Full Size Mattress Protector Comparison: Waterproof vs. Quilted vs. Zippered

When I was looking for a full size mattress protector, I didn’t expect to fall down such a rabbit hole. There are so many types out there — waterproof, quilted, zippered — and at first glance, they all look kind of similar. But after testing them out (and dealing with a few spills and dusty corners), here’s what I’ve learned.

Waterproof Mattress Protector: A Practical Must-Have (Especially If You Have Pets or Kids)

The first one I tried was a basic waterproof full size mattress protector. Nothing fancy — just a smooth, quiet surface with a thin waterproof layer underneath. It fit over the mattress like a fitted sheet.

I didn’t think I’d need the waterproof feature... until my dog jumped on the bed with wet paws. Saved me big time.

What I liked:

• Totally blocked moisture — even spilled coffee didn’t soak through

• Super thin, didn’t change the feel of the mattress much

• Easy to throw in the wash

What’s not so great:

• Not as soft as other protectors

• Doesn’t cover the whole mattress (just the top and sides)

This one’s perfect if you’re looking for basic, everyday protection — especially in a house with kids, pets, or messy habits.

Quilted Mattress Protector: More About Comfort Than Protection

Next up was a quilted mattress protector. This one felt more like a plush pad than a barrier. It added a noticeable layer of softness — which was great — but I could tell it wasn’t built to handle liquids.

Pros:

• Felt really nice to lie on, like a mild mattress upgrade

• Good airflow — I didn’t get hot at night

• Simple to wash, and it dried pretty quickly

Cons:

• Not waterproof — I tested it with a bit of water, and yep... it leaked

• Doesn’t do much against dust mites or allergens

If you want to make your bed feel a little more luxurious and you’re not too worried about spills, this one’s a good call. I’d pair it with a breathable mattress cover if you're in a warmer climate.

Zippered Mattress Protector: For When You Want Full Protection

This one surprised me. The zippered full size mattress protector completely encased the mattress, almost like a suitcase cover. It took a bit more effort to put on, but once it was zipped up, it felt super secure.

Standouts:

• Sealed the entire mattress — top, bottom, and all sides

• Helped a lot with my dust allergies — less sneezing in the morning

• Also happened to be waterproof, which I didn’t expect

Minor downsides:

• Trickier to take off and wash (not ideal if you’re changing it every week)

• A little more expensive than the others

Honestly, if you’ve got allergies, or you're trying to avoid bed bugs or dust mites, this is the one to go for. It's also ideal if you're storing a mattress for a while.

So, Which One’s the Best?

It really depends on what you need. Here’s how I’d break it down:

• Go waterproof if you’re worried about spills or have kids/pets.

• Choose quilted if comfort’s your top priority and you don’t need serious protection.

• Pick zippered if you want full coverage — think allergies, long-term storage, or preventing bed bugs.

Personally, I ended up keeping both a waterproof and a zippered protector on rotation: one for daily use, the other for guest stays or allergy season.

Final Thoughts

I used to think a mattress protector was just an optional extra — now I wouldn’t go without one. Whether you’re trying to keep your bed clean, extend its life, or just sleep a little healthier, the right full size mattress protector makes a real difference. And once you find the one that suits your routine, you’ll wonder why you didn’t buy it sooner.

Protect Your Bed the Right Way.
Shop waterproof, quilted, and zippered full size mattress protectors — comfort and protection in one.