Yes. A mattress protector is the cheapest way to keep a mattress clean. Sweat, spills and accidents soak into foam and are very hard to get out. And if you're trying a Naptime mattress on the Goodnight Guarantee, a protector isn't optional: you need one on the mattress for the whole trial.
Below: what a protector does, what it doesn't do, and how to choose one that you won't notice under your sheets.
What does a mattress protector do?
A mattress protector is a thin, fitted layer that goes over your mattress, under the sheet, and stops liquid getting into the mattress.
A mattress absorbs more than you'd expect over the years: sweat, spilt drinks, a child's accident, a pet on the bed. Once liquid gets into the foam and fabric layers, it's difficult to clean properly. A protector catches it at the surface, and you wash the protector instead.
What a good protector covers:
- Spills and accidents. A waterproof layer stops liquid reaching the mattress.
- Sweat. Everyone sweats overnight. A protector keeps it off the mattress.
- Everyday wear. It's a washable layer between the mattress cover and everything that happens on the bed.
What doesn't a mattress protector do?
A protector doesn't change how your mattress feels, and it isn't meant to. If you want the bed softer, that's a job for a mattress topper.
It also won't fix a mattress that's already stained, sagging or worn. It protects a mattress from here on.
Do you need a mattress protector for the Goodnight Guarantee?
Yes. To claim on the Goodnight Guarantee, you must have used an industry-standard mattress protector for the whole trial. For health and hygiene reasons, claims can't be processed without one.
That's the practical reason to buy a protector at the same time as the mattress, not a few weeks later. You'll also need to keep the mattress's original plastic packaging so it can be repackaged for collection. The Goodnight Guarantee page has the full terms and the list of eligible mattresses.
Waterproof protectors: will I feel or hear it?
A well-made waterproof protector shouldn't be noticeable. Older waterproof protectors used a stiff plastic layer that crinkled when you moved and trapped warmth. Most modern protectors put a soft fabric layer on top, with a thin waterproof backing underneath.
When you shop, look at:
- The top layer. It should be soft, because it's the part closest to you under the sheet.
- Noise. Look for a protector described as quiet or crinkle-free.
- The fit. A fitted skirt, like a fitted sheet, keeps the protector in place so it doesn't bunch or slide.
How do I choose a mattress protector?
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Waterproof | If it isn't waterproof, liquid can still reach the mattress |
| Same size as your mattress | Australian sizes: Single, King Single, Double, Queen, King |
| Deep enough skirt | It needs to cover a deep mattress, plus a topper if you use one |
| Soft, quiet top layer | So you don't notice it under the sheet |
| Machine washable | You'll wash it more often than you think |
If you use a topper, the protector goes over the topper, so check the skirt is deep enough to fit over both.
How often should I wash a mattress protector?
Follow the care label on your protector. As a rule of thumb, wash it every time you've had a spill or accident, and every month or two otherwise. It's also worth having a spare, so the bed isn't unprotected while one is drying.
The Naptime Protector at a glance
| The Protector | |
|---|---|
| What it is | Waterproof mattress protector |
| Construction | Soft top layer with a discreet waterproof backing |
| Fit | Fitted skirt, to stop it shifting or bunching |
| Sizes | Single, King Single, Double, Queen, King |
| Price | $39 Single · $48.75 King Single · $68.90 Double · $79.30 Queen · $89.05 King |
| Reviews | 4.8 stars from 210 reviews |
| Warranty | 12 months |
Frequently asked questions
Is a mattress protector really necessary?
It's not compulsory in general, but it's the simplest way to keep a mattress clean. If you're using the Naptime Goodnight Guarantee, it is required.
Does a mattress protector change how the mattress feels?
A good one doesn't. It's a thin layer designed to protect the mattress, not change its feel.
Are waterproof mattress protectors noisy?
Older plastic-backed protectors could crinkle. Protectors with a soft top layer and a thin waterproof backing are designed to be quiet under your sheets.
Do I need a protector if I have a mattress topper?
It's a good idea. Put the protector over the topper so both stay clean.
What's the difference between a mattress protector and a topper?
A protector keeps the mattress clean and dry. A topper adds a comfort layer that changes how the bed feels.
What size mattress protector do I need?
The same Australian size as your mattress: Single, King Single, Double, Queen or King.
Do I need a protector for the Naptime Goodnight Guarantee?
Yes. You need to use an industry-standard mattress protector for the whole trial. Claims can't be processed without one.
Shop The Protector · Shop the 6cm Topper · Read the Goodnight Guarantee
Naptime is an Australian-owned family business selling factory-direct, so you get the bed without the retail mark-up. We take care of the rest.
