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A mattress protector is a thin, removable cover that goes on your mattress under your sheets to block spills, sweat, accidents, allergens and, with a fully encased zippered style, bed bugs. It keeps your mattress clean, dry and lasting longer, and it's far easier to wash a protector than to clean a mattress. MLILY offers four types: the Single Sided Polyester (from $29) for basic spill protection, the 5-Sided Rayon Bamboo (from $79) for breathable everyday waterproofing, the 5-Sided Super Cooling (from $159) for hot sleepers, and the Fully Encased 360° (from $79) for allergens, dust mites and bed bugs.
Your mattress is one of the biggest investments in your bedroom, and you spend about a third of your life on it. A protector is one of the simplest, lowest-cost ways to keep it clean and comfortable for years. This guide covers what a mattress protector does, 10 real-life reasons to use one, and how to choose the right MLILY protector.
Key takeaways
- A mattress protector is a washable barrier against spills, sweat, accidents and allergens.
- Only a fully encased, zippered protector covers all six sides, which is what you need for bed bugs and dust mites.
- About 20% of 5-year-olds wet the bed, according to Cincinnati Children's, so a waterproof protector is a must for kids' beds.
- The EPA recommends leaving bed bug encasements on for a full year.
- MLILY protectors start at $29 and come in Twin through California King.
What is a mattress protector?
A mattress protector is a thin layer of fabric, usually with a waterproof backing, that fits over your mattress like a fitted sheet (or zips around it completely). It goes between the mattress and your sheets. It isn't meant to change how your bed feels. Its job is to keep liquids, body oils, skin flakes, dust and pests out of your mattress, where they're hard or impossible to clean.
Mattress protector vs. pad vs. encasement
| Product | Main job | Changes how the bed feels? | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mattress protector (fitted or 5-sided) | Blocks spills, sweat and allergens | No, it's a thin layer | Top and sides |
| Fully encased protector (encasement) | Seals the mattress against bed bugs, dust mites and allergens | No | All six sides, with a zipper |
| Mattress pad | Adds a little cushioning | Slightly | Top |
| Mattress topper | Changes firmness or adds cooling | Yes | Top (a protector can go over it) |
10 reasons you need a mattress protector
1. Bedwetting in children
Bedwetting is common and normal, and children don't do it on purpose. According to Cincinnati Children's, about 20% of 5-year-olds and 3% of 10-year-olds wet the bed, and up to 1% of 18-year-olds still do. About 15% of children outgrow it each year. A waterproof protector turns a middle-of-the-night accident into a quick sheet change instead of a ruined mattress, which helps keep things calm and low-stress for your child. If your child is 6 or older and wants help, or bedwetting starts again after six months of dry nights, Cincinnati Children's suggests talking with your pediatrician.
Best pick: 5-Sided Rayon Bamboo, or the Single Sided Polyester for a budget-friendly kids' bed.
2. Bed bugs
Bed bugs hide in mattress seams and box springs. A fully encased, zippered cover traps any bugs already inside and keeps new ones from settling in. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says encasements make it harder for bed bugs to get to you while you sleep, and recommends choosing one strong enough to "last for the full year without tearing" and leaving it on for a year. A protector alone won't solve an infestation, so call a pest professional if you see signs of bed bugs.
Best pick: Fully Encased 360°, the only MLILY protector designed for bed bugs.
3. Dust mites and allergies
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that live in bedding and feed on the skin flakes we shed every night. Their bodies and waste can trigger allergies and asthma. Cedars-Sinai recommends putting mattresses and box springs in zippered, dust-proof covers and washing sheets, pillowcases and blankets in hot water (130°F).
Best pick: Fully Encased 360°.
4. Night sweats and hot sleepers
Everyone sweats a little at night, and some people sweat a lot. Over time, that moisture and body oil can soak into foam and cause stains and odors. A moisture-wicking or cooling protector keeps the mattress dry and helps you feel cooler.
Best pick: 5-Sided Super Cooling, or the moisture-wicking 5-Sided Rayon Bamboo.
5. Spills, breakfast in bed and late-night snacks
Coffee in bed on a Sunday, a glass of water knocked off the nightstand, a kid's juice cup: spills happen. A waterproof protector stops them at the surface.
Best pick: any MLILY protector with waterproof protection.
6. Pets on the bed
If your dog or cat sleeps with you, they bring along fur, dander, dirt and the occasional accident. A washable protector keeps all of it out of your mattress and is easy to toss in the laundry.
Best pick: 5-Sided Rayon Bamboo for everyday protection, or Fully Encased 360° for pet allergies.
7. Adult incontinence
Bladder leaks are more common than many people realize. According to UConn Health, roughly 40% of older women and up to 35% of older men have distressing urinary symptoms, including bladder control problems. "Despite its prevalence among older adults, incontinence remains under-reported and under-treated," said Phillip P. Smith, MD. A waterproof protector brings peace of mind and protects the mattress. Talk with a doctor too, since many causes are treatable.
Best pick: 5-Sided Rayon Bamboo.
8. Sick days
Colds, stomach bugs and fevers can mean sweating, spills and worse. With a protector, cleanup after an illness is a laundry job instead of a mattress emergency.
Best pick: any waterproof MLILY protector. Keep a spare for kids' beds.
9. Pregnancy, new babies and toddlers in your bed
Pregnancy and the newborn months can bring night sweats, leaks and spit-up, and toddlers who climb into your bed bring their own accidents. A protector keeps your mattress clean through every stage. For infants, always follow safe-sleep guidelines from your pediatrician.
Best pick: 5-Sided Rayon Bamboo or 5-Sided Super Cooling.
10. Protecting your investment
A new mattress is a big purchase. A protector helps keep it clean, fresh and free of stains for years. Stains and soiling can also make warranty claims harder with many mattress brands, so check your warranty terms. MLILY mattresses come with a 10-year warranty. Questions? Call MLILY at 877.475.7768.
Best pick: any MLILY protector, chosen by how you sleep.
The 4 MLILY mattress protectors compared
| Protector | Price | Coverage | Material and feel | Fits mattresses up to | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Sided Polyester | From $29 | Fitted, waterproof protection against spills | Soft, breathable polyester knit, quiet | 15" | Kids' rooms, guest rooms and basic protection on a budget |
| 5-Sided Rayon Bamboo | From $79 ($109 Queen, $119 King) | Fitted, waterproof top and sides | Moisture-wicking rayon from bamboo blend, ultra-breathable and quiet | 18" | Everyday waterproof protection, kids, pets and incontinence |
| 5-Sided Super Cooling | From $159 | Fitted, waterproof top and sides | Cooling fibers that help dissipate heat, moisture-wicking | 18" | Hot sleepers and night sweats |
| Fully Encased 360° | From $79 ($109 Queen, $119 King) | All six sides, full-length zipper | Breathable barrier, quiet | 15" | Bed bugs, dust mites and allergies |
All four come in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King, and the fitted styles work with adjustable bases. Prices are as listed on mlilyusa.com in October 2026 and vary by size. Taller mattress? The 5-sided styles fit mattresses up to 18 inches deep.
Which protector for which use?
| Use case | Single Sided Polyester | 5-Sided Rayon Bamboo | 5-Sided Super Cooling | Fully Encased 360° |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kids' bedwetting | Good | Best | Good | Good |
| Bed bugs | No | No | No | Best |
| Dust mites and allergies | Basic | Basic | Basic | Best |
| Night sweats and hot sleepers | Basic | Good | Best | Basic |
| Spills and snacks | Good | Best | Best | Good |
| Pets | Good | Best | Good | Good |
| Adult incontinence | Good | Best | Good | Good |
| Thick mattresses (16" to 18") | No | Best | Best | No |
| Guest rooms on a budget | Best | Good | Good | Good |
How to choose a mattress protector
- Start with your biggest worryBed bugs or dust mites point to a fully encased, zippered protector. Spills, kids, pets or sweat point to a waterproof 5-sided protector.
- Check your mattress heightMeasure from the bottom to the top of your mattress. MLILY's 5-sided protectors fit up to 18 inches, and the Single Sided and 360° fit up to 15 inches.
- Think about temperatureIf you sleep hot, choose the Super Cooling or the moisture-wicking Rayon Bamboo.
- Match the size and setupChoose the same size as your mattress. If you use an adjustable base, a fitted 5-sided protector moves with the bed.
- Buy a spare for kids' bedsA second protector means you're never stuck waiting on the laundry after a nighttime accident.
How to care for your protector
- Follow the care label on your protector for washing and drying, so the waterproof layer lasts.
- Wash regularly, about as often as you change your sheets, and right away after a spill or accident.
- For dust mite allergies, Cedars-Sinai recommends washing sheets, pillowcases and blankets in hot water (130°F) and drying on high heat.
- For bed bugs, leave a fully encased protector on for a full year, as the EPA recommends, and check it for tears.
A tip from the MLILY team: make the bed in layers for kids who are still learning to stay dry at night: protector, fitted sheet, then a second protector and a second fitted sheet. After an accident, just peel off the top two layers and there's a clean, dry bed waiting underneath.
Just so you know: this article is for general information only and isn't medical advice. A mattress protector doesn't treat bedwetting, incontinence, allergies or bed bug infestations. Talk with your doctor or pediatrician about ongoing symptoms, and contact a pest management professional if you suspect bed bugs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mattress protector?
A mattress protector is a thin, removable cover that goes on your mattress under your sheets. It blocks spills, sweat, accidents and allergens, and a fully encased style also protects against bed bugs and dust mites.
Do I really need a mattress protector?
For most people, yes. It keeps your mattress clean and dry, helps it last longer and is much easier to wash than a mattress is to clean. It's especially important for kids' beds, pets, allergies and hot sleepers.
What kind of mattress protector stops bed bugs?
A fully encased, zippered protector that covers all six sides. The EPA recommends choosing one strong enough to last a full year without tearing and leaving it on for a year. The MLILY Fully Encased 360 degree protector is designed for bed bugs, dust mites and allergens.
What's the best mattress protector for a child who wets the bed?
A waterproof fitted protector, like the MLILY 5-Sided Rayon Bamboo. About 20% of 5-year-olds wet the bed, so having a spare protector on hand makes nighttime cleanups quick and stress-free.
Will a mattress protector make my bed hot or noisy?
Not if you choose a breathable one. MLILY protectors are designed to be quiet, and the 5-Sided Super Cooling uses cooling fibers that help dissipate heat for hot sleepers.
How much does an MLILY mattress protector cost?
MLILY protectors start at $29 for the Single Sided Polyester, $79 for the 5-Sided Rayon Bamboo and the Fully Encased 360 degree, and $159 for the 5-Sided Super Cooling. Prices vary by size.
Protect the bed you love
Four MLILY protectors, from basic spill protection to full bed bug encasement, starting at $29.
Sources
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Enuresis (Bedwetting).
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Top 10 Tips to Prevent or Control Bed Bugs.
- Cedars-Sinai, Your Child's Allergies: Dust Mites.
- UConn Today, 35 to 40 Percent of Older Adults Lack Bladder Control.
- MLILY USA product pages: Single Sided Polyester, 5-Sided Rayon Bamboo, 5-Sided Super Cooling and Fully Encased 360°.
