When we first started hosting our Winnipeg Airbnb, one of the most important decisions we made was investing in quality mattress and pillow protectors. After years of hosting, these waterproof protectors have proven to be absolutely essential—not just for protecting our investment, but for ensuring every guest sleeps on a completely clean, fresh surface.

Why Protection Matters

Accidents happen. Whether it's a spilled drink, a child's accident, or unexpected spills, your mattress and pillows are vulnerable. Without proper protection, a single incident can damage expensive bedding that's difficult or impossible to clean. For Airbnb hosts, this isn't just about protecting your investment—it's about maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene for every guest.

Key Insight: Every guest deserves to sleep on a surface that's as clean as if it were brand new. Waterproof protectors ensure that even after accidents, your mattress and pillows remain pristine underneath.

Our Go-To Products

We've been using two specific products since we started hosting, and they've never let us down:

Jet's Home King Waterproof Mattress Protector with Zipper

This zippered mattress encasement provides complete 360-degree protection. What makes it stand out:

  • Full encasement: Unlike fitted protectors that only cover the top, this zips completely around the mattress, protecting all six sides
  • Waterproof TPU coating: The entire encasement is laminated with TPU, making it truly waterproof—not just water-resistant
  • Deep pocket design: Fits mattresses up to 15 inches deep, perfect for modern mattresses
  • Machine washable: Easy to clean and maintain, which is crucial when you're washing bedding frequently
  • Oeko-Tex certified: Made with materials that are safe for direct contact with skin

Utopia Bedding Waterproof Pillow Protector Zippered (4 Pack)

These pillow protectors are just as important as mattress protection:

  • Complete encasement: Zippered design seals the entire pillow, protecting against spills, stains, and allergens
  • Bed bug and dust mite proof: The high-quality zipper completely seals off the pillow
  • Comfortable fabric: Polyester knitted jersey feels soft, not plasticky or noisy
  • Machine washable: Easy to clean between guests
  • Value pack: Four protectors per pack means you can protect multiple pillows or have spares ready

Why We Replace Them Regularly

Here's the reality of hosting: accidents happen. A guest might spill a drink, a child might have an accident, or someone might get sick. When these things happen, we don't hesitate to replace the protectors. The cost of a new protector is minimal compared to the cost of replacing a mattress or dealing with stains that won't come out.

We keep spare protectors on hand at all times. When an accident occurs, we simply remove the soiled protector, replace it with a fresh one, and wash the soiled one. If it doesn't come completely clean or if we have any doubts about its condition, we replace it entirely. This ensures that every guest is sleeping on a protector that's in perfect condition.

Hosting Tip: Always keep at least one spare set of protectors for each bed. When accidents happen, you can immediately replace them and deal with cleaning later, ensuring minimal downtime between guests.

Durability That Impresses

Despite replacing them when needed, these protectors are incredibly durable. The ones that haven't needed replacement have been through countless wash cycles, and they still look and function like new. The zippers remain smooth, the waterproof coating stays intact, and the fabric maintains its softness.

This durability is crucial for Airbnb hosting, where bedding gets washed frequently—sometimes multiple times per week. Cheaper protectors would have failed long ago, but these have proven their worth over time.

Guest Experience Benefits

Beyond protection, these protectors contribute to a better guest experience in several ways:

  • Peace of mind: Guests can relax knowing they're sleeping on a clean, protected surface
  • Comfort: The soft, breathable fabric doesn't feel like plastic or make noise when guests move
  • Hygiene: Complete encasement protects against allergens, dust mites, and bed bugs
  • Freshness: Easy washing means protectors can be cleaned between every guest, ensuring maximum freshness

Cost-Effective Protection

When you consider the cost of a quality mattress (often $1,000 or more) and quality pillows, spending $30-40 on protectors is a no-brainer. These protectors have saved us from potential damage multiple times, and they've paid for themselves many times over.

For new hosts, this is one of the first investments we'd recommend. It's not glamorous, but it's essential. You might not think about mattress protection until you need it, but by then, it's too late.

Final Thought: As hosts, our job is to ensure every guest has the best possible experience. That starts with a clean, comfortable bed. Waterproof mattress and pillow protectors are the foundation of that experience—they're invisible to guests but essential for maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and comfort.

What We've Learned

After years of hosting, we've learned that the best hosting investments are often the ones guests never see. These protectors work silently in the background, ensuring that every guest sleeps on a surface that's as clean and fresh as possible. They've protected our investment, saved us from potential disasters, and most importantly, ensured that every guest can rest easy knowing they're in a clean, well-maintained space.

If you're starting an Airbnb or looking to improve your hosting setup, don't skip this essential step. Quality waterproof protectors are one of the smartest investments you can make for your property and your guests.