National Allergy mattress encasement test results
By nobugsonme on Sep 11, 2007 in bed bugs, bedbugs, discounts!, mattress encasements, mattresses, national allergy, tools and weapons
As many readers know, many of us use National Allergy mattress encasements on our mattresses (and box springs, if we have them), and I am one of those. After many Bedbuggers had been using and recommending the encasements on this site for a long time, National Allergy offered Bedbugger readers a discount on all NA products, which you can access via this link or the National Allergy banner in the sidebar. (They also offered the site a small commission on sales made via the link which helps keep the site going.)
The folks at National Allergy wrote recently to let me know they had done tests as to whether bed bugs could feed or pass through, or their eggs could pass through the fabric or the zippers of the mattress encasements, and I am happy to post them on the site for your perusal.
Click here to load a PDF of the report. The results begin on page 7.
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nightshirt | Sep 11, 2007 | Reply
my question is - from looking at those pictures - how did the experiment work? if they put the material on top of the jar, closed jar witih lid and taped how would one know if a bb could penetrate it? there is no food and i dont think they can crawl up glass.
ps - i just bought from them their encasements and mattress covers last week.
sorry posted in wrong place first time.
nobugsonme | Sep 11, 2007 | Reply
hi nighshirt,
If you read the description of the method, it is explained. they turned the jars over so the bed bugs could have tried to get through. Also, to see if they could feed, the jar was upside down against someone’s skin (the way the entomologists feed them, as I am sure you’ve seen photos of Lou doing.)
nightshirt | Sep 14, 2007 | Reply
but wouldnt they have to be on someones skin for a few days consistently b/c how would you ever know when a bb was hungry? thanks i must have quick read that and missed the procedure part. do you nbom feel comfortable with the methods used and the outstanding results? you opinion. thanks.
nobugsonme | Sep 14, 2007 | Reply
Nightshirt, I believe it says they used bed bugs that had not eaten for 7 days or more, of all life stages and sizes. I think it’s a fair assumption they’d be hungry.
I already use the covers, and I do think they are good.
I am not an expert on testing methods, however.
Winston O. Buggy | Sep 15, 2007 | Reply
The methodology seems sound and extensive enough to assure a significant
degree of protection if properly used.
PS. Beau coup for the Ice Hotel tip.
nobugsonme | Sep 15, 2007 | Reply
Winston,
Thanks for the professional input on the NA test results.
Let us know if you go to the Ice Hotel!
nightshirt | Sep 18, 2007 | Reply
i bought them to and they are reassuring.
Anonymous | Nov 7, 2007 | Reply
from the link are all of those good?
even the basics one? does anyone know if any are better than others?
nobugsonme | Nov 7, 2007 | Reply
Anon,
The link is to search results on the NA site for covers that are labeled for bed bugs. The fabric and zippers were tested as per the data above.
The descriptions on each product mention this (if you see one that does not, then you have somehow gotten wandered onto another kind of product). They also explain the differences: one has more cotton, one is more water resistant, etc. There was a smaller selection when I bought mine. I have the Bed Care Classic and am happy with it but might try another, given the wider selection, next time. Others here have used different models.
Anonymous | Nov 7, 2007 | Reply
yeah i checked it out. turns out shipping to my area costs more than the product would anyway, haha. might just have to check out the local bed stores.
nobugsonme | Nov 7, 2007 | Reply
Make sure whatever you get is labeled for bed bugs. Try to find one that has been tested as such. It should be zippered and completely enclose the mattress. If you tell us where you are, someone might have a recommendation.