If you don't need your mattress protector to be waterproof, and you're happy to opt for synthetic materials rather than more breathable (yet more expensive) natural fibres, then we'd suggest you don't need to spend a fortune on a mattress protector. Steve Reid, CEO at Simba offers his advice: 'If your mattress is genuinely uncomfortable a mattress topper won’t solve the problem for long, if at all. While it might smooth out immediate lumps and bumps caused by old springs, it’s unlikely to offer extra support to sagging beds, and furthermore can trap heat and make your bed uncomfortably warm. They’re a great short-term solution, but the only way to fix your bed is to buy a new mattress. The downsides? Although this mattress protector is machine washable, you'll need to use a wool wash and avoid tumble-drying, so it's not as easy to care for as a synthetic option that can be bunged in the machine at 60°c. And it is an investment. Although if you're struggling to sleep because of overheating, we think that's an investment in your well-being well worth making. If you're looking for a cooling mattress protector then Woolroom's Chatsworth Washable Wool Mattress Protector is our top recommendation.

In contrast, wool does a great job of regulating temperature– perhaps no surprise seeing as a sheep's temperature-regulating fleece keeps it warm in the winter and cool in summer! – so adding a layer of wool between your body and your synthetic mattress can really help breathability.The biggest plus points are that our tester found this waterproof protector to be virtually silent when on the bed – no matter the amount of tossing and turning they did! And, unlike many waterproof mattress protectors, this design can also be machine washed and tumble dried, albeit at 40°c and on a low-temperature tumble dry. Still, we'll take all the convenience we can get when it comes to laundry day! That said, if you're after waterproofing, then adding this mattress protector to your bed is certainly going to prolong the lifespan of your mattress, and offer a very welcome, stress-free sleep. Bedding should ideally be washed on average every 2 weeks to keep it clean and refreshed. However, for those who suffer from night sweats or allergies, you should consider washing your bedding more frequently. How to wash bedding A mattress protector may seem like an unnecessary add-on. But they’ll do wonders for keeping your mattress guarded from spills, damages and dirt that may seep through your sheet (even without you realising). Ever noticed some marks or yellow stains on your mattress, but unsure where they’ve come from? Yep, a mattress protector will take the stain instead, leaving your mattress fresh underneath. This all contributes to the longevity of your, fairly expensive, mattress. How often should you wash a mattress protector?

This quilted option from Marks & Spencers delivers the best of both worlds, with a cotton outer and quilted polyester fill upper, and a water-resistant polypropylene reverse for discrete protection. It also washes well and that hollowfibre fill is made from certified recycled polyester from waste, like plastic bottles or manufacturing off-cuts. As the brand states 'recycled polyester helps the movement towards a more circular economy, reducing waste going to landfill. Compared with virgin polyester, recycled polyester helps conserve crude oil reserves during fibre production'. Not bad considering there are plenty of far more expensive options that aren't doing their bit for the planet, so all in all, it's a thumbs up from us.Secondly, the microfibre cover is satiny and soft to the touch giving it a little extra luxe, and the hollowfibrefill adds a small but not insignificant amount of cushioning.