Key Takeaways:

• Water-resistant mattress protectors provide the least amount of defense against urine leaks and spills, compared to water repellent or waterproof.

• They are best for hot sleepers who wake up at night with enough sweat to dampen the sheets, or someone who experiences occasional urine leaks that wake them up right away.

• Waterproof protectors, on the other hand, offer complete protection. They block 100% of liquids from bedwetting and incontinence, so urine does not seep into the mattress fibers.

• They are best for anyone who’s managing nighttime bedwetting or incontinence.

Water Resistant vs Waterproof Mattress Protector Pads

“Waterproof” and “water resistant” are often used interchangeably, but when it comes to mattress protectors it’s important to understand the difference between the two.

You want to make sure you have the right level of protection for your unique situation. You don’t want to end up with a wet mattress in the middle of the night, when you thought you had purchased complete protection.

Water Resistant: Definition Please

Water resistant materials will “resist” getting wet for a short while, but they are not waterproof. It doesn’t take long for the fabric to start absorbing the liquid.

What’s the Difference Between Water Resistant & Waterproof

With a resistant fiber water drops will bead-up on the fabric at first, but then fairly quickly they will soak into the cloth. Think of a polyester shirt or dress when you get caught in the rain.

On the other hand, a waterproof mattress protector will completely block any liquid from penetrating through the second layer of the construction. Think of a yellow slicker raincoat that keeps a fisherman dry in a storm.

Level of Protection

A water-resistant mattress protector provides the least amount of protection against liquid spills and wetting accidents.

When It’s Better to Choose Water Resistant Instead of Waterproof

A water-resistant mattress protector is your best choice when you expect only a small amount of moisture, and you can address it fairly quickly. Common situations are night sweats or occasional light bed wetting where the person wakes up when it happens.

You will want to choose a waterproof mattress protector pad for moderate to heavy bedwetting or incontinence, pets peeing in your bed when you’re not home, menopause or perimenopause night sweats with wetting, or large spills like coffee or wine.