<p>So whether you’re treating an active infestation or just never want to have one to begin with, your best bet is a bed bug mattress cover. Also, just so we’re clear, bed bugs cannot chew their way out of a good mattress encasement, so we can all stop having nightmares about that. No? Just me? Anyway, without further ado, here’s a list of the best bed bug mattress covers to help you sleep tight without any bed bugs in sight.</p>” />
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softest bed bug mattress cover
ienjoy Home Simply Soft Zippered Mattress Protector
softest bed bug mattress cover
ienjoy Home Simply Soft Zippered Mattress Protector
Pros
- Fits mattresses up to 18″ thick
- Stain resistant
Cons
- Can be loose on thinner mattresses
This mattress cover features a double layer, one as a moisture and bug-proof barrier, and another to add softness (so no crinkly sounds!). Think of it as a potential two-in-one mattress cover—soft enough to double as a sheet in a pinch. (Hey, we’ve all been there.)
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
|---|---|
| Depth | Up to 18″ |
| Material | Microfiber |
| Care | Machine washable |
best bed bug mattress cover for pet parents
HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Zippered Bed Bug Proof Sleep Defense System
best bed bug mattress cover for pet parents
HOSPITOLOGY PRODUCTS Zippered Bed Bug Proof Sleep Defense System
Now 14% Off
Pros
- Waterproof and easy to clean
- Zipper covers help keep your mattress sealed and safe
Cons
- Some reviewers noted it trapped heat
If you’re prone to spills, this mattress cover is your best bet. Not only is it designed with velcro covers to keep the zippers in place (and help prevent you from becoming a bed bug snack), it’s also waterproof, something many reviewers noted helped protect their furniture from spills and/or animal-related accidents.
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King California King |
|---|---|
| Depths | 6-8″, 9-11″, 12-18″ |
| Material | Polyester |
| Care | Machine washable |
best bed bug mattress cover for those with allergies
AllerEase Ultimate Allergy Protection and Comfort Zippered Mattress Protector
best bed bug mattress cover for those with allergies
AllerEase Ultimate Allergy Protection and Comfort Zippered Mattress Protector
This is the one I have on my mattress, and I don’t have bed bugs, so I guess that means it’s working?! I have bad allergies, so I love that this one blocks 99.9% of household allergens like pollen and dust mites. Because my definition of self care is not sneezing or being bitten by bugs while I snooze. 🙂
| Sizes | Twin, Full, Queen, King |
|---|---|
| Depth | up to 14″ |
| Materials | Polyester and Nylon top fabric |
| Care | Machine washable |
easiest bed bug mattress cover to put on
SafeRest Zippered Mattress Protector
easiest bed bug mattress cover to put on
SafeRest Zippered Mattress Protector
Pros
- Easy to get on your mattress
- Machine washable
- Doesn’t sound crinkly
Cons
- Water-resistant, but not totally waterproof
Many mattress protector encasements have one zippered opening, which is fine, but it makes putting it on feel like you’re in a wrestling match you most definitely didn’t sign up for. This cover prevents you from breaking a sweat, thanks to a micro-zipper on three sides of the encasement, which makes it easier to install. It’s made from cotton terry to keep you nice n’ cool too.
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, full, Queen, King, California King, Crib |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6″, 6-9″, 9-12″, 12-15″, 15-18″ |
| Materials | Cotton terry upper, made without PVC, vinyl, |
| Care | Machine washable |
best bed bug mattress cover on a budget
Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Encasement
best bed bug mattress cover on a budget
Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Encasement
Now 17% Off
Pros
- Affordable
- Waterproof
Cons
- Some reviews said the knitted polyester made crinkly noises
Made from knitted polyester, this encasement has a waterproof lining that stops any leaks from causing mold or mildew. Even better: its zipper is reinforced to make sure no creepy bugs can plot their escape and/or invasion. Bottom line: This baby gets the job done, and at just $15, you’ll have money left over for those brand new percale sheets you’ve been eyeing.
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, California King, Crib |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polyester |
| Care | Machine washable |
best bed bug cover for dorm beds
SureGuard Mattress Protectors Premium Zippered Six-Sided Cover
best bed bug cover for dorm beds
SureGuard Mattress Protectors Premium Zippered Six-Sided Cover
Pros
- 10-year replacement warranty
- Customize the depth to fit your mattress and avoid extra fabric
Cons
- Terry cotton top adds a bit of texture that might not be for everyone
Make room in the minivan for this mattress encasement when you head off to college. Sized for the Twin XL beds common in dorms, it’s waterproof and machine-washable—even in those janky dorm basement washing machines. It also has a 10-year replacement warranty, in case you end up hanging out in your undergrad degree takes you *much* longer than you planned for.
Note: this mattress cover is also suitable for non-college students. It comes in a variety of sizes and depths, ensuring the best fit for your mattress and limiting noise-causing friction.
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, California King, Crib |
|---|---|
| Depths | 6-8″, 9-12″, 13-16″, 17-20″ |
| Materials | Cotton terry top, stretch-knit polyester, TPU polyurethane backing |
| Care | Machine washable |
best all-around bed bug mattress cover
Protect-A-Bed AllerZip Smooth Mattress Encasement
best all-around bed bug mattress cover
Protect-A-Bed AllerZip Smooth Mattress Encasement
This is a ~fancy mattress protector~ with a super secure three-sided zipper and patented seal to make sure absolutely no bugs will be joining you once you turn out the lights. It’s made from breathable terry cloth and protects against dust mites, allergens, mold, mildew, pollen, and pet dander. Another cool albeit slightly unexpected feature: it has the Center for Disease Control’s highest level (level 4) of barrier protection, ideally stopping viruses from being able to pass through your mattress.
| Sizes | Queen, King (other sizes are available from alternative sellers) |
|---|---|
| Depth | 7-12″ |
| Materials | Polyurethane |
| Care | Machine washable |
best bed bug mattress cover for thick mattresses
LUCID Encasement Mattress Protector
best bed bug mattress cover for thick mattresses
LUCID Encasement Mattress Protector
Now 33% Off
Pros
- Fits well over most mattresses, including 18-inch ones
Cons
- Might be too warm for hot sleepers
If your mattress is on the thicc side, this eco-friendly bed bug cover is your new BFF. It works on mattresses up to 18 inches, and its elastic/polyester blend ensures a snug fit around the entire bed. This encasement is also free of yucky stuff like phthalates, vinyl, and PVC.
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
|---|---|
| Depth | fits 6-18″ |
| Material | Vinyl |
| Care | Machine washable |
the most quiet bed bug mattress cover
Guardmax Zippered Mattress Encasement
the most quiet bed bug mattress cover
Guardmax Zippered Mattress Encasement
Pros
- Soft, non-crinkling fabric
- Water-resistant
Cons
- May not be stain-resistant, according to some reviews
No one’s a fan of that crinkling sound that sometimes comes with mattress protector. But this one’s made with a polyester that’s softer and shouldn’t bunch or crunch—just make sure you get the right size to give your mattress a snug fit.
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Short Queen, Queen, King, California King |
|---|---|
| Depths | 5-7″, 9-11″, 11-13″, 13-14″, 15-16″ |
| Material | Polyester |
| Care | Machine washable |
best bed bug mattress cover topper
Brentwood Home Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector
best bed bug mattress cover topper
Brentwood Home Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector
Now 10% Off
Pros
- Waterproof
- Organic cotton
Cons
- Will not protect against bed bugs on its own
Some vinyl mattress covers may not be the softest, so we don’t blame you for wanting an extra layer of protection in the form of a soft cotton topper. This one’s both organic cotton and waterproof, so spills won’t stand a chance.
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
|---|---|
| Depth | 6-16″ |
| Materials | Cotton top and bottom layer with Polyurethane middle layer |
| Care | Machine washable |
best bed bug pillow cover
SureGuard Mattress Protectors Set of 2 Pillow Protectors
best bed bug pillow cover
SureGuard Mattress Protectors Set of 2 Pillow Protectors
Pros
- Smooth cotton won’t be rough on your skin or trap heat
- Waterproof
Cons
- Zipper isn’t covered, so bed bugs could, theoretically, sneak in or out
Many people might not find pillow protectors necessary, as they can sometimes cost the same as a brand new pillow. However, if you’ve invested in a really nice and expensive pillow, you’re going to want to protect it from bed bugs and other creepy crawlers. This SureGard set of two pillow protectors is a great place to start thanks to its smooth surface, which shouldn’t irritate you with extra texture under a pillow case. It also comes in terry cloth, if you prefer a thicker buffer.
| Sizes | Standard, Queen, King, European, Toddler, Body |
|---|---|
| Materials | Cotton Terry, Cotton, and Smooth Cotton |
| Care | Machine washable |
How to choose a bed bug cover
Look for reinforced, high-quality zippers
“Bed bugs can’t escape a mattress cover generally, but they can if the zipper is broken, or if there’s a small gap at the beginning of the zipper,” Wang says. He suggests looking for encasements with reinforced zippers and a little Velcro flap (sometimes called a zipper seal) that goes over the zipper and prevents it from gaping.
Know your materials
Encasements can be made from fabric, vinyl, or plastic, and they all work, Wang says. What you choose is just a matter of your priorities. If you want something washable that can do several things at once—like protect against allergens and regulate temperature—go for a fabric cover. If you’re on a tight budget, he says vinyl or plastic encasements will do the trick, but they’re more prone to tearing and they’re “not as comfortable” as fabric covers (aka they can be crinklier and warmer). Overall, he suggests, “if you can afford it, it’s generally better to buy a fabric cover,” because they’re breathable, sturdy, and can protect you from more than just bed bugs.
Is there a bed bug cover that kills bed bugs?
“If you already have bed bugs in your mattress and you put the cover on, the bed bugs won’t be able to get out,” Wang says. Sadly, there’s no bed bug cover on the market that kills or repels bed bugs outright with something like say, an insecticide, so the only way an encasement will kill bed bugs is if you already have ‘em in your mattress. It’s important to know that bed bugs can be really stubborn, so an encasement might not get rid of them completely. In addition to putting on a bed bug cover, it’s a good idea to have a professional exterminator assess and treat the situation.
How long should you leave a bed bug cover on the mattress?
Short answer: eternity. Long answer: “Unless it gets dirty or broken, you can continue using it” if you’re just keeping it on your mattress as a preventative measure, Wang says. That said, it’s probably good to give it a wash every now and then so it doesn’t get too grody. If you’ve had a professional treat an active infestation, Wang says that “the rule of thumb is to wait six to eight weeks after all signs of infections have stopped to remove your encasement.”
Okay, yay—we’re officially done talking about bed bugs now!
Editor
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an entertainment and culture writer and editor who will never turn down a romance or superhero movie. Her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.
Nancy Walecki is a staff writer and editor at Harvard Magazine. Boston-based, but a Los Angeles native at heart, she often can be found roller-skating, singing, and waiting for the sun to come out. She is at work on a book about her dad’s former independent music store, Westwood Music, which was a hub for major 1960s/70s musicians.
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