If you’ve never spilled a drink while sitting in bed or had to clean up a pet mess from the sheets you sleep on, consider yourself lucky. When it comes to messes like this, your bedding is the least of your worries. Removing stains and odors from your mattress is the most tedious home cleaning task there is – even if you have a dedicated upholstery cleaning machine. Additionally, even if you manage to remove a surface stain from the top layer of your mattress, it’s difficult to gauge how far down the unwanted substance has traveled. That is why it is so important to prevent such disturbances before they occur. Luckily, we’re not talking about giving up coffee in bed or banishing the dog to the floor — that’s no fun for anyone. Instead, there’s a simple measure you can take that won’t disrupt your relaxed lifestyle.
If you guessed to invest in a mattress protector, you’re right. Mattress protectors are very underrated, but there are so many good ones out there that will help you maintain one of your biggest bedroom investments. If you’re not sure where to start in your search for a great mattress protector, let us help. Our Splurge or Save series compares two editorially tested (and loved) products that serve the same purpose but sell for different price points. For this issue, we’re comparing two quality mattress protectors: Saatva’s Waterproof Mattress Protector, which retails for $195, and Coop’s Ultra-Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector, which retails for $59. Keep reading to see if we think you should be splurging or saving.
We also love Saatva and Coop bedding products; while we usually associate the former with more expensive products such as mattresses and pillows, we usually associate the latter with soft products such as sheets and quilts. Either way, both brands make pretty stellar mattress protectors, though one is certainly more expensive than the other. So, is Saatva’s mattress protector worth its nearly $200 price tag? Or could you get away with Coop’s more affordable alternative?
Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector Review
Not only did Saatva’s waterproof mattress protector win the “Best of All” category on our Best of list last year, but it also earned a spot on our main list of the best products we tested in 2023. While we’re continuing to test new bedding in 2024, this pick remains favorite. So what makes this bed cover so great? First of all, its materials are top-notch. The protector boasts a polyurethane moisture barrier that protects your mattress from spills while promoting airflow. The best part? The barrier is ultra-thin, so the guard doesn’t feel rubbery or make a crinkling noise when you lie on it.
The protector also has a cotton knit lining that wicks away moisture, as well as a silicone elastic band that helps it stay snug around your mattress. As a result of this feature, the protector won’t move no matter what — even when you remove your sheet on laundry day. Charli, CEO of Apartment Therapy Lifestyle, also noted that the Saatva Mattress Protector is great for hot sleepers, among other things. “[It was] super quiet under our fitted sheet and very breathable and easy to wash — win, win!” she said after testing. “I think the price is great for the quality of this mattress protector. I highly recommend it.”
This product is available in seven sizes and fits mattresses up to 16” high, so it is sure to fit your bed whether you have a Twin XL or a California King. In short, the Saatva mattress protector is a solid choice for just about anyone, from light sleepers who want to avoid that wrinkled effect to parents or pet owners who want to keep hard-to-clean messes from getting into their mattress.
Review of Coop’s Ultra Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector
For $136 less than the Saatva mattress protector, you can buy Coop’s version. It has many of the same qualities as its more expensive counterpart, plus it has an OEKO-TEX certificate. Plus, it comes in six sizes and fits mattresses up to 15” thick. And it used to be on our best list. Although it is no more, we still love this product because it delivers exactly what it promises and can compete with more expensive alternatives on the market. “It didn’t have any of the wrinkled or rubbery feel you might find on cheaply made ones,” our review said. Former AT contributor Kendall also liked Coop’s mattress protector “because of its fantastic value, but also because it almost never slips, it’s undetectable and quiet.”
Indeed, you won’t experience any creasing with this pick despite the polyurethane barrier, which is waterproof yet soft. You can rest easy knowing that it will protect your mattress from water, spills, bacteria and dust mites. In addition to the polyurethane layer, the protector is also made of a blend of polyester and viscose rayon derived from bamboo. Like the Saatva version, it’s machine washable as long as you pair it with a mild detergent. You can also put it in the dryer afterwards; just avoid using high heat, which can damage the waterproof barrier of the piece.
This polyester/viscose blend is actually Coop’s proprietary Lulltra fabric. Since the latter is derived from bamboo, you’ll find that it naturally cools, ventilates and absorbs moisture. Bamboo bedding also tends to have a silky texture, while being more environmentally friendly than traditional silk. And, as we mentioned before, it is hypoallergenic.
As stated on Coop’s product page, the ultra-tech waterproof mattress protector would benefit just about anyone, whether you have pets or kids. Accidents happen to everyone, so there’s no excuse no to protect your mattress from hard-to-clean accidents.
If you buy a high-quality mattress protector, it should last longer than most cheap alternatives. While $195 may seem like a lot to pay for a Saatva protector, it’s a one-time purchase that will quickly pay for itself when you consider the cost per use. Despite its luxurious and comfortable feel, this product is practical and easy to clean. Really, we have no complaints.
In this case, however, we still say it’s better to save. Coop’s mattress protector is less than a third of the price of Saatva’s and has the same amazing qualities. “While testing Coop’s mattress protector, we put it through a series of unfortunate household mishaps: spilled drinks, pet vomit, and potty-training messes,” reads our review. “And he performed very well! It kept the mattress dry and released stains easily after washing.”
If you have a large family and want to cover every bed in your home, it is better to choose a cheaper option. We said it best in our review: “If you know your mattress protector will absorb stains on a regular basis, you’ll need to replace it sooner or later no matter how often you wash it or what type you buy. In that case, having a value option that’s almost $200 cheaper than certain luxury models is a big help to your budget.” In short, you can’t go wrong with Saatva’s mattress protector, but going with Coop’s version and saving money is the smarter choice here.
Buy it: Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector, Queen, $195
Buy: Coop Ultra Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector, Queen, $59