A bed bug mattress encasement is a zippered cover that seals the entire mattress or box spring. Bugs inside are trapped until they die, new bugs can’t get in to hide, and the smooth surface makes inspection easy. It doesn’t kill bed bugs in the rest of the room, but it is one of the cheapest, most effective parts of any bed bug treatment. Look for a cover labeled or tested as bed bug-proof, with a fine zipper, a zipper-end lock, and a fit that matches your mattress depth. Leave it on for at least a year.
Table of Contents
Encasement vs Protector vs Cover
| Type | Covers | Stops bed bugs? |
|---|---|---|
| Encasement | All six sides, zippered shut | Yes, if rated bed bug-proof |
| Fitted protector | Top and sides only, like a sheet | No; bugs get underneath |
| Mattress pad or topper | Top only | No |
What to Look For in a Bed Bug Encasement
- Bed bug-proof claim backed by testing: look for independent lab testing mentioned on the packaging or listing.
- Zipper design: small, tight teeth and a zipper stop or locking end cap. The zipper end is where bugs escape from cheap covers.
- Correct depth: measure the mattress thickness. Covers are sold for about 9 to 18 inches deep.
- Tear resistance: fabric that won’t rip when you change sheets. A tiny tear lets bugs through.
- Comfort: breathable, quiet fabric; many encasements are also waterproof and allergen-proof.
- Box spring cover too: box springs are a favorite hiding place; encase both.
- Pillow encasements: optional, useful if pillows can’t be dried on high.
Compare current brands and sizes: mattress encasements, box spring encasements, pillow encasements.
How to Install an Encasement
- Vacuum mattress seams and tufts first.
- With a helper, stand the mattress on end and slide the open encasement over it, then lay it flat and zip fully closed.
- Tuck the zipper tab into the end pocket or secure it with the lock.
- Repeat for the box spring.
- Check for tears every time you change the sheets and patch them with strong tape.
- Leave encasements on for at least 12 months, because bed bugs can survive many months without feeding.
Bed Bugs on the Mattress: Signs
Check seams, piping, tags and corners for live bugs, pale shed skins, tiny white eggs, black marker-like dots and rusty stains. See what bed bugs look like.
Should You Throw Out the Mattress?
Usually no. An encasement saves an infested mattress in most cases, and a new mattress will get infested too if the room isn’t treated. Replace it only if it’s badly torn, heavily stained or you’d replace it anyway. If you do throw one out, wrap it in plastic, mark it “bed bugs” and slash the fabric so no one takes it home.
Encasements Are One Part of Treatment
- Put interceptor cups under the bed legs.
- Launder bedding and clothes. See bed bugs in clothes.
- Treat the room: heat treatment or professional treatment. See bed bug treatment cost.
Complete the bed setup
- Bed bug-proof mattress encasement measure mattress depth first
- Box spring encasement for the base
- Interceptor cups for each bed leg
- Pillow encasements optional
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FAQs
Encasements trap bed bugs inside the mattress until they die of starvation, and they stop new bugs from hiding in it. They don’t kill bugs elsewhere in the room.
Leave it on for at least 12 months, because bed bugs can survive many months without feeding. Many people keep encasements on permanently.
No. Bed bugs can’t bite through a bed bug-proof encasement. They can still bite you from the sheets or frame, so the rest of the room needs treatment.
A protector covers only the top and sides like a fitted sheet, so bed bugs get underneath. An encasement zips around all six sides and seals the mattress.
Most encasements are machine washable. Check the label, and wash and dry only after the infestation is gone, since removing the cover lets trapped bugs escape.
Sources
Facts in this guide are checked against the sources above and reviewed when they change. See how we research in our editorial policy.
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