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Mattress protector/encasement for futon couch?
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OunceOfPrevention
newbite
Joined: Aug '09
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Posted 3 years ago
Fri Aug 28 2009 11:41:16
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Hi,
I have some questions about futons and mattress protectors/encasements. I am going to purchase a futon that will serve as a couch and as a bed for visitors for my my new apartment. People in this apartment and/or the apartment building next door (hard to tell on bedbugregistry.com, due to an unusual address) have reported bed bugs, and I also happen to live in New York City, which is currently in the middle of a bed bug epidemic. I have already purchased a mattress encasement for my new bed and am going through all the precautions, but would a mattress encasement for the futon couch be enough to protect future guests (who would be sleeping on it) from bed bugs?
My concern is that I or a friend or roommate may bring home bed bugs accidentally (this has happened to New Yorker friends before) and sit on the couch, thus infesting it. What would I do then? Steam the couch with the encasement on?
Also, this may be a stupid question, but even though it's a couch, one would not sleep or sit directly on the encasement, right? I figure we'd need a sheet of some kind, but I just want to make sure.
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cilecto
oldtimer
Joined: Aug '08
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Posted 3 years ago
Fri Aug 28 2009 12:43:40
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An encasement wraps the mattress to keep bugs in or out, as it's difficult to open for inspection and treatment. Also presents an uncluttered surface for spotting bugs. People often use decorative covers over futons when they use them for seating. I'd make sure to get one that's washable/dryable and do so often (and inspect the encased futon). A concern with futons is also that the encasement needs to withstand the folding and shifting of the futon, as well as any possible snagging. Also you'll need to inspect and possibly treat the frame as well as the rest of your room's environment.
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OunceOfPrevention
newbite
Joined: Aug '09
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Posted 3 years ago
Fri Aug 28 2009 19:25:31
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Thanks. I planned on getting a protect-a-bed, but there are so many to choose from! Any advice on what may be best for a futon?
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cilecto
oldtimer
Joined: Aug '08
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Posted 3 years ago
Fri Aug 28 2009 19:31:49
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The vendor may know.
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oldtimer
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 2,543offline
Posted 3 years ago
Fri Aug 28 2009 20:22:08
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I never suggest encasing a mattress, box spring, or futon to prevent an infestation. You want to leave these areas as is (suitable harborage). If 70% of your infestation is your bed ... that is the easy part. The 30% is the hardest part with bed bug work. If you reduce the harborage areas to these locations you now increase the 30% and lower the 70%.
Bottom line, nothing is going to stop them from infesting your place if you are exposed. Allow the suitable harbarge areas open for invasion this will help with an easier inspection and also fight the 70% if you ever do have a problem.
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cilecto
oldtimer
Joined: Aug '08
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Posted 3 years ago
Fri Aug 28 2009 21:18:00
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DATELINE: NYC
Encasements R Us takes a contract out on Killer Queen.DATELINE: Somewhere on Long Island
PathMark store reports mysterious tampering in Pepperidge Farm aisle.
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oldtimer
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 2,543offline
Posted 3 years ago
Sun Aug 30 2009 19:57:13
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cilecto - 1 day ago »
DATELINE: NYC
Encasements R Us takes a contract out on Killer Queen.
DATELINE: Somewhere on Long Island
PathMark store reports mysterious tampering in Pepperidge Farm aisle.
lol roger that! It's almost snack time ... im wondering what is at the house when I get home. 2 1/2 more hrs of work .... then will see =)
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1aweekinlouKY
newbite
Joined: Sep '09
Posts: 5offline
Posted 3 years ago
Wed Sep 30 2009 13:00:39
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KillerQueen - 1 month ago »
I never suggest encasing a mattress, box spring, or futon to prevent an infestation. You want to leave these areas as is (suitable harborage). If 70% of your infestation is your bed ... that is the easy part. The 30% is the hardest part with bed bug work. If you reduce the harborage areas to these locations you now increase the 30% and lower the 70%.
Bottom line, nothing is going to stop them from infesting your place if you are exposed. Allow the suitable harbarge areas open for invasion this will help with an easier inspection and also fight the 70% if you ever do have a problem.I like the way you think, but I have already encased, but not with BB proof encasements. Still getting bit and have a dilema. Do I uncase and let them in there (I don't think there are any in there now), or what? PM me - I left you one yesterday and really need GUIDANCE because everyone says you are the man!
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