Short answer
All three stop liquid. TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a thin, quiet film that is the common choice on modern protectors; Casper's lists a polyester top with TPU. Vinyl (PVC) is fully waterproof and wipeable but tends to crinkle and feel warm. PU-coated fabrics sit between them. For most home beds, a TPU protector is the comfortable default; follow its care label, because heat can damage the membrane.
Key terms used on this page
- TPU membrane:
- A thin thermoplastic polyurethane film laminated to a protector's face fabric to stop liquid. Casper lists 'Polyester with Thermoplastic Polyurethane' for its waterproof protector's top.
- Vinyl (PVC) protector:
- A waterproof cover made of polyvinyl chloride. Tough and wipeable, but it passes little water vapor and can crinkle.
- PU coating:
- Polyurethane applied as a coating on fabric, rather than laminated as a separate film, to make it water-resistant or waterproof.
Vinyl (PVC)
Tough and wipeable
- Fully waterproof
- Wipes clean
- Can crinkle and feel warm
- Little vapor passes through
TPU
Thin, quiet default
- Fully waterproof membrane
- Quiet and flexible
- More vapor passes than vinyl
- Wash cold, tumble dry low (Casper)
Every waterproof protector has the same job: a membrane that liquid can't cross. The differences are in how that membrane feels, sounds and handles heat.
General information about mattress care, not medical advice. For allergy or asthma questions, talk with your doctor.
TPU: the modern default
TPU is a thin polyurethane film laminated to a knit or terry face. Casper's waterproof protector lists its top as "Polyester with Thermoplastic Polyurethane." TPU is quiet, flexible and thin enough that you mostly feel the face fabric. Its weak point is heat: Casper warns that "Heat drying could cause delamination and shrinkage."
Vinyl (PVC): fully waterproof, less comfortable
Vinyl covers are tough and wipeable, which is why they show up on hospital and dorm mattresses. On a home bed they tend to crinkle and feel warm, because vinyl passes very little water vapor.
PU coatings: in between
A PU coating is polyurethane brushed or sprayed onto fabric rather than laminated as a separate film. Feel and breathability depend on how thick the coating is.
How to choose
- Everyday bed: TPU with a soft cotton or polyester face.
- Wipe-clean surface needed: vinyl, with a sheet over it.
- Natural-fiber preference: see organic mattress protectors.
Whichever you buy, the care label is the instruction to follow; the maker wrote it for that membrane.
Sleep Sanitation's view
This section is our view. Sleep Sanitation serves Omaha, Lincoln and surrounding towns. Every visit includes dry vapor steam, HEPA vacuuming, UV-C light treatment, the built-in bed mite sensor on our JIGOO UV-C mattress vacuum and a moisture check before we leave. We take your protector off at the start of the visit, so you don't need to strip it first; wash it yourself per its care label while we work or afterward. The first mattress is $249. Call or text (402) 512-5658, or email info@sleepsanitation.com. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 to 6, and we return calls and texts on weekends.
Changelog
- 15 October 2026: First published. Sources accessed on this date.
Sources
- Waterproof Mattress Protector: Materials & Care · Casper
- How to Clean a Mattress · Purple
Last reviewed October 15, 2026. Manufacturer specifications and care instructions change; check the current version for your exact model. This page is general information, not medical advice. How we source and check pages: editorial standards.