Bed Covers: The Complete Guide to Protecting Your Mattress and Getting a Better Night’s Sleep
Your mattress is one of the most important things in your home. You spend roughly a third of your life on it. It supports your body, affects your sleep quality, and plays a bigger role in your overall health than most people realise. Yet despite all of that, a surprising number of people leave their mattress completely unprotected.
A quality bed cover is the simplest way to protect your mattress from spills, sweat, dust mites, allergens, stains, and general wear. It sits on top of your mattress, underneath your fitted sheet, and acts as a barrier between you and your bed’s most expensive component.
In this guide, we walk through everything you need to know about bed covers. What they do, why they matter, the different types available, how to choose the right one, and how to look after it so it lasts for years.
What Is a Bed Cover?
A bed cover, sometimes called a mattress protector or mattress cover, is a removable layer of protection that wraps around or sits on top of your mattress. Its primary job is to shield the mattress from damage, moisture, and contaminants that would otherwise soak in and build up over time.
Most modern bed covers are designed to be completely waterproof while still feeling comfortable and breathable. They fit over the mattress like a fitted sheet, with elasticated edges or a skirt that tucks under to hold everything in place. Once it is on, you put your regular fitted sheet over the top and sleep as normal. A well-made bed cover is so thin and quiet that you will not even know it is there.
Unlike a mattress topper, which adds cushioning and changes the feel of the bed, a bed cover is about protection, not comfort adjustment. It is a defensive layer that keeps your mattress in the condition it was in when you bought it.
Why Your Mattress Needs a Bed Cover
It is easy to assume that a fitted sheet is enough to protect your mattress. It is not. Sheets are porous. They let moisture, skin cells, sweat, and oils pass straight through to the mattress below. Over time, this creates a range of problems that are difficult or impossible to reverse.
Sweat and Body Oils
The average person loses around 200ml of moisture through sweat during a single night’s sleep. Over weeks and months, that moisture soaks into your mattress, creating yellow stains, odours, and a damp environment that encourages mould and bacteria growth. Body oils do the same thing, gradually discolouring the mattress surface and breaking down the materials inside.
A waterproof mattress bed cover stops all of that moisture before it reaches the mattress. The sweat stays in the sheet and the protector, both of which you can easily wash. The mattress stays dry.
Dust Mites and Allergens
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed on dead skin cells. They thrive in warm, humid environments, which makes the inside of your mattress an ideal habitat. A single mattress can harbour hundreds of thousands of dust mites, and their droppings are one of the most common triggers for allergies, asthma, and eczema.
A bed cover creates a physical barrier between you and the dust mite colony living inside your mattress. It prevents skin cells from reaching the mites and stops allergens from travelling back up to where you breathe. For anyone who suffers from allergies or respiratory issues, a bed cover is one of the most effective things you can do to improve your sleeping environment.
Spills and Accidents
Whether it is a cup of coffee knocked over in the morning, a child’s nighttime accident, or a pet jumping onto the bed with wet paws, spills happen. Without a waterproof barrier, liquids soak straight into the mattress foam or springs. Once inside, they are extremely difficult to dry out properly, and they can cause mould, odour, and permanent staining.
With a waterproof bed cover in place, spills stay on the surface where you can wipe them up or toss the protector in the wash. The mattress underneath stays completely dry and undamaged.
Extending Mattress Lifespan
A good mattress is a significant investment. Most quality mattresses are designed to last 8 to 10 years, but that lifespan assumes reasonable care. Without protection, the accumulation of moisture, body oils, stains, and allergens can degrade the materials much faster, leading to sagging, odour, and hygiene issues that force you to replace the mattress earlier than necessary.
A bed cover is essentially insurance for your mattress. For a small upfront cost, it keeps your mattress in better condition for longer, which means you get more years of comfortable sleep out of your investment.
Warranty Protection
Many mattress manufacturers include conditions in their warranty that exclude coverage for stains or soiling. If you need to make a warranty claim and your mattress has visible stains, the claim can be denied, even if the stains are unrelated to the issue you are claiming for. Using a bed cover from day one eliminates this risk entirely.
Types of Bed Covers
Not all bed covers are the same. Understanding the different types helps you choose one that matches your needs and preferences.
Fitted Sheet Style
This is the most common type. It looks and fits like a regular fitted sheet, with elasticated edges that wrap around the top and sides of the mattress. The top surface is where the waterproof and absorbent layers sit, while the sides are usually a stretchy fabric skirt.
Fitted sheet style covers are easy to put on and take off, and they work well with mattresses of varying depths. Most good ones will accommodate mattresses up to 40cm deep or more, which is important if you have a thicker pillow-top or euro-top mattress.
Our fitted bed covers are designed to fit snugly without bunching, so you get a smooth sleeping surface with no wrinkles or movement during the night.
Fully Encased (Zippered)
A fully encased bed cover wraps around the entire mattress, top, bottom, and all sides, and closes with a zip. This provides 360-degree protection, which is particularly useful if you are concerned about bed bugs, severe allergen exposure, or total waterproofing.
The trade-off is that encased covers are slightly more effort to put on and remove for washing. They are also less breathable on the underside, which is not usually an issue but worth noting if your mattress sits on a solid base with limited airflow.
Quilted Bed Covers
Quilted covers add a thin layer of padding between the fabric and the waterproof membrane. This gives a softer, more cushioned feel underfoot, which some people prefer. The quilting also helps distribute moisture more evenly across the absorbent layer.
Quilted covers tend to feel a little more luxurious than flat ones. However, they are typically slightly thicker, which can affect breathability and drying time. If comfort is your top priority and you do not mind a slightly longer wash-and-dry cycle, a quilted bed cover is a great option.
Cooling Bed Covers
If you tend to sleep hot, some bed covers are specifically designed with cooling technology. These use fabrics like Tencel or phase-change materials that actively draw heat away from your body. The result is a cooler, drier sleeping surface that helps regulate your temperature throughout the night.
Cooling covers are worth considering if you live in a warm climate, go through menopause-related night sweats, or simply run warm while you sleep.
What Makes a Good Bed Cover?
With so many options on the market, it helps to know what separates a quality product from a cheap one that will disappoint you.
Waterproofing
The waterproof layer is the most critical component. The best bed covers use a polyurethane (PU) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) membrane that is bonded to the fabric. These membranes are completely waterproof but allow air vapour to pass through, which means they block liquids without trapping heat or making you sweaty.
Cheaper covers often use vinyl or PVC backing, which is waterproof but not breathable. These tend to be noisy, hot, and uncomfortable. They crinkle when you move and can make you sweat more than you would without any cover at all. If the product does not specify what the waterproof layer is made from, that is usually a sign that it is using a lower-quality material.
Fabric Quality
The top layer of the bed cover is what you sleep closest to, so the fabric matters. Cotton, bamboo, and Tencel are the top choices. Cotton is soft, breathable, and durable. Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and has excellent moisture-wicking properties. Tencel, which is made from wood pulp, combines softness with outstanding moisture management and temperature regulation.
Polyester covers are cheaper but tend to trap heat and do not breathe as well as natural fabrics. If you are buying a bed cover you will use every night, invest in one with a natural or semi-natural fabric top layer. The difference in sleep comfort is noticeable.
Noise Level
This is one of the most common complaints about poor-quality bed covers: they make noise. Every time you roll over, you hear a crinkling or rustling sound. It is distracting, it disrupts sleep, and it is a sign that the waterproof layer is made from a rigid plastic rather than a flexible membrane.
A good quality bed cover should be virtually silent. If you can hear it when you move, it is not the right product. Look for covers described as “whisper quiet” or that specifically mention a thin, flexible membrane rather than a plastic backing.
Fit and Depth
A bed cover that does not fit properly will bunch up, pull off the corners, or create wrinkles that you can feel through the sheet. Look for covers with a deep pocket or adjustable skirt that accommodates your specific mattress depth. Modern mattresses vary widely in thickness, from 20cm for a basic foam mattress to 40cm or more for a thick pillow-top. Make sure the cover you choose is rated for your mattress depth.
Washability
You will be washing your bed cover regularly, so it needs to handle the machine well. Look for covers that are machine washable and tumble dryer safe on a low heat setting. Avoid covers that require hand washing or air drying only, as these are inconvenient for a product that you need to wash frequently.
The best covers maintain their waterproofing, softness, and fit through hundreds of wash cycles. Cheaper covers may start to lose their waterproof qualities after just a few months of regular washing.
How to Choose the Right Size
Bed covers come in all standard bed sizes: single, king single, double, queen, king, and super king. The key is matching the cover to your exact mattress dimensions, including depth.
Before ordering, measure your mattress. Lay a tape measure across the width, then the length, and then measure the depth from the top surface to the bottom edge. Pay attention to that depth measurement in particular, as it is the one that causes the most fitting problems. If your mattress has a pillow top or an integrated topper, measure to the very top of that layer.
When in doubt, go slightly larger rather than smaller. A cover that is too tight will pull off the corners during the night. One that is a touch bigger will stay in place and flex with your movement.
Our bed covers are available in all standard sizes with generous depth allowance so they fit properly even on thicker mattresses.
How to Put On a Bed Cover
Putting on a bed cover is no different to putting on a fitted sheet. Start at one corner, stretch it over the mattress edge, and work your way around. Once all four corners are in place, smooth out any wrinkles across the top surface. Then put your regular fitted sheet over the top.
A few tips to make it easier. Do it when the mattress is bare, before you put any other bedding on. If the cover has a tag or label indicating which end is the top or bottom, orient it correctly before you start. And if you are fitting it to a heavy king or super king mattress, it helps to have a second person lift the corners while you tuck the cover under.
How Often Should You Wash a Bed Cover?
A bed cover should be washed regularly, but it does not need to go in the machine every week unless there has been a spill or accident.
As a general rule, washing your mattress cover every four to six weeks is sufficient for most people. If you sweat heavily at night, have allergies, or are using the cover for incontinence management, washing it every one to two weeks is a better frequency.
Between washes, your fitted sheet acts as the first line of contact and catches the bulk of the day-to-day moisture and skin cells. Washing your sheets weekly and your bed cover monthly is a practical routine that keeps everything fresh without creating unnecessary laundry.
Caring for Your Bed Cover
Proper care extends the life of your bed cover and keeps it performing at its best.
Washing
Machine wash in warm water, around 40 to 60 degrees, using a mild detergent. Avoid bleach, as it can damage the waterproof membrane. Avoid fabric softeners, as they coat the fibres and reduce absorbency and moisture-wicking performance. Do not use products containing oils or lanolin for the same reason.
Drying
Tumble dry on a low heat setting or line dry. High heat can degrade the waterproof membrane over time, so keep the temperature moderate. Do not iron the bed cover, as the heat will damage the waterproof layer. Most covers dry relatively quickly on the line, especially on a warm or breezy day.
Storage
If you are storing a spare bed cover, make sure it is completely clean and dry before putting it away. Fold it loosely and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid sealing it in a plastic bag, as this can trap residual moisture and lead to mildew. A breathable cotton storage bag or pillowcase works well.
Bed Cover vs. Mattress Topper: What Is the Difference?
People sometimes confuse bed covers with mattress toppers, but they serve completely different purposes.
A mattress topper sits on top of your mattress to change its feel. It adds cushioning, support, or cooling. Toppers are typically 3 to 8cm thick and can be made from memory foam, latex, wool, or down alternative. They alter the sleeping surface and can make a firm mattress feel softer, or add support to one that has started to sag.
A bed cover, on the other hand, is a thin protective layer. It does not change how the mattress feels. It protects the mattress from moisture, stains, allergens, and wear. It is a shield, not a cushion.
You can use both together. If you have a topper, the bed cover goes on the mattress first, then the topper, then a second bed cover or fitted sheet over the topper. This protects both the mattress and the topper.
Common Myths About Bed Covers
There are a few misconceptions about bed covers that stop people from using them. Let us clear those up.
“Bed covers make you hot.” Cheap ones with vinyl or plastic backing can trap heat. But a quality cover with a breathable polyurethane membrane actually allows air to circulate while blocking liquids. You should not feel any difference in temperature compared to sleeping without one.
“Bed covers are noisy.” Again, this applies to low-quality covers with rigid plastic layers. A properly made bed cover with a flexible membrane is virtually silent. You will not hear it when you roll over or shift position.
“I do not need one because I do not spill things in bed.” Spills are only one reason to use a bed cover. Sweat, body oils, skin cells, and allergens are constantly accumulating in your mattress whether you notice them or not. A bed cover addresses all of these, not just obvious spills.
“Bed covers are uncomfortable.” A quality bed cover feels like a soft fitted sheet. Once your regular sheet is on top, you will not feel the cover at all. If your current cover is uncomfortable, it is the wrong product, not a reflection of what bed covers can be.
When to Replace Your Bed Cover
A good bed cover can last two to five years with regular use and proper care. Over time, the waterproof membrane will gradually lose its effectiveness through repeated washing and general wear. Here are some signs that it is time for a new one:
Moisture is getting through. If you notice damp patches on the mattress after a spill or accident, the waterproof layer has been compromised. Replace the cover promptly to prevent further mattress damage.
The elastic has lost its stretch. If the cover no longer grips the mattress corners and keeps pulling off during the night, the elastic has worn out. A loose cover will bunch up and expose parts of the mattress.
The fabric is thinning or pilling. If the top layer has become rough, thin, or pilled, it is no longer providing the smooth, comfortable surface it should. This also means the waterproof membrane underneath is more exposed and vulnerable.
Persistent odour. If the cover retains odours even after washing, the materials may have broken down to the point where they are absorbing rather than repelling moisture.
When it is time for a replacement, browse our range of bed covers to find the right fit for your mattress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a fitted sheet if I use a bed cover?
Yes. A bed cover is designed to protect the mattress, not replace your sheet. You should always use a fitted sheet over the top of the cover. The sheet provides the soft, comfortable sleeping surface and catches daily moisture and skin cells, reducing how often you need to wash the cover.
Can I use a bed cover with an electric blanket?
Yes, but check the care instructions for both products. Generally, the bed cover goes on the mattress first, then the electric blanket on top, then your fitted sheet. Keep the electric blanket on a low setting and never fold it while in use. Some bed cover manufacturers recommend against using electric blankets at high temperatures as the sustained heat may affect the waterproof membrane over time.
Will a bed cover stop bed bugs?
A standard fitted-style bed cover will not prevent bed bugs, as they can access the mattress through the open underside. If bed bugs are a concern, you need a fully encased (zippered) cover that seals the entire mattress. This traps any existing bugs inside and prevents new ones from entering.
Can I use a bed cover on a memory foam mattress?
Absolutely. Bed covers work on all mattress types including memory foam, latex, innerspring, hybrid, and pocket spring. Just make sure the cover is breathable so it does not interfere with the temperature-regulating properties of your mattress.
How do I know if a bed cover is truly waterproof?
Look for covers that specify a polyurethane or TPU membrane. These are the industry standard for waterproof, breathable protection. If the product description does not mention the waterproofing technology or simply says “water resistant,” it may not provide full protection against heavier spills or sustained moisture.
Is a bed cover worth it if my mattress is old?
Yes. Even on an older mattress, a protective bed cover prevents further degradation and improves hygiene. It blocks additional moisture, allergens, and contaminants from accumulating, which can extend the usable life of the mattress and create a cleaner sleeping environment.
Final Thoughts
A bed cover is one of those things that is easy to overlook and hard to live without once you have one. It costs a fraction of what your mattress is worth, it takes seconds to put on, and it quietly protects the single most important piece of furniture in your bedroom from everything that daily use throws at it.
Sweat, spills, allergens, dust mites, body oils, pet hair, kids, accidents. A bed cover handles all of it without changing how your bed feels or how well you sleep. If anything, you sleep better knowing your mattress is clean, dry, and protected underneath.
Whether you have just bought a new mattress and want to keep it in perfect condition, or you have an older mattress that could use a fresh start, putting a bed cover on it is one of the smartest, simplest things you can do for your sleep.
Shop our full range of bed covers and find the right protection for your mattress today.
Questions about anything here? Email theteam@customersupport.care and a person will answer.