OVERWHELMED - mattress/encasement questions « Got Bed Bugs? Bedbugger Forums

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OVERWHELMED - mattress/encasement questions

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bugoff_1

junior member
Joined: May '09
Posts: 35

Posted 4 months ago
Sat Jul 4 2009 15:07:47
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Hi folks,
I've been reading A Lot on everything here but so far haven't seen a post on air mattresses and encasements. Since my LL has been doing his own so-called treatments without the supervision of a PCO, I have no one but you folks to get advice from.

As I now know, we are not supposed to move anything esp. from the infected room to another room. But 7 months ago when this all started I was still quite naïve to the seriousness of this infestation and after over 10 unsuccessful treatments by the LL, I did move just my mattress to the living room floor where I have been sleeping since (about 5 months) and completely sealed off my bedroom leaving everything else in there (which will be thrown out) except clothes. Throughout this time, LL has treated the entire apt (including bedroom) with his brew of chemicals & massive amounts of DE. From where I have been sleeping now, (lvng room floor), I have only seen 3 bed bugs in that 5 months however, I am aware that for every 1 that I find, there are probably 10 more I don’t see, esp. since the infestation is coming from my next door neighbor in an apt complex.

From the start of this bed bug invasion, I have never seen any fecal traces outside or inside the mattress or ANYWHERE for that matter and believe me I have looked everywhere including plug outlets. But I have seen the bugs, gotten the bites, etc. so have been acting accordingly by washing/drying all clothes, bedding etc and bagging into zip-lock bags. The infestation seemed to be the worst in my bedroom probably due to the oak bed frame I have which will be wrapped and put into storage for 18 months along with anything else I can try and save. I have been treating this as an entire apartment infestation, not just my bedroom and am also taking note that since there are other apts adjoining mine, there is only so much I can do esp. without the help of a LL who refuses to educate himself or let me educate him on how extensive this problem will eventually get via his ineffective methods of treatment.

Meanwhile, I am preparing for a move (being forced out actually), and in DESPERATE need of your wisdom, so have been reading and posting for months now. Still, due to being on disability and a VERY low income, no PCO to consult with, I’m SO confused about a number of things including whether or not I actually need to purchase a quality mattress encasement and/or a pack-tite or if what I have been doing will suffice.

I have the Sleep Number bed in which you can unzip the entire mattress, separating the top from the bottom into 2 pieces. (It may even be possible to steam treat these, not sure yet). From there, I can pull out the floatation mattress inside as well as all the foam that is on top of and surrounding the air mattress, essentually dismantling it all into parts. This is good in that I can actually see if anything is in there and treat each component. During the last chem. treatment my LL did in my apt, I had dismantled the entire mattress to be exposed to the spray then vacuumed all parts, sprayed each with 91% alcohol, including the air mattress itself, let it all dry, reassembled the mattress, duct taped the zipper and wrapped it up with a plastic mattress bag my LL gave me. This plastic encasement is quite thin and not anywhere near the quality of the 'protect-a-bed' alerzip encasements but I've used it out of necessity for now.

Now I’m wondering if I should actually purchase a quality mattress encasement to put on my mattress after the move(?). My understanding of the encasements is that they keep any eggs, or bugs already in the mattress from escaping and further protect the mattress from any others getting inside. Since I can open the entire mattress up to inspect at any time, do you think this will be a necessary purchase? The same goes for the pack-tite. I plan to wrap and store books, and other misc for the 18 month duration, wipe down cd’s and whatever I can with Murphys soap or alcohol, pack in zip lock bags for the move. This is so overwhelming esp with no one helping me get thru this move, so please feel free to give as much advice as you want with my sincere thanks in advance.
cilecto

senior member
Joined: Aug '08
Posts: 515

Posted 4 months ago
Sat Jul 4 2009 23:25:25
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bugoff_1 - 8 hours ago »
Hi folks,
I plan to wrap and store books, and other misc for the 18 month duration, wipe down cd’s and whatever I can with Murphys soap or alcohol, pack in zip lock bags for the move.

Bugoff, it hurts to read your story. I hope that someone weighs in re the mattress. Glad you have the patience to put your books aside for a while. Re your CDs, I'd pack the liner notes up and then inspect/clean the discs and jewel boxes. Bugs and eggs should be easy to spot and destroy. Do not use alcohol on these, as it may ruin the finish. Murphy leaves a bit of soapy residue but not serious. I'd just inspect each one by one, pick off/smash any bugs/eggs you may find then wash and pack. In general, I like mild hand dishwashing lotion for cleaning discs.
bugoff_1

junior member
Joined: May '09
Posts: 35

Posted 4 months ago
Sun Jul 5 2009 0:31:59
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Thank you so much cilecto for your kind reply. It helps so much to feel I am not alone. Your advice is very helpful and I will be utilizing this information pronto.

I realize my post is a bit lengthly, but with so many components to my story and no help other than the wisdom of you all here, I felt the need to include details. Please folks, feel free to help me out with any information you may have to give. It is all sincerely welcome.