How to choose a waterproof mattress protector for adults

Lots of adults use a waterproof mattress protector, far more than most people realise. Light bladder leaks after having children, night sweats during perimenopause and menopause, recovering after an operation, or looking after an older parent at home: there are plenty of everyday reasons to want a little extra protection at night.

Whatever has brought you here, there's nothing to feel awkward about. The right pad simply means a dry mattress, a quick change if you need one, and a better night's sleep. Here's what to look for.

Full cover or bed pad?

There are two main types of waterproof protection:

• Fitted mattress protectors go on like a sheet and cover the whole mattress. They're good for everyday protection, but if they get wet in the night you have to strip and remake the whole bed.
• Bed pads lie on top of your fitted sheet, across the area where you sleep. They're more absorbent, and if you need a change in the night you just lift one off and put a fresh one on. It takes seconds.

If leaks or night sweats are part of your life, a bed pad is usually the easier choice. Some people use both: a fitted protector as a backup, with a pad on top.

Look at the layers

A good pad is made of several layers, each with its own job. Our Darby Bedding™ Bamboo bed pad has five:

1. A soft top layer that sits against your skin. Ours is made from soft bamboo fabric.
2. A fast-absorb core that draws moisture away from the surface.
3. A high-capacity soaker layer that holds it there.
4. A waterproof barrier that stops anything reaching your mattress. Look for TPU, which is soft and quiet compared with old-style plastic.
5. An anti-slip backing so the pad stays put.

Thin, single-layer covers may stop a small spill, but they won't hold much liquid and can feel damp to lie on.

How much should it absorb?

Check the absorbency before you buy. A pad that holds more gives you more time and more confidence. Our adult bamboo pad absorbs up to 9 cups of liquid, which covers a full accident with room to spare.

It should be quiet and comfortable

Nobody wants to sleep on something that rustles every time they turn over. Look for a pad described as quiet or non-crinkle, with a quilted or fabric top rather than bare plastic. It should feel like part of your bedding, not like a medical product.

Make sure it stays in place

A pad that slides about in the night isn't much use. Tuck-in flaps (sometimes called wings) fold down the sides of the bed and under the mattress to hold it in position. Ours are 45 cm on each side, with piped edges for a neat finish that lasts.

Choose the right size

Bed pads are usually narrower than the mattress, because they only need to cover where you sleep. Match the pad to your bed size so the flaps reach underneath. Our size guide lists the measurements for every size, from UK Single to Super King.

Think about washing

You'll be washing your pad often, so it needs to cope. Look for:

• Machine washable at home, with tumble drying on a low heat
• Fast drying, so a spare is ready quickly
• A long life. Ours is made to handle up to 300 washes.

We've put together a simple guide on how to wash and care for a bamboo mattress protector to help it last.

Check it's gentle on skin

You'll be lying on it all night, so it's worth checking what it's made from. Look for fabric certified to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, which means it has been tested for harmful substances. The bamboo fabric on our adult pad is certified.

How many pads do you need?

We suggest two: one on the bed and one ready to go while the other is in the wash. If you'd like a change in the night, having a clean spare folded by the bed makes it quick and stress-free.

Washable or disposable?

Disposable bed mats are handy for travel, but the cost soon adds up, and they're thin and noisy to sleep on. A washable pad costs more at first but can be used hundreds of times, so it saves money over time, and far fewer disposables end up in the bin.

Quick checklist

• A bed pad for easy night-time changes
• Several layers, including a waterproof TPU barrier
• Absorbency you can trust
• Quiet, soft and non-crinkle
• Tuck-in flaps that keep it in place
• The right size for your bed
• Machine washable and long-lasting
• OEKO-TEX® certified fabric

A note on your health

A good pad protects your bed and helps you sleep easier, but it doesn't treat the cause. If leaks or night sweats are new for you, are getting worse, or are worrying you, it's always worth speaking to your GP or pharmacist. There's plenty of help available, and you're far from alone.

Browse our adult bed pads or get in touch if you'd like help choosing.