Waterproof Mattress Protectors: Do they really work? And which one is best?

The truth is that mattresses are an expensive purchase for most families and accidents (of all kinds) on them is a part of life. Whether it’s a bedwetting child, sweaty summer nights, an odd spill,  your cuddly pets or incontinence concerns—protecting your mattress to make certain it lasts for years is important to us.

In more recent times we have been defending our mattresses with waterproof mattress protectors, but do they actually work? Which one is worth buying? And what sets MediProtect apart from the rest?

So, lets break it down.

Is There a Mattress Protector That is Actually Waterproof?

Yes there are! But keep in mind that not all waterproof mattress protectors are created equal.

Many are only moisture resistant - offering light protection by repelling small spills and sweat, as the fabric is only treated with a water repellant coating. These have the tendency to break down after a couple of washes leaving “white snow” everywhere and even worse can make that awful plastic crunch noise.

A fully waterproof protector (that is not plastic) on the other hand completely blocks all liquids from passing through and usually has a membrane backing that prevents any moisture, spills or bodily fluids from reaching the mattress. Think of those full-blown accidents like bedwetting or a tipped-over bottle of water.

That’s why I created MediProtect—a New Zealand-made mattress protector that’s:

• 100% waterproof (tested up to 3000mmHg—that’s serious protection!)
• Designed with a medical-grade barrier fabric
• Silent with a little stretch (no crunchy plastic sound)
• Breathable and temperature controlled (say goodbye to sweaty sleep)
• Antibacterial & antifungal for freshness and hygiene
• Durable enough to handle frequent washing, even at high temperatures

So yes, waterproof mattress protectors do actually exist, and Mediprotect goes above and beyond in ensuring no liquids or moisture will ever damage your mattress.

Funny story side note: My son once turned his bed into water trampoline by emptying 6 Litres of water all over it and jumping on it knowing nothing would get through his mediprotect.

What is the Best Waterproof Mattress Protector?

To determine which waterproof mattress protector is the best for your home, we first need to determine what other elements are required to ensure it also enhances your comfort in bed.

After a little research we have narrowed it down to the following list:

• Feels soft and quiet under your sheets
• Keeps you cool and dry through the night
• Stays put (no riding up or bunching)
• Stands up to real-life use—washing machines, heat, kids, pets, life!

I know we are slightly bias, but MediProtect ticks all those boxes—and then some.

While most store-bought protectors use basic plastic or thin TPU layers, MediProtect is made from a premium, hospital-grade fabric used in medical facilities across the globe. 

Why does this matter? Hospital beds are designed to take a lot of abuse, used 24/7 but still have to stay clean, comfortable and safe for patients ( reducing risk of bedsores). We have been able to ensure this great quality but made it for  homes.  Without compromising comfort and peace of mind we expect in our beds.

And bonus? It’s available in NZ sizes and can be custom made to fit even deep or unusual mattresses.

Are Waterproof Mattress Protectors a Good Idea?

Absolutely. If you are a human and sleep in a bed, think of a waterproof mattress protector as an insurance policy for your bed - but way cheaper and more practical.

Here’s why waterproof protectors are a no-brainer:

• Extend the life of your mattress
• Prevent stains, smells, and bacteria buildup
• Protect against dust mites, mould, and allergens
• Provide peace of mind, especially for families, pet owners, or those dealing with medical conditions

Without one, even a small accident can turn into a big (and expensive) problem. Trust me, I lost a few mattresses on my journey to creating Mediprotect.

How Can I Protect My Mattress from Urine?

Let’s not sugar-coat it—urine is tough. It soaks deep, smells awful, and is nearly impossible to fully remove from a mattresses. There are a number of great online mattress cleaning tutorials which I myself found confusing and overwhelming when the time came to try save mattresses. It is also a lot of work and takes forever to dry especially on those rainy days.

Here’s how to stay ahead of it and protect your sanity:

• Use a fully waterproof mattress protector, like MediProtect, which is specifically urine-resistant and lab-tested for full fluid protection.
• Make sure it fits snuggly, especially around thick mattresses.
• Wash  or wipe it down regularly—it’s machine washable and made to handle hospital-level cleaning.
• Consider layering with a washable absorbent pad for extra overnight protection (great for kids or elderly care).

Trust me—prevention is way easier than trying to deep-clean a mattress after the fact.

Final Thoughts: You Can Sleep Easy with MediProtect

If you’re looking for a reliable protector that doesn’t just protect your bed from accidents but designed to last, MediProtect is it.

Made right here in New Zealand using the same materials trusted in hospitals and aged care, it's designed to give you real protection—without compromising on comfort, style, or sleep quality.

So whether you're a tired mum, a caregiver, a pet parent, or just want to keep your bed in tip-top shape—MediProtect has your back (and your mattress).

If you are ready to Sleep Dry, Clean & Confident?

• Explore our MediProtect range [Insert product link]
• Need a custom size? We can do that too!
• Have questions? I’m always here to help.

Because every bed deserves protection—and every sleeper deserves peace of mind.