This $31 protector saved my mattress from an unfortunate bed-wetting incident — I recommend it for anyone with kids or pets

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• A mattress protector is one of the most underrated items you can buy for your home.
• After testing 13 mattress protectors, I bought the Lucid Premium when I needed a protector.
• It's affordable and protected a $14,000 bed when a family member had an accident.

Have you ever seen a mattress by the side of the road and wondered why it was there? Me either, but I get the sneaking suspicion that most of those mattresses would still be in commission if the owners had spent a few bucks on a mattress protector.

A mattress is one of the most important purchases you'll make. Unfortunately, this purchase can be destroyed by a spill or other liquid accident. Luckily, for under $40, a protector will keep your mattress dry and off the streets.

With its outstanding waterproof properties and ease of use, the Lucid Premium Terry Top Mattress Protector is what I purchased when I wanted to protect the $14,000 Duxiana Dux 6006 bed I was testing. 

Setup and specs

The Lucid Premium Waterproof Mattress Protector goes on like a fitted sheet. You'll want to make sure the terry side is facing up. Since the top of the protector is the only waterproof part, make sure that it goes right to the edge for maximum protection.

Review of Lucid Premium Terry Top Mattress Protector

I've tested more than a dozen mattress protectors for our guide and while the Lucid Premium Terry Top wasn't a top pick, it was the most budget friendly, so it's ultimately what I ordered to protect an expensive bed I was testing.

And believe me, I put this mattress protector through its paces. Not only did I do my standard tests of water resistance (a cup of water on the protector left to sit for two hours, wash the protector five times, repeat the test), but I got some "real world" testing when a family member had an accident on the fancy bed. Fortunately, the mattress protector did it's job in every instance: none of the liquid seeped through. 

This excellent protection against water is particularly impressive considering the Lucid Premium protector is only $31. 

Best of all, it's super adaptable: the protector fits mattresses up to 22 inches thick (and doesn't hang down or look unsightly on thinner mattresses) and cleans up easily in the washing machine.

Cons to consider

The Lucid Premium protector does rustle a bit when you move around on it. That said, the sound hasn't disturbed my sleep. It also seemed to run a bit hot when I measured using a laser thermometer, so you may want to consider a different model if you tend to overheat at night.

The biggest con, however, is that the Lucid Premium Terry Top Mattress Protector only protects the top of your mattress. The skirt around the sides is not waterproof. And, this protector does not protect against bed bugs. 

The bottom line

A mattress is an expensive purchase. Spend a few extra bucks to protect it. I'm happy with my purchase of the Lucid Premium Terry Top Mattress Protector, and I think you will be too. By my calculations, it's already paid for itself by keeping the fancy bed pee-free. 

Pros: Waterproof, 15-year warranty, fits mattresses up to 22 inches thick, affordable, easy to clean

Cons: Noisier than other protectors, runs hot, only protects the top of your mattress