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Helix Mattress Protector vs Mainstays NexGen Waterproof Zippered Mattress Protector

Buy the Helix if you want a quiet, breathable, organic-cotton-topped protector that feels like your mattress and fits deep mattresses up to 16 inches. Buy the Mainstays NexGen if you want a full zippered encasement that seals the whole mattress, including the sides and bottom, and comes with a 3-year warranty. The Helix wins on feel and materials; the Mainstays wins on coverage and enclosure. Helix owners praise the noiseless, stretchy fit, while Mainstays reviewers like the secure zip and easy care, though some find the vinyl-free fabric crinkly and warm.

  • Choose the Helix Mattress Protector if you want a soft, noiseless, GOTS-certified organic cotton top that stretches over a deep mattress and stays breathable.
  • Choose the Mainstays NexGen if you want a zippered cover that fully encases the mattress, sides and bottom included, with a 3-year warranty.

Prices

  • Helix Mattress Protector: $12.98 at Amazon (last seen Nov 9)
  • Mainstays NexGen Waterproof Zippered Mattress Protector: $15.44 at Walmart (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Helix Mattress Protector is $2.46 cheaper than the Mainstays NexGen Waterproof Zippered Mattress Protector at the latest prices (Nov 9)
W
Waterproof Mattress Protector

Helix Mattress Protector

Waterproof Mattress Protector

4.5(2,602 ratings)
$12.98at AmazonChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Soft, stretchy jersey top that feels like the mattress
  • Noiseless waterproof TPU barrier
  • GOTS certified organic cotton
  • Fits deep mattresses up to 16 inches
  • Hypoallergenic and anti-microbial
Cons
  • Does not encase the bottom of the mattress
  • Pull-on fit can shift on some mattresses
  • Limited to white
  • Higher upfront than a basic fitted protector
Mainstays
Mainstays NexGen Waterproof Zippered Mattress Protector

Mainstays NexGen Waterproof Zippered Mattress Protector

4.4(33,797 ratings)
$15.44at WalmartChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Full zippered encasement protects all six sides
  • Backed by a 3-year manufacturer's warranty
  • Hypoallergenic and easy to maintain
  • Large review base with a 4.4 average
  • Practical alternative to vinyl covers
Cons
  • Some owners find the fabric crinkly and warm
  • Zippered fit takes more effort to install
  • Less breathable than a knit-top protector
  • Limited size options in this listing

What separates them

Helix Mattress ProtectorMainstays NexGen Waterproof Zippered Mattress Protector
CoverageFitted sheet style with a 15-inch skirt; covers the top and sides onlyFull zippered encasement; covers top, sides and bottom
ClosurePull-on elastic bandZipper that closes securely around the mattress
Top materialOrganic cotton jersey and polyester terry; soft and stretchyPolyester surface designed as a vinyl alternative
Noise and feelDesigned to be noiseless and replicate the mattress feelFabric cover; some owners report a crinkly, warmer feel
BreathabilityBreathable waterproof TPU barrierWaterproof barrier; less emphasis on airflow
Mattress fitFits mattresses up to 16 inches high; multiple sizes including Split King and Twin XLQueen size in this listing; sized for standard mattress depth
CertificationsGOTS certified organic cotton; lab tested for seams and water pressureHypoallergenic; 3-year manufacturer's warranty
Owner feedback4.5 from about 2,600 ratings; praised for softness and quiet4.4 from about 33,800 ratings; praised for secure zip and easy care

Price history

$37.99$12.98
Nov 7Nov 10
  • Helix Mattress Protector: lowest $12.98 on Nov 10 at Amazon.
  • Mainstays NexGen Waterproof Zippered Mattress Protector: lowest $30.88 on Nov 10 at Walmart.

Prices at every store

Helix Mattress Protector

  • The Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $26.39Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit The Home Depot
  • Leva SleepNew

    In stock

    $65.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Leva Sleep
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $12.98Checked Nov 9
    Visit Amazon
  • Bedder MattressNew

    Availability unknownReturn policy

    $69.00Checked Nov 9
    Visit Bedder Mattress
All 10 stores and price history →

Mainstays NexGen Waterproof Zippered Mattress Protector

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $15.44+ $5.99 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecHelix Mattress ProtectorMainstays NexGen Waterproof Zippered Mattress Protector
SizeSplit King, Cal King, Queen, Twin, Twin XLQueen
ColorWhiteWhite
TypeMattress Protector—
MaterialPolyester, TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)—
Protection PropertiesStain resistant, 100% waterproof, Anti-microbia…—
Length84 in (Cal King)—
Width76 in (King)—
Thickness20 in (Twin XL Deep Pocket Size)—
Care InstructionsTumble dry low, Machine washable, Machine wash …—
Closure TypePull On—
Age RangeKids—
Solution ForAllergies—
Show all 33 specsShow fewer specs
SpecHelix Mattress ProtectorMainstays NexGen Waterproof Zippered Mattress Protector
Typical UsersEveryone, Kids—
Mattress height fitup to 16" high—
Top materialJersey knit cotton—
Moisture barrierFood-grade polyurethane—
Elastic bandHigh-quality silicone elastic band—
CareMachine wash cold, gentle cycle, no bleach, tum…—
Skirt depth15” skirt—
Top layer material100% Polyester Terry—
Backing materialTPU material—

What reviewers say

Helix Mattress Protector

  • 4.5 / 52,602 ratings

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2,602 ratings, buyers generally find the protector soft, quiet and effective at blocking spills. Complaints center on fit and the thin feel of the fabric.

What people mention
  • NoisePraisedBuyers say it does not crinkle or rustle under the sheets.
  • WaterproofingPraisedOwners report spills and accidents stay off the mattress.
  • FitMixedIt fits deep mattresses well but can be loose on thinner ones.
  • Fabric feelMixedThe terry top is soft, though some find it thin.

Mainstays NexGen Waterproof Zippered Mattress Protector

  • 4.4 / 533,797 ratings

With tens of thousands of ratings averaging about 4.4 out of 5, most owners say it does its job: it keeps spills and stains off the mattress and holds up through washes. Complaints center on the plastic feel, warmth and a fit that can be snug or baggy depending on mattress depth.

What people mention
  • WaterproofingPraisedOwners say it stops spills and accidents from reaching the mattress.
  • NoiseCriticisedSome find the waterproof layer crinkly and noticeable under sheets.
  • FitMixedFit varies; some say it hugs the mattress, others find it tight or baggy.

Questions and answers

Which is better for allergies?
Both are hypoallergenic. The Helix adds anti-microbial treatment and a breathable knit top, while the Mainstays zippered encasement seals the whole mattress, which helps keep allergens out of the sides and bottom.
Which lasts longer?
The Mainstays carries a 3-year manufacturer's warranty and its zippered shell protects more of the mattress. The Helix uses organic cotton and a TPU barrier that hold up well with cold gentle washes, but its elastic skirt is the first part to wear.
Is the Helix worth stepping up to?
Yes if sleep feel matters to you. The Helix is quieter, stretchier and breathable, and it fits mattresses up to 16 inches. The Mainstays is the better pick if you want full encasement.
Will the Helix fit a deep mattress?
Yes, it fits mattresses up to 16 inches high with a 15-inch skirt. Check your mattress depth before ordering, especially on pillow-top models.
Does the Mainstays fit a Queen only?
This listing is Queen size. The zippered design wraps the whole mattress, so measure depth to make sure the cover closes without strain.
Which is quieter at night?
The Helix. Its jersey cotton top and TPU barrier are designed to be noiseless. Some Mainstays owners report a crinkly feel from the fabric shell.

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More comparisons

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  • Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector vs Mainstays NexGen Waterproof Zippered Mattress Protector

Buying guides that pick them

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Full dimensions
54” x 75” x 15”
—
Queen dimensions60” x 80” x 15”—
King dimensions76” x 80” x 15”—
CA King dimensions72” x 84” x 15”—
CertificationsGOTS certified organic cotton—
Core MaterialTPU polyurethane barrier—
Cover MaterialOrganic cotton jersey—
Construction Highlights3-layer system—
Fill Specialty StyleOrganic—
For KidsYes—
bed_size—Queen
multipack_quantity—1
WarmthCriticised
A few owners say it sleeps warmer than a standard pad.