SafeRest Waterproof Queen Size Mattress Protector

Why it's worth it

A cotton terry surface over a silent waterproof membrane, in a fitted-sheet shape that goes on in about thirty seconds. It handles spills, sweat and pet accidents without the crinkle or the plastic feel that made older protectors miserable to sleep on.

It's quiet, which is the thing you'll notice first. Old vinyl-backed protectors crackled every time you rolled over. This one doesn't. The membrane sits under a cotton terry face fabric, so what your sheet touches is cloth, not plastic. Published reviews of fitted protectors consistently rank the SafeRest among the quietest, and owners echo it — the most common comment is that they forget it's there.

The cotton terry surface feels like a bed, not a hospital cot. Terry is absorbent and soft, and it breathes reasonably well for a fabric with a barrier behind it. You won't get the slick, synthetic hand of a smooth knit. If you're the kind of sleeper who's picky about texture under the sheet, terry is the safe bet — it's the most familiar-feeling option in this group.

From our review of 8 waterproof mattress protectors, by David Sinclair, Managing Editor

What we like

• +It's quiet, which is the thing you'll notice first
• +The cotton terry surface feels like a bed, not a hospital cot
• +It survives the laundry, which is where cheap protectors die
• +It fits normal beds without drama

What to know

• –It only covers the top
• –Cotton terry runs a little warmer than bamboo or Tencel
• –There's no certification to point to