10 Best Organic Cotton Mattress Protectors (2025 Review)

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I personally put nearly a dozen nontoxic mattress protectors to the test with wear and wine spills. These are my top picks for the best organic mattress protectors that are waterproof, washable, and made to last.

A mattress is no small investment, which is why we’re big believers in extending the life of yours with a nontoxic, protective layer between your mattress and your sheets.

Not only does a mattress protector shield your mattress from wear, tear, and stains, but it also helps prevent dust and allergen buildup. “And unlike your mattress, protectors can easily be thrown in the wash,” says Missy Tannen, founder and chief product officer of Boll & Branch, a sustainable bedding company. Mattress protectors help your mattress stay fresher and more clean, and they protect against accidental spills (ever had a period come sooner than expected? 🥴).

Why consider an organic mattress protector?

It turns out traditional protectors can be made with some not-so-lovable materials in order to make them waterproof, like PVC, a type of vinyl that off gasses phthalates, or PFCs. But some brands are taking an extra steps for your health and safety, constructing protectors of thin layers of waterproof polyurethane sandwiched between organic cotton. While polyurethane is a petroleum-based material, it’s regarded as safe and nontoxic, meaning it’s one of the cleanest ways to waterproof a mattress. And sometimes that practicality takes priority.

Organic cotton, grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizer, ensures that the rest of a protector’s makeup is minimally harmful to the environment and to workers. “Conventional cotton farming has been shown to cause devastating effects on the environment through water pollution, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, excessive water consumption, air pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions,” explains Tannen. Organic cotton also keeps your bedding more breathable to boot!

What are the relevant certifications?

When shopping for mattress protectors, we keep an eye out for third-party certifications to ensure the products are really living up to their claims. Here are some relevant certs for organic mattress protectors.

B Corp: Shows that a brand is in the highest tier of eco-friendly companies. A B Corp certification means that a company has passed lots of super rigorous testing to prove that they use ethical business practices at every step.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Ensures that the cotton used in the product is actually certified organic. A textile with the GOTS label is made with at least 70% certified organic fibers, meaning they were grown in a way that’s gentler on the earth—with no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or GMOs—and ensuring other environmental management steps are taken, like properly treating discharge water and only using GOTS-approved textile dyes.
Fair Trade: Protects the livelihoods of workers and producers around the globe. It ensures safe working conditions, fair compensation, and environmental protections.
OEKO-TEX®: Certifies that a final textile product is free of harmful compounds. The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label means a textile product is free of 100 common harmful chemicals.
UL GREENGUARD Certification: Means that a product has low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. VOCs are airborne chemicals used in the manufacturing of tons of everyday goods, from home furnishings to cosmetics, and can cause both short term and long term health issues.
FSC: Relates to paper products—in this case, cardboard and other packaging. FSC means that a paper product comes from responsibly managed forests.

How to choose the right protector for you:

Keep in mind your preferences when shopping for a mattress protector. Maybe you’d rather have a protector that’s made of 100% natural materials, in which case it won’t be fully waterproof. Maybe you’re most concerned about dust allergies, in which case a tightly woven cotton protector would do the trick. These protectors won’t have a waterproof poly layer to ensure no liquid penetrates.

However, we tend to like the waterproof options because they strike a nice balance — they can be sustainably made of almost all natural materials, and they completely shield your bed — so those make up the majority of the below list. These hybrid sort of mattress protectors are usually made with two layers of organic cotton with a thin polyester or polyurethane film sandwiched in between. The synthetic layer will never touch your bed or sheets, but ensures no fluids can penetrate to your mattress (for a longer-lasting mattress!).

Why do some of these options contain polyester?

Many mattress protectors contain polyester, polyutherane (PU), or thermoplastic polyutherane (TPU) because it is durable, affordable, and resistant to moisture, stains, and wear. In comparison to mattress protectors made entirely of natural materials, polyester blends well with waterproof materials like polyurethane to create a protective barrier against spills, allergens, and dust mites. Unlike natural fibers, polyester is also wrinkle-resistant and easy to clean. However, some polyester protectors may be treated with PFAS for water resistance, so it’s best to look for OEKO-TEX® or GOTS-certified options to ensure safety and sustainability.

Keep in mind your preferences in a mattress protector, too. Maybe you’d rather have a protector that’s made of 100% natural materials, in which case it won’t be fully waterproof. Or you might be more concerned about dust allergies, in which case a tightly woven cotton protector would do the trick. We tend to like the waterproof options because they strike a nice balance — they can be sustainably made of almost all natural materials, and they completely shield your bed — so those make up the majority of the below list.

Our methodology and criteria:

The Good Trade was sent these ten protectors for review and I personally tested them against the elements to determine the most protective protectors out there! 🤓

My testing method was simple: Pour half an ounce of red wine on the topper, let it sit for 60 seconds, then check to see if the wine bled through to a towel underneath. Afterwards, I treated the wine spot with a bit of stain remover, and ran everything through the washer and dryer, two at a time, to see which stains came out.

Our team also scoured thousands of online reviews and drew on a decade of experience researching, testing, and corresponding with organic bedding brands. The criteria for our selections fall into the below categories, and we regularly update this list with emerging favorites.

ORGANIC & NONTOXIC | Each of these brands carry protectors made of minimally harmful materials like organic cotton and only small amounts of synthetics like polyurethane (as this material is what makes the mattress protector waterproof). We ensured each brand has certifications like GOTS and OEKO-TEX® to avoid harmful chemicals and prefer brands that are PFAS-free.
EFFECTIVE | We ensured that each protector was both protective and luxe-feeling. All our selects are either water or allergen-proof, fit comfortably on the bed, and don’t make a loud crinkling noise.
AFFORDABLE | We’ve selected options from a wide range of price points for all budgets.
WASHABLE | Machine-washable bedding is so important, especially for this layer, so we ensured that these options can easily and safely be thrown in the washer and dryer.

If you want to upgrade your entire bed setup check out our favorite organic sheets and discover our guide to the best organic mattresses. Looking for even more? Here are our favorite luxury mattresses, and if you want the luxury experience at a slightly more accessible pricepoint, find our favorite mattress toppers here.

I put every one of these brand’s protectors to the test with wear and wine spills, as well as for safety and smell.

1. Plushbeds

Plushbeds makes four mattress protectors — a waterproof polyester one, an organic cotton one, a lyocell one, and a natural wool one. But in fact, all but the lyocell protector are waterproof — the cotton and wool protectors both have a thin, nontoxic, polyurethane lining that provides a moisture barrier. While the cotton protector is made of nothing but cotton and polyurethane, the wool one has a cotton outer layer for easy cleaning, while its wool inner adds a bit of plushness. All of PlushBeds’ products are made in their US factory that’s both GOTS- and GOLS-certified — one of the only US factories with that distinction. Plus, Plushbeds never intentionally uses PFAS in production.

Our Editor’s Review | “I tested out the natural wool protector, and loved how the quilted wool added an extra slight layer of plushness to the bed, like a mattress pad. The protector’s wool is finished with a waterproof microfiber lining and an organic cotton outer, so it’s soft, quiet, and breathable, but, according to my wine test, completely waterproof. Nothing bled through to the towel underneath, and the stain came out most of the way in the wash. The protector’s squishy wool filling makes this one of the more thermoregulating protectors, too, but it’s still fully machine-washable. This protector lives up to the brand’s name.”

Shop Plushbeds

Close-up of a white quilted mattress corner with a textured surface and a fabric border.

A glass of red wine spilled on a Plushbeds mattress protector.

Plushbeds’ natural wool protector is soft, quiet, and breathable — and according to my wine test, it’s completely waterproof. It was my favorite of the bunch.

2. Avocado

One of the leading sustainable bedding companies, Avocado, has some impressive certifications: They’re a B-Corp, they’re Climate Neutral certified, the list goes on. The brand has been a favorite here at The Good Trade for years for their transparent sustainability practices and their impressive third-party certifications. They make two mattress protectors — the waterproof one has a corn-derived synthetic layer sandwiched between cotton, and the non-waterproof one is quilted and made of 100% organic cotton. They make some organic pillow protectors, too — don’t forget about those!

Our Editor’s Review | “Avocado sells a waterproof protector made of organic cotton with a thin layer of polyurethane, along with an organic cotton protector that’s 100% cotton and absorbs spills (but is not waterproof). I tested the former, and it certainly is waterproof. No wine soaked through for me, and the stain came out almost completely in the wash. Pick your protector — either way, you’re getting one of the best out there!”

Shop Avocado

A glass of water on folded white linens atop an Avocado mattress. A red badge reads "Reader Favorite, The Good Trade Award Winner 2025.

A wine spill on the mattress protector from Avocado

No wine soaked through Avocado’s waterproof protector and the stain came out almost completely in the wash. I love that it is eco-friendly and luxe.

3. Boll & Branch

This protector from Boll & Branch is made of nothing but 100% organic cotton — cotton fill with a cotton shell — so it’s super breathable, and its long-staple cotton means it’s designed to last. This protector’s total cotton makeup does mean that it’s not waterproof, protecting against dust and allergen buildup and natural wear-and-tear, rather than spills. Boll & Branch creates all sorts of bedding and bath products and has several impressive third-party certifications, from Fair Trade and GOTS to Oeko Tex and GRS (Global Recycled Standard). And the protector is even Hohenstein Medically Tested, meaning it’s been tested to ensure it doesn’t contain anything that can damage human cells or cause skin sensitivity.

Our Editor’s Review | “While this protector isn’t waterproof, I like how its fill gave it a touch of padding for extra comfort. It did at least provide some moisture protection, holding some of the wine I poured onto it, while a little bled through to the towel underneath. The protector is also hypoallergenic — it’s been Hohenstein Medically Tested and approved for skin toxicity and sensitivity! This is my favorite for those keeping allergens and other buildup away from their mattress.”

Shop Boll & Branch

A neatly made bed with a beige tufted headboard, white mattress, and white bedding, flanked by two white nightstands with lamps.

A wine spill on the mattress protector from Boll & Branch

Boll & Branch’s protector isn’t waterproof (nor does it claim to be) but it is 100% organic cotton and my pick for preventing allergens.

4. Birch

Made of natural latex covered in organic wool and cotton for a total of two inches of thickness, Birch’s mattress topper is GOLS and Greenguard Gold certified, and made in their Arizona factory. The organic cotton top keeps the topper breathable and cool to the touch, its wool layer makes it naturally fire resistant, and its latex gives it a firm yet springy softness designed for pressure relief. Birch even offers a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial if you’re not satisfied.

Our Editor’s Review | “Birch’s mattress protector, made of a breathable polyurethane-based waterproof film covered in organic cotton, came in best overall for me. It felt the least stiff (by just a hair!), the jersey-knit cotton made the protector soft to the touch — it was the softest one I tested — and I loved how you could tell the cotton was undyed. The protector has tags inside indicating the factory it was made in, and it even has those convenient tags that indicate which side of the fitted protector is the head. While the red wine stain was significantly loosened in the wash, it didn’t completely go away. Hey, who else is gonna see it anyway!”

Shop Birch

Close-up of a partially folded cream-colored mattress topper with textured and smooth sections, showing a speckled pattern on the lower layer.

A wine spill on the mattress protector from Birch

Birch’s red wine stain was significantly loosened in the wash but it didn’t completely go away. It is still the softest of the bunch and a favorite.

5. My Green Mattress

Hand-sewn in the My Green Mattress factory in Illinois, this protector is made out of two layers of GOTS-certified jersey cotton with a thin thermoplastic polyurethane film, derived from corn, sandwiched in between. It’s Greenguard Gold compliant, made without flame retardants or vinyl, and sourced from Oeko-Tex Class-1 certified suppliers. The brand recommends washing and drying on delicate, low-heat settings, along with not over-washing, since improper care will cause the moisture barrier to weaken over time. Just like all of My Green Mattress’s products, which includes a small lineup of high-quality toppers, cotton sheets, pillows, and mattresses, the protector is made in the US in a GOLS- and GOTS-certified factory.

Our Editor’s Review | “I was impressed with My Green Mattress’s cotton protector because it seemed to check all the right boxes — from affordability to waterproofness to ethical manufacturing. It was soft and comfortable to the touch, but was also impressively absorbent. Not only was it totally waterproof, but the cotton seemed to soak up and lock in the wine that I spilled on it, for minimal transfer. And the stain came almost all the way out in the wash!”

Shop My Green Mattress

A minimalist bedroom with a bed on a light wooden frame, a small wooden nightstand, and a rug on a wooden floor, with sunlight streaming through two windows.

A wine glass lies on its side on a white cloth, with red wine spilled around it and staining the fabric.

The protector from My Green Mattress was impressive across the board, from affordability to functionality to ethical production.

6. Naturepedic

Naturepedic’s topper is also made of latex covered in cotton — but the two-inch topper’s soft, cushiony GOLS-certified latex is covered by a layer of stretch-knit cotton that moves with the certified organic latex, conforming to your body. The company has great customer service, offering 100-night sleep trials, a 10-year warranty, free shipping, and free returns. Not only is the cotton GOTS-certified organic — the topper is also certified with Made Safe, Greenguard, and PETA’s vegan certification, and Naturepedic is also a member of 1% for the Planet.

Our Editor’s Review | “This protector is almost as soft to the touch as Birch’s, it’s not crinkly or stiff, and it’s made to fit deep mattresses — up to 16 inches deep, to be precise. Not only was the topper fully waterproof according to my wine test, but the stain also came out completely in the wash! I couldn’t even find where I had stained it to begin with. This pick is the deepest and most stain-protectant on our list!”

Shop Naturepedic

A close-up of a white mattress partially covered with a fitted sheet. The mattress has a quilted pattern and an exposed top corner.

A wine spill on the mattress protector from Naturepedic

Naturepedic’s protector was super protective and almost completely stain-resistant. It’s soft and can fit a deep mattress too!

7. Happsy

This topper from Happsy is made of nothing but two inches of GOLS-certified latex covered in a 100% cotton GOTS-certified cover. Its cotton outer has a cute quilted pattern, and the topper is plush but still supportive —- the soft Dunlop latex adds a luxurious pillowtop feel to your mattress while providing support and pressure relief, too, perfect for side sleepers. Happsy’s topper has plenty of third-party certifications, too, including Made Safe and Greenguard Gold — and they’re a member of 1% for the Planet.

Our Editor’s Review | “Another protector that passed the stain test with flying colors, Happsy’s organic mattress protector is waterproof and its stain came out completely in the wash. While its layers of organic cotton encasing the waterproof barrier weren’t quite as soft to the touch as some of the pricier options, the protector still performed impressively for the price. The brand’s ethics are impressive, too, with their plethora of third-party certs and commitments to sustainable organizations. This protector is a workhorse and that makes us, well, happ(s)y.”

Shop Happsy

A wine spill on the mattress protector from Happsy

Happy’s protector was both waterproof and stain-proof, performing impressively for its price.

8. Saatva

Saatva’s protector, like most here, is a thin waterproof layer sandwiched between organic cotton. Its waterproof layer is made of a food-safe polyurethane, and its high-quality silicone elastic band is designed to stand up to years of use. The protector is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, and it’s made in the US with the same attention to detail and quality the brand uses in its mattresses and other bedding—Saatva’s all about creating high-quality domestic bedding products without the markups. They have a proven sustainability commitment, too, partnering with organizations like the Sustainable Furnishings Council and Evertreen.

Our Editor’s Review | “The cotton in this protector is a bit more canvas-like — and it’s completely white, unlike most of the ivory options here, meaning it might work best for someone who prefers stark white sheets. The wine didn’t bleed through (!), but the stain only came out about halfway in the wash. Saatva is transparent about their green initiatives, like their energy efficient factories and their tree planting programs. She’s our pick for those of you who love hotel bedding.”

Shop Saatva

A close-up of a corner of a bed shows a mattress with a white topper partially pulled back, revealing the mattress's quilted pattern and beige piping, set on a gray bed frame over a carpet.

A wine spill on the mattress protector from Saatva

Saatva’s all-white protector prevented our wine spill from soaking through though the stain only came out halfway in the wash. It’s stark white for those who want to coordinate with their sheet set.

7. Nest

Designed to fit mattresses up to 15 inches deep, Nest Bedding’s protector is also made of a waterproof layer between two layers of certified organic cotton jersey. The jersey makes it soft to the touch and practically noiseless when you lie on it. The family-owned company is factory-direct, which helps them keep prices low — though they make everything in their US factories. You can visit one of their showrooms in California, Texas, Ohio, or beyond, and they also offer free shipping on every order of $130 or more, along with 0% financing. Nest Bedding is Fair Trade and FSC certified, and they were recently named one of the most sustainable brands in bedding by Greenmatters.

Our Editor’s Review | “My pick for durability, this protector is a bit thicker than the rest on the list — it took the longest to dry in the dryer — and it has a slight crinkle to it, though it’s still not noisy. It’s perfectly waterproof but the stain only came out about halfway in the wash. Nest offers a 30-night free trial, along with free shipping, so there’s no risk in giving it a try!”

SHOP Nest

Close-up of a beige fitted sheet partially pulled over a mattress corner with visible elastic.

A wine spill on the mattress protector from Nest

Nest’s protector is perfectly waterproof though the stain only came out halfway in the wash. Thicker than most, this is my pick for durability.

10. Silk & Snow

Unlike most toppers on this list, Silk & Snow’s is made of a quilted, super-absorbent blend of polyester and nylon—it’s designed to wick moisture away so spills stay contained. The waterproof mattress protector shields your bed from spills, bacteria, and dust, while still feeling soft and breathable (and it doesn’t crinkle loudly). The protector comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a one-year warranty, and it’s Oeko-Tex certified. The brand is committed to more sustainable manufacturing practices, and they partner with companies like True North Aid, so you can sleep well at night knowing you’re supporting a good cause and getting a good deal.

Our Editor’s Review | “While it’s not organic, this topper still deserves a place on the list for its affordability, waterproofing ability, absorbency — the wine soaked right in — and its cool-to-the-touch feel, which can help you sleep more comfortably. Since it’s not made of cotton, it’s a little less bulky and easier to wash than the other options, and the stain came out almost completely. And it has a luxuriously soft, silky feel!”

Shop Silk & Snow

A wine spill on the mattress protector from Silk & Snow

Silk & Snow’s protector isn’t made of organic cotton — but it absorbed our wine spill completely and the stain came out in the wash. This is my pick for affordability.

Natalie Gale is a Boston-based freelance journalist. Since 2022, she has been reviewing the top sustainable home, wellness, fashion, and beauty products, sharing her honest opinion on the best finds. When she’s not writing about art, food, or sustainability, you can find her biking to the farmers’ market, baking, sewing, or planning her next Halloween costume. Say hi on Instagram!

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