What mattress protector should a rental bed have, and how many?
Short answer
Every rental bed needs a waterproof, fitted mattress protector deep enough for the mattress plus any topper. Own 2 per bed with on-site laundry (one on the bed, one in the wash) and 3 when laundry goes out. Measure the mattress first: a protector that fits up to 12 in won't stay on a 14 in pillow-top.
A mattress costs far more than any sheet, and one spill can ruin it. A protector is the cheapest insurance in the bedroom, and it only works if it fits and gets washed between stays.
How many to buy
HostCalmly counts protectors per bed × cycles: 2 per bed with on-site laundry and 3 with off-site laundry. A second one means the bed never sits bare while one is in the dryer.
| Beds | On-site laundry | Off-site laundry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 2 | 4 | 6 |
| 3 | 6 | 9 |
| 4 | 8 | 12 |
Sofa beds and bunks get their own protectors in the size of their mattress.
What to check before you buy
- Depth. Measure the mattress with any topper on. Buy a protector rated at least 1 in deeper. Product pages state the maximum depth; we show it on every protector we list.
- Waterproof but quiet. A waterproof backing protects the mattress; a cotton or terry top keeps it from crinkling under guests.
- Fitted, not zippered, for everyday use. A fitted protector goes on and off like a sheet, so it gets washed every stay. A zippered encasement stays on the mattress under the fitted protector, for bedbug protection.
- Care. Most say warm wash and low dryer heat. High heat can damage the waterproof layer, so tell your cleaner.
- Exact size. Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King all differ. Buy each bed's own size.
Hypothetical example: a King, a Queen and a sofa bed
On-site laundry.
- King: 2 King protectors, the mattress is 13 in deep, so buy one rated 14 in or more
- Queen: 2 Queen protectors
- Queen sofa bed: 2 Queen protectors made for thin mattresses, or a shallow fitted one that won't bunch
Count linens for your beds
Enter your beds and laundry routine. See how many sheet sets and towels you need.
Count protectors for my bedsCounts for 4 guests: a Queen bed in each of 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, laundry on site. Different beds? The planner counts your exact home and remembers it.
Protectors to buy for Queen beds
Enter what you already own; only the gap is bought.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It doesn't change which products we list or how they're ordered. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How we make money
- Waterproof mattress protector, QueenNeed 4Buy 4
- IKEA SOTNÄTFJÄRIL waterproof mattress protector: 4 · $199.96 at the price we sawView at IKEA US (opens in a new tab)
- Amazon Basics Waterproof breathable mattress protector: 4Check price on Amazon (affiliate link) (opens in a new tab)
- Zippered pillow protectorsNeed 4Buy 4
- IKEA ÄNGSKORN pillow protector: 4 · $39.96 at the price we sawView at IKEA US (opens in a new tab)
- Sleeping pillowsNeed 4Buy 4
- IKEA SKOGSFRÄKEN pillow: 4 · $79.96 at the price we sawView at IKEA US (opens in a new tab)
- Utopia Bedding Gusset bed pillows: 2 packs of 2Check price on Amazon (affiliate link) (opens in a new tab)
Stores are listed in the same order everywhere on HostCalmly, whatever a link earns. All picks and how we choose them
Frequently asked questions
Do rental beds need a mattress protector?
Yes. It's the main defense against spills and stains. Many hosts also count on it to keep a mattress in a condition that holds up if a damage claim is ever needed.
How often should a rental mattress protector be washed?
At every turnover with the sheets, which is why you need 2 per bed: one on the bed and one in the wash.
Waterproof mattress protector or encasement?
Both have a place. A fitted waterproof protector is washed every stay. A zippered encasement stays on long term and adds bedbug protection under it.
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