Top 6 Best Bed Bug Mattress Covers: Complete Protection for Your Bed

A mattress cover typically goes on top of the mattress as a barrier, while an encasement completely surrounds the mattress with a zippered closure on all six sides. Encasements provide complete protection, while covers may allow bed bugs to slip underneath. For effective bed bug control, always choose a full encasement rather than a standard mattress cover.

Vinyl encasements are typically fully waterproof but may be more prone to tearing and can be noisy when you move during sleep. They often trap heat, causing discomfort and sweating. Polyester encasements are usually “moisture-proof” rather than fully waterproof, more durable, and more comfortable, though they may still retain some heat. Vinyl is generally less expensive but best used for box springs rather than mattresses you sleep directly on.

Bed bugs can survive for over a year without feeding, so encasements should remain in place for at least 12-18 months to ensure all trapped bugs die. However, it’s best to consider the encasement the new exterior surface of your mattress and leave it on permanently as a preventative measure. Regular inspection for tears or damage is recommended to maintain its effectiveness.

No, bed bugs cannot penetrate through a properly designed and intact mattress encasement. Quality encasements have been lab-tested to prevent bed bugs from entering or exiting, as the insects cannot chew through the materials. However, the effectiveness depends on the quality of the zipper closure and ensuring there are no tears or damage to the encasement material.

For proper installation: 1) Remove all bedding and inspect your mattress for existing bugs; 2) Completely unzip the encasement and have someone help you lift the mattress; 3) Carefully slide the encasement over the mattress, ensuring it doesn’t snag or tear; 4) Close the zipper completely and secure any zipper locks or velcro seals; 5) Inspect all seams and the zipper area to ensure there are no gaps. Installation is best done with two people to prevent damage to the encasement.

Yes, most bed bug mattress encasements also provide excellent protection against dust mites and other allergens. The tightly woven fabric prevents allergens from passing through, and the full enclosure keeps dust mite waste, pet dander, and other common allergens from accumulating inside your mattress. For those with respiratory allergies or asthma, a quality mattress encasement serves a dual purpose of pest and allergen control.

Absolutely. Using a mattress encasement preventatively is highly recommended, especially when traveling frequently, living in multi-unit buildings, or after purchasing used furniture. Prevention is significantly easier than elimination, and encasements make your mattress less hospitable to bed bugs should they enter your home. They also extend the life of your mattress by protecting against stains and wear.

An effective mattress encasement should show no signs of bed bug activity on its surface. To check effectiveness: 1) Regularly inspect the encasement surface for live bugs, shed skins, or fecal spots; 2) Check all seams and zipper areas for any gaps or tears; 3) Place interceptor traps under bed legs to monitor for bugs; 4) If you initially had an infestation, you should notice a gradual decrease in bites and sightings. If bugs are appearing on top of the encasement, they may be coming from other locations in the room.