Mattress Protectors Buying Guide
What is a Mattress Protector?
A mattress protector is a lightweight, fitted layer that sits on top of your mattress to provide an extra layer of protection. It acts as a barrier that protects your mattress against spills, stains, dust and everyday wear, keeping it cleaner and fresher for longer.
You spend roughly a third of your life asleep, so protecting your mattress matters. Adding this simple layer between you and your mattress can create a cleaner, healthier sleep environment – and lead to a much better night’s rest.
What’s the Difference Between a Mattress Protector and a Mattress Topper?
Mattress protectors and mattress toppers serve different purposes – it’s best to think of them as complementary layers. Your protector is there to:
- Protect your mattress against accidental spills and stains
- Shield your mattress from sweat and allergens (such as dust mites)
- Help you maintain a clean, fresh sleeping environment
- Extend the lifespan of your mattress
You may see people get them confused. However, a topper is there to:
- Add extra comfort and cushioning
- Adjust the firmness or softness of your mattress
- Improve your overall support for a more restful night’s sleep
Why Choose a Wool Mattress Protector?
Here at Woolroom, we believe choosing the right bedding can completely transform how you sleep. That’s why our protectors are made from 100% natural materials, with no synthetics or chemical treatments. Wool is nature’s wonder fibre – helping you to sleep better, naturally.
Here are just some of the main benefits of a wool mattress protector:
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Temperature Regulating
Wool naturally adapts to your body temperature. When it’s warm in the summer, it helps you stay cool; when it’s cold during the winter, it keeps you comfortably cosy. This means our protectors provide consistent comfort and reduce overheating, even when layered beneath your sheets.
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Flame Retardant
Unlike synthetic alternatives, feather and down, wool is naturally fire-resistant – we don’t have to chemically treat it. It has a high ignition temperature due to its high water and nitrogen content. So, you can rest with total peace of mind.
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Hypoallergenic
Wool is a great choicefor people affected by allergies. Because it’s breathable, it stays dry – and allergens such as dust mites, mould and mildew can only thrive in humid conditions. Our protectors don’t give them the chance, creating a cleaner, allergy-friendly sleep environment.
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Breathable
Wool fibres allow air to circulate and moisture to wick away into the air. This prevents heat and humidity from being trapped around your mattress. So, your bed stays fresh, dry and comfortable - even during those warmer nights.
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100% Traceable British Wool
Our Wool ID® programme means you can trace the wool in your mattress protector right back to the farm it came from. We only use 100% British wool (it’s best type by ‘baa’ far!) sourced from partners who adhere to the ‘5 Freedoms’ of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
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Designed for Years of Sleep
We’re proud to offer products designed to last, in an age of fast homewares. Wool fibres are naturally crimped, which gives them resilience. It means you can enjoy the soft cushioning of your protector for many years. And once it’s time to replace it, you can rest assured it’s 100% biodegradable.
Our Mattress Protector Range
Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Mattress Protector
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes |
|
| Filling Weight (gsm) | 250 |
| Hypoallergenic & Mould Resistant | Yes |
| Temperature Regulating | Yes |
| Flame Retardant | Yes |
| Sustainable/Renewable | Yes |
| Traceable British Wool | Yes |
| Organic | No |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
Woolroom Organic Washable Wool Mattress Protector
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes |
|
| Filling Weight (gsm) | 300 |
| Temperature Regulating | Yes |
| Flame Retardant | Yes |
| Sustainable/Renewable | Yes |
| Traceable British Wool | Yes |
| Organic | Yes |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
Woolroom Deluxe Washable Waterproof Wool Mattress Protector
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes |
|
| Filling Weight (gsm) | 250 |
| Hypoallergenic & Mould Resistant | Yes |
| Temperature Regulating | Yes |
| Flame Retardant | Yes |
| Sustainable/Renewable | Yes |
| Traceable British Wool | Yes |
| Organic | No |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
Which Woolroom Mattress Protector Should I Choose?
Each protector in our range delivers the same clean sleep benefits – breathability, comfort and temperature regulation – while also having its own key features. Whether you’re looking for simplicity, added spill protection ora fully organic option, we have a protector to suit your sleep style.
We’ve created the table below to help you choose the right one:
| Product | Best For | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Washable Wool Mattress Protector | Everyday comfort and easy care | The perfect all-rounder for natural comfort and convenience. Choose this if you want a breathable, easy-to-wash layer that keeps your mattress clean and fresh. |
| Deluxe Washable Waterproof Wool Mattress Protector | Extra protection and low-maintenance bedding | Ideal if you want extra peace of mind against spills or moisture while maintaining airflow and comfort. A practical option for those who prefer simple, worry-free care. |
| Organic Washable Wool Mattress Protector | Sustainable, conscious sleepers seeking a premium feel | The most natural choice in our range, offering a slightly thicker, more luxurious feel with fully organic wool and cotton. Perfect if you want the cleanest, most sustainable sleep setup possible. |
Can You Wash a Mattress Protector?
Most mattress protectors can be washed, but it depends on the materials they’re made from. Synthetic and waterproof protectors (featuring a polyurethane membrane) may require specific care, while natural fibre protectors are often easier to clean and maintain.
All Woolroom mattress protectors are fully machine washable, making them very easy to care for and keep fresh. We recommend using our duvet wash – a wool-friendly detergent featuring tea tree oil and lemon myrtle. Line dry and avoid tumble drying for the very best results.
How Often Should You Wash It?
Should You Wash Your New Protector Before Use?
Yes - it’s best to give your new protector a quick wash before first use. This removes any natural residue and helps freshen the wool fibres.
Do You Put a Mattress Protector Over a Mattress Topper?
If you’re using a topper on your mattress, the protector should always goon top. This positioning enables it to act as that all-important protective barrier.
Here’s the correct order:
- Mattress
- Mattress Topper
- Mattress Protector
- Fitted Sheet
If you not using a topper, you’ll just need to put it straight over your mattress, with your fitted sheet on top.
Why Does a Protector Work Better with a Topper?
Some sleepers will buy either a topper or a protector – but not both. We think it’s better to think of them working in tandem. They both have very different roles.
Your protector is there to protect your mattress, so that it lasts for longer, and creates a clean sleep surface. Your topper is the layer that enhances your comfort. Using a wool mattress topper will:
- Provide extra cushioning for deeper comfort and pressure relief
- Improve the feel of your existing mattress – softening a firm bed or adding gentle support to a softer one
- Even out an ageing or uneven mattress surface
- Boost the breathability of your bedding, regulate your temperature all year round and create a clean sleep environment.
Want to learn more? Head over to our Mattress Topper Buying Guide
FAQs
Can a Mattress Protector Cause Night Sweats?
Some mattress protectors can contribute to night sweats – particularly those manufactured from synthetic or plastic-based materials that trap heat and moisture. Choosing a breathable, natural option can make a positive difference.
Wool is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. This means it actively regulates your temperature as you sleep. So, it’s naturally a great choice for people affected by night sweats.
Want to learn more about night sweats? Read our guide on Night Sweats and Sleep and Menopause Night Sweats.
Are Mattress Protectors Breathable?
Yes, ours are! Wool allows air to circulate freely, unlike plastic or fully waterproof synthetic membrane alternatives.
Can a Wool Mattress Protector Stop Bed Bugs?
A wool mattress protector can help reduce the risk of bed bugs reaching your mattress, but it won’t stop an infestation on its own. Wool fibres create a naturally clean, breathable environment that’s less attractive to pests like bed bugs and dust mites.
However, bed bugs can still hide in other areas of your bed, such as the headboard, frame, or nearby furniture. That’s one of the reasons we recommend choosing a complete wool sleep setup - to create the cleanest, healthiest sleep environment possible.
How Long Should My Mattress Protector Last?
With proper care, one of our protectors can last between 8 and 10 years – all thanks to wool’s natural strength and resilience. It really is nature’s wonder material!