Waterproof & Incontinent Mattresses
Waterproof & Incontinence Mattresses for Easier Everyday Care
Waterproof and water-resistant mattresses are designed for situations where hygiene, easier cleaning and protection from spills or accidents are important. They can be particularly useful for incontinence, care environments, supported accommodation, contract settings and domestic bedrooms where a conventional fabric mattress may be difficult to maintain.
Our collection includes several types of wipeable mattress, from waterproof foam and PVC-covered designs to breathable water-resistant sprung mattresses. This means you can choose the level of moisture protection, support and construction that best suits the person using the mattress and the environment it will be used in.
Waterproof vs Water-Resistant Mattresses
Not every mattress in this collection provides the same type of moisture protection, so it is important to distinguish between waterproof and water-resistant designs.
Waterproof mattresses use covers designed to provide a more complete barrier against liquid reaching the mattress core. These can be particularly useful where incontinence or regular accidents make frequent cleaning necessary.
Water-resistant mattresses are designed to resist moisture and everyday spills while offering different characteristics such as increased breathability. Our Nautilus-covered mattresses fall into this category and may suit situations where airflow and easy maintenance are both priorities.
If liquid protection is the main requirement, check the specification of the individual mattress rather than assuming every wipeable cover provides the same level of resistance.
Choose the Right Mattress Construction
Waterproof Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses provide a supportive sleeping surface without an internal spring unit. Combined with a waterproof or wipeable cover, they can provide a practical option for environments where straightforward cleaning and mattress maintenance are important.
Our range also includes a dedicated foam bunk mattress, providing a shallower option for suitable bunk bed applications. You can compare this with our wider range of bunk bed mattresses.
Open-Coil Mattresses
Open-coil mattresses use a connected spring system to provide familiar, traditional mattress support. Waterproof or water-resistant coverings can make this type of mattress more practical for care, accommodation and high-use environments where a conventional upholstered mattress may be unsuitable.
Pocket-Sprung Mattresses
Pocket-sprung models use individually housed springs that respond more independently across the mattress. They are a useful option where a more responsive sprung feel is preferred while still requiring a wipeable or water-resistant outer surface.
Which Waterproof Mattress Should You Choose?
The right mattress will depend on more than whether the cover can resist liquid. Consider how frequently accidents are likely to occur, the type of support required, whether breathability is important and how intensively the mattress will be used.
| Requirement | Consider |
|---|---|
| Frequent liquid exposure or incontinence | A fully waterproof, wipe-clean mattress cover |
| Occasional spills with greater breathability | A water-resistant breathable cover such as Nautilus |
| Spring-free construction | A waterproof foam mattress |
| Traditional sprung support | An open-coil mattress |
| More independent spring response | A pocket-sprung mattress |
| Bunk bed use | A purpose-designed bunk mattress with a suitable depth |
Mattresses for Care, Contract and Specialist Environments
Waterproof and wipeable mattresses are commonly required in environments where beds need to be cleaned regularly or used by different occupants. This can include care settings, supported accommodation, hostels and other managed accommodation as well as private homes.
For wider commercial requirements, explore our contract mattresses. Where resistance to damage or tampering is a greater concern, our challenging behaviour mattresses include options designed for more demanding environments.
Practical Protection Without One Standard Mattress Type
A waterproof mattress does not have to mean one particular construction or firmness. The collection includes foam and sprung designs with different types of protective covering, allowing you to balance moisture protection with support, comfort and breathability.
Check each product specification carefully to confirm whether the mattress is fully waterproof or water-resistant, its construction and the sizes available before choosing the most appropriate option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are waterproof mattresses suitable for adults with incontinence?
Yes. Waterproof mattresses can help protect the mattress core from moisture and make regular cleaning easier. For frequent or substantial exposure, choose a fully waterproof, wipe-clean model rather than a water-resistant mattress, checking the individual product specifications before ordering.
What is the difference between a waterproof and water-resistant mattress?
A waterproof mattress has a protective cover designed to prevent liquid from reaching the mattress core. A water-resistant cover provides protection against lighter moisture but may not withstand prolonged or substantial liquid exposure. The appropriate choice depends on the level of protection required.
Which type of incontinence mattress should I choose?
Consider the required protection level, comfort and intended environment. PVC and foam models offer practical wipe-clean surfaces, while sprung mattresses provide a more familiar sleeping feel. For demanding environments where damage resistance is important, a specialist anti-vandal mattress may be more suitable.