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A bed bug mattress cover can help prevent and treat bed bug infestations by tightly sealing a mattress.

In this article, we explore whether bed bug mattress covers work to prevent infestations. We also provide a list of some of the best bed bug mattress covers available on the market.

Bed bug prevention is not always possible, but people can use risk management strategies to minimize infestations.

The key to limiting the effects of bed bugs is to detect them in the mattress as early as possible. Early detection allows for:

The detection of bed bugs can be challenging. Research has shown that although trained dogs can detect bed bugs in a controlled environment, their success rate in a real-world setting is low.

Other options include two types of bed bug-monitoring devices: active and passive. Active traps have various attractants, such as heat, carbon dioxide, and other chemicals. Passive traps do not have attractants, but they act as a shelter for bed bugs. So far, tests with passive traps have demonstrated that they are not effective.

To minimize infestation risks, people can learn how to recognize signs of bed bugs while traveling.

In student accommodation and other shared or temporary lodging, using external bedding and linen can help reduce the likelihood of a bed bug infestation.

Learn about treating bed bugs here.

Bed bug mattress covers or encasements provide fewer hiding spots for bed bugs. Their white color makes it easier to detect bed bugs. Also, if a person spots bed bugs on a mattress cover, they do not need to discard the whole mattress.

Manufacturers of bed bug mattress covers also use a membrane that is resistant to bed bugs. The bugs can neither penetrate nor bite through the material of the membrane.

People can use bed bug mattress covers to encase an infested mattress completely or minimize the risk of a mattress becoming infested.

The bed bug mattress covers that people use to minimize infestations may still become infested. In these situations, people can remove the infested bed bug mattress cover and sanitize it with hot wash and hot dry cycles. These harsh sanitation methods will not compromise the integrity of the mattress cover.

After sanitizing and drying the bed bug mattress cover, the user must put it back on the mattress immediately.

Medical News Today chooses products based on the following criteria where possible:

Below, we look at five of the best bed bug mattress covers that people can purchase.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

This hypoallergenic and waterproof mattress cover is designed for bed bug prevention.

The micro-zipper closes the entire way to ensure that there are no small gaps that bed bugs can enter. There is also a Velcro flap over the end zipper to create a complete seal.

This product meets the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, meaning that it has undergone testing for harmful substances.

According to reviews, this cover is comfortable, provides a secure fit, and is easy to place onto a mattress.

However, those who left more negative reviews stated that the cover may make loud noises against bed sheets and that the company’s customer service may not be helpful.

Price: The SafeRest Premium Zippered Mattress Encasement has a list price starting from around $42.

This waterproof polyester mattress cover contains a super fine zipper, using Invisi-Zip and SureSeal technology to encase the mattress completely and seal it off from bed bug infestation.

Bed bugs are unable to enter the mattress or escape an infested mattress.

The company claim that it is suitable for people who have allergies, eczema, or asthma.

This product has six-sided protection and a soft and noiseless design. Additionally, reviewers report it is simple to install and clean.

However, other reviewers state that it may damage washing machines and may not fit well on the mattress, leading to sagging.

Price: The SurgeGuard Box Spring Encasement has a list price starting from around $43.

This product is a polyester, waterproof zippered encasement that has Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification. It is bed bug- and dust mite-proof.

The zippered cover encloses the mattress so that bed bugs living in bed rails, carpets, luggage, or other items cannot enter.

The zip guard ensures that the zipper tightly and completely seals the mattress.

This product is available in six sizes, has a machine-washable design, and offers fluid and stain protection.

However, some reviewers state that the cover tears easily and may sleep hot.

Price: The Utopia Bedding Premium Mattress Encasement has a list price starting from around $22.

This product has a Zip-N-Click patented self-locking zipper enclosure. It snaps shut to stop bed bugs from infesting the mattress. The patented zipper also prevents accidental openings.

The company claim that this product allows for a cooler and dryer sleep. They also state that this zipper technology is easier to use and more secure than Velcro flaps.

Further to that, the product has other features:

This cover has a quiet design and may be tear-resistant and lead to a cooler sleep.

However, while this cover will fit most mattress sizes, it is not suitable for mattresses under 9 inches or over 18 inches deep.

Price: The CleanRest Mattress Encasement has a list price starting from around $60.

This product keeps the mattress clean and bedbug-proof.

It has a patented BugLock Secure Seal, which is a three-sided zipper that prevents bed bugs from entering or escaping the mattress.

The mattress cover has Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, and is certified asthma and allergy friendly.

Amazon lists other features as well:

This product has a noiseless design and is machine-washable.

However, some customers state that the zipper may break after several uses. Several reviewers note that the product arrived damaged.

Price: The Protect-A-Bed AllerZip Smooth Encasement has a list price of around $80.

This breathable mattress protector is stretchy and secure, with overlocking corners, and fits mattresses up to 14 inches deep. It features a six-sided zipper to fully encase the mattress and has a silent design.

Other features of this product include:

It comes with free shipping and a 100% money-back guarantee.

This mattress protector is available in six sizes. Additionally, the company offers free shipping and a 30-night trial 100% money-back guarantee.

However, some reviewers state that the cover may cause sweating and may not fit snugly over the mattress.

Price: The Layla Full Encasement Mattress Protector has a list price starting from around $114.

The company states that this polyester mattress encasement is shrink-resistant and hypoallergenic. Additionally, it features a zip-tight enclosure and a machine-washable design.

This product has a quiet construction and a soft feel. In addition, the company offers free shipping.

However, some customers state that the cover can be noisy when they move around on the bed and may have poor stitching.

Price: The Brooklyn Bedding Complete Coverage Mattress Encasement has a list price starting at around $89.

This microfiber and stretchy mattress encasement protects against bugs, liquids, and mold. The company also states that it is quiet and will not make noise while people sleep and move around.

This cover is compatible with most mattresses up to 18 inches in depth. Additionally, it is machine-washable and wrinkle-resistant.

However, some people may find it difficult to put the cover on larger bed sizes.

Price: The Linens & Hutch 6-Sided Mattress Encasement has a list price starting from around $90.

This product has a three-side invisible zipper and provides a secure fit. The company states it is suitable for people who have a mattress of up to 15 inches in depth.

This cover is machine-washable and is reportedly easy for a single person to put onto a mattress. Additionally, the company offers free shipping to the continental US.

However, the company does charge extra for shipping to Alaska and Hawaii.

Price: The Bedgear Mattress Skin Queen Encasement has a list price of around $130.

The following table compares the mattress covers in this article.

There are some factors that a person may consider when looking for a bed bug mattress cover:

There is no specific treatment for bed bug bites. For itching and inflammation, over-the-counter topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines may help.

People who present with a skin reaction from a bed bug bite may find that topical steroids help control the inflammation.

Without treatment, experts suggest that bed bug bite symptoms will disappear within 1–2 weeks.

If the bites appear infected, the person will require medical attention. In some cases, doctors may recommend antibiotic or antiseptic treatment.

Learn more about bed bug bites here.

Some people may develop severe anxiety or a secondary delusional infestation-like syndrome associated with bed bugs. For these individuals, psychological therapy may help.

People may require pest control services to prevent an infestation from spreading or to eradicate bed bugs from a home or lodging.

Here, we answer some common questions about bed bug mattress covers.

Encasement mattress covers provide protection against bed bugs. Some companies use covers with membranes that bed bugs cannot bite through.

A person may wish to use an encasement cover on a mattress that already has an infestation of bed bugs to reduce the chances of being bitten. Additionally, most encasement covers are white, which may help people notice bed bugs before they have a chance to infest their bedding.

Bed bug mattress covers are suitable for use year-round.

Some companies state that an encasement cover may help extend the lifespan of a mattress by protecting it against liquids, bed bugs, mites, and stains.

Memory foam is a dense material and may be more resistant to bed bugs. However, bed bugs can still infest memory foam.

It is not always possible to prevent bed bug infestations, but risk management strategies may reduce the risk of infestations and bites.

Bed bug mattress covers work by sealing an infested mattress. Once sealed, the bed bugs may not escape. Without food, they will eventually die over time.

Using a bed bug mattress cover on a noninfested mattress may prevent bed bugs from entering the mattress in the first place.

Last medically reviewed on November 1, 2020

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