You can save your bed from these parasites easily by investing in the best bed bug mattress cover protector. Bed bugs in infested homes usually live in or near mattresses and box springs. Learn how these mattress encasements can help you sleep peacefully.
Here I suggest the best products with different brands for your consideration. If you require additional information, just look at the links provided next to each product’s title:
7 Best Bed Bug Mattress Cover Protectors Comparison Chart
Top 7 Best Bed Bug Mattress Encasement Protectors Reviewed
The huge number of bed bug mattress covers can be overwhelming, so it helps to know some of the best products out there. After doing extensive research, we’ve compiled the best encasements in the industry.
Our picks boast a host of beneficial features that ensure you sleep all night peacefully.
Bed bug bites can cause sleep deprivation, anxiety, and other complications. Take a look at what a bed bug sleeping bag can do for you to improve your situation.
You can buy mattress covers from many online stores. You’ll have the added advantage of seeing how their users have reviewed them.
One of the most recommended stores to shop these covers from is Amazon. Here are some of the best bed bug covers that you’ll find there:
1. HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Sleep Defense System – Best Bed Bug Proof Mattress Encasement Protector (Editor’s Choice)
HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Mattress Encasement Protector is a 100% waterproof, machine-washable, and hypoallergenic bed bug protector that will not tear or stretch. The Sleep Defense System has been proven to be bed bug proof by independent lab tests. It’s zippered and can stretch over almost any size of a mattress. All HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Sleep Defense System materials are lead-free, phthalate-free, formaldehyde-free, and latex-free to ensure the safety of your family.
The double zipper closure system with tiny zipper teeth allows for easy installation while also providing a secure seal against bed bugs. This product is backed by a 5-year warranty which includes any damage caused by tearing, stretching, or stains from liquids such as urine or blood during use on an infested mattress.
The best part about this product is that it can be washed up to 50 times without compromising the effectiveness of the product. Why it’s best: No box springs required.
- Machine-washable, hypoallergenic.
- 100% waterproof materials to protect against bed bugs and allergens.
- Double zipper closure system provides a secure seal against bed bugs.
- Provides full protection for all mattress sizes.
- Breathable fabric won’t trap heat, so you can sleep better at night.
- Expensive.
- Bulky and not flexible for travel.
2. Linenspa – Best Zippered Mattress Encasement Protector (People’s Choice)
Linenspa bed bug cover is a waterproof, machine-washable, and liquid-proof mattress encasement protector. It fully encases your mattress with a smooth, lightweight fabric to form a reliable barrier against bed bugs, dust mites, and allergens. By zipper-lock with small teeth, the bed bug encasement doesn’t allow any bed bugs to go through it.
The waterproof polyurethane backing of the mattress is thin, quiet, and protects all 6 sides from spills or fluids. It is also vinyl-free, making it safe for kids.
Linenspa Mattress Encasement Protectors are available in 7 sizes:
- California King (72″x84″x12″)
- King Size (72″x80″x12″)
- Queen Size (60″x80″x12″)
- Full/Double (54″x75″x12″)
- Full XL (54″x80″x12″)
- Twin (39″x75″x12″)
- Twin XL (38″x80″x12″)
- Machine-washable bed bug encasement has a zippered closure for a comfortable, secure fit on mattresses up to 12″ deep.
- Keeps you safe from dangerous chemicals that may be present in other types of mattress protectors.
- Sleep more comfortably knowing that your family is protected from unwanted guests like bed bugs and dust mites.
- Unlike most bed bug mattress covers, this one is more comfortable.
- Elastic is not great.
- Very strong chemical smell but it will air out within 10 hours.
3. LUCID Encasement Mattress Protector – Best Budget Bed Bug Mattress Cover
I’ve been in the bed bug extermination industry for many years. Based on my experience, LUCID Encasement Mattress Protector is one of the best mattress cover protectors you can find on the market. It’s designed to encase your mattress, thus ensuring complete protection from bed bugs, dust mites, allergens, liquids, and stains.
This quality product also features a deep pocket design that accommodates mattresses 6 to 18 inches deep – bottom elastic creates a smooth, secure fit. It won’t rustle at night, and its smooth and breathable surface makes it comfortable to sleep on.
This bed bug encasement comes with an unmatched 15-year warranty. You can’t go wrong with this product!
- Keeps your mattress safe from bed bugs and stains.
- 100% waterproof barrier with a watertight zipper and sealing bed bug flap.
- Sleep soundly without worrying about bed bugs.
- May be too tight on thicker mattresses.
- The zipper may not be completely waterproof.
4. SureGuard Premium Mattress Encasement
With SureSeal technology and a super fine zipper, the SureGuard Mattress Encasement won’t let bed bugs pass through. It’s Greenguard Gold certified and independently lab-tested encasement.
The 100% cotton terry top has a zipper that can be used to remove the encasement when you’re ready to clean your mattress. SureGuard Encasement also prevents allergens like dust mites and pet dander from getting into your mattress; great if you have allergies or pets in the house.
SureGuard Mattress Encasement offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, you get a 10-year full replacement warranty.
If you’re looking for an easy way to protect your mattress against bed bugs, this is definitely something worth checking out. You won’t regret it!
- SureSeal technology and a super fine zipper.
- Easy to remove and clean.
- Keeps bed bugs from entering your mattress.
- The zipper can be difficult to use.
- It might be too hot for some people in the summertime.
5. SafeRest Premium Zippered Mattress Protector
If you’re looking for a quality mattress protector that will keep you bedbug-free, the SafeRest Premium Zippered Mattress Encasement is a great option.
It’s been independently lab-tested and certified to be 100% bed bug proof, thanks to its patented zipper design that protects your mattress from all 6 sides. The exclusive Micro-zipper technology prevents bed bugs from all life stages from going through the teeth.
The waterproof and machine-washable mattress protector is also soft and comfortable to sleep on, making it a great choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Plus, it comes with a 10-year warranty for peace of mind.
- Keep bed bugs at bay.
- Machine-washable and hypoallergenic noiseless material.
- Sleep soundly knowing your mattress is protected from all 6 sides.
- Lab-tested bed bug proof.
- Some users have reported that it’s not very comfortable to sleep on.
6. Hygea Natural Vinyl Waterproof Bed Bug Mattress Encasement
Hygea Natural is a waterproof mattress cover with a 10-year limited warranty, so you can rest easy knowing your mattress is well protected. This product is scientifically proven to be effective against bed bugs.
The vinyl cover is also easy to clean and perfect for bed-wetting, making it a great choice for families with young children. Plus, the zipper mattress protector makes installation a breeze.
- Keeps your mattress clean and protected from allergens, bed bugs, and other pests.
- Easy to install and easy to clean.
- Provides peace of mind knowing your mattress is fully protected from all kinds of pests.
- The zipper on the mattress protector can be difficult to zip.
- It does not protect against stains.
7. JT Eaton Lock-Up Total Encasement Premium Mattress Cover
The bed bug certified cover is breathable and quiet. It has a double zipper to facilitate easy installation and removal.
This is a bed bug mattress cover and encasement that is certified by the National Bed Bug Association. The terry cloth top panel makes it comfortable to sleep on, and the breathable waterproof membrane that doesn’t trap heat prevents leakage of fluids onto your mattress. With a double zipper for easy installation and removal.
- The material is quiet and breathable, which prevents sweating and heat.
- The mattress cover is equipped with two zippers, making it simple to put on or take off the encasement.
- These are machine-washable waterproof covers.
- The bed bug cover is not too durable and may tear easily.
- It does not have a good fit, which may cause bed bugs to escape.
What is the Best Bed Bug Mattress Cover and Encasement Protector in 2024? – Buyer’s Guide
Your mattress and box spring provide ideal sites for bed bugs to inhabit and quickly breed. Just a single pregnant female can bring forth all the bed bugs needed to infest your entire home within a couple of weeks. Therefore, it makes sense to make protecting your mattress a priority.
The right mattress encasement protector can help you discourage these pesky pests from taking up residence in your bed and destroy the existing bed bug infestation. Do bed bug mattress covers work? What should you do to get a bed bug mattress encasement that’s right for you?
Get all the answers to your burning questions about bed bug mattress covers here.
Do Bed Bug Mattress Encasements Really Work?
There are many different covers on the market. Some are impregnated with pesticides that are meant to kill bed bugs they come into contact with. The bed bugs need to be exposed to these pesticides for hours or even days before dying.
Because these bugs are unlikely to stay in contact with the treated fabric for a considerable length of time, these covers are highly unlikely to work. Another cause for concern is the fact that your skin comes into close contact with chemicals when using impregnated bed bug mattress cover.
The good news is there’s another solution that has been proven effective: an encasement mattress cover often referred to simply as an encasement. It’s a tightly woven case that seals off your mattress.
It serves two primary functions:
- Protecting against existing bed bugs.
- Preventing new bed bug infestation.
How it protects against existing bed bugs: Encasements will trap bed bugs inside your box spring or mattress, preventing them from feeding on you or migrating to somewhere else. Eventually, the newly hatched nymphs and adult bed bugs starve to death.
How it prevents new bed bug infestation: Bed bugs that are outside the mattress cover can’t penetrate its smooth covering and infest the interior of your mattress or box spring. The bed bug mattress cover also makes it easier to spot these insects because it eliminates the deep seams and crevices where they typically hide.
In general, bed bug mattress covers are white, making them easier to detect bed bugs and allowing you to take early action to prevent infestation. When you find bed bug infestation in your mattress, you may want to throw them away. Don’t do that before going there to learn how to get rid of bed bugs in a mattress.
I Need a Good Mattress Encasement
Not all bed bug mattress encasements are the same. An ordinary cover won’t be efficient in controlling bed bugs. That’s because the bed bugs will be able to escape or feed on you through their fibers. Using an ineffective mattress encasement that’s not designed to control bed bugs can be more harmful than not encasing your bed at all.
Bed bug encasements completely cover the object they protect, be it a mattress, box spring, or pillow. Their fabric has a coating that prevents bed bugs from sending their piercing mouthparts through and feasting on your blood.
A good bed bug encasement should:
- Restrict new bed bug activity to the smooth exterior covering, allowing easy detection.
- Keep the bed bugs already in your box spring or mattress away from you.
How to Choose the Bed Bug Mattress Cover?
With the many bed bug mattress covers available in the market, it may be difficult to establish the differences between them. Not all these mattress covers will be effective against bed bugs.
To avoid wasting your time and money, it’s important to know the features that make bed bug mattress covers capable of keeping your home bedbug-free. Let’s take a closer look at the things you should consider when shopping for covers for bed bug control.
Mattress and Box Spring Cover
If you have both a mattress and a box spring, you’ll need to buy a bed bug mattress cover for each.
Here’s what you should pay attention to when shopping for these bed bug mattress covers:
- Scientific backing
Reputable brands usually undergo additional tests to ensure the products are of high quality. Make sure the box spring cover and bed bug mattress cover you’re considering has been lab-tested or certified by qualified entomologists. Unproven encasements may promote the survival of these bloodthirsty insects. - Bite-proof fabric
Can bed bugs bite through mattress encasement? Most of the covers on sale aren’t bite-proof. That means any bed bugs living inside your mattress may still be able to feed off you through the fabric. The bed bug mattress cover you buy should be made of bite-proof material. The bed bugs in an infested mattress won’t manage to feed through this material. - Full encasement
Some manufacturers market their mattress covers as bed bug proof, but they just target specific parts of your mattress. An effective protector should cover your entire mattress. Purchase bed bug mattress covers that encase your mattress and box spring fully.
- Size
Encasements are effective when they fit your mattress or box spring tightly. They shouldn’t be too small or too big, so they don’t rustle and fold, leaving uncomfortable wrinkles in the sheets or giving these pesky insects a place where you won’t find them.
When you pick a mattress cover, make sure the thickness of the mattress is right for it. Measure the mattress and box spring, then find covers that fit snugly over them. Most mattress covers are made for mattresses that are 9 to 12 inches thick. Look for a thicker encasement if you have a thicker mattress. - Zipper teeth and location of end stop
The zipper-lock of your mattress encasement must have tiny teeth that are tight. Large teeth will be allowing the 3/16″ critters to enter and exit the cover smoothly.
The end stop is the area where your zipper reaches its resting position when you’ve fully closed it. A gap between this position and the seam will allow the entry and exit of bed bugs from your cover. Make sure that the considering mattress encasement completely seals at the end stop.
Plastic Bed Bug Covers
Most plastic covers are made from polyurethane-lined and vinyl fabrics.
Let’s see what each has to offer:
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Vinyl covers
Vinyl covers help prevent bed bugs from exiting or entering your mattress and box spring. However, they may not be favorable for some people due to the noise they make as you move around while sleeping. It isn’t breathable, so you can sweat while sleeping on it.Just like many other problems in life, it’s easier to prevent a bed bug problem than to cure it. Click this link to find out more about how to prevent bed bugs.
If the price is a big concern, this cover may be ideal for you because it’s the least expensive bed bug cover. You can use it to cover your box spring, which you don’t sleep on directly. You can also use a plush mattress pad for ventilation purposes. It’s easy to clean a vinyl cover with a dampened cloth.
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Polyurethane-lined covers
These protective covers allow your skin to breathe, reducing your tendency to sweat while sleeping on them. They’re covered with soft fabric that doesn’t produce noise as you move in your sleep.Polyurethane-lined box spring encasement and mattress encasement are considered Premium, hence they’re more costly than the vinyl type. They’re perfect for you if you want the additional comfort and don’t mind paying extra for it.
Couch and Sofa Covers
Bed bugs love infesting a mattress, a box spring, and a bed frame. However, you can also find them in other places where you spend lots of time such as sofas, couches, and chairs.
Sofa and couch cover trap bed bugs at all life stages within them, preventing them from eating. They eventually die. They also prevent new ones from settling in your upholstered furniture.
Here’s what you should look for when shopping for these furniture protectors:
- Quality. Some of the features that set apart quality couch and sofa covers from the rest are breathabilities, fire retardation, hypoallergenic, and waterproofing.
- Size. A cover that’s too big will make your couch uncomfortable to sit on whereas one that’s too small could easily rip and allow the nasty pests to escape. Get the full dimensions of your sofa or couch and ensure the size of the cover you buy matches them as closely as possible.
Pets with sharp claws can cause rips or tears, making these bed bug covers useless. For that reason, they should be kept off these covers.
Questions & Answers
A bed bug mattress cover is a cover that goes on top of the mattress as a barrier, preventing dirt and other things from getting onto the mattress. A mattress encasement is typically made out of thick foam or plastic and zips directly onto the bed creating a box around it, preventing any bugs from climbing inside.
Certainly, mattress covers can also prevent bed bugs, but there is the possibility of the bugs slipping through to the inside of the cover. Some manufacturers make both types (cover and encasement), though typically they are sold separately.
Thus, the mattress encasement is tightly sealed to keep bed bugs out. Some of them can even be submerged in water (for up to an hour), which makes them not only ideal for bed bug protection but also for allergy sufferers.
Both materials are thick plastic, though vinyl is slightly more delicate and prone to tearing. Polyester is a bit more durable, but can easily get hot during sleep, causing people to sweat.
Vinyl mattress protectors are usually waterproof, while polyester ones typically have a “moisture-proof” label on them. The upside of that label though is that there won’t be any sweat stains on the mattress cover.
Bed bugs can survive for over a year without eating. The covers are expected to take the same period to kill the resident bed bugs. You should leave your encasement on for at least that long.
It's best not to remove your encasement once it's installed. Consider it to be the new exterior surface of your box spring or mattress.
Bed bugs can't go through a plastic mattress cover because they can't eat or breed through plastics.
It's true that in the past, bed bugs have been found living in mattresses. If you're concerned about this, it's best to encase your entire bed with plastic material-whether you want just your mattress encased or the entire experience. The latter choice will help eliminate any chance of transferring chemicals from vinyl onto your body when you sleep-particularly if it is an issue for you.
Just another detail is that some people are so sensitive to allergy triggers that they'll get certain symptoms even with a polyester cover on their mattress, with most allergic reactions being triggered by dust mites who live within the fabric of covers made from cotton or wool. Therefore, if you are sensitive to dust mites, it is best to go for the vinyl mattress cover.
Conclusion
Bed bug mattress covers safely and effectively protect your family. While they may not eliminate the risk of an outbreak, they’ll help you avoid major bed bug infestations and identify the bugs far easier.
Once you purchase the best bed bug mattress encasement, be sure to check them monthly for rips or tears that can prevent them from protecting your mattress and box spring adequately.
Contents
- 1 7 Best Bed Bug Mattress Cover Protectors Comparison Chart
- 2 Top 7 Best Bed Bug Mattress Encasement Protectors Reviewed
- 2.1 1. HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Sleep Defense System – Best Bed Bug Proof Mattress Encasement Protector (Editor’s Choice)
- 2.2 2. Linenspa – Best Zippered Mattress Encasement Protector (People’s Choice)
- 2.3 3. LUCID Encasement Mattress Protector – Best Budget Bed Bug Mattress Cover
- 2.4 4. SureGuard Premium Mattress Encasement
- 2.5 5. SafeRest Premium Zippered Mattress Protector
- 2.6 6. Hygea Natural Vinyl Waterproof Bed Bug Mattress Encasement
- 2.7 7. JT Eaton Lock-Up Total Encasement Premium Mattress Cover
- 3 What is the Best Bed Bug Mattress Cover and Encasement Protector in 2024? – Buyer’s Guide
- 4 Do Bed Bug Mattress Encasements Really Work?
- 5 I Need a Good Mattress Encasement
- 6 How to Choose the Bed Bug Mattress Cover?
- 7 Questions & Answers
- 8 Conclusion
