Mattress Protectors

Choose a mattress protector that matches your bed size - Belledorm's mattress protectors are available across a wide range of sizes from narrow single through to emperor. Most protectors in the range have a 15-inch (38 cm) deep elasticated skirt that fits mattresses between 10 and 15 inches deep, which covers the majority of standard and deeper UK mattresses. The Cooling Mattress Protector has a 12-inch deep skirt, so check your mattress depth if it is particularly deep. The protector should fit snugly around the mattress like a fitted sheet, with no bunching or movement during the night.

A waterproof mattress protector is worth considering if you want full protection against spills, perspiration, and moisture reaching the mattress. This is particularly useful for children's beds, guest bedrooms, or anyone who perspires heavily at night. Belledorm offers two waterproof options: the Waterproof Mattress Protector, which has a quilted cotton top with a TPU waterproof backing, and the Jersey Waterproof Mattress Protector, which has a soft 100% cotton jersey surface with a waterproof layer beneath. Both are quiet and breathable — the TPU backing blocks moisture without the rustling associated with older vinyl-style protectors.

The Cooling Mattress Protector is specifically designed for people who overheat at night. It uses independently tested cooling fabric that delivers a cool-to-touch sensation when you lie down, helping to lower skin temperature and reduce night-time overheating. The fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking, which draws perspiration away from the body rather than trapping it against the mattress surface. If you experience night sweats or regularly wake up feeling too warm, this protector makes a noticeable difference to surface temperature. The standard Cotton Mattress Protector is also breathable, thanks to its 100% cotton top - but it does not have the active cooling properties of the dedicated cooling protector.

A mattress protector is a thin, fitted cover that sits on top of the mattress to protect it from stains, moisture, dust mites, and general wear. It adds a small layer of comfort - particularly quilted protectors like Belledorm's, which have a 120gsm filling - but its primary purpose is protection and hygiene. A mattress topper is thicker and designed primarily to change the feel of the mattress - adding cushioning, softness, or support. You can use both together: the topper goes on the mattress first, then the protector sits on top of the topper, followed by your fitted sheet. This combination protects the topper and the mattress.

The difference depends on the protector. Belledorm's quilted protectors - the Cotton, Waterproof, and Hotel Suite - all have a 120gsm quilted filling that adds a gentle layer of cushioning on top of the mattress. You can feel a slight softness and warmth when you lie down, but it does not change the overall firmness or support of the mattress. The Jersey Waterproof Protector has a smooth cotton jersey surface that feels similar to sleeping on a jersey fitted sheet. The Cooling Mattress Protector is lightweight and smooth with an immediate cool-to-touch sensation. None of the protectors significantly alter the support level of your mattress - they add comfort and protection without changing how the mattress feels to sleep on.

Wash your mattress protector at least once a month, or more frequently if you perspire heavily, have allergies, or use the protector on a child's bed. All five Belledorm mattress protectors are machine washable, which makes regular cleaning straightforward. Wash at 40°C on a standard cycle with a mild detergent and avoid bleach, which can damage the waterproof backing on waterproof protectors and reduce the effectiveness of antibacterial treatments. Tumble dry on a low setting or line dry. Between washes, airing the protector by pulling back the bedding each morning helps moisture evaporate and keeps the sleeping surface fresher for longer.

Yes. The Cotton Mattress Protector, Waterproof Mattress Protector, Hotel Suite Mattress Protector, and Jersey Waterproof Mattress Protector all have antibacterial treatment that helps reduce the build-up of bacteria and dust mites on the sleeping surface. The Hotel Suite protector also carries an anti-allergy treatment. A mattress protector creates a barrier between you and the mattress itself, which is one of the most effective ways to reduce exposure to dust mites, mattresses accumulate mites, dead skin cells, and moisture over time, and a protector stops these reaching the surface you sleep on. Washing the protector monthly at 40°C removes allergens and keeps the barrier effective. 

Modern waterproof protectors are far more breathable than older vinyl or plastic-backed designs. Belledorm's Waterproof Mattress Protector uses a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) backing, which blocks moisture from reaching the mattress while still allowing air to circulate through the fabric. The quilted cotton top sits against your fitted sheet and feels no different from a standard quilted protector. The Jersey Waterproof Mattress Protector is also breathable - the 100% cotton jersey surface wicks moisture and allows airflow. Neither protector should cause additional sweating under normal conditions. If you are particularly heat-sensitive, the Cooling Mattress Protector may be a better option, though it does not have a waterproof layer. 

Most Belledorm mattress protectors have a 15-inch (38 cm) deep elasticated skirt that fits mattresses between 10 and 15 inches (25–38 cm) deep. This covers the vast majority of standard UK mattresses, including deeper pocket-sprung and memory foam models. The Cooling Mattress Protector has a 12-inch deep skirt, so it suits mattresses up to around 30 cm deep. If your mattress is deeper than 15 inches, check whether the protector will stretch to cover it, the fully elasticated edges on all Belledorm protectors allow some flexibility beyond the stated depth, but a very deep mattress (over 40 cm) may need a protector specifically designed for extra-deep models.