When I first started training my children to stay dry at night, I expected swift success. But if you’ve read this site at all, then you know that was not the case for more than one of my children.
I quickly realized that I needed some type of mattress protection. Even a few nighttime accidents can destroy a mattress.
These days, after working through My Bedwetting Victory, the only mattress covers we use are to increase the comfort of our beds. No waterproofing needed.
But while our children learned the vital skill of staying dry at night, a decent mattress protector that could withstand a lot of nighttime accidents was crucial.
So whether your child is just starting nighttime potty training, or if your child has been struggling with bedwetting for years and is now ready to win the battle, read on to find the best mattress protector for your family.
Or jump ahead to see my top recommendations:
How To Choose A Mattress Protector
When it comes to waterproof mattress protectors for bedwetting, there are essentially two types of waterproofing available.
First, vinyl mattress protectors are a single layer of vinyl.
Second, TPU mattress protectors incorporate a layer of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) either under or in between two layers of another fabric like cotton, polyester, or bamboo to name a few.
Both vinyl and TPU have their advantages and disadvantages. Here, I’ll run through 7 essential factors for mattress protectors and evaluate both vinyl and TPU.
With this information, every family can easily choose the best mattress protector for their situation.
And in the next section, I’ll provide links to the best of each type to make your shopping easy and quick.
1. Waterproofing
This is probably the first thing anyone will look at. Clearly, if a mattress cover allows some moisture to seep through, and if that moisture is urine, then the mattress is by no means protected.
Vinyl offers complete, 100% waterproofing. Nothing can soak through the surface.
TPU has characteristics of both plastic and rubber so that it is durable, flexible, and strong. It is often used in waterproofing things like bags and shoes. It sounds like a great choice for a waterproof mattress protector. And it is for spills of water and the like that are quickly cleaned up.
However, there are countless reviews of frustrated parents who report that the urine soaked right through the TPU layer of the mattress protector and into the mattress itself. So is TPU waterproof, or simply water resistant? Both claims are made. If you choose a TPU waterproof mattress protector for bedwetting, be aware that the urine may soak through. If it’s cleaned up immediately, from what I found on reviews, then it looks like it should protect the mattress just fine. But if the accident is not found until morning, then moisture may make it to the mattress.
2. Safety
There is quite a debate out there about the safety of vinyl. Some say it is undoubtedly dangerous, while others say that it is undoubtedly safe. Who’s right?
The big question in the case of a mattress protector is if the vinyl releases harmful carcinogens. When vinyl is burnt, then yes, it releases toxic chemicals like so many other products. The mattress protector will not be burning when in use on a bed, so this is not a danger. However, some also feel that the plastics used in vinyl off-gas. That is, harmful chemicals used in the manufacturing process leach into the air. This is the point that is inconclusive. That said, I do know that some people are more sensitive than others and report being irritated by plastics.
I think Mother Earth News did a good job simplifying the concerns about vinyl in their article here if you want to read more.
TPU is considered safe. However, as in all products, there are some who believe that each TPU is manufactured differently and that they are not all equally safe.
With that in mind, I did include one link to an organic waterproof mattress protector. The price is high, but for those who have sensitivities, it may be just the thing.
You know your family. When it comes to a waterproof mattress protector, choose what’s best for them.
3. Breathability
Sellers of vinyl mattress protectors claim breathability. But vinyl is a plastic. Covers are manufactured to be softer than a simple sheet of plastic, but they are only minimally breathable.
Some kids may be bothered by this, and some may not. It’s a personal decision for each family.
TPU mattress protectors incorporate a layer of fabric that allows for breathability. The level of breathability can be assessed by considering the materials in the fabric layer. But it’s good to know that all TPU waterproof mattress protectors are breathable.
4. Comfort and Material
Since vinyl mattress covers are a single layer of vinyl, they will not be as comfortable as a TPU mattress protector.
That said, they aren’t necessarily all that uncomfortable. The vinyl is constructed to be flexible and relatively quiet. There are some vinyl protectors that are reportedly crinkly. I did not include those in my recommendations.
As in the case of breathability, the comfort of a TPU mattress cover will be determined by the fabric layer or layers.
Some are constructed with thick padding while others have a thin terrycloth layer above the TPU. Cotton and bamboo are both naturally soft and breathable. Viscose and polyester can also be very soft, depending on the construction process. From the products that I reviewed, all fabrics used in waterproof mattress protectors tend to be soft, comfortable, and silent.
5. Ease of Cleaning
How much effort are you able to put into this task? Is it a simple thing to throw the cover into the wash every morning, in addition to a load of sheets? Or do you need a material that can be quickly wiped down?
Vinyl mattress protectors are very easy to clean by simply wiping them off with a damp cloth. A spray of vinegar and second wipe down can help to neutralize any lingering urine smell.
TPU mattress protectors require a wash in the washing machine since they have a fabric layer on top of the waterproof layer. Any that I recommend can also be thrown in the dryer on low heat. Anything more than low heat can damage the TPU layer. If you choose a TPU protector, I recommend buying two and alternating usage each night. Reviews consistently mentioned that these mattress protectors can take a long time to dry so they may not be ready to use the next night.
6. Durability
A waterproof mattress protector for bedwetting will get heavier traffic than a standard mattress cover or even a waterproof cover that’s for occasional spills. The mattress cover used for bedwetting will likely need a good cleaning every morning. Can it withstand this level of use?
Vinyl mattress covers by nature are not very thick. They tend to tear over time. Some reviews mention that the cover tore the first time the user put it on the mattress. They require gentle handling. It would be a good thing to have a spare on hand in case of an unexpected tear.
TPU mattress covers are quite durable. However, some reviews did say that the waterproofing layer had started to come apart and bunch up after prolonged use. The reviewers said they hadn’t realized it was happening so that when there was an accident or spill, the waterproof mattress protector was useless.
In the case of frequent bedwetting, the mattress protector will be taken off the bed possibly every morning. It’s a good time to inspect the TPU layer to make sure it’s intact.
Other than that, for durability, TPU waterproof mattress protectors win over vinyl mattress protectors.
7. Ease of Use
Some mattress protectors completely encase the mattress and use a zipper closure. Others work like a traditional fitted sheet with an elastic band to hold it on.
If the material of the mattress protector is vinyl, it can be wiped down. The full encasement might work well since it wouldn’t need to be taken off to clean it. Keep in mind that plenty of reviews stated that the vinyl tore along the zipper. It’s something to watch.
If the mattress cover has a TPU layer and needs to be cleaned in the washer, then it could be difficult to be taking the zippered cover off and putting it back on every day. Users almost all indicated the need for 2 people to maneuver the mattress while putting the zippered cover on.
My Thoughts and Experience
I think that if a TPU protector is needed for comfort, and you aren’t concerned about vinyl, then a great solution is a combination. Get a vinyl protector and put the TPU protector over it. I would use a zippered vinyl cover and check it for tears each time I wash the TPU protector.
What did I use for my kids? I used a fitted sheet style vinyl cover. Yes, I had to replace it for tears, but I believe that was only once during our time of working through My Bedwetting Victory. I liked the peace of mind that it was truly waterproof, and I liked the ease of cleaning and care.
Regarding comfort, I and my children knew it was temporary. And it was more comfortable than having a wet bed or having been in pull-ups for years prior. And these days, we don’t use waterproof covers on their beds at all 😊.
Best Mattress Protectors for Bedwettting
There are so, so many waterproof mattress protectors on the market. It’s overwhelming.
I combed through research and reviews to narrow the options down. I considered all the factors I covered above in How to Choose a Mattress Protector. Here you’ll find my top recommendations for whatever type of mattress protector suits your family.
The following are affiliate links. That means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. I did not receive any compensation for these reviews.
The links are for standard twin mattresses, but you can find multiple size options on the product pages.
1. Best Vinyl Waterproof Mattress Protector Fitted
No matter which vinyl cover you use, it will tear at some point. That said, this one, by Blissford, is the one that had the best durability of the options available.
Features:
- 100% Waterproof
- Vinyl plastic
- Minimally breathable
- Fairly quiet, flexible, soft touch plastic
- Wipes clean
- Tears easily
- Fitted sheet style
2. Best Vinyl Waterproof Mattress Protector Zippered
Blissford also makes this zippered waterproof mattress protector. Again, they have the highest reviews for durability. And from reviews, the most likely tears will happen along the zipper. Check it regularly so that moisture does not sneak through.
Features:
- 100% Waterproof
- Vinyl plastic
- Minimally breathable
- Fairly quiet, flexible, soft touch plastic
- Wipes clean
- Tears easily
- Fully encases the mattress with a zipper closure
3. Best TPU Waterproof Mattress Protector Fitted
After combing through countless waterproof mattress protector listings, the Renvix Bamboo Mattress Protector came out on top with the best reviews. Users especially liked the comfort.
Features:
- Not always waterproof
- TPU layer made of polyurethane with bamboo and polyester upper layer
- Breathable
- Quiet, noiseless, soft
- Machine washable, dry on low heat
- Keeps its softness and durability even after 500+ washes
- Fitted sheet style with deep pockets that fit well
4. Best TPU Waterproof Mattress Protector Zippered
This two-pack waterproof mattress protector by Moonsea is a great value. If you’re using a cover that needs to be washed rather than wiped off, it’s a very good idea to have an extra on-hand since all mattress covers of this type take a long time to dry and may not be ready by the next night.
In addition to the great value, this mattress protector had as good of reviews as any out there.
Features:
- Not always waterproof
- TPU layer made of polyurethane with jersey knit polyester upper layer
- Decent breathability
- Quiet
- Machine washable, dry on low heat
- Durable
- Fully encases the mattress with a zipper closure
5. Cheapest TPU Waterproof Mattress Protector
Considering that the level of waterproofing of a TPU mattress protector is pretty much the same from one to another, and that waterproofing is the main reason we’re talking about waterproof mattress protectors for bedwetting, maybe just getting the cheapest cover is the best option. This cover by Utopia is the least expensive TPU protector I found.
Features:
- Not always waterproof
- TPU layer made of polyurethane with polyester terry cloth upper layer
- Breathable
- Quiet and comfortable
- Machine washable, dry on low heat, takes a long time to dry
- Thin
- Fitted sheet style
6. Safest, Organic Fabric TPU Waterproof Mattress Protector
If safety is the primary concern for you, this cover by Sleep & Beyond is your best option. It’s made with their signature TPU layer and organic cotton. Note that it is extremely expensive, but customers say it’s worth it for the comfort, peace of mind, and durability.
I found no negative reviews regarding the waterproofing. However, there weren’t nearly as many reviews for this one as others.
Features:
- Waterproof (but not as many reviews available; keep an eye on it since it’s TPU)
- Signature TPU layer with 2 layers of certified organic cotton terry
- Very breathable
- Very soft and comfortable, quiet
- Machine washable, dry on low heat
- Very durable
- Fitted sheet style with pockets that fit up to 18”
Conclusion
There you have it. Six great options for a waterproof mattress protector for bedwetting.
You’re also armed with the knowledge of what to look for in a mattress protector, if these don’t suit your situation.
You can read all about my family’s journey in My Bedwetting Victory. My condensed story is available to read right here on my website.
Bedwetting, especially in older children, is a tough thing to work with. I hope that the information you have here will make your journey a little simpler.