How Effective Are Bed Bug Mattress Covers

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
18 min read

We have found that the answer to the question of whether or not bed bug mattress covers are effective is nuanced. Because of the factors that must be taken into account to guarantee the cover’s efficacy, the end result is not simple. To learn more, please keep reading:

Moreover, please inspect the bed for any major damage. The pests could spread to other parts of the house, so maybe it’s time to get rid of it. This may be more relevant to you, so here’s how to get rid of a mattress contaminated with bed bugs.

Are Bed Bug Mattress Covers Effective?

Bed bug mattress covers are effective but there’s a limitation to consider

If your mattress has been infested with bed bugs, it is highly recommended that you purchase a mattress cover. A mattress cover designed to prevent bed bugs is a useful tool for homeowners. After all, if bed bugs are trapped under the cover, they will go hungry and die.

The Best Bed Bug Mattress Covers to Keep You Protected | Terminix

An issue with eliminating bed bugs with a mattress cover is that they can survive without food for 20–400 days. The mattress cover is not airtight enough for the suffocation method to work. When it comes to eradicating a bed bug infestation, mattress encasements are helpful, but they shouldn’t stand alone.

Can You Still Get Bed Bugs With A Mattress Cover?

Most people are surprised to learn that even if they use a mattress cover, they can still get bed bugs. Putting a mattress protector on your bed is the best way to prevent bed bugs from making your mattress their home. You can rest easy knowing that your bed is completely bug-free.

Bed bugs can still hide in the cracks and spaces around a bed’s frame, so careful inspection is still necessary. They can be more easily located and eliminated if they are on the bed’s surface, but they can still hide in a variety of places. If you want full protection from bed bugs, you should use interceptor traps in addition to a mattress cover.

Finally, invest some effort into mastering the process of mattress fumigant. If you have discovered an existing bed bug infestation, fumigation should put an end to the pests and make their elimination much quicker.

How Long Do You Leave A Bed Bug Mattress Cover On?

The bed with the bed bugs must be kept for at least a few years. When you take it off too soon, you expose yourself to the possibility that some of the bed bugs inside it will have survived. Keep in mind that these pests can go up to six months without food, and that the mattress cover is not sufficiently airtight to quickly suffocate and kill them.

Bed bugs need food once a week, so if you take off the mattress cover, there’s a chance they’ll find their way into other rooms of the house. You need to make sure they can’t get into different areas of the house or use you as a human sled to get to different hiding places. The mattress cover should be washed in hot water to kill any bed bugs, including the eggs, before being used again.

Do Encasements Prevent Bed Bugs?

Due to the fact that you won’t be interacting with the bed bugs inside the encasement, you’ll be safe from them. However, a mattress cover should only be used as part of a larger bed bug management and prevention strategy. Depending on the extent of the problem, it may be necessary to call in a professional exterminator.

If your mattress is infested with bed bugs, an encasement will protect you from getting bitten. They can’t gnaw through it, but you still need to seal off any cracks or crevices that pests might use to sneak in. Be cautious about bringing foreign substances into your home, whether on a piece of furniture or on your person.

What To Do If You Slept In A Bed With Bed Bugs?

The Environmental Protection Agency of the United States reports that 113 degrees Fahrenheit is lethal to bed bugs. Anything that may have come into contact with the bed’s infested bugs should be sealed in a container and exposed to direct sunlight for at least a few hours. After that, wash everything in hot water, even if you don’t think you saw any bed bugs or eggs, and dry it on the lowest heat setting.

It is safe to venture into other parts of the home once you have determined that you are bed bug free. Also, look for evidence of bed bugs and treat any bites right away by washing the affected area. Use a corticosteroid cream on the itchy bites if necessary.

Bed Bugs In Mattress Encasements | Orkin Canada

How Do I Permanently Get Rid Of Bed Bugs?

  1. Infested areas should have all washable items laundered and dried in a hot oven.
  2. The best way to get rid of bed bugs is to get rid of the clutter and seal all the cracks in the room.
  3. Get in touch with a pest control service for efficient treatment of the infestation.
  4. Do not use the bed again until you have confirmed that all bed bugs have been eradicated.
  5. After that, set up a schedule of regular checks.

Deter Pesky Bugs With the Best Bed Bug Mattress Covers

Best Overall: Linenspa Zippered Mattress Encasement

To what extent does it have the support of the group? The Linenspa Zippered Mattress Encasement was selected as the best option by both BestReviews and The Strategist. 12

In other words, what are the opinions of the buyers? Over 91% of the more than 37,300 reviewers on Amazon gave this product 4 or 5 stars.

The Linenspa Zippered Mattress Encasement creates a waterproof barrier around your bed on all six sides. The soft, lightweight material is extremely effective at preventing the spread of bed bugs, dust mites, and other allergens thanks to its polyester exterior and polyurethane backing.

The non-crinkly fabric is much more peaceful than its competitors when you sit or lie on it. Mattresses up to 12 inches in depth can be protected by this cover, and it is easily removable for washing along with the rest of your linens. The Linenspa bed bug protector is backed by a ten-year manufacturer’s warranty for your assurance.

Best Budget: Utopia Bedding Waterproof Mattress Encasement

We suggest Utopia Bedding’s Bed Bug Mattress Encasement as a cheap and effective way to prevent bed bugs. The knitted polyester used in its construction makes for a soft, secure, and unobtrusive garment. The PVC backing is waterproof, protecting against mildew and mold, and the zipper closure ensures complete coverage.

The safety and ecological consciousness of this mattress cover are guaranteed by its Oeko-Tex certification and its ability to withstand the washing machine.

Best Hypoallergenic: PlushDeluxe Premium Mattress Encasement

The PlushDeluxe Premium Mattress Encasement is a great option if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic, bug-proof solution. You can rest easy knowing that your mattress is protected from all six sides by an extra-fine, nearly invisible zipper and a secure velcro flap.

Allergy, asthma, and eczema sufferers will benefit greatly from using this product. It prevents allergens such as dust mites, bacteria, and mold spores from making your bed their home. The inner layer is permeable, so air can flow while keeping moisture out.

PlushDeluxe guarantees the quality of its products for a full decade after purchase.

Best for Kids: SafeRest Premium Zippered Mattress Encasement

The SafeRest Premium Mattress Encasement is an excellent choice if you want to ensure your child’s bed is both comfortable and secure. A hypoallergenic terry cotton exterior protects a breathable, waterproof membrane layer inside this cover. It is incredibly comfortable, quiet, and gentle.

This bed cover is not only Oeko Tex certified for safety, but it also protects against bed bugs and keeps accidents from happening. Your child’s mattress will remain dry and safe from bedbugs and other pests thanks to this bite-proof and waterproof material. The velcro flap covering the bag’s zipper makes it much less likely that anyone will accidentally undo the closure.

When it needs to be cleaned, you can simply toss the cover in the washing machine with the rest of your linens.

Best for College: SureGuard Mattress Encasement Twin XL

SureGuard Encasement is the most effective bed bug mattress cover for use in university dormitories. It is available in both regular and twin XL sizes, the latter of which is frequently found in university dormitories. The top is made from a cotton terrycloth, while the sides and bottom are made from a polyester stretch knit. Polyurethane is used for the interior coating, which is why it is waterproof.

The bedbug-proof zipper on this encasement is so fine that it’s almost invisible, and it’s been independently lab-tested to ensure its efficacy. The bed bugs cannot get through the zipper teeth because of the SureSeal technology. The cover for your mattress is machine-washable, has a soft, quiet feel, and is extremely lightweight.

Best for Pillows: Four Seasons Essentials Premium Pillow Encasement (Set of 2)

Additionally, you should prevent your pillows from becoming a breeding ground for bed bugs at the same time that you are protecting your mattress. This is why we recommend the Premium Pillow Encasement by Four Seasons Essentials. Two pillowcases that can be stretched and are also breathable and silent are included in this set. You won’t be disturbed by the sound of rustling sheets.

These zippered covers are not only watertight, but they also serve as a barrier against allergens like bedbugs, pet dander, and dust mites. There is a soft polyester exterior and a polyurethane lining inside these cases. You can sleep soundly knowing that your pillows are completely protected.

Best Lab-Tested: Hospitology Products Sleep Defense System Mattress Encasement

Hospitology’s Sleep Defense System has been proven effective in eliminating bed bugs in controlled laboratory settings. The outer layer is made of a super-soft polyester knit, and it’s waterproof without being overly warm. This encasement has a zipper that locks on all six sides, protecting your mattress from dust mites, mold spores, and other allergens while keeping out pesky insects.

Best for Box Springs: Utopia Bedding Bed Bug and Waterproof Box Spring Encasement

The knitted polyester used in the construction of the Utopia Bed Bug Box Spring Encasement is of the highest quality, and it is backed by a polyurethane membrane to ensure that no moisture can penetrate. The stretchy, durable, and tear-proof material is perfect for many uses. Bed bugs and dust mites can’t get in because of the ultra-fine zipper. This box spring cover can be washed in the washing machine and is certified as safe by Oeko-Tex.

Best for Deep Mattresses: White Noise Fulghum Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Cover

White Noise Fulghum covers are designed to accommodate mattresses up to 18 inches in depth. It prevents the growth of mold, mildew, and other microorganisms thanks to its antimicrobial interior layer and snug fit. The top layer is made of a hypoallergenic, breathable cotton-polyester blend.

What to Look for in a Bed Bug Mattress Cover

Fit

Because these pests can climb, a bed bug mattress cover needs to fit snugly over the mattress and, if present, the box springs. The sleeve’s zippers should close without any pulling or gaps. Make sure the width, length, and depth of the mattress cover are compatible by reading the product description thoroughly.

Quality

Search for mattress encasements that have shown efficacy in third-party testing against bed bugs. (Most manufacturers of covers will list specs like these on their boxes.) There shouldn’t be any room for rips or tears, so the fabric needs to be tightly woven and strong. Bugs can easily escape through zippers, so they should be fortified with an extra barrier.

Comfort

A noisy mattress cover is the last thing anyone wants when trying to get some shut-eye. Pick a cover that won’t make annoying crunching or squeaking noises when you shift positions in bed. Waterproof covers are great for kids’ beds, but they tend to be less breathable and to keep heat close to the body. These covers are more pleasant to sleep in because they are made of moisture-wicking fibers and are resistant to water.

FAQs

How does a bed bug mattress cover work?

A bed bug mattress cover creates a substantial barrier between the sleeper and any bed bugs that may have infested the mattress (since bed bugs cannot survive without feeding on humans).

How do you wash a bed bug mattress cover?

Protective encasements for mattresses can be cleaned in a washing machine. In the hottest water possible for the type of fabric, use your regular detergent. When doing the final spin, slow down to avoid damaging the heavy cover. Most encasements can be dried in a machine, but waterproof ones need to be air-dried. To learn more about how to maintain your item, read the tag.

The Best Bed Bug Mattress Covers to Protect Your Bed in 2023 - Bob Vila

How long should you use a bed bug mattress cover?

It is recommended that a mattress protector be used at all times to prevent bed bugs. Bed bugs can be brought into the house from outside sources such as luggage, pillows, and other upholstered furniture, even if you are not currently dealing with an infestation. Leave the cover on the mattress for at least six months if you’ve had a bed bug infestation anywhere in your home before cleaning it.

Do mattress covers prevent bed bugs?

The only way to keep bed bugs at bay is with a mattress encasement, which is a special kind of cover that completely encloses your mattress and box springs in a tightly woven fabric. It’s common for mattress covers to merely encase the upper surface of your bed, while leaving the box springs and foundation bare. The most effective bed bug mattress covers completely encase the mattress and box springs on all six sides, closing securely with a zipper.

Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful in determining if mattress encasements are right for you. In conclusion, bed bug mattress covers are only effective if you leave them on for the full prescribed time period, at which point the insects will starve to death. Mattress encasements are available here, but a fuller strategy for dealing with the infestation is still recommended.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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