Best Mattress and Box Spring Covers for Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are one of those pests that cause fear, stress, anxiety, and emotional unrest. Learning what the best mattress and box spring covers for bed bugs are can help ease a person’s bed bug anxiety.  In NYC, some therapists help people overcome the mental anguish and panic they experience when they just think about bed bugs.

Mattress and box spring covers for bed bugs are essential to either lock bed bugs inside or keep them from getting inside. By and large, the bed bug encasements can work either way. For one thing, a mattress encasement for bed bugs does not prevent you from getting bed bugs.

In particular, it is a tool for monitoring bed bugs and preventing your box spring or mattress from becoming infested. If you found a male or female bed bug then consider putting on a bed bug encasement as a first step.

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No time to read the article? No problem check out our picks for the 3 best bed bug encasements:

It is important to mention that a bed bug encasement does not prevent you from getting bed bugs. The main reason is that the bed bugs can set up shop on your frame, walls, nightstands, or just about anywhere. So, yes, you can still get bed bugs with a mattress cover.

We are bed bug inspectors; our trained and certified dogs sniff out bed bugs daily in NYC.

If you think you have bed bugs but are not sure, you can hire a certified bed bug dog to search your home. An area like NYC has many bed bug dogs working around the clock. By comparison, if your region does not, then hire a professional service to do an extensive visual inspection or learn how to do one yourself.

The Best Mattress and Box Spring Covers for Bed Bugs

If you are wondering where to sleep if you have bed bugs, A mattress encasement can help. It will help minimize the number of bed bugs able to bite you while you are sleeping.

Ultimately bed bugs cause emotional turmoil for many reasons. More importantly, buying a bed bug cover set will help you monitor bed bugs and minimize the seams and hiding places. A steamer for bed bugs can be another way to help you diminish a bed bug population.

Some of the reasons for the emotional unrest due to bed bugs include:

• Unfortunately, there is often a misguided stigma associated with bed bugs, which can, in turn, cause extreme embarrassment for some.

• Bed bugs are blood-sucking parasites that come after us when we are at our most vulnerable time being fast asleep.

• They are creepy.

• When people search the internet for bed bug help, they come across many horror stories. In turn, this can lead to more panic and stress.

• Often once someone goes through the ordeal of having bed bugs, the fear never goes away. To sum up, getting the best mattress and box spring covers for bed bugs will come in handy by helping you monitor your mattress and box spring.

It’s important to learn everything about bed bugs before figuring out how to tackle them.

Best Sureguard Mattress Cover

• Sureguard Queen (9-12 in. Deep) SureGuard Mattress Encasement – 100% Waterproof, Bed Bug Proof, Hypoallergenic – Premium Zippered Six-Sided Cover

Sureguard is an excellent bed bug proof mattress cover. When ordering a Sureguard mattress cover, make sure you get the proper size. You do not want a mattress encasement that is too large and hangs on the floor. 

When dealing with bed bugs, you don’t want to add many extra seams and hiding places using a too large cover. Learn more about how to wash a bed bug cover here.

You don’t know how many times I visit an apartment for a bed bug inspection, and the client has a mattress cover that is way too big for their particular mattress size. Do not make this same mistake. 

Keep things simple when dealing with bed bugs, reduce the clutter, and you will have an easier time getting rid of them.

If you are finding stink bugs indoors in New York too, then these covers will also prevent stink bugs from getting into your box spring.

Things We Like

• Firstly, the cotton terry top surface provides an extra layer of comfort.

• Secondly the Sureguard mattress cover comes in 8 sizes and four depth options.

• Thirdly, a bed bug encasement needs a combination zipper plus velcro strap to be effective, and this one has it.

Things We Don’t Like

• If you are using this solely for the waterproof claim, make sure you add a second waterproof layer. If there a lot of liquid, it will soak through.

• Although the terry cloth top might be great for some, if you have a mold issue in your home, then don’t get this cover. Especially since the terry cloth creates more surface areas for mold to grow.

A good mattress encasement can only do so much. As you can see in the below photo a bed frame, especially one with wooden slats has plenty of hiding places for bed bugs.

The Best Bed Bug Box Spring Cover

• SafeRest Premium Box Spring Encasement – Lab Tested Bed Bug Proof, Dust Mite Proof, Hypoallergenic, Breathable, Noiseless, and Vinyl Free.

We are listing the bed bug, box spring cover first because, in our professional experience as bed bug inspectors, the box spring is the most crucial thing to encase. This particular box spring cover won’t break the bank, but it will secure your box spring. 

Often a box spring is made with fabric that covers an intricate wooden frame. Bed bugs love to hide inside of a box springs wooden frame.

Continue reading for our other suggestions for the best mattress and box spring covers for bed bugs.

Keep in mind that a box spring cover needs to have a locking mechanism on the zipper. This locking mechanism usually comes in the form of a velcro strap that secures the zipper after you slide the bed bug encasement onto your box spring.

Things We Like

• The SafeRest box spring encasement is a soft polyester material, not plastic.

• The teeth of the zipper are so small that not even a bed bug nymph can squeeze through.

• The inside of the best bed bug box spring cover also has a breathable waterproof membrane.

• Wow! It comes with a 10-year warranty!

Things We Don’t Like

• Firstly if you are placing your encased box spring onto a metal frame, it might tear in a few spots. We see the bed bug box spring encasements pulling, usually at the four corners where the encasement meets the metal screws. With any bed bug encasement, it is vital to cover any sharp edges or corners with fabric or duct tape.

• Secondly If the size you order is too small, then you risk having this encasement tear at the seams.

• Thirdly if you have a significant infestation inside your box spring, make sure to put Gorilla tape over the zipper’s seam.

Best Bed Bug Mattress Cover – Twin

• HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Sleep Defense System – Zippered Mattress Encasement – Twin – Hypoallergenic – Waterproof – Bed Bug & Dust Mite Proof – Stretchable

Hospitology prides itself on improving the quality of your sleep experience through science. A twin size bed bug mattress cover comes in handy if you are dealing with a potential bed bug issue. We don’t recommend the Linenspa because it does not have the added velcro flap at the zipper’s end.

Although the Linenspa is less expensive, you will have to use Gorilla tape on the zipper, so bed bugs don’t squeeze in or out. 

Remember that mattress and box spring covers for bed bugs are essential. When I am in a client’s home inspecting for bed bugs, I often notice that they have an encasement on the mattress but not the box spring.  Having been in the bed bug industry doing inspections for ten years, I would have to say that the box spring is the most critical thing to encase if you had to choose one.

Things We Like

• 5-year warranty

• The HOSPITOLOGY twin-size bed bug mattress cover has no vinyl, PVC, or phthalates, or fire-retardant coatings of any kind.

• The brand Hospitology lab tested this bed bug encasement, bed bugs cannot bite through covers.

• The bed bug mattress cover for a twin bed has a low price point.

• Hypoallergenic, and you can wash in a machine.

Things We Don’t Like

• Despite what their website says, it may run hot; this bed bug encasement might not be suitable for an overly hot sleeper.

One of the Best Bed Bug Mattress Cover – Twin XL

• HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Sleep Defense System – Zippered Mattress Encasement – Twin XL – Hypoallergenic – Waterproof – Bed Bug & Dust Mite Proof

A twin XL bed bug cover is a must if you either had a bed bug infestation or want to prevent one. The low price point of this brand makes it a top pick for any size.

Things We Like

• The Hospitology mattress encasement is waterproof on all six sides.
• The velcro zipper lock system on this bed bug cover is a must!
• The low price point.
• If you have a twin XL mattress or box spring, this is easy to slide on with one person.
• The bed bug encasement has a 5-year warranty for defects in quality or materials.

Things We Don’t Like

• Like most other brands, it is not 100% waterproof, especially after washing and drying it multiple times.

An Affordable Queen Size Bed Bug Mattress Cover

• Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Encasement – Waterproof Mattress Protector (Queen)

If you have a Queen or any size mattress and want bed bug protection, the  Utopia Bedding encasement will help!

The main feature needed in a mattress cover is what the Utopia bedding mattress encasement provides. The essential elements are to cover the bed 360° coupled with the zipper having a velcro lock. 

Things We Like

• Works excellent for completely sealing your mattress against bed bugs or dust mites.
• Velcro zip guard.
• The Utopia Bedding bed bug encasement has a micro zipper, which does not allow bed bug nymphs to get through.

Things We Don’t Like

• Just like all of the other encasements that we reviewed, this is not 100% waterproof like it states. (If you use bleach or a high heat dryer on this, it will diminish the effectiveness of the waterproof backing)

Best Bed Bug Mattress Cover – King

• Clean Rest Premium Water-Resistant, Allergy and Bed Bug Blocking Mattress Encasement, King

The CleanRest bed bug encasement sets itself apart from the others with its patented locking system on the zipper. With 100% Mircolux, a 100% polyester fiber, this king-sized bed bug mattress cover has thousands of soft microfibers. 

The high thread count makes it ultra-soft and more secure against bed bugs.

If you are looking for a bed bug proof mattress cover for a king-size mattress, the Clean Rest Premium is a great choice.

A person shouldn’t put a bed bug mattress cover that’s king-size on a smaller bed. You do not want it loose; a loose-fitting mattress encasement can allow hiding spots for bed bugs to develop.

Things We Like

• The bed bug mattress cover is non-toxic and free from harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, and other known carcinogens.

• The Cleanrest king size bed bug mattress cover can fit mattress depths between 12″-21”. 

• MicronOne Allergy Blocking Technology.

Things We Don’t Like

• Just like most of the other bed bug mattress covers on our list, this is not 100% waterproof despite what the manufacture says. If you need a bed bug cover, this is a great solution. On the other hand, if you also need a waterproof mattress cover, make sure to add a second fitted waterproof sheet.

Best Bed Bug Mattress Cover Sets

• SafeRest SPLIT KING (Contains TWO TWIN XL encasements Needed For SPLIT KING Box Springs) Premium Box Spring Encasement – Lab Tested Bed Bug Proof, Dust Mite Proof, and Waterproof – Vinyl Free.

If you have a split king mattress, you will need a bed bug mattress cover set. The SafeRest encasement set comes with two twin XL bed bug covers. This encasement set will help if you suffer from an infestation of either dust mites or bed bugs.

SafeRest is a trusted brand that features a 360° zipper enclosure with a micro toothed zipper. These features make the SafeRest an excellent bed bug mattress cover.

Things We Like

• The mattress cover set is noiseless. You will not hear crinkling while you sleep.
• Waterproof.
• The fabric is  100% polyester fabric.

Things We Don’t Like

• If you wash it many times, the waterproofing will diminish.
• The mattress cover set might rip if you have it directly on a metal frame or hard surface. Add a protective layer like fabric or duct tape between this cover and any sharp edges.

Protect A Bed Bug Lock Encasement: They Make Great Mattress and Box Spring Covers for Bed Bugs

If you are looking for the Protect-A-Bed Bug Lock encasement, Amazon has a few choices, but you might want to go directly to their website for the entire line.

Protect-A-Bed mattress cover has a  different locking mechanism on the zipper for bed bug prevention. Their mattress encasements come in 9 sizes, including the full size. The patented bug-lock is what sets this one apart from the other brands. All of their bed bug proofing claims are backed by entomologists testing them in a lab.

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Things We Like

• There are many sizes to choose from, so you can find the perfect fit.
• The bug-lock system is a unique way to keep the bed bugs in or out of your mattress or box spring.
• Prevents dander, dust mites, mold, mildew, and bed bugs from inhabiting your box spring. mattress

Things We Don’t Like

• At such a high price point, the quality of the fabric should be better.
• The waterproofing fails if you wash it too much or use bleach.
• The fabric gets a small pilling on the top, making it uncomfortable if you only have a thin sheet on top of this mattress encasement.

 5 Benefits Of Using A Bed Bug Mattress Cover

• Monitor for fecal matter spots. Since the covers are stark white, they make it easy to spot bed bug fecal matter.

• Keep bed bugs locked inside; this will diminish the number of bed bugs you need to kill by sealing them inside.

• Protect your box spring from becoming infested with bed bugs.

• Protect your mattress from becoming infested with bed bugs.

• Use it as part of an integrated treatment plan.

5 Things To Look For In A Good Mattress and Box Spring Cover

• Size and depth. Measure your mattress and box spring; most bed bug covers come in various sizes. For a bed bug issue, you want to get the correct size. In the photo below you can see that the bed bug cover was too large and therefore causing some extra hiding spots.

• Is there a lock on the zipper end? A bed bug mattress cover needs a  velcro flap, a plastic lock, or a specially designed lock like the Protect-A-Bed Bug Lock.

• Is it waterproof? Whether you have a puppy or a child who wets the bed, having an added waterproof layer can give you some peace of mind. Be aware that most waterproof bed bug mattress covers are not always 100% waterproof. Our suggestion would be to add an extra waterproof layer with a fitted waterproof mattress topper in addition to the bed bug encasement.

• Is there a warranty on your bed bug mattress cover? A consumer warranty can help if the zipper breaks or the mattress cover rips.

• Has your bed bug mattress cover been tested in a lab? Does the zipper enclosure have a patent for its bed bug efficacy? A few studies tested whether a bed bug nymph could pass through the cover’s zipper. If it says “bed bug proof,” then you should be ok.

FAQ About Bed Bug Mattress Covers!

FAQ About Mattress and Box Spring Covers for Bed Bugs

Our Conclusion for the Best Mattress Cover for Bed Bugs

In short using a bed bug mattress cover will go a long way in helping you eradicate a bed bug problem. It is not the only solution, but it is one part of an integrated plan. Using many different methods combined will help you get rid of the bed bugs. Another important part of an integrated plan is using a bed bug steamer. To sum up, hiring a professional bed bug specialist company can go a long way in helping you solve a complicated bed bug issue.

We like the SureGuard Mattress Encasement because it is 100% Waterproof, Bed Bug Proof, and Hypoallergenic. On the other hand, you can’t go wrong with any of our other picks.

Just remember: a bed bug encasement does not entirely solve a bed bug problem by itself. You will need treatment and a plan.