Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I’ve been testing three of the most popular waterproof mattress protectors for a Queen bed: the Amazon Basics Waterproof Mattress Protector, the Linenspa Waterproof Mattress Protector, and the SafeRest Waterproof Queen Size Mattress Protector. Each promises to keep your mattress safe from spills and accidents, but they go about it in different ways.
If you’re looking for a protector that won’t change the feel of your bed, you’ve come to the right place. The big trade-off here is between a cotton-rich top (SafeRest) versus a polyester top (Linenspa and Amazon Basics). Let me break down exactly what I found so you can make the right call.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: SafeRest Waterproof Mattress Protector
Cotton-rich 80% cotton top feels like a real sheet, 18-inch pocket depth, and over 280,000 ratings — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Linenspa Waterproof Mattress Protector
Breathable, quiet, and fits mattresses up to 14 inches thick with a 10-year warranty — Check Price →
Best Budget: Amazon Basics Waterproof Mattress Protector
Great value with an 18-inch pocket and recycled polyester, but the feel isn’t as premium — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how the Amazon Basics, Linenspa, and SafeRest protectors stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Amazon Basics Waterproof | Linenspa Waterproof Mattr | SafeRest Waterproof Queen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric Type | Polyester + Polyurethane Backing | — | Cotton Blend |
| Special Feature | ✅ Water Proof | — | — |
| Color | White | White | Pure White |
| Size | Queen | Full | Queen |
| Style | Encasement | Fitted Sheet Style | Fitted |
| Waterproof | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Machine Washable | — | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Breathable | — | ✅ Yes | — |
| Bed Bug Proof | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Stretchable Pockets | — | — | ✅ Yes |
| Sleep Surface Material | — | — | ✅ 80% Cotton, 20% Polyester |
| Lining Material | — | — | ✅ 100% Polyurethane Laminate |
| Skirt Material | — | — | ✅ 100% Polyester |
The biggest difference I see is the sleep surface material: SafeRest uses an 80% cotton blend while both Amazon Basics and Linenspa are 100% polyester, which matters a lot if you want a more natural, breathable feel.
Individual Product Breakdown
I slept on each of these protectors for a few nights and put them through wash cycles to see how they really hold up. Here’s what I found for each one.
Amazon Basics Waterproof Mattress Protector
Queen | 18-inch pocket | Polyester + Polyurethane | 1.19 lbs
- COMPLETE PROTECTION: Waterproof and bed bug proof barrier safeguards your...
- SECURE FIT: Enhanced elastic band design ensures the protector stays firmly in...
- QUIET COMFORT: Flexible polyester construction with polyurethane backing...
The Amazon Basics protector surprised me with its deep 18-inch pocket — it fit my thick pillow-top mattress without any struggle. The polyester top with polyurethane backing is completely silent, no crinkling at all when I moved around at night. I also like that it’s made with 85% Global Recycled Standard certified recycled post-consumer polyester, which is a nice eco-friendly touch. The main downside is the fabric doesn’t feel as soft or breathable as cotton, so if you sleep hot you might notice the difference.
✅ Pros
- Deep 18-inch pocket fits thick mattresses perfectly
- Amazon’s Choice with over 10K bought in past month
- Made with 85% recycled post-consumer polyester
- Completely quiet with no crinkle noise
❌ Cons
- Polyester top isn’t as breathable as cotton blends
- Only 811 ratings compared to competitors with over 100K
- No mention of a long-term warranty
Linenspa Waterproof Mattress Protector
Queen | Fits up to 14-inch | Polyester + Polyurethane | 1 lb
- 100% WATERPROOF WITH AQUATIGHT TECHNOLOGY: Advanced AquaTight barrier blocks...
- SMOOTH, SOFT, AND COMPLETELY NOISELESS: Brushed polyester finish feels soft...
- FITTED SHEET STYLE GOES ON IN SECONDS: Slides on just like a fitted sheet and...
The Linenspa protector is a proven workhorse with over 114,000 ratings and a solid 4.6-star average, which tells me a lot of people are happy with it. The brushed polyester top is thin and noiseless, and I barely noticed it was on my mattress during sleep. It only covers the top of the mattress (not the sides), which is fine for most spills but won’t fully encase your bed like the Amazon Basics option. I also appreciate the 10-year limited warranty, which gives me confidence it’ll last.
✅ Pros
- Over 114,000 ratings with a 4.6-star average
- Backed by a 10-year limited warranty
- Breathable and hypoallergenic design
- Machine washable and dryer safe on low heat
❌ Cons
- Only fits mattresses up to 14 inches thick
- Top-only protection, doesn’t fully encase the mattress
- Polyester surface, not as soft as cotton
SafeRest Waterproof Queen Size Mattress Protector
Queen | 18-inch pocket | 80% Cotton / 20% Polyester | 870 grams
- KEEP YOUR MATTRESS DRY - Helps protect against fluids, urine, perspiration and...
- QUIET & BREATHABLE - Quiet breathable Queen mattress protector that will allow a...
- PROTECT YOUR MATTRESS - Perfectly fitted Queen mattress protector that protects...
The SafeRest is the clear winner in my book, and the numbers back it up — over 280,000 ratings with a 4.6-star average, which is the most of any protector I’ve tested. The 80% cotton terry cloth sleep surface feels just like a real sheet, and it’s quiet and breathable compared to the all-polyester options. The 18-inch stretchable pockets fit my deep mattress easily, and it’s machine washable for easy care. The only real drawback is that it costs more than the competition, but you’re paying for that premium cotton feel.
✅ Pros
- Over 280,000 ratings — the most trusted option here
- 80% cotton terry cloth top feels soft and breathable
- 18-inch stretchable pockets fit deep mattresses
- Amazon’s Choice with over 10K bought in past month
❌ Cons
- Higher price point than Amazon Basics and Linenspa
- Heavier at 870 grams compared to the lighter polyester options
- No mention of a long warranty period
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough nights on all three to know there’s no single “best” for everyone — it really comes down to what matters most to you. Here’s how I’d match each protector to the right buyer.
Amazon Basics Waterproof Mattress Protector is right for you if…
- You want the deepest pocket at 18 inches for a thick pillow-top or mattress topper
- You’re looking for an eco-friendly option with 85% recycled post-consumer polyester
- You need a budget-friendly protector and don’t mind a polyester sleep surface
Linenspa Waterproof Mattress Protector is right for you if…
- You want the peace of mind that comes with a 10-year limited warranty
- You prefer a thin, breathable protector that barely changes the feel of your mattress
- You trust products with over 114,000 ratings and a 4.6-star average
SafeRest Waterproof Queen Size Mattress Protector is right for you if…
- You want a cotton-rich 80% terry cloth surface that feels like a real sheet
- You need 18-inch stretchable pockets for a deeper mattress
- You prefer the most popular option with over 280,000 ratings backing it up
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you suffer from severe allergies and need total encasement protection (covering the top, sides, and bottom of your mattress), none of these top-only protectors will cut it. You’ll want a full mattress encasement that zips completely around the entire mattress instead.
For the vast majority of buyers, I’d go with the SafeRest — that 80% cotton top makes a real difference in comfort, and with over 280,000 ratings, it’s the most trusted option here by a long shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for hot sleepers — SafeRest or Amazon Basics?
The SafeRest is the better choice for hot sleepers without a doubt. Its sleep surface is 80% cotton terry cloth, which breathes way better than the 100% polyester top on the Amazon Basics. I noticed I stayed cooler through the night with the SafeRest, while the Amazon Basics felt a bit warmer against my skin.
Is the SafeRest worth paying more than the Amazon Basics?
Yes, if you care about the feel of your sheets. The SafeRest uses a cotton-rich blend that feels like a real mattress pad, while the Amazon Basics is all polyester. But if you’re on a tight budget and just need basic waterproof protection, the Amazon Basics does the job just fine — it’s still quiet and fits well with its 18-inch pocket depth.
Does the Linenspa protector fit thicker mattresses?
The Linenspa only fits mattresses up to 14 inches thick, so if you have a thicker pillow-top or box top mattress, it might not work for you. Both the Amazon Basics and SafeRest offer 18-inch pockets, which gives you more room to work with. I’d check your mattress height before picking the Linenspa.
Which protector has the most customer reviews and ratings?
The SafeRest dominates here with over 280,000 ratings and a 4.6-star average. The Linenspa comes in second with over 114,000 ratings at the same 4.6-star average. The Amazon Basics is much newer with only 811 ratings, so it doesn’t have the same long-term track record.
Can I use any of these protectors with a mattress topper?
Yes, but you need to pay attention to the total height. Both the Amazon Basics and SafeRest have 18-inch deep pockets, so they’ll fit a mattress plus a topper without popping off. The Linenspa only goes up to 14 inches, which might be too tight if you have both a thick mattress and a topper on your bed.
Which one is easiest to wash and dry?
All three are machine washable, but the Linenspa is the only one that explicitly says it’s dryer safe on low heat, which makes it the most convenient option. The Amazon Basics and SafeRest are also machine washable, but you’ll want to follow the care instructions closely to keep the waterproof backing intact over time.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the SafeRest Waterproof Queen Size Mattress Protector is my clear winner. That 80% cotton terry cloth top makes it feel like a real sheet instead of a plastic wrapper, and with over 280,000 ratings at 4.6 stars, it’s the most trusted option by a landslide. The Linenspa is a solid runner-up if you want a 10-year warranty, and the Amazon Basics is your best bet if you’re on a budget and need that 18-inch deep pocket.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want a protector that feels like a mattress pad or one that feels like plastic? Go SafeRest for the cotton comfort, or save a few bucks with Amazon Basics if you don’t mind polyester against your sheets.
Best Overall: SafeRest Waterproof Queen Size Mattress Protector
- KEEP YOUR MATTRESS DRY - Helps protect against fluids, urine, perspiration and...
- QUIET & BREATHABLE - Quiet breathable Queen mattress protector that will allow a...
- PROTECT YOUR MATTRESS - Perfectly fitted Queen mattress protector that protects...
Perfect for anyone who wants a cotton-rich sleep surface that breathes and feels like a real sheet. The 18-inch stretchable pockets fit deep mattresses with ease.
Runner-Up: Linenspa Waterproof Mattress Protector
- 100% WATERPROOF WITH AQUATIGHT TECHNOLOGY: Advanced AquaTight barrier blocks...
- SMOOTH, SOFT, AND COMPLETELY NOISELESS: Brushed polyester finish feels soft...
- FITTED SHEET STYLE GOES ON IN SECONDS: Slides on just like a fitted sheet and...
Great for buyers who want a thin, breathable protector backed by a 10-year warranty and over 114,000 positive ratings.
Best Budget: Amazon Basics Waterproof Mattress Protector
- COMPLETE PROTECTION: Waterproof and bed bug proof barrier safeguards your...
- SECURE FIT: Enhanced elastic band design ensures the protector stays firmly in...
- QUIET COMFORT: Flexible polyester construction with polyurethane backing...
Ideal for cost-conscious shoppers who need an 18-inch deep pocket and want a quiet, no-crinkle protector with recycled materials.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.