When talking about waterproof mattresses we tend to relate them to incontinence problems. Studies show✓ that nocturnal enuresis (nightly incontinence) is a common condition among kids. But getting a waterproof mattress can be a great choice for a number of reasons. They are usually very easy to clean, durable and often cheaper than normal mattresses which makes them a great option for hospital beds for example.
If you have small kids in the family, waterproof mattresses can be a lifesaver. Whether they tend to wet the bed while sleeping, or just play around while having their evening glass of milk, it will not end up destroying the mattress and costing you a ton of money.
We have taken a closer look at some of the best waterproof mattresses on the market. Read through our list of mattresses and have a look at our best tips for buying a waterproof mattress.
(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs In Conclusion)
| MATTRESS | HEIGHT | FIRMNESS | TRIAL & WARRANTY | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingfisher Waterproof Contract Mattress | 18 cm | Medium | NA Nights 1 Year | £139 |
| Kayflex Waterproof Contract Mattress | 20 cm | Medium | NA Nights 1 Year | £114.99 |
| Jay-Be Simply Kids Foam Free Waterproof Mattress | 18 cm | Medium-Firm | NA Nights 5 Years | £164.99 |
| Bedzonline Waterproof Open Coil Mattress | 18 cm | Medium | NA Nights NA Years | £64.99 |
| Starlight Beds Waterproof Mattress | 17 cm | Soft-Medium | NA Nights NA Years | £56.99 |
| Mr. Sleeps Beds Waterproof Mattress | 16,5 cm | NA | NA Nights NA Years | £39.99 |
1. Kingfisher Waterproof Contract Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Hypoallergenic • 1-Year guarantee • Made in the UK | • People who suffer from allergies • Small kids • Care homes and institutions |
The Kingfisher Waterproof Contract Mattress offers a breathable and waterproof cover in combination with a traditional open coil system. The springs are hourglass-shaped and made of high-tensile steel. They are connected as a single unit and a rod-edge wire adds extra body support throughout the entire surface of the mattress.
The mattress is 18 cm deep and comes at a medium firmness rating which tends to suit most sleepers. It is hypoallergenic which makes it a good option for those suffering from allergies. The Kingfisher Waterproof Contract Mattress is manufactured in the UK and comes with a 1-year guarantee.
Happy customer reviews state that the mattress is exactly what they expected from it. They also talk about quick and smooth deliveries the day after it was purchased, just like the retailer promises. This mattress is also rated source 5 fire retardant which could make it suitable not only for domestic use but also in a care home for example.
2. Kayflex Waterproof Contract Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Hypoallergenic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial • 5-year warranty • 20 cm deep | • People with allergies • People who tend to overheat at night • People with nightly incontinence problems |
If you are looking for a waterproof mattress that is suitable for people with allergies - this might be the one for you. The Kayflex Waterproof Contract Mattress is hypoallergenic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial as well as foam-free as foam can sometimes cause allergic reactions. Instead, it is filled with soft white polyester fibre fillings which provide a long-lasting comfort thanks to its durability.
On the sides of the mattress are air vents which promotes airflow throughout the mattress and can help with overheating. The cover is waterproof and breathable to provide further comfort and simplicity when it comes to caring for your mattress. It is recommended to turn this mattress occasionally to prolong its lifespan.
The Kayflex Waterproof Mattress measures 20 cm deep and comes with a medium firmness rating. It features a traditional open coil system, using 325 coils in total. The mattress is manufactured in the UK and offers a 5-year warranty. Also worth noticing is the fact that the manufacturer is approved by the National Bed Federation's Code of Practice.
3. Jay-Be Simply Kids Foam Free Waterproof Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Made with sustainably sourced materials • Free from foam and VOC emissions • Anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal | • Kids that suffer from nocturnal enuresis • Kids with allergies • Restless sleepers |
This waterproof kid's mattress could be an excellent choice for those who are looking for a more sustainable option. Waterproof mattresses are not too often made from sustainable materials which is probably one of the reasons why this one is quite popular. Its e-fibre comfort layer is 100% made from recyclable plastic bottles which also offers good comfort.
The medium firmness sprung heart provides great support while an eco-insulator of high density helps prevent the sleeper from noticing the springs. The borders of the mattress are cushioned which can help to extend the life of the mattress and provides extra support to sleepers who tend to toss and turn.
Its cover is not only waterproof but also anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal which can make the Jay-Be Simply Kids Waterproof Mattress a suitable option for those younger sleepers who also suffers from allergies or similar. It is 100% foam free which also makes it free from chemicals as well as VOC emissions.
4. Bedzonline Waterproof Open Coil Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Handcrafted in the UK • Comfortable delivery, vacuum rolled • Easily cleaned | • People with nightly incontinence problems • Most sleeping positions • Care homes and hospitals |
This waterproof mattress from Bedzonline comes in various different sizes so it is likely that you will find one that fits your bed. It comes with a medium to soft firmness rating which tends to suit most sleepers and their sleeping positions.
Its lining is waterproof all around the mattress and can hold off water for up to 12 hours according to the manufacturer. The Bedzonline Waterproof Open Coil Mattress is handcrafted in the UK and comes in a water-resembling blue colour. It is comfortably delivered vacuum rolled and in a box which should make it easy to manoeuvre into the bedroom.
Another positive feature of this mattress is the fact that it is fire retardant which could make it a good option for hospitals and care homes. Many happy customer reviews state that it is great for children who tend to wet their beds as it is very easy to clean if an accident occurs.
5. Starlight Beds Waterproof Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Affordable • Hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant • Quick delivery time | • People on a tight budget • People who suffer from allergies • Cabins, bunk-beds and camps |
Those who are looking for a waterproof mattress at a good price could potentially be interested in this one. The Starlight Beds Waterproof Mattress comes with lots of great reviews on Amazon which makes it worthy of being on this list. This 17 cm deep mattress could be a great option for cabin beds or bunk beds for both children and adults.
Worth noticing is that it only comes as a single size as well as the fact that only one side is waterproof. It is made from fabric coated in PVC which make caring for it easy. All you need to do to clean it is to wipe it off. You are also recommended to turn it regularly in order for the mattress to keep its shape for longer. It also complies with fire testing regulations in the UK.
It is hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant as well as breathable according to the manufacturer. It comes with a 13,5 gauge spring unit and it is filled with high-density fillings to add to the comfort. Many customer reviews mention the quick delivery time and that they are pleasantly surprised with the quality of the mattress compared to the price.
6. Mr. Sleeps Beds Waterproof Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Good value for the money • Affordable • Easy to clean | • Children who suffer from nocturnal enuresis • Parents on a tight budget • Care homes |
If you are on a tight budget and searching for a waterproof mattress with great customer reviews, this could be the one for you. This mattress comes in a single size and with a lot of five-star reviews. It measures 16,6 cm deep, 90 cm wide, 190 cm long and weighs 22 kg.
The Mr. Sleeps Beds Waterproof Mattress features Bonnell springs (13,5 gauge open coil) and comes in a striped grey colour. Something that should be taken into consideration is the fact that only one of the sides are coated in PVC, the rest of the mattress is not waterproof.
The customers talk about great value for their money in the reviews. Many people mention how easy it is to just wipe off whenever a nightly accident occurs. Some customers also mention that it is more suitable for kids than for adults as you can sometimes feel the springs when applying too much weight onto the mattress. It seems like this mattress is a great choice for those with kids who are looking for a cheap but reliable waterproof mattress for their little ones.
When Should I Buy A Waterproof Mattress?
A waterproof mattress can be a great investment for a bunch of different reasons. But the most common one is because one or more family members tend to have occasional nightly accidents caused by incontinence problems. This can happen to both kids and the elderly, as well as sick or disabled people. Sleeping on a wet mattress is never pleasant and with a waterproof mattress you only need to change the sheets in case an accident happens.
Interesting fact!
Research shows✓ that urinary incontinence and nocturnal enuresis can be inheritable.
Another reason to purchase a waterproof mattress is that they are much easier to clean than it is to clean a normal mattress. More often than not you only need to wipe it off with a humid cloth and some anti-bacterial spray and you will get rid of whatever unwelcome liquid or stain you have gotten on your mattress.
Waterproof mattresses also tend to be a bit cheaper than regular mattresses as they don't often contain the same amount of high-quality materials and technologies as other ones do. This is why you can often see waterproof mattresses in hospitals, vacation cabins, summer camps and similar. If you are not going to sleep on the mattress for a longer period of time it doesn't necessarily need to be overly fancy or pricey.
What To Consider Before Buying A Waterproof Mattress?
Buying a new mattress is always an important decision and there are lots of things to keep in mind in order to make the right choice. We have listed a few of those things:
Your Budget
We have already covered that waterproof mattresses generally are cheaper than regular ones but that does not mean that they are all cheap. This list shows a variety of mattresses and prices. Make sure to do your research to find a mattress that suits your nightly needs as well as your budget.
If you are unsure about the quality of a product and you find the price a bit too high, have a look and see if the brand offers any trial period. Maybe you will find that the mattress is worth spending that little extra on and if not, you can always send it back without any financial loss.
In case you still find it too expensive to buy an entire mattress you could also consider purchasing a waterproof mattress cover. These are usually a great budget option and can be a good investment, for example, while the kids are getting used to sleeping without diapers. Waterproof mattress covers can however have a very plasticky surface and can often be a bit noisy when we turn around in bed so make sure to find one that feels right for you.
The Materials
The materials in your mattress are always of utmost importance, no matter what type of mattress you are considering buying. If you suffer from any type of allergy or skin problem you will want to make sure your mattress is hypoallergenic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Have a look and see if any mattress comes with the Allergy UK seal of approval which means that they have gone through thorough testing. Two brands that have this accreditation for some of their products are Sealy and Silentnight for example.
But allergies are not the only reason why you should check the materials of your mattress. Many of us tend to overheat during the night and since many waterproof mattresses come with a PVC cover, you should check that it is also breathable.
Some mattresses come with air vents on the sides to promote airflow in order to prevent the sleeper from overheating. The inside of the mattress, such as the springs and the filling, also plays an important role when it comes to breathability as some materials can be more stuffy than others. Some people prefer pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses, while others prefer memory foam mattresses. Make sure you know what type of materials work for you and your physical health and try to find a mattress that ticks as many of those boxes as possible.
Thickness
A thicker mattress usually contains several layers which could potentially lead to increased comfort. Having more layers of foam or fillings will usually prevent the sleeper from noticing the springs but it is important to check the measurements of your bed to ensure that the thickness of your mattress fits.
Sustainability
While thinking about what materials you want in your mattress, you might also want to consider another important topic - the health of our planet. Waterproof mattresses often include some plastics which may not be great. If you can afford it, try going for materials that have been sustainably sourced such as recycled plastic for example. The more organic and natural your mattress is, the better for our environment. Small conscious choices make more difference than you might think.
Size
When it comes to your sleeping area - size can absolutely matter. As waterproof mattresses are somewhat of a niche product you should double-check that the mattress you have decided on comes in your desired size. Not all brands offer all UK standard sizes so it might be worth having a backup plan in case your favourite waterproof mattress does not come in a size that fits your super king bed.
Firmness And Support
This is arguably the most important part when it comes to selecting the right mattress for you. Some people don't care too much about the firmness of the mattress, they just want something that feels comfortable but have no clear preferences. Other people, however, need a certain firmness to give their bodies the support that they need. If you tend to wake up with an aching body, you will want a mattress for back problems that provides you with pressure relief where needed.
In waterproof mattresses, the main focus is not necessarily on a high-quality inside but rather on the outside. We would suggest that you have a look at what the mattress offers in terms of firmness, type of springs, foams and fillings to make sure it is a good fit for years to come.
Delivery And Customer Support
You will want everything to go as smoothly as possible when getting a new mattress. Spend some time researching the company you are interested in purchasing your mattress from. What do they offer in terms of delivery? Will they be able to deliver the mattress to the room of your choice? Can they maybe remove your old mattress when delivering the new one? Look at the reviews and see what people say about their customer service. In case there is a problem with your new mattress they should be able to solve it and respond to any questions you might have in a timely manner.
Who Is The Mattress For?
Waterproof mattresses are quite common in hospitals, care homes and summer camps. If you are buying your mattress for an institution like these you also need to make sure that it meets certain criteria that might be a bit different than if you are buying it for domestic use. Among other things you should check if the materials used are fire retardant. This could potentially save lives in case there is a fire.
You should also take the interior of the mattress into consideration as many people in hospitals and care homes will spend many hours of the day in bed and can be at risk of pressure ulcers. Also, make sure that the mattresses you get can stand the weight of heavier patients without them having to be uncomfortable due to springs poking them in their backs.
In our opinion, it might be worth considering investing in a great mattress and add a waterproof mattress protector unless the sleeper regularly wets the bed or is not going to sleep on the mattress for a longer period of time. A normal mattress is generally going to be better for your spinal alignment as well as your overall nightly comfort as they tend to be made of more natural and breathable materials.
How Can I Clean A Waterproof Mattress?
It is usually very easy to clean a waterproof mattress. A humid cloth and a mild disinfectant go a long way when it comes to cleaning up urine or other liquids. In some cases, you can even take off the cover and put it in the washing machine for a more thorough cleaning. If you do so, make sure to check the care instructions carefully for the right temperature and the possibility of tumble drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best waterproof mattress?
There are lots of great waterproof mattresses on the market. It is important that you consider several things such as materials, who it is for, your budget and your size and firmness preferences to find a suitable mattress for you.
Why should I buy a waterproof mattress?
A waterproof mattress can be a great investment if you have small kids who tend to wet their beds at night. They can also be good for people with incontinence problems, such as older people, sick or disabled people. They are often cheaper than a normal mattress and generally very easy to clean.
How to clean a waterproof mattress?
It is often enough to wipe your waterproof mattress off with a humid cloth, or with some disinfectant but you should always check the care instructions first. Some mattresses come with a waterproof cover that can be thrown in the washer and some needs a bit more delicate care.