How to Protect a King Bed Mattress

Protection During Use

• 1

  Purchase a king-sized or California king-sized slipcover for the king bed mattress. Slipcovers are usually waterproof and also protect mattresses from dust, mites and bed bugs.

• 2

  Affix the slipcover to the mattress. Many slipcovers come with adjustable straps that meet beneath the mattress, ensuring a snug fit. If your slipcover did not come with adjustable straps, purchase a set of clasping elastic straps from a bedding or craft store. Affix them to the edges of the slipcover and pull them tight.

• 3

  Make the bed as usual by covering the slipcover with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and a comforter. A fitted sheet is one additional layer of protection for your mattress and will help protect the slipcover.

Protection During Storage

• 4

  Purchase a large mattress bag from a storage or moving company. Mattress bags are usually a foot longer and a foot wider than the mattress itself to compensate for the depth of a mattress. King-sized mattress bags should measure at least 88 inches wide and 92 inches long. California king mattress bags should measure at least 84 inches wide by 96 inches long.

• 5

  Clean the king-sized mattress thoroughly before packaging it for storage. Ensure the mattress is dry and free of debris, dirt or dust. Generally, the best way to clean a king-sized mattress is to vacuum the mattress. Either leave the mattress lying flat and vacuum it as you would a floor, flipping it as necessary, or stand the mattress up on its side and use a vacuum attachment to clean it.

• 6

  Slide the king-sized mattress into its storage bag. Once the mattress is fully covered by the bag and lying flat, squeeze excess air from the mattress bag.

• 7

  Tape the ends of the mattress bag shut, ensuring no additional air is able to get inside the bag. Check the surface of the bag periodically for rips and tears that could allow in moisture or pests. Use tape to repair the rips.