Mattress encasements isolate your mattress from bed bugs and are an important ally when it comes to bed bug management and prevention. But choosing the right one might be a daunting task, so we’ve done the research for you and gathered the five best bed bug mattress encasement options on the market.
We also included our best picks for pillow, box spring, and crib bed bug protectors so you and your family can sleep safe and sound once again.
Best Bed Bug Mattress Encasements — Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall Pick: Protect-A-Bed Mattress Encasement
With a breathable, waterproof, and bed bug bite-proof fabric, the Protect-A-Bed Mattress Encasement is our number one pick. Made with soft polyester, this encasement will give you a silent and peaceful night’s sleep while effectively protecting you from bed bugs and harmful allergens.
Why is this our top pick? Recommended by industry experts, including the Alaska Division of Environmental Health, this mattress encasement is certified by an entomology laboratory to be completely bed-bug-proof, making it one of the safest mattress encasements out there.
Besides the bite-proof fabric, the BugLock zipper will secure the encasement properly and won’t allow bed bugs to escape or invade your mattress.
Specifications:
- Fabric: Polyester
- Warranty: 10 years
- Zipper: The patented BugLock zipper completely seals the mattress against bed bugs.
- Washing instructions: Machine washable in hot water. Tumble dry on medium heat.
Pros:
- Certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
- Certified bed-bug-proof by an entomology lab and recommended by industry experts
- Three-sided zipper that makes installation easy for one person
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- It’s on the pricier side of the list.
Where to buy:
2. CleanRest PRO Mattress Encasement
In second place comes the CleanRest PRO with its extra cool and breathable fabric. Made with a waterproof fabric designed to block bed bugs, this zippered bed bug mattress encasement also prevents allergens, such as pet dander, mold spores, and dust mites, from making your bed their own.
What makes it the second best? Independently lab-tested, the CleanRest PRO is certified bed bug-proof. With its Zip-N-Click technology that completely secures the zipper into place, no bed bugs will enter or escape. Additionally, the seams are double-stitched to prevent tearing.
Specifications:
- Fabric: Polyester
- Warranty: 10 years
- Zipper: Zip-N-Click bed-bug-blocking zipper enclosure
- Washing instructions: Wash with warm water and mild detergent. Make sure the zipper cover is shut during the process.
Pros:
- Independently tested and certified bed bug-proof
- 10-year warranty
- Stretchable sidewalls for easy installation and strong, tear-resistant seams
- Zip-N-Click enclosure that secures the zipper into place
Cons:
- It is not certified as asthma and allergy friendly.
- It’s on the pricier side of the list.
Where to buy:
3. Mattress Safe Ultimate Mattress Encasement
Our third pick is the Mattress Safe Ultimate Mattress Encasement. This bed bug-certified mattress cover combines the best of bed bug protection with top-notch comfort: The patented Softcover fabric is completely waterproof, breathable, and fire retardant.
What makes it one of our top three? The Mattress Safe Ultimate Mattress Encasement is certified by an independent lab to be bed bug-proof and is also recommended by the Alaska Division of Environmental Health. The Softcover fabric is waterproof on all sides, impermeable to bed bugs, dust mites, mold, and bacteria.
If all that wasn’t enough, they also have the patented “Zipper with the Hook” feature that secures the zipper in place so no bed bugs can enter or exit your mattress.
Specifications:
- Fabric: Polyester
- Warranty: 10 years
- Zipper: Patented “Zipper with the Hook” that features a sewn-in loop and zip tie that locks the zipper closed.
- Washing instructions: Wash and dry at a medium temperature
Pros:
- Certified bed bug-proof by an independent laboratory
- 10-year warranty
- “Zipper with the Hook” prevents accidental openings that may allow bed bugs to invade or exit the mattress
- Breathable, soft fabric that is waterproof and fire retardant
- Has Plus+ Advantage sizes that fit bigger mattresses
Cons:
- The priciest mattress encasement on our list
- Ideally, it requires two people for easy installation.
Where to buy:
4. Hospitology Mattress Encasement
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Hospitology Mattress Encasement comes to the rescue. With high rankings on Amazon, this bed bug-proof mattress cover is made with soft and comfortable polyester and fits mattresses of all sizes and up to 18 inches deep.
What makes it stand out? Easier on your wallet than our top three options, the Hospitology Mattress Encasement is popular with customers and comes with a security cover that protects the zipper, preventing any bed bugs from entering or escaping the encasement. Additionally, the zipper on three sides makes it easy to put on by yourself.
Specifications:
- Fabric: Polyester
- Warranty: Five years
- Zipper: A security cover creates a seal over the zipper.
- Washing instructions: Wash in warm water and tumble dry on low or no heat.
Pros:
- Fully zippered on three sides for easy installation
- The sealed zipper secures the encasement closed so no bed bugs get in.
- Five-year warranty
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Some customers complain that the product is not as water resistant as advertised.
Where to buy:
5. JT Eaton Lock-Up Total Encasement
Another affordable option for homeowners is the JT Eaton Lock-up Total Encasement. Certified for bed bug and dust mite protection, this mattress encasement offers an additional waterproof layer on the top. Zippered on three sides, installation is easy to do alone, and the stretch-knit polyester fabric provides a smooth and breathable touch.
Why is it a good option? Because of the double zipper and the zipper-locking system, no bed bugs will invade your mattress. The JT Eaton Mattress Encasement is also certified as a medical device and provides the customer with great product quality for a low price.
Specifications:
- Fabric: Polyester
- Warranty: One year
- Zipper: Zipper locking system
- Washing instructions: Machine washable
Pros:
- Zipper locking system that secures it in place
- Zippered on three sides for easy installation
- Good product quality for a low price
Cons:
- Waterproof layer only on the top surface
- It has only a one-year warranty.
Where to buy:
Best Bed Bug Pillow, Box Spring, and Crib Protectors — Our Top Picks
1. Best Pillow Protector: Mattress Safe PillowSafe Encasement
There is nothing better than to sleep peacefully, knowing that bed bugs won’t bother you with their itchy bites. The Mattress Safe PillowSafe Encasement can offer you this bed bug-free rest. With the breathable, hypoallergenic fabric, this product will protect your pillow against bed bugs, allergens, and excessive heat.
Specifications:
- Fabric: Polyester
- Warranty: 10 years
- Zipper: Patented “Zipper with the Hook” that features a sewn-in loop and zip tie that locks the zipper closed.
- Washing instructions: Wash and dry at medium temperature
Pros:
- 10-year warranty
- Certified bed bug-proof by an independent laboratory
- Impermeable to dust minutes, bacteria, and mold
- The brand is recommended by industry experts and the Alaska Division of Environmental Health.
- “Zipper with the Hook” prevents accidental openings that may allow bed bugs to invade or exit the mattress
Cons:
- Relatively expensive product.
Where to buy:
2. Best Box Spring Protector: CleanRest PRO Box Spring Encasement
Bed bugs love to hide in the hollow section of the box spring. Reinforce your barrier against bed bugs by matching your mattress encasement with a box spring bed bug encasement. The CleanRest PRO Box Spring Encasement can help you with that. Certified as bed bug-proof, this box spring cover will keep bed bugs from ever reaching your mattress in the first place.
Specifications:
- Fabric: Polyester
- Warranty: 10 years
- Zipper: Zip-N-Click bed bug-blocking zippered enclosure
- Washing instructions: Wash with warm water and mild detergent. Make sure the zipper cover is shut during the process.
Pros:
- Independently tested and certified bed bug-proof
- 10-year warranty
- Zip-N-Click enclosure that secures the zipper into place
- Patented MicronOne fabric blocks dust mites and allergens and is water resistant
Cons:
- Not certified as asthma and allergy friendly
Where to buy:
3. Best Crib Protector: Mattress Safe Ultimate Crib Encasement
Ensure your little one is protected as well. The Mattress Safe Ultimate Crib Encasement offers the same quality and protection as the Ultimate Mattress Encasement. It fits a 6 inches-deep crib mattress so you can rest assured your youngest family members are also protected from itchy bites.
Specifications:
- Fabric: Polyester
- Warranty: 10 years
- Zipper: Patented “Zipper with the Hook” that features a sewn-in loop and zip tie that locks the zipper closed
- Washing instructions: Wash and dry at a medium temperature
Pros:
- Certified bed bug-proof by an independent laboratory
- 10-year warranty
- “Zipper with the Hook” prevents accidental openings that may allow bed bugs to invade or exit the mattress
- Breathable fabric that is waterproof on all sides and fire retardant
Cons:
- Was the most expensive crib protector on our list.
Where to buy:
Buyer’s Guide
Bed bug mattress encasements protect you from getting bed bug bites if you have an infestation; they can also help you prevent bed bugs on your mattress in the first place. However, choosing the perfect mattress encasement might be confusing.
On the surface, they seem pretty much all the same. But here are some key characteristics to consider before making your purchase. Pay attention to:
- The zipper
- The fabric
- The price
Zipper
A good mattress cover that can efficiently stop bed bugs must have a zipper with the following features:
- Some type of seal or lock at the end-stop that secures the zipper in place and leaves no gaps. Velcro flaps can do the job but are not ideal, as new bed bugs that might climb up the mattresses can end up nesting in the velcro.
- The zipper needs to have very small teeth. Immature bed bugs are so small they can pass between regular-sized zipper teeth.
Fabric
The fabric plays a crucial part in how well the encasement will do the job:
- The fabric must be breathable, yet bed bug bite-proof. Because cotton is easier for bed bugs to grip and climb, opt for polyester fabrics. If you notice the fabric is sheer, has small holes, or any tear, it won’t do the job.
- The encasement should cover all six sides and securely seal the entire mattress.
Pro tip: Get rid of the plastic mattress covers, as they heat up, make a crinkly noise, and won’t work against bed bugs. Sheets also won’t protect you from bed bug bites.
Price
When it comes to bed bug mattress encasement prices, the size of your mattress plays a big role. Twin mattress encasements will be cheaper than king size mattress encasements, for example.
Unfortunately, the price of mattress covers is usually proportional to the quality of the product. Although you can still get a good queen-size mattress encasement for approximately $50, the products recommended by specialists of this same size will cost you around $90 or more.
Extra Tips
- Pay attention to the size and depth of the product to ensure it will fit your mattress. If you have a full-size mattress, you should buy a full-size mattress encasement with the same depth. Don’t try to make smaller sizes fit into larger mattresses as it can cause tearing.
- Always read the washing instructions, as some recommend the zipper to be closed before going into the washing machine.
- Besides matching the mattress encasement with a pillow and a box spring encasement, place bed bug interceptors at each bedpost. Bed bug interceptors will stop bed bugs from climbing up your bed and will help you monitor the bed bug activity in the room.
FAQ About Bed Bug Mattress Encasements
What is the Difference Between Mattress Covers and Mattress Encasements?
Although encasements and covers are terms often used interchangeably, you’ll often see products labeled as mattress covers that cover only five sides of a mattress. On the other hand, the products labeled as encasements are much like a “bag” for your mattress: They cover the mattress entirely (all six sides).
You can buy bed bug mattress encasements at local retail shops, online stores (such as Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot), or on the brand’s website (as is the case with CleanRest PRO and Mattress Safe brands).
How Do Bed Bug Mattress Covers Work?
Bed bug mattress encasements work by isolating you or the mattress from bed bugs. They will, at the same time:
- Prevent bed bugs from nesting in your mattress
- Trap the bed bugs that might already be on the mattress and prevent them from feeding on you, causing their eventual death
Before encasing your mattress, it is important to vacuum the bed bugs that might already be on the mattress. Pay special attention to the seams, the folds, and the box spring.
How Long Do You Leave a Bed Bug Mattress Cover On?
You must leave a bed bug mattress encasement on for at least one year. On average, bed bugs can survive 70 days without food. But other environmental factors can affect this number, so one year is the amount of time recommended to ensure bed bugs and their eggs die inside the encasement.
Pro tip: Keep this in mind when opting for a mattress protector, as the warranty should cover at least one year. The longer the warranty on your mattress encasement, the better.
Find a Pro Near You
A mattress encasement for bed bugs will help you secure your mattress, but it won’t solve an infestation on its own. Fighting bed bugs requires an integrated pest management approach that combines prevention, professional help, and regular monitoring. Luckily, Pest Gnome connects you to the best bed bug professionals in your area. Get in touch with a trusted bed bug pro today.
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Main Image Credit: Product Images from Amazon, Mattress Safe, and CleanRest with Text Overlay using Canva Pro
