Double Mattress Protectors for Everyday Bed Protection
A mattress protector sits quietly underneath your fitted sheet, but it can make looking after your mattress much easier. Our Double mattress protectors are designed for UK Double beds and give you a choice between a soft quilted protector and a waterproof quilted option.
Both use a fitted-sheet-style design rather than a loose cover, so they sit around the mattress and remain hidden underneath your normal bed linen.
The right choice depends less on marketing labels and more on what you actually need: everyday protection, waterproof protection, the right Double dimensions and enough fitted depth for your mattress.
Quilted or Waterproof Double Mattress Protector?
Our Double range currently gives you two straightforward options.
Quilted Double Mattress Protector
Choose our Quilted Double Mattress Protector if you mainly want a soft protective layer between your mattress and fitted sheet.
The quilted surface adds a light cushioned layer while helping shield the mattress from everyday dust, marks and general use. It is available with deeper fitted options, making it useful when an ordinary shallow skirt does not give your mattress enough coverage.
Waterproof Double Mattress Protector
If accidental spills are more of a concern, our Waterproof Double Mattress Protector adds a waterproof protective layer beneath its quilted surface.
It is designed to help protect the mattress from everyday spills and accidents while still fitting beneath your normal fitted sheet.
This can be particularly useful on a family bed, guest bed or anywhere you would prefer an additional barrier between liquids and the mattress.
What Size Mattress Protector Do I Need for a Double Bed?
Start by confirming that your mattress is actually a UK Double rather than a Small Double, King or imported size.
A standard UK Double mattress is commonly around 135 x 190cm, although finished mattress and protector measurements can vary slightly between manufacturers.
For that reason, check the dimensions shown on the individual protector page as well as the size name before ordering.
You should also measure the depth of the mattress. Two Double mattresses can have almost identical width and length but very different heights.
Double vs Small Double Mattress Protectors
A Double and a Small Double are different bed sizes.
A UK Small Double is approximately 4ft wide, while a standard Double is approximately 4ft 6in wide. A protector intended for one size should not automatically be used for the other.
If your mattress is 4ft wide, browse our Small Double mattress protectors instead.
Fitted Mattress Protectors for Double Beds
A fitted protector works in a similar way to a fitted sheet. The protective surface covers the top of the mattress while the fitted skirt wraps around the sides.
This makes it straightforward to remove for washing and means you can put your normal fitted sheet directly over it.
When choosing one, check the fitted depth rather than assuming every Double mattress protector will fit every Double mattress.
Do You Need a Deep Double Mattress Protector?
That depends on the depth of your mattress.
Measure vertically from the top sleeping surface to the bottom edge. If you use a mattress topper and want the protector to fit around both the topper and mattress, measure their combined depth.
A deeper fitted skirt gives thicker mattresses additional room around the sides, but choosing the deepest protector available is not automatically necessary.
The aim is to have enough depth for a secure fit without excessive loose material underneath your fitted sheet.
30cm Deep Fit
A 30cm fitted option can suit Double mattresses that need more side coverage than a shallow protector while still keeping the fit relatively close around the mattress.
40cm Extra Deep Fit
A 40cm fitted option provides more room for thicker mattresses or mattress-and-topper combinations that require additional depth.
Measure first, then choose the depth that best corresponds with your bed.
What Should You Look for in a Double Mattress Protector?
Start with the features that affect how the protector will actually work on your bed.
- Correct size: make sure you are buying for a UK Double mattress.
- Suitable depth: measure your mattress rather than relying only on the word “deep”.
- Waterproofing: choose this when protection from spills and liquids matters to you.
- Surface: a quilted top adds a softer layer beneath your fitted sheet.
- Washability: a removable, machine-washable protector is easier to include in your regular bedding care.
- Fitted construction: check that the skirt is appropriate for the depth of your mattress.
What Should You Avoid When Buying a Mattress Protector?
Avoid choosing on bed-size name alone. Depth matters too, particularly with thicker modern mattresses and mattress toppers.
Do not assume that terms such as “deep”, “extra deep” or “waterproof” mean exactly the same thing across every product. Check the actual product specification.
It is also worth avoiding features you do not need. If waterproof protection is not important for your bed, a straightforward quilted protector may be enough. If spills are a realistic concern, choosing a non-waterproof protector simply because it is cheaper may not meet the reason you are buying one.
Does a Bedsheet Go Over a Mattress Protector?
Yes. A mattress protector normally sits directly over the mattress and underneath your fitted sheet.
A simple bed setup is:
- Mattress
- Mattress protector
- Fitted sheet
- Duvet and other bedding
The protector should therefore be covered by your normal fitted sheet rather than used as the visible sleeping sheet itself.
Can You Use a Mattress Protector with a Mattress Topper?
Yes, but check the combined depth carefully.
If you want your protector to fit around both the mattress and the topper, place the topper on the mattress and measure from its top surface to the bottom edge of the mattress.
If the combination is particularly deep, an extra-deep protector may be more appropriate.
If you are looking to change the feel of your bed rather than simply protect the mattress, explore our mattress toppers.
Mattress Protector vs Mattress Topper
They are different products.
A mattress protector is primarily there to add a protective layer between the mattress and your bedding.
A mattress topper sits on top of the mattress to alter its surface feel or add an additional comfort layer.
You can use both on the same bed, provided your protector and fitted sheet have enough depth for the complete setup.
Are There Any Downsides to a Mattress Protector?
The main issues tend to come from choosing the wrong type or size rather than from using a protector itself.
A protector that is too shallow may pull at the corners. One that is considerably too deep may leave unnecessary fabric underneath the fitted sheet. A waterproof protector may also feel different from a simple quilted design because it contains an additional protective layer.
Choosing according to your mattress measurements and the level of protection you actually need helps avoid most of these problems.
How Often Should You Wash a Double Mattress Protector?
A protector does not necessarily need to be washed every time you change your fitted sheet.
How often it needs cleaning depends on how frequently the bed is used, whether there has been a spill and your normal bedding routine.
Remove and wash it whenever it becomes marked or soiled, and clean it periodically as part of your bedding care. Always follow the care label for the specific protector rather than applying the same washing and drying settings to every fabric.
Is a Waterproof Mattress Protector Worth Choosing?
If protecting the mattress from accidental liquid spills is important to you, a waterproof protector gives you an additional barrier that a standard quilted protector does not provide.
If liquids are unlikely to be an issue and your priority is simply adding a washable protective layer between your mattress and bedding, the quilted option may be sufficient.
There is no single “best” protector for every Double bed. The better choice is the one that matches your mattress dimensions, depth and the type of protection you actually need.
Shop Double Mattress Protectors
Choose our quilted protector for straightforward everyday mattress protection, or select the waterproof quilted version when you also want protection against spills and accidents.
Still deciding which type or fitted depth is right for your bed? Read our mattress protector buying guide for a detailed comparison of quilted and waterproof protectors, UK sizing and mattress depth.
For other bed sizes, explore our complete mattress protectors range.