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A bed bug mattress cover can help prevent and treat bed bug infestations by sealing a mattress tightly.
In this article, we investigate whether bed bug mattress covers are effective against infestations. We also provide a list of the best bed bug mattress covers available on the market.
Bed bug prevention isn’t always possible, but people can use risk management strategies to minimize the infestation.
The key to limiting the effects of bed bugs is to spot them as early as possible in the mattress. Early detection enables:
- Reducing the risk of spread
- Control of the infestation
- Reduction of the risk of bites
Detecting bed bugs can be a challenge. Research has shown that while trained dogs can detect bed bugs in a controlled environment, their success rate in a real-world environment 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 act as protection for bed bugs. So far, tests with passive traps have shown that they are not effective.
To minimize the risk of infestation, people can learn to spot signs of bed bugs while traveling.
In student dormitories and other shared or temporary accommodation, the use of external bedding and linens can help reduce the chance of bed bug infestation.
Learn more about bed bug treatment here.
Bed bug mattress covers or covers provide fewer hiding spots for bed bugs. Their white color makes it easy to spot bed bugs. If a person discovers bed bugs on a mattress cover, they don’t have to throw away the entire mattress.
Bed bug mattress cover manufacturers also use a membrane that is resistant to bed bugs. The beetles can neither penetrate nor bite through the material of the membrane.
People can use bed bug mattress covers to completely enclose an infected mattress or to minimize the risk of a mattress being infected.
Wrapping an infected mattress will cause the bed bugs to starve to death over time. Bed bugs can survive up to 6 months without feeding at 22°C. Therefore, the jacket must remain in place for more than 6 months.
The bed bug mattress covers that people use to minimize infestation can still be infested. In these situations, people can remove the bed bug infested mattress cover and sanitize it using hot wash and hot dry cycles. These strict hygiene methods do not affect the integrity of the mattress cover.
After disinfecting and drying the bed bug mattress cover, the user must immediately place it back on the mattress.
Below we take a look at five of the best bed bug mattress covers people can buy.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these covers. All product information is purely research-based.
SafeRest Premium mattress cover with zipper
This hypoallergenic and waterproof mattress cover is designed to prevent bed bugs.
The micro zipper closes the entire path to ensure there are no small gaps for bed bugs to enter. There is also a Velcro flap over the end zipper for a complete seal.
This product complies with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which means that it has been tested for harmful substances.
The SafeRest Premium mattress cover with zipper can be purchased online.
SureGuard box spring housing
This waterproof mattress cover contains a superfine zipper that completely envelops the mattress and protects it from bed bug infestation using Invisi-Zip and SureSeal technology.
Bed bugs cannot enter the mattress or escape an infected mattress.
The company claims it is suitable for people with allergies, eczema, or asthma.
This mattress cover is easy to install and easy to clean.
The SureGuard Box Spring Encasement can be purchased online.
Utopia Bed Linen Premium Mattress Encasement
This product is a waterproof case with zipper and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification. It is protected against bed bugs and dust mites.
The cover with zipper surrounds the mattress so that bed bugs that live in bed rails, carpets, luggage or other objects cannot enter.
The zipper protector ensures that the zipper seals the mattress firmly and completely.
The Utopia Bedding Premium mattress housing can be purchased online.
CleanRest mattress cover
This product has a patented self-locking Zip-N-Click zipper housing. It snaps shut to prevent bed bugs from infecting the mattress. The patented zipper also prevents accidental opening.
The company claims this product allows for cooler, drier sleep. They also state that this zipper technology is easier to use and more secure than hook and loop fasteners.
The mattress topper is guaranteed for 5 years.
The CleanRest mattress housing can be purchased online.
Protect-A-Bed AllerZip Smooth Encasement
This product keeps the mattress clean and bed bug proof.
It has a patented BugLock Secure Seal, a three-sided zipper that prevents bed bugs from entering or escaping the mattress.
The mattress cover is certified according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and has been classified as a class 1 medical product by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Protect-A-Bed AllerZip Smooth Encasement can be purchased online.
There is no specific treatment for bed bug bites. For itching and inflammation, over-the-counter topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines can help.
People who have a skin reaction from a bed bug bite may find that topical steroids help control the inflammation.
Without treatment, experts suggest that symptoms of bed bug bites go away within 1–2 weeks.
If the bites appear infected, the person needs medical attention. In some cases, doctors may recommend antibiotic or antiseptic treatment.
Find out more about bed bug bites here.
Some people may develop severe anxiety or a secondary delusional-like syndrome associated with bed bugs. Psychological therapy can be helpful for these people.
People may need pest control services to prevent an infestation from spreading or to eradicate bed bugs from a home or lodging.
Preventing bed bug infestations isn’t always possible, but risk management strategies can reduce the risk of infestation and bites.
Bed bug mattress covers seal an infected mattress. Once sealed, the bed bugs cannot escape. Without food, they will eventually die over time.
Using a bed bug mattress cover on an uninfected mattress can prevent bed bugs from getting into the mattress in the first place.
