Every parent can relate to the “when is this stage going to be over” feeling. And when it finally “ends,” a new challenge inevitably arises. Potty training while transitioning to a bed feels like the ultimate double whammy.
At three-and-a-half, my son moved into his Big Boy Bed. Then soon after, he decided that he’s a real big boy and wants to sleep in underwear. Cue my panic about his new, expensive mattress. This led me to researching every mattress protector under the sun.
During my research, I found myself wondering why we didn’t already have a protector on each mattress in our house. Google was quick to remind me that I’ve searched “why am I having horrific nightsweats” more than I’d like to admit, my husband is an incredibly light sleeper and will wake up to a pin drop, and my two-year-old daughter, who is still in a crib, is almost ready for potty time. So much to consider!
Come along with me as I break down my family’s requirements for mattress protection and the two brands I’m torn between and why: Saatva and Miracle Brand.
Saatva vs. Miracle Brand At a Glance
| Product | Price Range | Best For | Material | Protec- tion Level | Certification | Differentiator |
| Saatva Water-proof Mattress Protector | $115-230 | Potty Training, Pets, Non-Toxic Materials | Jersey Cotton Knit, Food-grade polyurethane moisture barrier | Waterproof | OEKO-TEX 100 certified | Fully Waterproof |
| Miracle Brand Mattress Protector | $159-189 | Hot Sleepers, Light Sleepers, Low Maintenance, Non-Toxic Materials | 100% cotton sateen, 300 thread count | Water-Resistant | OEKO-TEX certified | Swiss Silver Treatment for freshness |
Which Mattress Protector Is Right for You?
The Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector has the edge when it comes to the “full spill” protection and clear warranty with longer return period (+15 days over Miracle Brand).
A waterproof protector is a must for potty training and elderly pets, unless you are in an exclusive relationship with your scrub brush and hate solid sleep.
If you are a peri-menopausal sleeper or just a perspiring sleeper, who needs a breathable option while protecting your mattress, choose the Miracle Brand Mattress Protector.
This protector is going to give a germaphobe peace of mind between washes with its silver treated cotton squashing 99.7% of odor causing bacteria, while maintaining its treated cotton in every wash.
The protector is also ideal for those with children who have outgrown the accident stage or pets that aren’t allowed in the bed. Finally, Miracle Brand is your answer if you want the thinnest and most discreet mattress barrier.
What Protective Options Are Generally Available?
I was humbled immediately during the first research query, which pulled results like “mattress pad,” “mattress protector” and “mattress topper.”
Frustrated, I shut my laptop to come back the next day, realizing that this was not a simple Amazon buy. It was actually a thesis. As it turns out, the bedding industry likes to use these three terms interchangeably.
Let me do the heavy lifting and spell out the differences.
Mattress Pad
One may assume a mattress pad is just that: padding on your mattress. While it essentially is, the lines began to blur between pad and protector when I found Saatva’s Signature Mattress Pad.
Saatva is a leader in the bedding market. The company offers two mattress pads: the Signature Mattress Pad and the Organic Mattress Pad. The Signature pad is waterproof while the Organic is not.
Mattress pads are designed to offer a thin layer of protection (think everyday wear and tear, minor spills, surface maintenance) while adding a layer of comfort. They are generally designed with an elastic band to fit the mattress snug; similar to a fitted sheet, but thicker.
Mattress Protector
Easy! Protection for your mattress! It has one job: put a barrier between the sleeper and the mattress.
Levels of protection vary by brand and it’s your job to know whether you need a waterproof or water resistant protector. A newly nighttime potty trained boy’s brand new mattress…for this, I’m thinking waterproof. For occasional night sweats, however, perhaps your protector just needs to be water resistant.
Mattress protectors combat more than just liquid penetration. Some are designed to block out allergens, dust mites, and bacteria too.
Mattress Topper
The luxury add-on to enhance the comfort level of your mattress.
Did you purchase a mattress that isn’t soft enough? Here’s your solution with a wide variety of options from body hugging cool toppers to buoyant body contouring memory foams, usually 1-4” thick and lay on top of your mattress. These are not protectors for bed wetters.
The Head-to-Head: Miracle Brand vs. Saatva Mattress Protector
Now that I have a more nuanced idea of what to look for for my four-year-old, I’ll break down my two front runners of mattress protection and why each one earned their place here.
Miracle Brand Mattress Protector (Queen, $179)
Miracle Brand touts its tagline “Quiet protection, because accidents happen” and if that doesn’t scream “this is what I need,” then let me highlight why it should:
- Water-resistant (protects against light spills)
- Quiet design
- 300 thread count, 100% cotton sateen weave
- Smooth, soft, and breathable
- Swiss-engineered silver treatment reduces up to 99.7% of odor-causing bacteria
- Silver is embedded into the fabric which can not be washed out
- 30 day return window
- OEKO-TEX certified
Best for Hot Sleepers
As a denier of peri-menopause, I will blame literally anything else for my night sweats.
But I’m not too proud to try and fight it with cooling sheets and breathable protection. Miracle Brand does not have a moisture barrier, which means heat can escape freely all night with their water-resistant protector.
Paired with the specialized silver treatment, my anxiety of washing my bedding everyday will subside tremendously. Hot sleepers rejoice, we do not have to suffer!
With proper care, this mattress protector will keep your mattress fresh and your nightly heat spikes low!
Hot tip: Pair with Miracle Brand’s Miracle Made sheets for a cool sleep all night.
Best for Freshness and Low Maintenance Care
Miracle Brand’s core Swiss silver treatment makes this the superior protector time and time again. The treatment is not a coating that rinses off in your washing machine. It’s instead infused into the cotton ensuring that your mattress is as clean as it can be.
The protector is fully machine washable, so there is no extra work added to your routine. Throw it in with your sheets and keep your mattress fresh from 99.7% of odor causing bacteria.
Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector ($175, Queen)
This protector from Saatva truly sounds like a no-brainer on paper:
- Fully waterproof
- Non-rubbery food grade polyurethane protective layer designed for minimal noise
- Soft and breathable jersey knit fabric
- Fits 16” mattress
- 45-night free return window
- 1-year limited warranty
- OEKO-TEX standard 100 certified
Best for Potty-Training
I can’t even try to deny that this is my clear winner for my kids. The quiet waterproof protection paired with soft cotton wins this round because I don’t need my kids waking up at 3am for me to change them and then have to scrub the mattress. And god forbid, they sleep through it, that mattress is going to be toast.
One unprotected accident would seep deep into the foam layers and leave an odor that would haunt you for years to come (not to mention a hideous stain). It’s worth noting that Saatva also has crib and youth mattresses. The crib mattress has a water repellent treatment.
Best for Pets
With the same logic applied from potty-training, pets can have accidents, too!
I fear as my beloved Cavapoo gets older, her bladder gets weaker. As much as I do not want to think about those days in the future, my mattress is too expensive to put at risk!
Saatva states that it protects from allergens and dust mites, which also will help with pet dander. My only red flag for both pets and children with Saatva, is that it doesn’t have that Swiss silver treatment to combat the bacteria for breaking down odors and maintaining freshness between washes.
Where Both Brands Win
Clean/Non-Toxic Materials
Both Brands are OEKO-TEX certified and clean from harmful substances, heavy metals and pesticide residues. Neither brand uses PVC or vinyl which eliminates that hospital bed smell and noise when you roll over. If you are someone who prioritizes clean materials – these two both fit the bill. Notable to Saatva’s product line: they do have an organic mattress pad that is GOTS certified, however it is mainly for comfort, not protection.
Price and Value
At the price points of Miracle Brand and Saatva’s mattress protectors, the decision comes down to size, availability and sleep function. Both are in line with the median rates of mattress protection in the online market space and in the same budget when put side by side. When adding $115-230 to your expensive mattress, it’s really a smart decision to protect your mattress if you are hoping to get longevity out of your investment.
Size | Miracle Brand Mattress Protector | Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector |
| Twin | $159 | $115 |
| Twin XL | NA | $115 |
| Full | $169 | $145 |
| Queen | $179 | $175 |
| King | $189 | $195 |
| California King | $189 | $195 |
| Split King | NA | $230 |
Warranty and Returns
Both give you at least 30 days to try their mattress protectors and will accept returns if they are not suitable for your needs, so long as you follow their return policies.
Saatva has a post-purchase advantage for mattress protectors, however. Miracle Brand’s warranty mentions sheets, pillow case pairs, duvets, but it isn’t entirely clear if the protector has coverage under their purchasable two-year warranty.
| Coverage | Miracle Brand Mattress Protector | Saatva Waterproof Mattress Protector |
| Return Window | 30 day | 45 day |
| Return Cost | Free | Free |
| Warranty | *2-year purchasable | 1-year limited |
Final Thoughts
After writing my dissertation on mattress protectors, Saatva is going to go in both of my kids’ bedrooms until college. There will be sleeping accidents, snacking spills, and whatever else they decide to throw on their mattress without my consent. At least I know our pricey mattresses will stay stain free.
As for my bed, I’m all for the Miracle Brand Mattress Protector. The Swiss silver treatment and breathability sold me. When I wash my sheets weekly, I will feel at ease knowing that I am keeping my bed clean. After all, we spend one third of our lives in bed. We should be protecting our safe haven!