How Bed Bug Mattress Covers Work to Protect You From Bed Bugs

Updated on Tuesday, 1 October 2024 by Yirmeyahu Mwangelwa

An image of a mattress cover with a zipper

Bed bugs are one of the most frustrating and stubborn pests to deal with. Their ability to hide in cracks, crevices, and especially mattresses makes them a nuisance that's hard to eliminate. One effective tool in the battle against bed bugs is the bed bug mattress cover, also known as an encasement. But how exactly do these covers work to protect you and your home from bed bugs? This article explores how bed bug mattress covers function and why they should be part of your bed bug control strategy.

1. What Is a Bed Bug Mattress Cover?

A bed bug mattress cover is a specially designed, tightly woven fabric encasement that fully encloses your mattress and box spring. It has a zipper that completely seals off any potential openings. These covers are typically made from durable, bite-proof material and are designed to prevent bed bugs from getting in or out.

The main purpose of a bed bug mattress cover is twofold:

It stops bed bugs that are already inside your mattress from escaping and biting you.
It prevents new bed bugs from infesting the mattress.

2. How Bed Bug Mattress Covers Trap Bed Bugs

If bed bugs have already made their home in your mattress, encasing the mattress with a bed bug cover traps the bugs inside. Bed bugs need blood to survive, and they generally come out of hiding at night to feed on their host (you). Once the cover is in place, the bugs inside the mattress can no longer escape to feed.

Because they can’t access a food source, the bed bugs inside the encasement will eventually die off from starvation. Make sure you keep your bed bug proof mattress cover on for at least 400 days because bed bugs have been known to survive that long without feeding. While bed bugs can survive for long periods without a meal—sometimes up to 400 days in certain conditions—using a bed bug mattress cover is an essential step in cutting off their food supply and preventing further bites.

3. How Bed Bug Mattress Covers Prevent New Infestations

Bed bug mattress covers do more than just trap existing bed bugs; they also create a barrier that prevents new bed bugs from reaching the mattress. Since bed bugs prefer to hide close to their food source, the mattress and box spring are prime hiding spots. With a bed bug-proof cover in place, bed bugs can’t penetrate the fabric to hide inside the mattress.

This is particularly important if you're in the process of treating your home for bed bugs. After initial extermination efforts, the cover prevents any surviving bed bugs from reinfesting your mattress, giving you peace of mind that your sleeping space is protected.

4. How Bed Bug Mattress Covers Work as Part of a Comprehensive Treatment Plan

It's important to understand that while bed bug mattress covers are effective, they are not a standalone solution to bed bug infestations. They work best when used in conjunction with other bed bug control methods, such as:

Vacuuming: Regularly vacuuming areas where bed bugs may hide, including the seams and edges of your mattress, bed frame, and nearby furniture, helps to remove eggs, nymphs, and adult bed bugs.
Heat treatment: Bed bugs and their eggs die at temperatures above 120°F (49°C). Using heat to treat your bed, bedding, and other items can be an effective way to kill bed bugs that are not trapped by the mattress cover.
Pesticides: Professional-grade pesticides can be used to treat areas where bed bugs are hiding. Follow the directions to ensure effectiveness and safety.

The mattress cover protects you from bites, but treating the rest of the home is still necessary to fully eradicate the bed bug population.

5. Key Features to Look for in a Bed Bug Mattress Cover

Not all mattress covers are created equal. To ensure maximum protection against bed bugs, look for these key features in a mattress cover:

Certified bed bug-proof fabric: The cover must be made from tightly woven fabric that bed bugs can’t penetrate. A bed bug cover’s ability to block bugs is often determined by the size of its pores, which should be smaller than a bed bug (typically less than 1 millimeter).
Secure zipper closure: The zipper is one of the most vulnerable points on a mattress encasement. Look for a cover with a zipper that fully encloses the mattress and features a small flap or guard to block any gaps where bed bugs might try to escape.
Durability: Bed bug mattress covers should be made from a durable, tear-resistant material. The cover will remain on your mattress for a long time, so it should be strong enough to withstand regular use.
Breathability and comfort: Since the cover will be on your bed, you’ll want a product that doesn’t compromise comfort. Look for covers that offer a breathable, comfortable sleep surface while still providing full protection against bed bugs.
Proper size: The bed bug cover you choose must match the size of your bed. A cover that is too small may not adequately protect your mattress from bed bugs, and one that is too big will make your sleep uncomfortable.

6. Common Myths About Bed Bug Mattress Covers

Some misconceptions surround the use of bed bug mattress covers. Let’s address a few of the most common myths:

Myth 1: Bed bug mattress covers kill bed bugs instantly. While these covers trap bed bugs inside and cut off their access to food, they do not kill bed bugs on contact. Over time, the bugs will die from starvation, but this can take several months up to just over a year. Do not open your bed bug cover in less than 400 days after putting it on your mattress.
Myth 2: Once I put on a mattress cover, I don’t need to treat the rest of my home. A bed bug mattress cover is a powerful tool, but it doesn’t solve the entire problem. Bed bugs can still live in other parts of your home, like furniture, carpets, baseboards, and your headboard, so a comprehensive treatment plan is essential.
Myth 3: Bed bug mattress covers are only necessary if you already have bed bugs. Using a mattress cover can be a preventive measure, especially if you live in an area with a high risk of bed bug infestations, such as apartment buildings, dormitories, or hotels. By placing a bed bug mattress cover on your bed before an infestation occurs, you reduce the likelihood of bed bugs making their way into your mattress.

7. Conclusion: Why You Need a Bed Bug Mattress Cover

A bed bug mattress cover is an essential tool in the fight against bed bugs. By trapping existing bugs, preventing new infestations, and reducing the likelihood of bites, these covers provide critical protection and peace of mind. However, they work best as part of an integrated approach to bed bug control. If you’re dealing with bed bugs or want to prevent them in the future, investing in a quality bed bug mattress cover should be at the top of your list.

For best results, combine the mattress cover with other methods, like vacuuming, heat treatment, and pesticides, to completely eliminate bed bugs from your home.