Encasements
If you have bed bugs, I recommend encasing your mattress in a high-quality encasement that is designed and tested to keep bed bugs in. If you do not yet have bed bugs, an encasement is a good preventive measure for keeping bed bugs out of your mattress.
A good encasement will:
- Keep bed bugs in your old mattress inside the encasement and away from you;
- Keep bed bugs from infesting a new mattress;
- Ensure any new bed bug activity is outside the encasement, and therefore more easily spotted.
You need to encase both the mattress and the box spring (if you have one). You should obtain encasements before the pest control operator comes to treat your home, but I recommend not putting them on until treatment occurs; many PCOs will want to spray your mattress before it is encased.
Keep in mind that you need to be careful with any encasement to avoid tearing. If you have a bed frame with sharp edges, put tape or felt around them to avoid having them poke or rub against the encasement fabric. Some PCOs recommend buying two mattress encasements (instead of a mattress and a box spring encasement) as they feel these are sturdier.
While encasements are available at all kinds of retailers (and from many pest control operators), they are not all alike.
Richard Cooper has performed tests comparing six encasements which were being marketed for protection against bed bugs: Protect-A-Bed AllerZip with BugLock Zip, National Allergy Elegance, National Allergy Classic, Mattress Safe, CleanRest and Bed Wetting Direct. You can watch the videos and read more about the tests here.
To summarize, in the first experiment, Cooper found that all six encasements kept first instar nymph bed bugs (the smallest life stage) from escaping through the zipper teeth of the encasement.
In the second experiment, only three encasements (Protect-A-Bed, National Allergy Elegance, and Mattress Safe) kept first instar nymphs from escaping from a completely closed zipper end stop (the place where the zipper closes). National Allergy Classic, Bed Wetting Direct, and Clean Rest encasements failed this second test.
And in the final experiment, only one of the encasements, Protect-A-Bed’s AllerZip, kept bed bugs from escaping even if the zipper was not completely closed. This gives added protection, since even if the zipper is open by one to two teeth, bed bugs will be kept in. (Note: Mattress Safe encasements are designed with a lock which prevents this opening from occurring, so they should also be a good choice. They have passed independent entomologist’s tests, as have the Protect-a-Bed encasements.)
In fact, Cooper says in the third video (here) that the Protect-A-Bed encasements have to be opened 3.5 inches or more in order for bed bugs to escape. Otherwise, the BugLock (TM) design feature keeps bed bugs in.
I personally had to purchase an encasement years ago, when this information was not available (and in fact some of the brands mentioned were not yet available). I went through three $10 vinyl encasements from Target before I realized that they ripped easily and were not a good solution. I then used a National Allergy Classic.
However, based on the test results mentioned here, I would now recommend the Protect-A-Bed AllerZip model with the BugLock (TM) zipper. This article about bed bug-proof mattress encasements from the Wall Street Journal describes the tests the Protect-a-Bed AllerZip encasements were put through:
It’s important to buy a good-quality cover, one with a zipper that stays in place and doesn’t have large gaps between the teeth, scientists say. The Protect-A-Bed, made by JAB Distributors Inc., of Northbrook, Ill., uses a zipper with tiny teeth and a “bug lock” system, a fabric channel with foam backing that keeps bugs inside even if the zipper pulls open slightly.
In developing the Protect-A-Bed, JAB first tested fabric to make sure bugs couldn’t bite through (they couldn’t), then hired an independent lab to put starved, live bedbugs inside the zippered covers and tempt them with a human leg at regular intervals. For the lab test, JAB made three-foot-long test replicas of its encasements, with foam serving as “mattresses.” No bedbugs escaped during the monthlong test, and the company says the full-size versions it sells are made to the same standards as the models.
Since we have an affiliate relationship with Protect-A-Bed, your purchase via the links to Protect-a-Bed below also supports the running costs of Bedbugger.com, at no additional cost to you. (See our disclosure policy.)
You can click here to buy Protect-a-Bed Allerzip encasements.
We also have an affiliate relationship with US Bed Bugs, which sells Protect-a-bed Allerzip mattress, box spring, and pillow encasements, as well as BugZip products and Climbup (TM) Interceptors.
Click the banner below to order. US Bed Bugs offers Bedbugger readers free shipping if you enter code BBFREE in the coupon code box at checkout.
We also have an affiliate relationship with National Allergy. If you choose to buy a National Allergy Elegance encasement there (or a vacuum or other items), you can get 7% off an order up to $174.99, or 10% off an order of $175 or more, simply by shopping through the links to National Allergy below. Again, your purchase helps support Bedbugger.com at no additional cost to you.
This is the National Allergy Elegance Line of mattress encasements and pillow encasements.
This is the link to shop for National Allergy vacuums.
This is a 100% cotton blanket from National Allergy, which Nobugs would recommend. It can be washed and dried.
| Click for a discount on National Allergy BedCare Elegance mattress covers |
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Just wanted to mention that you don’t have to pay full retail for the encasements, which can be quite expensive. We found ours on ebay and it really did save us some money. Money to put towards the exterminator.
Sandy,
I am all for saving money. But buying bed bug-related products off of eBay (or Craigslist, or getting them free from Freecycle) is problematic, since the items may have been exposed to bed bugs.
I would not want to buy a bed bug encasement from someone who may have or have had bed bugs.
The site advertises North Shore Care (see ad in the top of the sidebar at right) which we has an excellent deal on quality encasements from Protect-a-Bed’s AllerZip line. They also offer you free, fast shipping if you enter the code in the ad.
There are other sources (though I am not sure you’ll find a better deal), but please take care not to buy from a source which may introduce bed bugs into your home.
The National Allergy links for discounts aren’t working.
I work for the Baltimore City Health Department and am crafting a Request for Bids that details the bed bug treatment services we would like a company to provide for us. We would like them to provide mattress and box spring covers, but I don’t know what quality standards to require.
Do you have any thoughts?
thank you
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your comment.
Encasements should be tested by an entomologist and data should prove bed bugs cannot get into or out of the encasement, nor bite a person through the fabric (for example, if encased inside it). Particular area which poses trouble: the zipper close. Protect-a-bed Allerzip and Mattress Safe have designed various solutions to the zipper coming open. Also: any encasement can fail to protect if it develops tears. Careful installation and inspections, are recommended.
encasements are very beneficial, especially if you can’t afford to buy a new mattress or if infestations occur frequently in the place you live from cross contamination from neighbors. BUT, beware once you get the encasement on your mattress taking it off to wash is just as difficult as putting it on especially if you mattress is queen or kingsize. plus taking off the encasement will allow whatever is inside to escape, possibly re infesting. make sure the encasement you do buy is strong enough to wash in a machine in hot water and be dried in a dryer and endure multiple removals.
Hi jeremy,
If anyone places an encasement on their mattress during an infestation (or suspected infestation), it absolutely should not be removed for 18 months. This is the longest period anyone has suggested that bed bugs can live without feeding.
Does anyone know anything about Allergy Luxe® Bed Bug Mattress Protectors from Bed Bath and Beyond? Is this a good encasement? Actually, we are buying one to encase our couch, which is a love seat, not to encase our mattress (was bitten by a bb on the couch 2 nights ago after a month of not being bitten!). We’ve had a few treatments by a PCO in the past 2 months.
Any reviews or opinions about the Allergy Luxe® Bed Bug Mattress Protectors?
Thanks, appreciate feedback!
HI bbfiend,
I have not been able to track down test data on this product. I would want to see that the product had been tested in terms of whether bed bugs can get through the zippers, the fabric, or the zipper end stops.
I am not saying the data does not exist, but I have not found it and have searched on the internet. There are many references to the product online, so I was unable to filter through all of these to find such data if it does exist. I would be happy to look at it if someone provides a link.
I tried to take care of my bed bug problem myself but it’s not working, so I called a professional. I have a mattress cover and I found a hole in it today. Should I take it off while they spray, wash it, then put it back on after? Thanks for any input anyone can give. I’m going crazy here!
Exis,
If your PCO wants to spray the mattress or box with a product labeled for this purpose, then follow their instructions. Nothing should be sprayed on the mattress which is not intended for this purpose, and mattresses must be completely dry (inside and out) before being encased.
Any encasement with holes must be patched. You might use duct tape and keep checking it to ensure it stays patched. Some people might choose to replace it. However, this is expensive. Any encasement can develop holes or tears, and you need to be super careful when putting them on or moving the mattress or box. Sharp corners on the box/frame should be duct taped to make them less of a danger.
Thanks nobugsonme. I have another question…I have all my clothes in plastic bags. Will the bed bugs (if any, I saw no evidence of them in the drawers, etc) suffocate? And the eggs?
Hi I have a problem with bed bugs, about a month ago my husband found like six of then in our matres, so we kill them and we spray with something that you can buy over the counter. Also I call a pest control people but they had no found any bugs. He gave me a stiki plates to put some hand wormers in it and do that for a week, he say that beg bugs are atracted to the worm and when they tried to run to the hand wormers they will be trap. I did that for a week just to see if we had more but i did not found any. Now we are sleeping in our bed again for 3 days and today I wok up with 2 bites. I don’t know what to do ???? please help me and give me some advised ASAP!!!! . I will be waiting for your response thank you .
Exis,
I apologize for the delay in responding.
We do not know how long it takes bed bugs to suffocate, but it does not happen quickly. We also do not know how long eggs can survive in a plastic sealed bag.
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Daniella,
Some people have been successful with the hand warmer trick. However, it’s tricky. It could take a very long time, especially with a smaller infestation. We don’t really recommend this method since some useful and cheap products have come out since we heard about it.
You might consider ClimbUps which are placed under the bed legs (if you have a bed with legs) to catch samples. They will ONLY catch bed bugs when they choose to climb off or onto the bed — and it may take a period of time before they need to do this. Each bed bug feeds about once a week and if it is biting you in the bed or sofa, it may not need to climb on or off. Be very patient.
Please read the FAQs. If you need more support please come to our Bedbugger Forums.
I recently discovered what I believe to be a bed bug in my bed the other night. After researching more about them I looked for evidence and found traces of blood stains that they leave behind after their feedings on my mattress. I haven’t, however, found any reactions of their bite marks on me. Is it possible that a person can have no reaction to these pests? Also, how quickly do the pests spread and what can I do to get rid of them? Thank you for your help!
my son started with bites a lil more than a month now and then i began to have just a few my husband and other son have not been bitten i did some searching and think that i saw only two bed bugs no blood stains or piles of left overs my son coverded from head to toe with bites and trying to decide whats next treatments to our home may not word since we live in a complex any suggestions as to what to do before we have more problems?
Hi bedbugsornot?
If you have seen two bed bugs (and are sure this is what you saw), then you probably have a lot more. It is rare to see them.
Keep in mind that people can be bitten without reacting to the bites. Bite marks or itching are allergic reactions but you can also be bitten and have no idea.
You need to find out the laws where you live. It may be the landlord’s responsibility to treat your home for bed bugs. You need someone who is knowledgeable and experienced with bed bugs to inspect your home and units attached to yours on all sides, above and below, and to treat all which show signs of bed bugs. An experienced pro may see signs where you do not.
It may be that the infestation was brought into your son’s room first, and you are now also being bitten, but your husband and other child may have been bitten without reacting.
Good luck and please come to the forums if you want more feedback or to follow up. You will get more responses there.
Hi Nobugsonme,
I found this website after searching the net for an encasement for our bed. We recently moved into a studio apartment and since the first week we were here i woke up with bite marks and was itching. Shortly after we started to see them on the walls. We called the management office right away and they sent a PCO twice but they would reappear in three days. It has been over a month now and I don’t know what else to do i have a 1 month old baby that woke up with bites too. We have bought over the counter sprays and we even had to throw away our bed because we found a nest in it. Now we could only afford an air mattress and they continue to bite us. The managers say they can’t do anything else about our situation and the PCO did not check if the apartment adjacent to us or above us is infected since we do see them often high on the walls. Please help us I’m worried about our baby girl and we are a young couple we can’t afford another apartment at the time. Thank you for your time. I hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Yesenia,
I am sorry you are going through this. Over the counter sprays are unlikely to solve the problem, and it sounds like serious one.
In some places, the law says the landlord has to get rid of a bed bug problem in the home (not just try to, but do it).
This can be difficult and usually requires repeated treatments (the usual space between treatments is 10-14 days) and you need to keep having treatments until the problem is totally gone. The landlord’s PCO should be checking attached units (on all sides, above, below) to make sure all infested units are being treated.
My first suggestion would be to verify the laws in your city/state (this may help).
My second suggestion would be to contact local officials. In some areas, the housing department takes bed bug complaints for tenants. In other places, you can try to call the board of health. Some people have had positive results from trying to organize their neighbors and demand treatment (it’s likely you are not the only one with bed bugs). Some individuals or groups of neighbors have called the local news media (journalists, tv stations) and gotten a journalist to cover the story. If you want to try that route, you might consider finding a journalist who has previously done a local bed bug story — many are linked from this site.
Finally, if you would like more feedback, please post to our Bedbugger Forums, where you will likely get more responses (and probably quicker ones too!)