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- 100% waterproof
- Sleeps cool
- Lots of sizes to choose from
- Expensive
- Back and skirt are made from polyester
Investing in a decent mattress protector is a no-brainer if you want to increase the longevity of your mattress and keep it safe from stains. But not all of the best mattress protectors are created equal, with options catering to different needs – whether you’re after an all-natural protector, padded comfort or something waterproof for a child’s bed.
Simba’s TripleShield Tencel Cool mattress protector is waterproof, sleeps cool and is extremely comfortable. However, it does contain a fair amount of polyester, so if you’re looking for a natural protector, this isn’t your best option. Still, there’s lots to recommend the TripleShield Tencel Cool, so read on to find out more.
Simba TripleShield Tencel Cool mattress protector: What you need to know
Construction wise, the protector has a top layer made from 100% Tencel (a brand name for semi-synthetic lyocell fibre), backed with 100% polyester. The skirt, which is a generous 40cm deep, is also made from polyester. As such, it’s not the best option if you’re looking for a protector made with all-natural materials (such as the Panda Bamboo mattress protector), but the Tencel does mean the protector lives up to its name: it’s both waterproof and cool (more on this later).
The TripleShield Tencel Cool can also be machine washed on a gentle setting and tumble dried on a low heat, but do note that it can’t be ironed, dry cleaned or bleached.
Prices start at £59 for a single, rising to £89 for both a small double and double. A king is £99 and a super king is £109. There’s also a small range of EU sizes, with an EU single costing £69, an EU double £94 and an EU queen £99. The Simba TripleShield Tencel Cool protector isn’t the cheapest on the block, which – from our experience of the brand’s pricing – isn’t too surprising. That said, its prices are only a little higher than some other options that we rate highly, such as the Scooms 100% Pure Cotton mattress protector (£65 for a double) and the Emma mattress protector (also £65). Delivery is free too, and Simba offers next-day delivery “to most UK postcodes” if you order before 1pm.
How did it perform in our spill tests?
I run the same tests on all the mattress protectors I review, waterproof or not, to see how they guard against spills and stains.
I sandwiched the protector between two pieces of polycotton sheet before pouring different consistencies of coffee over the top (you can read more about this testing methodology below my verdict).
As you’d hope from a product that’s labelled waterproof, no coffee seeped through the top layer of the protector at all, so I’m pleased to report that it is indeed 100% waterproof. And after one wash at 40°C, the protector was free from most stains save for a very slight discolouration in the material, which eventually whitened out after a couple more washes.
What’s it like to sleep on?
I was impressed with the fit of the Simba protector. Its elasticated skirt fit the 31cm deep mattress I’m currently sleeping on, as well as a mattress topper, and stayed in place securely all night. It’s lightweight, thin, and I couldn’t feel it underneath my sheets. Perhaps most impressive is that, despite its 100% waterproof credentials, it’s completely silent when you move about on it.
While I confess that overheating is rarely an issue for me, my hot-sleeping husband felt that it was an excellent protector when it comes to temperature regulation. It helped to keep him cool and comfortable throughout the night, while my own body temperature was kept nicely consistent. This is perhaps thanks to its use of Tencel; the Nectar mattress protector, which has a similar cool feel, also incorporates this material in its cover. But Simba’s Tencel Cool protector is ever-so-slightly quieter than its rival.
Should I buy the Simba TripleShield Tencel Cool mattress protector?
The Simba TripleShield Tencel Cool mattress protector isn’t a budget option, but it is beautifully made and feels very high quality: I’m confident that this is a protector that will last.
It is expensive but if you can stomach the investment, there’s really very little to fault. It’s waterproof, totally silent and did a great job of keeping both myself and my husband comfortable at night. If you’re a hot sleeper, as he is, the Simba TripleShield Tencel Cool mattress protector should definitely be on your list of considerations.
How did I test the Simba TripleShield Tencel Cool mattress protector?
As I mentioned above, I carry out spill tests for all of my mattress protector reviews, using a solution of Nescafé instant coffee and water in various increments (1.5tsp:25ml, 3tsp:50ml, 4.5tsp:75ml and 6tsp:100ml). With the mattress protector sandwiched between two pieces of polycotton bedsheet, I pour the solution over the top sheet and wait for five minutes before checking how much, if any, has seeped through the protector to the bottom sheet. I then measure the size of the resulting stains and wash the protector according to its manufacturer’s instructions, determining how easy it is to clean, how long it takes to dry and whether washing the protector impacts how it feels.
In addition to my spill tests, I use the protector on my mattress as I sleep, which allows me to assess how comfortable it is, how much noise it makes as I move about, and whether it affects how warm I (or my husband) feel at night. I also judge how easy it is to fit the protector to my mattress, and how securely it stays put.
