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- 100% waterproof
- Sleeps cool
- Wide range of sizes
- Not the cheapest waterproof option
Want to keep your mattress in good condition for longer? Investing in a decent mattress protector is the key here: these simple fabric coverings protect your bed from dirt, stains and – if you buy a waterproof protector – spills.
The Panda Bamboo mattress protector is one of the best mattress protectors you can buy: it’s waterproof, sleeps cool and is also a promising option for the eco conscious.
Panda Bamboo mattress protector: What you need to know
The Panda mattress protector arrives in fully recyclable packaging, with the topper itself rolled up in a neat little white bamboo bag. As it’s not vacuum sealed, it’s also possible to fit the protector back into this bag after unrolling should you need to store it away (I checked!).
Construction wise, the top layer of the protector is made from 70% bamboo and 30% cotton, underneath which is the brand’s “Nano TPU” material: this is non-toxic, recyclable, waterproof and, crucially, silent. The protector’s 32cm skirt is made from 100% polyester, which is slightly disappointing considering the brand’s otherwise eco-friendly credentials. However, when we reached out to Panda, the brand told us that it uses recycled polyester here, which is somewhat reassuring.
It comes in both UK and EU sizes, with prices starting at £30 for a UK single and rising to £50 for an EU Emperor. The UK double that I tested will cost you £37, which is not the cheapest option available (even for a waterproof protector), but it’s slightly cheaper than one of its main competitors: the Nectar mattress protector (£45 for a double). You’ll also get a 30-night trial period with the Panda protector and, if you don’t get on with it, you can return it for a full refund, with the brand covering the postage fee too – a perk we usually see reserved for bed-in-a-box mattresses and more expensive bedding.
The Panda mattress protector is machine washable at up to 50°C and can be tumble dried, although Panda recommends air drying as it’s better for the fabric. It’s also hypoallergenic and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
How well does it work?
I run the same tests on all mattress protectors so I can ensure consistency, sandwiching the protector between old polycotton sheets and pouring coffee over the top sheet to see how waterproof each topper is. For this test, I use coffee/water solutions of various strengths (1.5tsp of coffee in 25ml of water, 3tsp coffee in 50ml of water, 4.5tsp in 75ml and 6tsp in 100ml) and wait five minutes after pouring each to assess the results.
As I hoped from a waterproof design, the Panda mattress topper excelled here, with no coffee seeping through to the bottom sheet. And after one wash at 40°C, the stains were removed from the protector too (although it was ever so slightly discoloured).
What’s it like to sleep on?
Of course, you’re not going to sleep directly on a protector but you will probably feel it when it’s directly under your top sheet. I’m pleased to report that the Panda, despite being waterproof, felt incredibly silky and smooth to lie on, with no crinkling noises to report. The keeps it in place on the bed and stretches further than I expected. I’m currently sleeping on the 33cm Slumberland Air 6.0 mattress with the Dorma Full Forever mattress topper and impressively, the Panda protector covered both with very little issue.
The resident hot sleeper of the house (my long-suffering husband) found the Panda very breathable, feeling that it actually kept him ever so slightly cooler than usual – bamboo and cotton, being natural materials, are known for being more breathable than synthetic alternatives. We were impressed with Panda’s thin Nano TPU layer too, which is successfully waterproof without adding any bulk or claminess to the protector. In fact, I was initially concerned that I’d find the Panda protector too cool, but it was very pleasant to sleep on and kept me at a comfortable temperature all night.
Should I buy the Panda London Bamboo mattress protector?
When I tested the Nectar mattress protector last month, I thought it would be pretty impossible to beat when it comes to comfortable waterproof toppers. But the Panda just about beats it: its texture is smoother and there’s no trace of crinkling from its waterproof layer, however much you toss and turn.
It’s also marginally cheaper than the Nectar protector and comes in an impressive range of sizes. This and the fact that you can tumble dry it means I have no hesitation in recommending the Panda to anyone wanting to keep cool and comfortable overnight.
