Bed Bug Mattress Encasements: A Buying Guide

A bed bug mattress encasement is a zippered cover that seals the mattress, box spring or both. It is one of the most useful products during and after a bed bug problem, because it removes the mattress as a hiding place. But not all encasements are equal, and a poor one can fail at the zip.

This guide explains what to look for.

The short answer

A good bed bug encasement fully encloses the mattress with a tough fabric that bugs cannot bite through or enter, and a zipper with a bed bug-proof closure, such as a design with a zipper stop or cover flap that prevents bugs from slipping through the teeth. Look for a size that fits your mattress depth, a durable, breathable and ideally waterproof fabric, seams that are sealed or tightly sewn, and a manufacturer that states it is designed for bed bugs. Encasements trap bugs inside to starve and stop new ones from entering, but they do not replace treatment.

What an encasement does

• Seals existing bugs and eggs inside the mattress.
• Prevents bugs from hiding in mattress seams and tufts.
• Makes the mattress surface smooth and easy to inspect.
• Protects against new infestations.

What to look for

1. Fit: Measure your mattress depth, and choose the correct size. A loose fit can leave gaps.
2. Zipper design: A secure, bed bug-proof zipper with a cover or stop at the end.
3. Fabric: Tight, tough weave that bugs cannot bite through, and that does not tear easily.
4. Seams: Strong, tightly sewn or sealed seams.
5. Comfort: Breathable, quiet fabric that does not make you hot or noisy.
6. Waterproofing: Optional, but useful for protection.
7. Coverage: Whether it includes the box base, if you have one, and pillows.
8. Reputation: Reviews, brand information and a clear statement that it is for bed bugs.

Using it properly

• Clean and vacuum the mattress before encasing.
• Close the zipper fully and check the ends.
• Do not remove it for a year or longer, as advised, if the aim is to starve trapped bugs.
• Repair small tears promptly with strong tape designed for the purpose.
• Wash the cover as the label directs.

Limits

• It does not treat the bed frame, headboard, furniture or room.
• Bugs can still hide elsewhere.
• Damaged covers lose their value.

When to call a professional

Use encasements as part of a plan with professional treatment, washing and heat-drying, and monitoring with interceptors.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to encase pillows?

It helps, particularly if they are not washable.

Can bed bugs bite through the cover?

A good cover has a tight weave that prevents it.

Are regular mattress protectors enough?

Not usually. A bed bug-rated encasement has a sealed closure.

How long should I leave it on?

Follow the manufacturer's advice. Many suggest leaving it on for a year or more.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on bed bug control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full bed bug treatment guide for Bangalore.