Last Updated on May 25, 2023 by The Filtery

In a Nutshell:

  • A mattress protector that is both waterproof AND 100% natural doesn’t exist.
  • That being said, the healthiest mattress protectors are made out of mostly organic cotton, with a thin waterpoof TPU barrier. TPU is a type of polyurethane that is inert, durable, and flexible. Plus, it’s a much better option than PVC or PFAS treated fabric (both of which are commonly used for traditional mattress protectors).
  • Even though a bit of synthetic material is required, getting a waterproof mattress protector is still a good idea because it can prevent mold growth, make cleaning up much easier, and protect your mattress investment.
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Should You Get a Waterproof Mattress Protector?

There are basically three “levels” of mattress protection you can get, and you’ll need to decide which one is best for you based on your specific needs:

  • Many non-waterproof mattress protectors provide a basic level of protection against standard wear and tear and allow for easier cleaning. It’s much easier to find non-waterproof mattress protectors that are made from 100% natural and organic materials.
  • Waterproof protectors have an extra synthetic layer that provides a better barrier against spills and accidents. It’s not possible to get a 100% organic waterproof mattress protector, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one at all! We’ll get to that more in a minute.
  • Lastly, fully-encased mattress protectors provide even more protection against things like bed bugs and allergens by zipping up the entire mattress. Although we have yet to find a 100% organic waterproof mattress protector that wraps all the way around the mattress, we’ve listed the best options below.

It might go without saying, but here are some of the benefits that should be considered when thinking about which type is right for you:

  • Protection against spills & stains. (What level of protection do you need? For example, will there be children sleeping in the bed that are more likely to have an accident?)
  • Easy-to-clean. All mattress protectors make it easier to keep your mattress clean and allergen-free for a long period of time. Keep in mind that fully-encased protectors are going to be a bit more difficult to put on and take off whenever it’s time to put it through the washing machine.
  • Allergy-relief. Again, all types of mattress protectors will provide a certain amount of protection against things like dust mites, pet dander, and mold. Those with more severe allergies and asthma might want to consider a fully-encased and/or waterproof protector in order to get an extra layer of security.
  • Bed bug protection. Those who live in senior living facilities or group homes where bed bugs might be more likely may want to consider a fully-encased option as well.

FYI: 100% Organic AND Waterproof Mattress Protectors Do Not Exist…

…but that’s okay! Here’s the deal:

Natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, linen, and even TENCEL (which is technically a semi-synthetic) really can’t be waterproof. Even some synthetics like polyester can’t be fully waterproof without either:

  • an extra synthetic waterproof layer made from something like PU, TPU, or PVC
  • and/or chemical treatments (like water-resistant PFAS, which are toxic)

The best options for non-toxic mattress protectors usually use a combination of PU or TPU combined with something like organic cotton.

You might argue, “But Abbie! PU and TPU are synthetic materials! Their petroleum-based, not sustainable, and could be toxic!”

Yep. But I still think they’re a good option for a waterproof mattress protector.

I’ll tell you why in just a minute.

But first, let me give you a quick brief on PU and TPU.

PU and TPU for Waterproof Mattress Protectors

Polyrethane (PU) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) are the most common materials used for the waterproof layer of organic mattress protectors.

PU is more commonly used for “cushion-y” products like furniture foams and shoe insoles. But it can also be used as a waterproof protective layer on top of a variety of things, including backpacks, electrical equipment, and even infrastructure like bridges.

TPU is a type of PU that tends to be even more durable than PU, while still remaining flexible. It’s also more inert than PU, which means it’s much less likely to leach toxic chemicals, even when exposed to heat.

This is why TPU is one of the best materials for a waterproof organic mattress protector: it truly works in protecting against spills and accidents, while being durable, flexible, and resistant to chemical leaching.

So TPU is the best option, with PU coming in second.

(Side note: you may be wondering about polyethelene, which is often considered one of the “safer” kinds of plastic and can be manufactured to be food-grade. While that initially sounds like a good option, polyethene unfortunately is not as durable and can’t hold up as well when put through the washing machine repeatedly. That’s why it’s not used for mattress protectors.)

Reasons Why It’s Okay to NOT Get a 100% Organic Mattress Protector

1. Protection from Mold

One of the main reasons you’re probably considering a waterproof mattress protector (as opposed to an alternative topper that’s not waterproof) is because there are likely to be scenarios where your mattress could get wet. Think about:

  • Babies, kids, and elderly folks who are more likely to have accidents in bed.
  • If you tend to have a glass of water on your nightstand (like I do) or a cup of coffee in bed in the morning and could have accidental spills.

These spills can lead to mold, mildew, and bacteria growing in your mattress… And once it’s there, it can be very difficult (practically impossible, really) to get rid of the mold spores completely.

A moldy sleeping environment can be problematic for anyone, but especially for those with chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), allergies, or asthma. Think about how much time you spend on your mattress and how close your face is to that surface… You do not want to be breathing in all those mold spores all night long!

2. Protection of Your Mattress Investment

Mattresses are expensive! And sometimes (though definitely not always), organic mattresses are even more expensive than conventional ones.

You don’t want to waste your money, and you also don’t want to have to throw another mattress into the landfill.

So getting a waterproof mattress protector is a great way to help make your mattress last as long as possible.

3. PU/TPU is Better Than Toxic PFAS

A mattress protector that’s made out of 95% organic cotton and 5% PU or TPU is almost automatically going to be a better option than something that is made from 100% synthetic materials like polyester or something that’s coated with a PFAS finish.

Like we already talked about, a lot of fabrics cannot be waterproof by themselves. PU, TPU, and PVC are a few of the materials that actually can be waterproof without any added chemicals.

For this reason, waterproof mattress protectors that are made from things like cotton, bamboo, or TENCEL but without a PU/TPU layer are almost guaranteed to have chemical additives.

And what’s the most common chemical treatment used to make things water-resistant? PFAS.

PFAS are the “forever chemicals” that you hear about in the news a lot these days. They’re perhaps most commonly known for their use in non-stick cookware (Teflon), but they’re also used in things like rain jackets, food packaging, and more.

They’re bioaccumulative, which means they don’t break down in the human body or the wider environment (hence the name “forever chemicals”), which is one the reasons why they’ve become such a huge problem. They are linked to a wide range of health concerns, from birth defects to cancer to ulcerative colitis, and more. There is essentially no “safe level”for most PFAS chemicals.

Also consider that PFAS aren’t great at staying on the surface they were added to. Instead, they “flake off” of household goods and land in the dust, where you and your loved ones can then breathe them in or ingest them via hand-to-mouth contact.

(This is different from TPU, which is relatively inert, meaning that it doesn’t easily leach.)

To make matters worse for consumers, there’s nothing that requires companies to tell you whether or not your mattress protector (or any other textile product) has been treated with PFAS. You won’t see it on the label and therefore it’s practically impossible to tell whether or not it’s non-toxic.

So, all of that under consideration, which would you rather have:

  • a cotton mattress protector that does not contain TPU but instead is treated with a layer of PFAS on top, which is probably going to wear off into the air/dust in your bedroom over time
  • or a mattress protector that is not treated with PFAS but instead has an inert layer of TPU sandwiched between two layers of organic cotton?

I’m going with the second option.

Other Materials That Are Commonly Used for Waterproof Mattress Protectors

Now that we’ve talked about what makes a mattress protector waterproof, let me give you a brief rundown of the other common materials used in mattress protectors on the market so you know what to look out for.

PVC

PVC isn’t as popular as it used to be for mattress protectors, which I would say is a good thing overall. I believe the main reason it’s not used as much anymore is because it tends to be noisier. You know what I’m talking about: those plastic-y mattress protectors that make crinkly sounds when you move.

By now, manufactureres have figured out how to make mattress protectors that are much quieter (so much so that you might not even notice they’re on your bed), but are still equally as waterproof.

That’s a good thing because PVC is one of the most toxic kinds of plastic. Not only is the production process a major source of air pollution, but the end product tends to contain toxicants like phthalates, dioxins, and heavy metals.

Polyester

Many mattress protectors use polyester, especially for the outer and side layers. Polyester is the most widely-used fabrics in the world. It’s also one of the cheapest, which is one reason why home textile brands use it.

When it comes to toxicity, polyester is not as bad as PVC, but it’s not great either. Polyester often contains heavy metals like antimony, endocrine disruptors like BPA, and more. You can check out our deep dive into polyester here.

The other thing to keep in mind is that polyester cannot be 100% waterproof without either some sort of extra chemical treatment (which could involve PFAS) and/or an extra waterproof layer in the middle (which would probably be something like PVC, PU, or TPU).

Bamboo

Bamboo is another fabric you’ll often see for mattress protectors. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that tends to be a more eco-friendly alternative to polyester (which is a petroleum product) or cotton (which is resource-intensive).

However, bamboo is a material that tends to be greenwashed a lot, too! Bamboo fabric is technically considered a “semi-synthetic.” While it’s made from plant-based materials, it has to be processed so much that by the time it’s been transformed into an end product, it’s no longer truly “natural.”

As you might imagine, there are a lot of chemicals that go into that manufacturing process, and some of them are more toxic than others. If you want to learn more about this, you can do so here.

Just like with a lot of other fabrics, bamboo cannot be waterproof by itself. So you have to consider what might have been added to the bamboo fabric in order to make it waterproof. If you see a product labeled as a “Premium Bamboo Waterproof Mattress Protector,” don’t take it at face value because there are certainly other materials at play in addition to the bamboo.

There seems to be an overall lack of transparency in the whole world of mattress protectors in general, which is something to be aware of. For example, check out this screenshot from a “bamboo” mattress protector on Amazon. It says the top surface is 100% bamboo, but that’s all the info you get. What are the inner, bottom, and side layers made out of? Is it treated with anything? We don’t know!

Cotton

It’s a similar story with cotton. Obviously, cotton is a natural fiber that tends to be healthier, more eco-friendly, and pretty hypoallergenic. But it can’t be waterproof without either a chemical treatment or an added layer of something else, such as PU.

Organic cotton is best because it’s grown without the use of toxic pesticides. But one could artgue that conventional cotton is probably still a better option than a petroleum product like polyester.

As you’ll see, most of the non-toxic mattress protector brands we recommend below use organic cotton for the majority of the item.

The Best Organic & Non-Toxic Mattress Protectors

Alright, now let’s get into more detail about our favorite brands for organic cotton mattress protectors:

1. Savvy Rest

organic waterproof mattress protector from savvy rest
waterproof organic mattress protector from savvy rest

Materials: TPU, Organic Cotton
Waterproof? Yes
Price: $89 (crib) – $159 (CA King)
Pocket size: 15” (and 7″ for the crib size)

Instead of vinyl, Savvy Rest’s Waterproof Mattress Protector utlizes a layer thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is laminated to organic cotton using a solvent-less melted adhesive that becomes inert after it dries and cools. The end result is a waterproof fabric that has a specific thickness and pore size that stops liquids from coming into contact with your mattress while still allowing your mattress to breathe.

Just like the rest of Savvy Rest’s bedding, mattresses, and furniture, these mattress protectors are free from toxins like flame retardants, PFAS, and pesticides.

They also have a few other (non-waterproof) options as well, including a Wool Mattress Pad, a Cotton Mattress Pad, and a Crib Mattress Pad. These pads do help protect from a certain level of moisture, but they’re not fully waterproof. They are mostly for some extra cushion and to provide some more protection against normal wear and tear, helping to extend the overall life of your mattress.

They’re all made in the USA, too!

Shop Savvy Rest and use the code THEFILTERY20 for 20% off.

2. My Green Mattress

my green mattress organic waterproof mattress protector

Materials: TPU, Organic Cotton
Waterproof? Yes
Price: $69 (crib) – $159 (CA King)
Pocket size: Fits mattresses up to 14 inches thick or crib mattresses up to 6 inches thick

My Green Mattress’s protector is made out of two layers of GOTS certified organic cotton fabric and a breathable but waterproof TPU barrier in the middle. Instead of petroleum, the TPU is made from made from renewable sources, including non-GMO corn.

It’s GREENGUARD Gold and OEKO-TEX compliant, and free from things like flame retardants, vinyl/PVC, phthalates, or rubber. It’s also sewn by hand in their factory in LaGrange, IL.

My Green Mattress also carries a plush organic latex topper as well as lots of other organic bedding essentials, like mattresses, bed frames, pillows, sheets, and more.

Shop My Green Mattress

3. Naturepedic / Happsy

organic waterproof mattress protector from naturepedic
non toxic waterproof mattess protector from happsy

Materials: TPU, Organic Cotton
Waterproof? Yes
Price: $79 (Happsy Twin) – $179 (Naturepedic CA King)
Pocket size: 9″ to 16″

Naturepedic and Happsy are actually owned by the same company, so their mattress protectors are basically the same. (Happsy is the more affordable sub-brand of Naturepedic.)

Like the two brands above, Naturepedic and Happsy use a thin layer of waterproof TPU, which is sandwiched in between two laters of 100% Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) organic cotton. It also has tiny pores that allow water vapor to pass through it in order to reduce sweat and humidity.

The Naturepedic version comes with more certifications, such as MADE SAFE and GREENGUARD Gold, as well as 1% For the Planet. It also comes with more risk-free features such as free shipping and returns, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a limited 1-year warranty. (Not providing these ‘extras’ for the Happsy mattress protector is probably one of the ways they’re able to offer it at a more affordable price point.)

In addition to their mattresses, Naturepedic and Happsy both carry other bedding accessories as well. Naturepedic has an organic waterproof mattress protector for kids’ mattresses and cribs, as well as other toppers, pillows, and more.

Shop Naturepedic / Shop Happsy

4. PlushBeds

organic cotton waterproof mattress protector plushbeds

Materials: PU, Organic Cotton
Waterproof? Yes
Price: $136 – $288 (CA Split King)
Pocket size: 15″

The main differentiator between the mattress protectors above and this one from PlushBeds is the sizing options available. PlushBeds offers your standard bed sizes, but they also have options for a split queen, split king, and sofa beds (twin, full, and queen).

They’re made out of GOTS and USDA certified organic cotton plus a thin layer of PU to make them waterproof. It also comes with a 5-year warranty!

PlushBeds also carries other protectors, including a cotton & wool one (which is waterproof but not organic), and other natural wool, latex, and down toppers. Some of their products are natural/organic, while others aren’t—so just make sure to check the details before buying.

Shop PlushBeds

What About A Fully-Encased Organic Mattress Protector?

The mattress protectors features above are 5-sided, which means they cover the top of the mattress and then wrap around the sides, the way a standard fitted sheet does.

Some mattress protectors are 6-sided, or “fully-encased,” which means they also cover the bottom of the mattress and zip up so that the entire mattress is covered.

Although fully-encased mattress protectors are more difficult to put off and on the bed, they’re believed to be an even more powerful protection against things like bed bugs, dust mites, and allergens.

Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to find a fully encased mattress protector that is 100% organic/non-toxic. (If you know of one, please let us know!)

But if you know you want or need a 6-sided protector, here are the best options we’ve found:

Even More Non-Toxic Mattress Protector Options (that are not waterproof)

If you want a mattress protector but don’t necessarily need something that’s waterproof, then it’s much easier to find an option that is 100% organic and free from all synthetic materials. Most of the brands above offer several different options for you, but here are some additional brands that offer organic mattress protectors, pads, and toppers:

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I hope this guide has helped you find the best organic waterproof mattress protector for you! To get exclusive content, news, tips & tricks, and more delivered to your inbox once a week, be sure to sign up for Filtered Fridays.