Bed bugs can wreak havoc within our homes including our mattresses. Bed bugs will clump under folds, along seams, within the mattress itself if any rips, holes or openings of any type are present. It can literally become a bed bug nest! This is where a bed bug mattress cover can be an asset in bed bug prevention.
Not everyone can just dispose of all mattresses in the family home and buy new ones. Imagine a family of five….that’s a lot of money just on mattresses, and in a situation of a re infestation, which happens at times depending on the variables allowing the infestation, mattresses will be once again contaminated. Not a good situation!
Mattress Covers to the rescue!
The remedy for this is applying bed bug covers. These are great because they seal the mattress completely, has no seams whatsoever, they are milky white enabling easy detection of any bed bug activity. The top rated mattress covers for bed bugs are rip resistant and will basically last a lifetime. If you are a constant shifter when you sleep, or you have kids, I guarantee you the cheaper versions of mattress covers will rip basically immediately.
The fabric is permeable allowing any green treatment applied to its surface penetrate further, neutralizing bed bug activity, but does not allow anything to come out, even newly hatched nymphs.
If you are interested in green options for your bed bug treatments check out “My top green bed bug products“ article for my personal recommendations and reviews.
Here is my top rated bed bug mattress cover that I have personally used on the field and in my own home, and have had positive feedback as a result.
Protect-A-Bed Mattress Covers
I recommend this brand because I believe they are the best in quality and strength. I personally can testify in the quality and feel of this product, and are great for bed bug purposes. Materials and accessories used to assemble this product are excellent. These covers are designed with a special “membrane” that allows the mattress to breathe, but seals out allergens, like dust mites, pet dander and of course, bed bugs!
Mattresses come in many shapes and sizes, so protect-a-bed solves this issue by creating covers of all sizes, uses and materials. Before buying covers for your mattresses, double check your mattress size and thickness to ensure they fit appropriately.
Protect-a-bed also provide kits for all components of your bedroom if needed. It’s a great option to save a little money, like box spring covers, pillow cases and crib covers.
Rip Resistant Mattress Covers….
Baby bed bugs known as “nymphs”, can be as small as a pinhead, enabling them to pass through the fibers of most fabrics, making them almost impossible to spot within our bedding set up. When newly hatched, they are translucent, allowing them to be almost invisible. It’s only after they feed do they start acquiring a reddish brown coloration.
Any rips, tears, open seams, faulty zippers, or holes will allow bed bugs to nestle within and eventually newly hatched nymphs will be able to move within the fabric of the mattress and bedding and initiate an infestation. For information on inspecting for bed bugs in your home, check out my article “Identify if you have bed bugs”.
Low quality covers almost always rip once you start sleeping on them. It’s just not practical to use something that lacks the ability to withstand human activity, especially on our mattresses! Once ripped, the seal is compromised and bed bug protection is no longer possible. I’ve seen mattress covers “taped up” to the point where it was more tape than cover!
Protect-A-Bed covers are designed to withstand heavy stress, giving you the ability to secure your sleeping area from further contamination. I’ve noticed they’re kinda stretchy moving around mattresses during treatments, so definitely a thumbs up for durability.
Patented Bug Lock Zipper
One thing that separates protect-a-bed covers from others is the zipper quality. Usually the first thing to rip on low quality covers are the zipper seams. Also, most don’t provide the same tight seal at the zipper ends, making these ideal for bed bug protection and prevention.
Some clients would prefer the option of removing the covers to wash them. In this instance, you need a sturdy zipper that won’t fray or rip while removing or washing. If washing covers, you may use a bed bug detergent to be on the safe side. If interested, check out my article on the top green bed bug products I recommend to my clients.
One drawback could be putting on the covers on your mattresses. Two people no problem, but if alone, you might have momentary difficulties getting it on, but you will eventually!
Waterproof/Spill Proof
When choosing a mattress cover, it’s important to ensure that the material it is made out of is breathable, and waterproof. When sleeping on top of cheaper covers with no breathability, it could become a burden during summer days, affecting your lovely sleeping time by making it uncomfortable and hot. Furthermore, after a while, because of lack of breathability, the plastic covers become brittle and “noisy” when you lay on them, and for some, this is outrite annoying! It also makes it prone to ripping and cracking. Protect-a-bed covers feel great when laying on them, and will forgive an accidental spill!
The Bottom Line on Mattress Covers
Don’t hesitate if afflicted by bed bugs. Do what it takes to rid yourself of this problem. If bed bug covers are a priority for you as it should be, even if you are getting new mattresses, these are the ones to get in my opinion. I use them myself and they are great. Throwing away your mattresses will NOT solve your bed bug problem. They may hide in places other than your mattress, so when bringing in new mattresses, it’s only a matter of time before they also get contaminated. By applying covers, you prevent this problem and as a result will help you recognize if you still have an ongoing bed bug issue without losing your mattresses again. If you are looking for some guidance on how to prepare for a bed bug treatment, check out my article “Preparing for a bed bug treatment” for some valuable information.
One drawback is that they can be costly compared to other brands, but in my opinion, it’s worth it. Other lesser quality covers will undoubtedly rip sooner than later depending on the level of human activity in your home, so when planning your bed bug to do list, this would be a great consideration.
Stay Green and Bed bug Free!
Wilson.
The Review
Mattress Encasement
For the ultimate bed bug protection, this brand is second to none. Will last a lifetime, so no need to buy over and over again. No seams where bed bugs may hide or lay eggs.
PROS
- Excellent quality materials.
- No plasticky feel to it.
- Takes a beating without ripping and tearing.
CONS
- Can be pricey for some.
