Where To Get Mattress Covers

If you’re wondering where to get mattress covers, you’re in the right place. Finding the right one can feel overwhelming with so many options, but this guide will walk you through every possible place to look, both online and in stores.

We’ll cover the pros and cons of each retailer, what to look for in a cover, and how to choose the best one for your needs. Whether you need protection from allergies, spills, or just want to extend your mattress’s life, the perfect cover is out there. Let’s find it.

You can buy mattress covers from a wide variety of places. The best choice for you depends on your budget, how quickly you need it, and whether you want to feel the material in person. Here’s a breakdown of the main categories.

Major Online Retailers

Online shopping offers the widest selection and often the best prices. You can read hundreds of reviews from other customers to help you decide.

Amazon: This is a top destination for mattress covers. You’ll find every type imaginable, from basic vinyl to premium organic cotton. Their filter system helps you narrow choices by size, material, and rating. Prime shipping means you can get it very fast, sometimes even the next day.
Walmart.com: Excellent for budget-friendly options. Walmart carries its own brands alongside national ones. A big advantage is the “Pickup & Delivery” option, allowing you to order online and get it from a local store quickly, often within hours.
Target.com: Known for stylish home goods, Target offers a curated selection of mattress protectors and encasements. Their in-house brands like Casaluna and Room Essentials provide good quality at moderate prices. Drive-up pickup is a major convenience.
Bed Bath & Beyond (and Beyond.com): While their physical store count is smaller, their online presence remains strong for bedding. They have a deep inventory, especially of higher-end and specialty products like hypoallergenic encasements.

Specialty Bedding & Mattress Websites

These sites focus specifically on sleep products. They often provide more detailed product information and expertise.

Mattress Firm, Sleep Number, Saatva: If you bought a mattress from a brand, check their website first. They usually sell protectors designed to pair perfectly with their mattresses, ensuring a no-slip fit. They can be pricier but offer guaranteed compatibility.
Protect-A-Bed, SlumberSafe: These companies specialize in bedding protection. They offer certified anti-allergy and bed bug proof encasements with detailed lab reports. This is a great choice if protection is your primary, non-negotiable goal.
Company websites like Malouf, PureCare, or Brooklinen: Buying directly from the manufacturer sometimes gives you access to more colors, sizes, or fabric options not available on big marketplaces. Sign up for their newsletters to get alerts about sales.

Big-Box Department Stores

These are your go-to for in-person shopping where you can see and touch the products.

Macy’s, JCPenney, Kohl’s: They have extensive home sections with a range of mattress covers. Kohl’s often has great deals with Kohl’s Cash, making it a budget-friendly option. Sales associates can sometimes provide basic guidance.
IKEA: If you need a standard size (especially European sizes or unusual dimensions like long twin), IKEA is a fantastic and affordable source. Their mattress protectors are simple, functional, and designed to work with IKEA beds, but they fit many others too.
Costco, Sam’s Club: For value packs or high-quality covers at a bulk discount, check warehouse clubs. They often sell multi-packs (e.g., a mattress cover with matching pillow protectors) from reputable brands at a significant discount.

Home Improvement & Specialty Stores

Don’t overlook these stores, as they cater to specific needs.

The Home Depot, Lowe’s: You might be surprised, but they carry basic mattress encasements, often in the storage or moving supplies section. These are typically heavy-duty, vinyl or fabric-backed vinyl covers designed for moving or storage protection, which can also work for temporary bed bug isolation.
Container Store, The Home Edit: For premium organizational products, these stores sometimes carry sleek, well-designed mattress protectors that focus on aesthetics as well as function.
Medical Supply Stores: Both online and local medical supply stores are the best source for waterproof and absorbent mattress covers designed for incontinence. They prioritize function, comfort, and washability.

Local Options

When you need something immediately or prefer to shop locally.

Your Local Mattress Store: Small, independent mattress shops almost always sell protectors. Supporting local business is a plus, and the owner can offer personalized advice based on the mattress you own.
Thrift Stores & Consignment Shops: While not a common find, it’s possible to stumble upon a new, in-package mattress cover at stores like Goodwill. Always inspect it throughly for any damage or signs of prior use. This is a very budget-conscious option.
Garage Sales: Rare, but possible. We only recommend this for a temporary, emergency solution for a guest bed or college dorm. A used mattress cover is generally not advisable for hygiene reasons.

How to Choose the Right Retailer For You

Now that you know where to look, how do you pick the best place to buy? Ask yourself these questions.

How soon do you need it? For same-day needs, local stores or buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPUS) options at Walmart/Target are best. For 1-2 day delivery, Amazon Prime or other fast-shipping retailers work.
Is trying it out important? If you’re sensitive to fabrics or want to check the noise level of a waterproof layer, buying from a physical store with a good return policy (like Costco or Macy’s) is smart.
What’s your budget? For the lowest upfront cost, check Walmart, Amazon basics, or IKEA. For investment-grade protection, specialty websites or mattress brand sites are better.
Do you need expert advice? Specialty bedding stores (online or local) and medical supply stores offer the most product-specific knowledge.

What to Look For in a Mattress Cover

Before you click “buy,” make sure you’re getting the right type. Here’s a quick feature checklist.

Key Features and Materials

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: Waterproof means a full barrier (often a TPU or PEVA layer) that blocks all liquid. Essential for kids’ beds, incontinence, or spill protection. Water-resistant usually means a treated fabric that repels light moisture but won’t hold back a full glass of water.
Material Feel: Do you want crisp cotton, silky microfiber, or cool bamboo? The top fabric determines comfort. Look for “breathable” if you sleep hot.
Fit: Get the right size (Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King). Deep pocket covers are essential for thicker mattresses (over 12 inches). A good cover should have a fitted sheet style with a full elastic skirt.
Closure: Some have simple elastic, others have zip-around encasements for total coverage (key for bed bugs or severe allergies).
Noise: Some waterproof covers can make a crinkly sound. Look for descriptions like “quiet,” “fabric-backed,” or “non-crinkly” if this bothers you.
Certifications: For allergy sufferers, look for certifications like OEKO-TEX (free of harmful chemicals) or CertiPUR-US for foams. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) certification is a gold standard for allergen barriers.
Ease of Care: Check the washing instructions. Most should be machine washable and dryer safe. Tumble dry on low to protect any waterproof layers.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Your Mattress Cover

Measure Your Mattress: Note its length, width, and depth (height). Don’t guess the size name (e.g., “Queen”)—actually measure it.
Identify Your Primary Need: Is it allergy prevention, waterproofing, bed bug blocking, or simply general wear-and-tear? This will narrow the type (protector vs. encasement) and material.
Set Your Budget: Prices range from $20 to over $200. Know what you’re willing to spend.
Choose Your Shopping Channel: Based on your urgency and preference (online vs. in-store), pick 2-3 retailers from the lists above.
Compare Specific Products: Read reviews, focusing on ones from people with the same mattress depth or need as you. Check return policies.
Make the Purchase: Opt for a retailer with a hassle-free return policy in case the cover doesn’t fit or meet your expectations.
Install It Correctly: Follow the instructions. For encasements, ensure the zipper is fully closed. For protectors, make sure the elastic is snug under all corners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying the Wrong Size: The most common error. A too-small cover will not protect the sides and will stretch and tear. A too-large one will bunch up.
Ignoring the Depth: If your mattress is 16″ deep and you buy a standard 12″ pocket cover, it won’t fit. Always check “deep pocket” dimensions.
Choosing Price Over Quality: A very cheap vinyl cover might be loud, tear quickly, and make you sweat. It’s often worth spending a bit more for comfort and durability.
Forgetting About the Pillows: If you’re protecting against allergens or dust mites, you need pillow protectors too. Many brands sell them in sets.
Not Washing It Before Use: Always wash the cover before the first use to remove any manufacturing residues and soften the fabric.

FAQ Section

Where is the best place to buy a mattress protector?

The “best” place depends on you. For fastest delivery and biggest selection, Amazon is hard to beat. For feeling the fabric in person, Target or Bed Bath & Beyond are great. For certified allergy protection, go to a specialty site like Protect-A-Bed.

Can I buy a mattress cover in a store?

Absolutely. Major stores like Walmart, Target, Macy’s, Kohl’s, IKEA, and even some Home Depot and Lowe’s locations carry them in their bedding aisles. Local mattress stores always have them too.

What’s the difference between a mattress cover, protector, and encasement?

A cover or protector is like a fitted sheet that sits on top, guarding against spills and dust. An encasement is a six-sided, zip-up bag that fully seals the mattress, used for severe allergies or bed bug prevention.

Are mattress covers worth it?

Yes, they are one of the most cost-effective ways to extend your mattress’s life. They shield it from stains, sweat, dust mites, and wear, protecting your much larger investment. Most warranties even require them.

How much should I spend on a mattress cover?

You can find decent basic protectors for $25-$50. Mid-range, comfortable, quiet waterproof protectors cost $50-$100. High-end, certified allergy or bed bug encasements can range from $100 to $200+.

Do all mattress covers make noise?

No. Older vinyl covers were noisy. Modern ones use quiet, fabric-backed waterproof membranes (like TPU) that feel and sound like regular cloth. Always read reviews mentioning “noise” or “crinkle.”

Can I wash a waterproof mattress cover?

Yes, almost all are machine washable. Use cool or warm water, mild detergent, and tumble dry on low heat. Avoid bleach and fabric softener, as they can damage the waterproof layer over time.

Finding where to get mattress covers is the first step to better sleep hygiene and a longer-lasting bed. By considering your specific needs and using the retailer guide above, you can make a confident purchase. With the right cover in place, you can rest easy knowing your mattress is protected for years to come.