Pest Resources

The Best Bed Bug Mattress Covers

#1 Best Overall
SureGuard Mattress Encasement​
5/5
SureGuard
Utopia Bedding Mattress Encasement
4.5/5
Utopia Bedding
#2nd Choice
Hospitology Sleep Defense System Zippered Mattress Encasement
4/5
Hospitology
#3rd Choice
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Top 6 Best Bed Bug Mattress Covers

Bed bug infestations are on the rise, and if you have bed bugs in your mattresses and other furniture, then you know how difficult they can be to get rid of. One way to keep these horrible pests out of your mattress is with a bed bug mattress cover. These specially designed covers totally encase your mattress so that no bed bugs can get inside. Also called mattress encasements, they also do an excellent job at preventing dust mites, pollen, and other allergens from getting into the mattress, which makes them ideal for anyone with asthma or other allergies to sleep safely and comfortably.

There are many different products available which claim to be number one at preventing bed bugs, so we have reviewed all of the options available to bring you the 6 best bed bug mattress covers!

SureGuard Mattress Encasement

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SureGuard Mattress EncasementSpecs:

SureGuard mattress encasements are designed to fit mattresses up to 16 inches deep. They have a breathable cotton top layer designed to provide a comfortable sleep surface, and a waterproof polyurethane under layer to prevent liquids and bed bugs from penetrating through to the mattress. The zipper uses “SureSeal” technology, which has a unique rubber gasket that creates an airtight seal when closed.

Our Review:

The first thing we noticed when unpacking the SureGuard mattress cover was that it was a really well-made product. In the interests of fairness, we tested the queen versions of all the mattress encasements, and the SureGuard fit our queen size mattress comfortably without too much material left over.

This was the most comfortable mattress encasement to sleep on that we tested, with that incredibly thin and soft 100% cotton surface making all the difference. There were no annoying noises no matter how much we tossed and turned, and it stood up to extensive waterproof testing.

In terms of bed bug prevention, there is no doubt that the SureGuard does the job. Mattress encasements work by totally sealing off access to the mattress, and so the key feature of every quality bed bug encasement is the zipper. SureGuard boasts of its “Invisi-Zip” and “SureSeal” technologies, and while we don’t usually go in for all that marketing jargon, the zipper on the SureGuard really is top notch. Our mattress was totally sealed off with no gaps at all for bed bugs to get through.

With a SureGuard box spring encasement also available for those who need both, this was definitely the best bed bug mattress cover we tested in terms of comfort and performance.

The 6 Best Bed Bug Mattress Encasements and Covers:

#1 SureGuard Bed Bug Mattress Encasement

#2 Utopia Bedding Mattress Encasement

#3 Hospitology Sleep Defense System Zippered Mattress Encasement

#4 Four Seasons Essentials Mattress Protector

#5 Linenspa Zippered Encasement

#6 SafeRest Premium Bed Bug Mattress Encasement

Utopia Bedding Mattress Encasement

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Utopia Bedding Mattress EncasementSpecs:

The Utopia bed bug encasement is made from stretchable knitted polyester fabric and provides a snug fit for up to 15″ deep mattresses with an elastic band to secure it around the base of the mattress. The encasement features a velcro zip guard that keeps out bed bugs, while the breathable waterproof membrane allows air flow at night for a comfortable sleep.

Our Review:

Lets just jump straight into it and say we loved this mattress encasement! It was very comfortable to sleep on, with a soft exterior surface to rival the SureGuard. The Utopia passed our waterproof test with flying colors and was easy to install over our Queen because of its stretchy fabric, and we are sure that it would fit most mattresses of standard mattress depth.

We were very impressed with the zipper cover, which was definitely secure enough to prevent pests from getting in or out of the mattress, so you will be safe from bed bug bites.

However, we did have one slight issue with this mattress cover when it came to laundry. It had come out of the washing machine perfectly intact, but when we attempted to dry it on a cool dry setting (not wanting to use any heat), the plastic inner took a long, long time to dry. This isn’t a major problem, as bed bug covers shouldn’t be taken off to be washed too often anyway because they need to trap the bed bugs inside the mattress long enough for them to starve to death.

Utopia also does box spring covers if you need the whole set, but you may want to consider just investing in a metal bed frame instead. This alone can help prevent a bed bug problem because metal is far less hospitable than a box spring or even a wooden frame.

Hospitology Sleep Defense System Zippered Mattress Encasement

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Hospitology Sleep Defense System Zippered Mattress Encasement Specs:

The Sleep Defense System is a hypoallergenic waterproof mattress cover that uses a multilayer technology to protect mattresses from dust mites, dirt, and liquids. The outer layer of the cover is made from a durable polyester material that protects the mattress from stains, and wear and tear, while the middle layer is a breathable micro-mesh material which offers protection against bacteria, mold, mildew, bed bugs, and other pests.

Our Review:

When we first came across this Hospitology mattress encasement, we immediately noticed the price was cheaper than the majority of the others we tested. Of course, a cheaper price didn’t mean it would be able to stop bed bugs any more effectively, but we do love a bargain!

Having tested it, there is no doubt that it is a good mattress encasement for the price and will definitely provide more protection than a regular mattress protector.

The Hospitology bed cover was one of the softest we tested during our research and also had a super fine zipper, which is vital for mattress covers to lock in current bed bugs and to stop new bed bugs from gaining access.

However, there are some definite improvements that could be made. First of all, this mattress cover got quite hot at night, and you would be hard pushed to find another that can trap heat quite like the Hospitology. Second, it was the least waterproof mattress encasement that we encountered, and so if you are only looking for a bed wetting solution for your kids, you would be better off with a simple plastic mattress cover.

Despite these issues, this is still one of the best bed bug mattress encasements available, particularly at its price point.

Four Seasons Essentials Mattress Protector

4

Four Seasons Essentials Mattress ProtectorSpecs:

The Four Seasons mattress is a three-sided zipper enclosure that covers the entire mattress and prevents bed bugs, dust mites, and other contaminants from getting into the mattress. The stretchable, breathable fabric is quiet and totally waterproof. The allergen barrier is made of polyurethane, which is highly durable and resistant to tears or punctures.

Our Review:

We were very impressed with this mattress cover from Four Seasons. It was easy to install and remove, and the Velcro flap added double protection to the zipper. We tested all of the bed bug mattress covers, and the Four Seasons came up trumps and kept our mattress clean and dry no matter what we poured on it or how long we left it for.

This was also one of the most breathable bed bug mattress covers we tested, which was a positive because some covers got quite hot and stuffy at night. The stretchable fabric was reminiscent of a CleanRest mattress encasement, which was one of our faves, but which are no longer available on Amazon.

All-in-all, this is an excellent product, and one of the best bed bug mattress covers we tested. The Velcro flaps were a definite plus, and our entire mattress felt protected from bed bugs, pests, and spills.

Linenspa Zippered Encasement

5

Linenspa Zippered EncasementSpecs:

The Linenspa mattress encasement is made from 100% polyester and comes with a 10-year warranty. It fits mattresses up to 12 inches deep and has a waterproof zipper that is 3 sided for easy access. The manufacturers claim that this mattress encasement will keep your mattress safe from bed bugs, dust mites, allergens and spills.

Our Review:

Starting with the positives, the Linenspa mattress encasement came out of the box looking great and was easy enough to install. The opening was very wide so it only took one of us to get it on the mattress and secure it. We loved that the zipper had an additional fabric rib support which will definitely help to prevent bed bugs getting in and out, while the hypoallergenic material will prevent their eggs and other allergens from causing health problems. Some bed bug covers can be quite noisy, but this one was quiet and also very soft, so we were able to get a great night’s sleep.

Unfortunately, there are some possible improvements that Linenspa needs to make in the design and construction of this mattress encasement. We were worried about the seams which, unlike the zipper, had no extra reinforcement, and there are some customer reviews who have experienced small tears. It’s difficult to know if this is because they tried to stretch the mattress cover too much, but these tears should be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

SafeRest Premium Bed Bug Mattress Encasement

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SafeRest Premium Bed Bug Mattress EncasementSpecs:

The SafeRest premium mattress encasement features exclusive “Micro-Zipper” technology to prevent bed bugs from getting in or out. It also has a breathable hypoallergenic membrane backing to keep you cool and comfortable, while the waterproof layer protects your mattress against moisture damage. It is 100% machine washable, making it easy to maintain freshness and hygiene.

Our Review:

We read a lot of reviews about this SafeRest mattress encasement, and we were expecting great things. Out of the box, we were curious to see if there were any rips along the seams which some customers had reported, but ours had no such problems.

It took two of us to get the mattress cover on, but there was a nice snug fit. One thing that we would advise is that you be particularly careful with the zipper on this one. It is really small, which is great for preventing bed bugs, but it does tend to catch a little as a result. Just be gentle and patient, and it will create an impenetrable seal.

Another thing we noticed is that the mattress cover had a bit of a chemical smell which other customers had also highlighted online. After running it through the wash, however, it came out smelling fresh. We would advise turning the heat setting way down to protect the cover, even if it takes all day.

All in all, this was another excellent bed bug mattress cover. We were a little put off by the price, which is up there with the SureGuard, but it was one of the most comfortable bed bug covers we tested and the zipper is really top notch.

How To Choose The Best Bed Bug Mattress Cover?

Before purchasing a bed bug mattress cover, you will need to think about the following:

  • Materials
  • Zipper design
  • Ease of installation
  • Protection from bed bugs and other pests
  • Waterproofing

In terms of stopping bed bugs, it’s important to choose a mattress encasement that offers protection against live bed bugs, their nymphs, and their eggs. You will need to find a bed bug encasement that is bite proof, but which is also comfortable enough for you to get a good night’s sleep. Bed bugs are not the only pests that can make your life a misery, so look for a mattress encasement that is certified to be flea, bed bug, and dust mite-free.

Always choose a tightly woven encasement without any spaces between the threads. The zipper is also very important for preventing bed bugs and other pests, so look for a secure micro zipper and make sure that the seams are strong and won’t tear.

You should also choose a bed bug mattress cover that is waterproof because it will prevent any spilled liquids from damaging your mattress. A quality multi layer mattress encasement will usually have a soft outer layer to keep you comfortable, and then waterproof inner layers for mattress protection.

If you have a box spring bed, you will also need to invest in a box spring encasement, but to really solve the problem, you may want to consider swapping your box springs for metal bed frames.

The Best Materials For Bed Bug Protectors

Bed bug protectors come in a variety of materials that offer different benefits such as price, effectiveness against bed bugs, comfort, waterproofing capabilities, breathability, and heat retention.

Vinyl

Vinyl is inexpensive and easy-to-clean. It may also be infused with natural oils for added protection against bed bug infestation. The main downside is that it can sometimes rip if you tend to move around a lot when sleeping. There can also be issues with breathability which can lead to heat retention problems over time.

Polyester

Polyester is a very effective material for preventing bed bugs and other pests. It is also highly breathable and prevents heat retention. One downside of polyester is that it can be difficult to clean due to its water repellent nature, so you may need to purchase an additional cover to go over the bed bug encasement.

Polypropylene

This material can withstand a lot of punishment without tearing or ripping, so it is definitely bed bug proof. The major downside here is that there can be an unpleasant chemical smell which can affect your sleep.

Quilted Cotton

Cotton provides excellent protection from bed bugs and is also a very comfortable material. It will stop bed bugs from getting in and out of your mattress and box spring, and protect you from bed bug bites. However, cotton may not be a suitable choice for those with more sensitive skin and allergies.

Wool

Wool is usually the most expensive option, but it also offers excellent protection from bed bugs and other pests. Wool mattress encasements tend to be zipperless, which prevents bed bugs gaining access to your mattress through any gaps around the zipper. The downside with wool is that it doesn’t allow for much airflow, so heat retention can be an issue.

How Does a Bed Bug Mattress Encasement Work?

Bed bug mattress protectors and encasements are used to seal off the mattress and box spring, preventing any bed bugs or other pests from getting in or out. They work by using impermeable materials in addition to zip sealing systems so that there are no tiny gaps for the bed bugs to exploit.

There is often just a single zippered cover that fits snugly over the entire surface area of the mattress, but many mattress covers include an additional fitted sheet with elastic straps to achieve a tight fit. Some homes need additional box spring covers because bed bugs love to hide out in box springs and other upholstered bed frames.

Will a Mattress Encasement Prevent a Bed Bug Infestation?

Mattress covers are an effective barrier against many unwanted pests, but they don’t actually kill bed bugs. A bed bug mattress protector instead works by blocking access points such as zippers and buttons to restrict access to bed bugs and other pests. If you detect bed bugs in your home, you will often need to take a more holistic approach to eradicate them. Mattress protectors will protect you from bed bug bites and so they will eventually starve to death, but if you have a serious bed bug problem, you may want to consider a BED BUG STEAMER to kill them more quickly.

Are There Bed Bug Encasements Available For Couches?

As well as a mattress cover and a box spring cover, you may also need to think about the other furniture in your home, as bed bugs can also make their way onto couches, chairs, and other upholstery. When buying a couch encasement, look for a fabric that is easy to wash because it will be getting extensive use. You will also need any zippers or seams to be made of a material that can withstand the heat from the washing machine without coming apart. An encasement with special anti-mite treatment can also be a good idea because these parasites are known carriers of dust mites which in turn carry allergens such as mold spores and animal dander.

Final Thoughts…​

People often only realize they have a bed bug infestation when they wake up itchy in the morning. Bed bugs bite multiple times in one place, so if you find a few red marks in the same spot, you may have a problem. While detecting bed bugs can be quite easy, preventing them from feasting on you every night can be very difficult. Mattress protectors are one of the most effective ways for stopping new bed bugs getting into your mattress and preventing existing bed bugs from getting out. They effectively cut off access to bed bugs’ favorite food (you!) so that they eventually starve to death. These are our top 6 choices for keeping your mattress free of bed bugs and helping you get a good night’s sleep.