushioning on top of your mattress, typically 1 to 2 inches of quilted polyester fill, cotton batting, or sometimes a thin layer of memory foam. It fits like a fitted sheet and changes the feel of your bed slightly, making it softer. Some pads include a waterproof backing, but many do not.

If your mattress feels a bit firm but is otherwise in good shape, a mattress pad can soften the surface without the cost of a full mattress topper. Just know that a pad adds comfort, not structural support. It will not fix a sagging mattress.

Price range on Amazon: $30 to $80 for a queen.

3. Mattress Encasement (Full Zippered Cover)

An encasement wraps around the entire mattress, all six sides, and closes with a zipper. This is the highest level of protection. Encasements are designed to block bed bugs, dust mites, and allergens from getting into or out of the mattress. They are commonly recommended by pest control professionals after a bed bug treatment and by allergists for people with dust mite sensitivities.

The trade-off is convenience. Encasements are harder to remove and wash than a fitted protector because you have to lift the entire mattress to unzip and re-encase it.

Price range on Amazon: $25 to $60 for a queen.

8 min read

What to Check Before Ordering on Amazon

Amazon makes it easy to buy, but the product listings can be confusing. Here are the details that matter most.

Pocket Depth

This is the single most common problem with online mattress cover orders. Every fitted protector and pad has a maximum mattress depth it can accommodate, usually listed as "fits mattresses up to X inches." If your mattress is 14 inches thick and the protector only stretches to 12 inches, it will pop off the corners overnight.

Measure your mattress from the bottom edge to the top surface at the thickest point. Add an inch of margin. That is your minimum pocket depth. Most Amazon covers come in three pocket depth ranges: up to 12 inches, up to 16 inches, and up to 21 inches.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant

These are not the same thing. Waterproof means liquid cannot pass through the membrane at all. Water-resistant means the fabric repels surface moisture for a short time but will eventually soak through under sustained contact. If you need protection against spills or nighttime accidents, make sure the listing specifically says "waterproof," not just "water-resistant."

Noise Level

Some waterproof mattress covers crinkle when you move. This was a much bigger problem with older vinyl covers, but even some modern TPU-backed covers produce a faint rustling sound. Amazon reviews are the best source for this, specifically look for mentions of "crinkle," "noise," or "rustling." Premium protectors from brands like Tencel-blend covers tend to be quieter than basic polyester ones.

Cooling Claims

Many Amazon mattress covers advertise "cooling" properties. Some genuinely use phase-change materials or breathable fabrics that improve airflow. Others simply market a thin polyester cover as "cool" because it is not as hot as vinyl. Read the material composition carefully. Bamboo-derived rayon and Tencel (lyocell) tend to sleep cooler than 100% polyester. Cotton is a good middle ground.

Materials That Matter

The top layer fabric determines how the cover feels against your skin (or against your fitted sheet). The backing determines how well it protects.

Top Layer Options

Backing Options

TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is the current standard for waterproof mattress protectors. It blocks liquids completely while allowing water vapour to escape, so you do not wake up sweaty. Older PVC and vinyl backings also block liquids but trap heat and tend to crack after repeated washing.

If you are specifically buying a mattress cover for allergy management, look for one that is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. This certification means the product has been tested for harmful substances. Many Amazon listings include this certification in the product images or description.

Common Amazon Mistakes

After years of hearing customer stories, here are the mistakes we see most often with Amazon mattress cover purchases.

Buying the Wrong Size Without Checking Depth

Already covered above, but it bears repeating. "Queen" on Amazon does not tell you the pocket depth. A 10-inch-deep protector will not fit a 14-inch mattress. Check the depth specification in the product details, not just the size label.

Confusing a Pad for a Protector

Some quilted mattress pads look protective but have no waterproof layer. If you need waterproof protection, specifically for children's beds, guest rooms, or medical needs, confirm the listing mentions a waterproof membrane. A quilted cotton pad without TPU backing will absorb a spill rather than block it.

Expecting a Cover to Fix a Bad Mattress

A mattress pad adds a thin comfort layer, but it cannot correct a sagging or worn-out mattress. If your mattress has visible impressions deeper than 1.5 inches, or if you wake up with back pain that goes away within 30 minutes of getting up, the mattress itself likely needs replacing. A cover is maintenance, not a repair. We have a guide on how long mattresses should last if you are unsure.

Ignoring Care Instructions

Most waterproof mattress covers need to be washed on a gentle cycle in warm (not hot) water and dried on low heat. High heat degrades the TPU membrane, causing it to crack, peel, or lose waterproofing after just a few washes. Bleach has the same effect. This is the number one reason Amazon reviewers report that their "waterproof" cover stopped being waterproof after three months.

When a Local Store Makes More Sense

Amazon is convenient and competitively priced for basic mattress protectors. For a straightforward waterproof queen protector in the $25 to $40 range, it is hard to beat the selection and delivery speed. We are honest about that.

But there are situations where buying a mattress cover locally is the better choice.

When you need to match a specific mattress. If you just bought a new mattress and want a protector that fits properly, asking the store where you bought the mattress is the fastest path. They know the exact dimensions and can recommend a compatible cover. This is especially true for mattresses thicker than 14 inches or those with pillow-top profiles that add extra depth.

When you want to feel the material first. Online photos do not convey texture or noise level. If you are sensitive to the feel of your bedding, touching the fabric in person takes the guesswork out of the purchase.

When you need it today. Amazon shipping to Brantford and the surrounding area usually takes two to five business days. If your child had an accident last night and you need a waterproof protector this afternoon, a local store has it in stock and ready to go.

We carry mattress protectors at our Brantford showroom from several manufacturers, including fitted protectors, waterproof pads, and full encasements. We also carry pillow protectors, which are often overlooked but equally important for allergy management.

How to Care for Your Mattress Cover

Regardless of where you buy your cover, proper care extends its life significantly.

• Wash every 1-2 months under normal conditions. Monthly if you sweat heavily or have allergies.
• Use warm water, gentle cycle. Hot water degrades waterproof membranes.
• Tumble dry on low heat or air dry. Never use high heat.
• No bleach, no fabric softener. Both damage TPU and reduce waterproofing over time.
• Replace every 2-3 years or sooner if you notice the waterproofing has failed (moisture seeping through to the mattress surface).

A well-maintained mattress protector paired with a quality mattress is one of the simplest ways to protect your sleep investment. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) recommends allergen-proof covers as a first-line intervention for dust mite-related allergies, and most mattress warranties require a clean, stain-free mattress for valid claims.

Shop: Mattress Protectors at Mattress Miracle

Sources

• Terreehorst, I., et al. "Evaluation of impermeable covers for bedding in patients with allergic rhinitis." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2003.
• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), "Dust Mite Allergy: Prevention Tips," 2024.
• Sleep Foundation, "Mattress Pad vs. Mattress Protector," 2025.
• OEKO-TEX, "Standard 100 Certification Criteria," 2025.