Last Updated on July 11, 2023 by Rental Recon
Mattress protectors are an essential item that will prevent damage and save you time scrubbing your mattress. Read on for our pick of the best mattress protector for Airbnb…
The Best Mattress Protector for Airbnb is:
Using the criteria and factors noted below, and years of experience as Airbnb Superhosts, we have determined that the SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector is the best mattress protector for Airbnb hosts.
Other Great Alternatives
Why Do You Need a Mattress Protector for Your Airbnb Bed?
Mattress Protectors are an essential investment for your Airbnb or vacation rentals. A mattress protector will extend the life of your mattress and mattresses are one of the most expensive items you will purchase for your short-term rental.
Mattress protectors lessen everyday wear and tear and prevent sweat, spills, pet stains, saliva, skin cells, bed bugs, body oils, pollen, and other allergens from soaking into your mattress. This is especially helpful to your guests that are prone to allergies.
Mattress protectors are an inexpensive way to keep your mattress looking nicer for longer and can even protect your mattress warranty. Mattress protectors will prevent you from having to purchase a new mattress too often.
Rental Recon Tip: Superhosts like us also recommend protecting your pillows with waterproof pillow protectors.
What Should You Look for in a Mattress Protector?
Your Airbnb guests want cleanliness, comfort, and quality sleep when they stay in your rental. The mattress protector should be breathable, waterproof, machine washable, and quiet.
Full Coverage Vs. Fitted-Sheet Style
Mattress protectors are made to go over the mattress and/or a mattress topper and are water-resistant. There are two styles of mattress protectors: Fitted Sheet and Full Coverage.
The Fitted-Sheet Style
This can go on your mattress just like a fitted sheet to cover the tops and sides of your mattress and is less likely to shift or bunch up. However, it is also less effective in protecting against mites and other allergens such as dust mites. Dust mites can result in skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.
According to the Airbnb help forum, this type is easier to remove because you don’t have to go through the hassle of lifting your mattress every time you need to wash it.
The Full Coverage Style
This style goes around the entire mattress, even the bottom. The zipper closes to provide full protection. These mattress protectors can also be called encasements because they fully enclose the mattress. These are typically more difficult to remove and wash. However, there are some models that have a top layer that zips off for easy cleaning.
Waterproof
Liquids can cause permanent damage to your mattress, so make sure the mattress protector you purchase for your Airbnb or vacation rental will repel water and will absorb or prevent liquids from soaking through.
Ease of Cleaning
Always make sure whatever linens you purchase for your Airbnb and vacation rentals are machine washable and are able to be tumble dried in the dryer.
Warranty
Look for a mattress protector that comes with a 10-15 year warranty. The warranty will allow you to replace the protector if the fabric or laminate becomes damaged as a result of normal household use. Some retailers will even cover the mattress if you purchase the protector and the mattress at the same time.
Durability
Provided you follow the care instructions on the mattress protector, most good-quality mattress protectors should be durable and last a long time, probably around 5-10 years, depending on how much guest turnover you have and how often you wash it.
How Often Do You Need to Clean a Mattress Protector?
Mattress protectors are usually machine washable so are easily cleaned by you or your cleaner. They save you time and money on dry cleaning or even throwing away your mattress once contaminants have been introduced. Most Airbnb hosts clean their mattresses and pillow protectors between each guest.
Always check the care instructions because some mattress protectors must be hung dried or dried in the dryer on a low heat setting.
Rental Recon Tip: Keep at least three sets of pillow and mattress protectors for each bed so it is easy to change them between guests.
Top Airbnb Pick: SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector
The SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector is a solid choice and the best mattress protector for Airbnb in our experience. It has a top layer made of terry cloth and cotton. It is breathable and allows air to flow as it would through a regular fitted sheet. Underneath the terry-cotton layer is a waterproof layer. The material contains no vinyl, PVS, phthalates, or chemical treatments, which is a plus for guests with allergies or asthma
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- KEEP YOUR MATTRESS DRY - Helps protect against fluids, urine, perspiration and anything else that might stain your mattress!
- QUIET & BREATHABLE - Quiet breathable queen mattress protector that will allow a full night sleep while protecting your mattress
- PROTECT YOUR MATTRESS - Perfectly fitted queen mattress protector that protects against unwanted creatures
- BEDDING ESSENTIALS - Airbnb Essentials for Hosts, Essential for first home and/or new apartment
This membrane layer will conform to your bed without changing the feel of your mattress. It is very thin, and will not stick to your guest’s skin or make noises if you move around in the bed.
This comfortable, airy mattress protector will keep your mattress free of dust mites. It can also be easily cleaned in the event that something is spilled or body fluids get onto the bed. It will also keep your mattress clean and odor-free and comes with a 10-year warranty.
Protection
The SafeRest mattress protector‘s waterproof material is an effective shield against dust mites. If you launder the SafeRest regularly, you will have no problem with these types of allergens.
The SafeRest mattress protector is the fitted sheet style, so the waterproof material does not extend over the sides of the mattress.
Easy to Clean
The SafeRest mattress protector is easy to clean. It is machine washable and can be dried along with your sheets. Most residue it may have absorbed will come out in the washing machine, leaving no bad odor behind, and preserving your mattress.
Sizes
This mattress protector comes in a multitude of sizes including:
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
Rental Recon Tip: Using bleach can weaken the waterproof membrane so use bleach alternative cleaners to ensure the integrity and longevity of your mattress protector.
Other Great Airbnb Mattress Protector Alternatives
If you’re looking for a full-coverage mattress protector, we picked some excellent encasement options for you:
Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Protector
The Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Encasement is also a good choice. It zips around the full mattress and the waterproof material is made of polyurethane. This layer is breathable, yet it will still prevent water or other liquids from getting through to your mattress.
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- FITS PERFECTLY 12 INCHES OF HEIGHT : Premium quality Six – Sided Mattress Protector designed to fit Queen size mattress having dimensions of 60 inches by 80 inches; 12 inches deep pocket.
- EFFECTIVE WATERPROOF : Mattress encasement protects your mattress from all kinds of liquids, bed wetting and stains. High quality TPU backing on all sides resist any leakage into the mattress.
- HIGH QUALITY FABRIC : The high- end smooth knitted fabric ensures comfortable feel along with breathability as it doesn’t trap heat. The soft and quiet encasement becomes your ultimate choice.
Terry cloth and cotton fabric covers the polyurethane layer, so that the mattress protector feels more like a sheet. It comes with a zipper guard that keeps bed bugs from getting through to your mattress. This mattress protector is bed bug-proof.
Protection
The Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Protector is absolutely waterproof. It will keep liquids from penetrating your mattress and will hold up to even the biggest spills.
The full encasement of the bed, plus the zipper guard technology keeps bugs from having even a chance of getting through to your mattress.
Durable
The mattress protector is made of strong material and tends to hold up and not rip or tear, even after many washings.
Linenspa Zippered Mattress Protector
Instead of going on like a fitted sheet, the Linenspa Zippered Mattress Encasement zips around your entire mattress. This keeps the mattress protector from ever slipping off of the bed and protects both the sides and underside of the mattress.
2 used from $22.49
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- TOTAL PROTECTION: This mattress encasement keeps your mattress surface safe and fresh with 360˚ protection. Ultra-thin, flexible fabric stays secured in place and fits up to 12” mattresses
- AQUA TIGHT BARRIER: 100% waterproof mattress cover safeguards your mattress against liquids, spills, and accidents—keeping you dry and comfortable while also avoiding stains and messes
- QUIET COMFORT: Sleep comfortably with this breathable bed protector. Lightweight fabric is noiseless, allowing a peaceful night’s sleep that won’t change the feel of your mattress
The product is made up of a thin, lightweight, waterproof material, with fabric sewn over the top. Linenspa’s mattress protector is breathable, and should not make excess noise when your Airbnb guests move around in the bed. It is a completely waterproof protector and comes with a 10-year warranty for manufacturer’s defects.
Protection
The Linenspa Zippered Mattress Protector provides excellent, waterproof protection from spills and bodily fluids. The fact that it zips all the way around the mattress is more secure and adds an extra layer of protection.
Easy to Wash
It can be easily washed and preserves the life of your mattress. Liquids do not penetrate its waterproof barrier.
Conclusion
An unprotected mattress may collect stains and odors over time, and purchasing the best mattress protector is a cost-effective way to extend the life of your mattress and save you time and money in the long run.
Our top pick for best Airbnb mattress protector is the SafeRest mattress cover. Waterproof, easy to wash, and easy to remove, we know this will be a great addition to your Airbnb and vacation rentals. Perfect for Airbnb hosts on a tight budget.
For more Superhost advice on what to stock in your short-term rentals, visit our article on The Ultimate Airbnb Bedroom Essentials & Checklist for Hosts.
