Which Mattress Protectors Are Recommended to Stop Bed Bugs?

Woven Fabric

• A tightly woven fabric envelope is effective in preventing bed bugs from infesting a mattress, as it prevents bed bugs from traveling through it. If you already have bed bugs, the fabric cover will keep the bed bugs from feeding on you while you sleep. Apply heavy duty adhesive tape, such as duct tape, over the zipper and over any small openings near the tab to ensure that no bugs penetrate the protective cover. Fabric covers are not waterproof, but they are more comfortable than vinyl envelopes. Use a damp sponge to remove any stains. If you must remove the cover for laundering, launder the bedding and pillows in hot water and machine dry to remove any bed bugs or their larvae.

Vinyl

• Vinyl in various thicknesses is also used effectively to completely encase a mattress and box spring to prevent a bed bug infestation or to contain an infestation. Purchase the thickest gauge of vinyl you can afford. Vinyl can be hot and uncomfortable to sleep on and can tear under stress, but it is waterproof and easily cleaned.Tape the zipper and the area surrounding the zipper tab with duct tape to cover all holes in which bed bugs could travel through. Wipe the vinyl protective cover clean with a damp, soft cloth.

Impregnated with Insecticide

• Some mattress covers, both fabric and vinyl are impregnated with an insecticide on the interior side. This provides a second line of defense against any bed bugs that try to break through the protective covering.