Most of us sleep on our mattresses without knowing what is residing within them. This topic is rarely discussed because out of sight, out of mind.’ If people knew the kinds of parasites that reside in an unprotected mattress, there is no doubt they would make a beeline to purchase a mattress protector for all the mattresses in their household.
Some people think that because they practice turning their mattress over a couple times a year and put their mattress in the sun that this is sufficient. Others vacuum their mattresses in hopes they will remove dust mites or bed bugs if they are present.
When we think about bed bugs, our skin begins to crawl. Just the thought of tiny blood-sucking insects crawling all over our body while we are asleep causes many of us to double check our bed before we get comfortable.
A Fearless Solution to a Pesky Problem
These bugs are definitely pests. They can be very difficult to eliminate once they have made our home their home. They hide during the daytime in the small, dark cracks in our homes. They are nearly impossible to remove.
There is no need to fear: the solution is to avoid an infestation to begin with. With a bed bug mattress cover, this is possible. Even if you are already dealing with a bed bug infestation, a cover for your mattress will still help alleviate the problem.
A protective cover is the initial step in ridding yourself of these tiny blood sucking insects or preventing them altogether. At this point in time, with the increasing bed bug infestations, literally everyone is at risk for infestation.
The best mattress cover is a zippered encasement that is designed specifically to assist with the control of bed bugs. A zippered encasement will help make the process much easier for the extermination of the bugs. If you aren’t infested, it can assist you in keeping your home free of bed bugs.
Infestations are Continuing to Grow and Everyone is Vulnerable
Predictions are that the bed bug infestation will continue to increase through the year 2016. It has been said that the yearly infestation peak will be in the month of August.
It has been a common belief that the bed bugs only reside in unkempt and dirty homes. This is not true. Bed bugs have the fortitude to survive and flourish anywhere as long as they have a food source. This includes even the tidiest homes.
In the past few years, the infestations of bed bugs have reached levels that are considered to be an epidemic’ in the United States. The infestation rate is anticipated to double every year!
Why are Bed Bugs on the Rise?
Experts believe that the increased incidence of bed bug infestations may be due to several things. Some believe that it is due to the ease of foreign travel, decreases in the countermeasures that homeowners are taking to prevent the invasion of bed bugs, and an increase in the use of second-hand furniture and clothing.
These uninvited guests’ find it very easy to enter your home. They will travel by attaching themselves to your clothes and body, in your luggage, or from the apartment next door. If you don’t notice them right away and they are given time to actually infest your home, getting rid of them is not an easy task.
The Longer the Infestation Goes On, the More Difficult it is to Eradicate
The worst part is that the longer your bed bug infestation continues the more expensive and difficult the process of extermination becomes. That is why preventing the infestation to begin with is the best answer to this potential problem. The way to assist in doing that is to get a bed bug mattress cover for all the beds in your home.
Without a mattress cover, it will usually take 3 to 6 months for homeowners to realize they have a bed bug problem that needs attention. This will make the extermination process quicker and easier. When the infestation is realized early on, it is much easier to terminate the problem.
Invest in a Mattress Cover
If you were to ask an exterminator what is recommended as a preventative measure to ensure you are not faced with a bed bug infestation, a mattress cover would be his suggestion. Covering your bed with linens that are bed bug proof is the #1 way to prevent bed bugs.
The mattress’ complex interiors and the box springs provide the ideal hiding place for bed bugs. They reside in the coils, wood framing, fabric, springs and foam. For the bed bugs, these places are like a five-star resort.
Not All Mattress & Box Spring Covers are the Same
With the multitude of mattress covers on the market for the prevention of bed bugs, it is sometimes difficult to know the difference between these mattresses. It is important to find out which covers will keep your home bed bug free and which ones will not be effective.
If you are looking to find the best prices on bed bug mattress covers, research is the key. Mattress covers are available at a variety of stores.
It is important to remember to only look at bed bug box spring and mattress covers that are scientifically proven. This ensures that tests have been done to prove the cover is bed bug and bed bug bite’ proof.
If you know what you need to look for in a bed bug protector for your mattress and box springs you can ensure you select the one that is best for you and your family.
Four Things to Consider When Looking for Your Mattress & Box Spring Protective Cover
1. Be Sure That the Protective Cover is Bite-proof Fabric
The majority of inexpensive bed bug protective covers will not be bite-proof. This means that if there are any bed bugs residing inside the mattress they will still have the ability to feed off the host through the fabric.
2. Look For Fabric That is Waterproof
Polyurethane-lined and vinyl are the fabric choices available on the protective mattress and box spring covers.
Vinyl Protective Covers
The vinyl covers will eliminate the bed bugs from entering or exiting your mattress or box spring. Unfortunately, the vinyl protective covers are generally noisy when the sleeping individual moves around. They are also hot for the individual sleeping on it.
Many times the individual will sweat while sleeping on a vinyl protective mattress cover. The sweat could be a breeding ground for mold or other bacteria to grow on your mattress. Discoloration of your mattress could also occur. The vinyl cover is easy to clean with a dampened cloth but they also tend to rip quite easy.
However, there are a variety of vinyl thickness levels to choose from. The 3-gauge vinyl covers are a good value and great for everyday needs. The 6-gauge vinyl covers are a lot thicker and can even withstand heavy-duty institutional wear.
Due to the fact that vinyl bed bug mattress covers are not breathable, it is necessary to have a mattress pad on top of it that is comfortable.
Polyurethane-Lined Protective Covers
The protective covers that are polyurethane-lined still allow the skin to breathe, which means no sweating. Soft fabric also covers the mattress. This makes them a quiet protective bed bug cover option.
The polyurethane mattress and box spring protective cover is thought of as a premium bed bug cover. The material is breathable and because of this the body heat is lessened.
The fabrics used for the protector are very soft as well. There are several brands that make premium bed bug box spring and mattress protective covers affording you a wider range of choices.
Needless to say, the vinyl bed bug box spring and mattress covers are less expensive than the polyurethane covers. The polyurethane designs are covered with the terrycloth; the majority of homeowners think the extra cost is well worth the comfort that is added.
3. Check to See Where the Zipper Stop is Located
Where the zipper ends on the mattress cover is extremely important. If the zipper stops short of the seam even as little as 1/32†bed bugs will have the ability to escape or enter the interior with ease.
4. Consider the Zipper Teeth
Make sure that the protective bed bug box spring and mattress cover you choose has small teeth on the zipper. If the zipper teeth are too large the bed bugs will have the ability to enter and exit the mattress and box springs very easily.
Purchasing a zippered encasement for the pillows as well as a cover for the box springs may also assist in the battle of the bed bugs.
Prevent the Invasion or Start the Extermination
When purchasing the items necessary to prevent or assist in the elimination of bed bugs, consider it a small investment to prevent the invasion of the bed bug. Otherwise, without investing in the proper equipment, it could take months and sometimes thousands of dollars to exterminate these intruders.
It is also an ideal way to start conquering a current bed bug infestation. If the infestation is severe, consider the use of bed bug mattress protective covers in combination with bed bug sprays, traps and powders.
Prices for Protective Mattress Covers
The price for a protective mattress cover generally depends on the quality as well as the size of the bed the cover is being purchased for.
- Twin Mattress Protective Cover prices range from $10.99 to $549.00
- Full Mattress Protective Cover prices range from $11.99 to $500.00
- Queen Mattress Protective Cover prices Range from $15.99 to $420.00
- King Mattress Protective Cover prices Range from $17.99 to $495.00
The Less Expensive Protective Mattress & Box Spring Cover Prices Range from $10.99 to $17.99
Some of the less expensive vinyl covers will also protect against dust mites, allergens and bed bugs. Many have zipper enclosures to protect your mattress and your health. Chemical free designs are available. Some of these are machine washable and can be tumble dried on medium heat or hung out to dry.
The More Expensive Protective Mattress & Box Spring Cover Prices Range from $537.00 to $549.00
Some protective mattress and box spring covers also provide protection from other nuisances as well. There are premium protective mattress covers that protect against dust mites and allergens as well as bed bugs. This provides the sleeping individual a healthy and allergy free place to sleep. Some of the allergens include pollen, mold and pet dander.
Besides being breathable, these covers are also waterproof and absorbent protecting against bed wetting or spills. There are covers that have zippers on three sides and that are sealed from the inside providing even better protection. Most covers are machine washable.
Is it Necessary to Cover the Mattress and the Box Spring?
Covering only the mattress will give the sleeper superior sanitation protection. However, this will not assist with the possibility of an infestation of bed bugs. The majority of infestations occur in the mattress and the box spring. Because of this it is necessary to cover them both to ensure protection from bed bugs.
Can You Wash the Protective Mattress and Box Spring Covers?
The majority of covers are machine washable and can go into a dryer. However, it is very important to know that when you wash a cover to never use bleach or any kind of bleach alternative. When you dry your cover, the zipper needs to remain fully closed. The cover can be dried with other linens and towels on a medium heat setting.
Never remove any covers during an infestation!
Can Chemicals be used on the Mattress Before Covering Them?
Any of the chemicals that are commercially available can be used before covering the mattress. Make sure the chemical that was applied is fully dry prior to putting the cover on the mattress.
Bed bugs are in the process of becoming an epidemic in the U.S. It is estimated that one out of twenty homes has a bed bug problem right now. Once the bed bug has gained entrance to your mattress they are much harder to eliminate.
If your home is already infested, the first place that needs to be addressed is the mattresses in your home. If you have a relatively new mattress that has no tears in it, you could possibly just purchase a bed bug mattress cover.
However, if the mattresses are older and you have the ability, it may be better to just purchase new mattresses and box springs and then put the protective covers on them.
Important Considerations to Ensure You Purchase the Correct Cover
You need to make sure you measure the mattresses area (including the box spring). The mattress and box spring can be covered separately or together.
Be sure that the pad you purchase is deep enough (no less than 11â€).
Don’t forget about your pillows. It is necessary to cover the pillows to ensure that bed bugs as well as other allergens are unable to affect your sleeping area.
The most comfortable pillowcases that protect against bed bugs are made from breathable fabric with a polyurethane lining. This kind of pillowcase will not get as hot as one that is made from vinyl.
Pads and covers are available at the majority of brick and mortar stores and even online. Some of these covers even have guarantees for a specific amount of time.
A Protective Cover is a Must
The majority of the public does not consider a mattress and box spring protective cover a must when purchasing these items new. However, a protective cover should be because of the increase in the bed bug infestations in the past few years.
Not everyone in your family will necessarily need the same type of protector for their mattress. It will depend on the individual’s age and any health issues.
Bed bugs are much easier to see with the use of a mattress and box spring protector. This makes it easier to remove them, helping to prevent infestations. Some protectors can be washed while others should never be removed. For the washable protectors, it is advised that they be washed every week in hot water.
Never try to move a bed that is already encased as this can result in a tear. Some tears can be fixed with the use of duct tape. Be sure to inspect your cover frequently to ensure that the tape is still in place, and there are no new tears.
How Protective Covers Aid the Sleeper
Some believe that with the box spring and mattress protector, bed bugs won’t be attracted to their bed anymore. However, the attraction will remain; the protector will just assist in your ability to see them.
Bed bugs require a warm and moist environment to survive and multiply. Most of these areas are unseen because they usually scatter when disturbed.
If you have a bed bug infestation and you put a bed bug mattress protector on it you will be able trap the bed bugs already in your mattress and stop other bed bugs from invading it.
Prevent Tearing in the Protector
The typical life span of a bed bug that has no way to feed is approximately 18 months. This is a rather long time, so removing any sharp objects near the bed would be recommended to ensure you don’t rip the mattress protector.
If your bed frame has any sharp edges, duct tape or felt could be placed around them to ensure they don’t rub against or poke the fabric. Adding extra padding would also help to protect your mattress. By keeping your protector intact, the bed bugs will eventually die of starvation.
Because all the protective mattress and box spring covers are not identical, it is important to do some investigating prior to purchase. The last thing you want to do is make a hasty and ill-informed purchase.
Other Tools
Another tool to consider is Climb Ups. These are placed under the legs of the bed to catch samples. The drawback to this tool is that the Climb Ups only catch the bed bugs when they decide to climb on or off the bed. It may take some time before it is necessary for them to do this.
Each bed bug will only feed once weekly and if you are being bitten in the sofa or bed, they may not find it necessary to climb up or down. This process could take some time.
Preparing for Treatment
If you are renting an apartment or home and you have an infestation of bed bugs, the landlord (depending on your local laws) may be responsible to treat your home. You need to find someone that has knowledge and experience concerning bed bugs. Have your home and the homes around you inspected. All the homes that have bed bugs must be treated.
If you are about to have your home treated for bed bugs, it is a good idea to purchase your covers and have them ready prior to the pest control operator (PCO) treating your home. Be sure not to put them on until the treatment is complete. A good idea would be to ask the PCO when you can put your covers on.
Questions to Ask When Searching for a Protective Cover
Claims
- Does the label explain whether it was tested in the lab or have certifications to prove its claims?
- Will the cover kill bed bugs and prevent them from entering or exiting your mattress?
Features
- Does the cover have a barrier fabric?
- Is the cover odorless and breathable?
- Is the cover waterproof?
- Is the cover thin enough to ensure your comfort?
Quality
- Look at the zippers quality to ensure it is made well and won’t fall apart after washing.
- Is it made of polyester or plastic?
Comfort
- Make sure that you know what material the cover is made of, polyester or plastic. Certain materials could make you hot or make the bed noisy.
Price
- Be sure not to assume an expensive price means it is going to work the best.
- Like the majority of products it is best to find a cover that is in the middle of the price range. Don’t go cheap or expensive.
Installation
- Always make sure that the cover is easy to install.
- Be sure to install the cover correctly.
- Inspect the cover for tears following installation and then periodically.
There is some debate concerning mattress and box spring covers; the arguments concerning this debate are below.
Argument for Mattress & Box Spring Covers
A secure cover helps to protect the mattress and box spring’s value. A protective cover will not keep the bed bugs from making the top of an encased box spring or mattress their habitat. However, it can make inspection of the box spring and mattress easier, allowing for a greater chance of bed bug removal.
The box spring and a torn mattress are very vulnerable to bed bug infestation.
If your box spring or torn mattress is already infested, an encasement that is secure should prevent them from exiting and also from biting you. If there are not any bed bugs inside your torn mattress or box spring, an encasement that is secure will prevent them from making it their new habitat.
Argument Against Mattress & Box Spring Covers
A cover will not prevent the bed bugs from biting you. They still have the ability to reside on the cover, or somewhere else in the room and then climb onto the cover. The bed bugs are not able to reside inside mattresses unless they are damaged in some way or torn. However, they can reside in a box spring that is even in excellent condition.
If a cover is poorly designed or torn, a false sense of security could allow the bed bugs to continue feeding despite the cover.
If there are cats that have not been de-clawed in the home, they could easily tear the cover.
Some feel that North American-style box springs are vulnerable. This means they need to be covered very securely. Some feel that a mattress cover should also be used for the box springs because these seem to be better designed than the box spring covers.
The Dos & Don’ts of Dealing with Bed Bugs
Be sure to examine any bed bugs you have found in your home, bites received by you or your family, and any possible evidence of bed bugs. Compare these to confirmed photos of bed bugs, bed bug bites and bed bug evidence. This will help in the determination as to whether the problem is actually bed bugs, or possibly something else.
If you are suspicious that there are bed bugs residing where you sleep it is very important to continue sleeping at that location. If you leave your typical sleeping area, the bed bugs may follow you to other parts of your house in order to feed. This will make your infestation much harder to eradicate.
Do Not Leave Your Home to Stay Elsewhere
The bugs may come with you and infest the other home as well. The bugs can live without feeding for approximately eighteen months. When you return, they will begin biting you once again. Because of this, staying in your home while it is being treated and remaining in your usual sleeping place is the way bed bugs are eliminated.
The best thing to do is to isolate your bed by moving it into the middle of the floor and ensuring that your bedding does not touch the floor. You can then continue to sleep there while the PCO treats your home.
Once you have begun being treated you need to remain in your bed because you are the bait that attracts the bed bugs to the poison and then they die. If you have isolated the bed as suggested, they will not be able to bite you.
Never Use a Bug Bomb or a Fogger
Foggers do not get rid of bed bugs; they cause them to spread even deeper into your home. Always tell the PCO the different things you have tried to eradicate the bugs. They may have to treat the infested area differently because of the various chemicals you used.
Save All the Bed Bugs You Find
Pick the bug up with a piece of clear packing tape and then take an index card and tape the bug to it. It may be necessary for you to show the bugs to pest control professionals, landlords or anyone else relevant to the removal of the pests.
You may be able to take the bug to local colleges and have an Entomologist identify the bug. Usually a science museum or pest control company can also assist in identification of the bug. Don’t just assume you will see a lot of the bugs; some people see very few.
Be Careful With the Diagnosis
Do make sure to rule out other conditions such as scabies, folliculitis or other insect bites. Sometimes the bites or rashes are not from bed bugs, but are from one of the aforementioned conditions.
Doctors are not able to diagnose bed bug bites with very much certainty. It is important to know that many times a doctor will incorrectly diagnose bed bug bites, stating that we do not have them when we do.
Many doctors have never even seen a bed bug bite, or have seen very few. This is because there is a wide range of variances concerning bed bug bites. The bites can range from tiny red bumps, to scabby pimple like bumps or even large welts.
Don’t Assume That You Are the Only Person Being Bitten
Some people have no reaction whatsoever to bed bug bites. A bed bug bite is actually an allergic reaction. Research that was released in 2010 suggests that 70% of people have an allergic reaction to bed bug bites and 30% of people do not.
Don’t Throw Your Furniture and Beds Out Just Yet
It is best to speak with a PCO about the possibility of treating your furniture as opposed to throwing it away. Should the PCO recommend that the furniture is discarded, he or she generally has the ability to assist you in safely discarding these items to limit spreading of the bed bugs.
Professional assistance ensures that you are less likely to become re-infested and it also eliminates the possibility of someone picking it up off the side of the road for themselves, continuing the infestation cycle.
Don’t Start to Buy Chemicals to Treat the Infestation Yourself
If you start to spray pesticides, the bugs may run rampant throughout your home and this will make eliminating them that much more difficult for the PCO. Just get professional help and be sure to follow all the PCO’s instructions.
Don’t Start to Bag Everything You Own
The PCO may ask you to inspect, then vacuum and seal all your things in bags. The majority do not request this though. It is crucial to follow the PCO’s advice. They know what to do. If you decide to just go ahead and bag your things, you could be sealing bed bugs in these bags as well.
The only way to eliminate the bed bugs at this point is to place these unopened bagged items away in storage for a period of at least 18 months. Instead of doing this, the majority of PCOs will fight your problem by attracting bed bugs towards the poisons that will kill them and away from your possessions.
Do Begin to Deal With Your Linens and Clothing
You should never just seal your possessions away in bags. It is usually a good idea to begin the process of eliminating the bed bugs from your linen and clothing because the PCO is going to instruct you to do so. This process will also take some time.
Take the clothing and linens, put them into the washing machine and wash them in hot water. Move them to the dryer and dry them on high heat for one to two hours. It is okay to dry clean items; remember that comforters, pillows, down coats and any other items that are thick may take longer than others to dry.
Here is the key: once the clothes and linens are washed and dried, place them in brand new, just opened airtight bag and seal them immediately. Do not remove the items in the bags until you are ready to use them.
Don’t Assume That Bed Bugs are Only Residing in Your Bed
While bed bugs do like to harbor in bed frames, headboards, mattresses and box springs, they can also be found at other locations throughout the home. Many times bed bugs can be found hiding in soft furniture like sofas, light fixtures, electrical sockets behind the plate, crevices in the floor, baseboards, etc.
Bed bugs have even been found residing in bathrooms and kitchens. However, in most small cases the infestation is concentrated within 10 to 20 feet from where individuals sleep or sit for an extended period of time.
With the increasing numbers of bed bug infestations, protecting you and your family needs to be top priority. Otherwise, you may fall victim to the bed bugs’ bite. Try to prevent an infestation so you won’t have to worry about the tiny pests interrupting your sleep or your life.
