Bed bugs are a serious concern these days. A recent survey released by the National Pest Management Association reported that one out of five Americans has had a bed bug infestation in their home or knows someone who has encountered bed bugs at home or in a hotel. Whether you have an active infestation or are at high risk of an infestation (you or someone in your family travels frequently, someone in the household sleeps away at college or boarding school, you live in multi-unit family housing, you have had an infestation in the past, etc.), it makes sense to protect yourself and protection begins with your mattress and box spring, the two places where bed bugs strike most frequently. Finding the best bed bug mattress cover can be a good first step to prevention, early detection of bed bugs and also an excellent part of an ongoing bed bug program. You will quickly find out that not all mattress covers are created equal. Here is a list of things to consider in your search: • Determine what is most important for you to protect: the person sleeping on the mattress, the mattress itself or both.
Some covers offer protection to just the mattress; encasements are one example of mattress-only protection. Just as their name suggests an encasement fully encases the mattress preventing bed bugs from infesting it. This does not prevent bed bugs from infesting on the surface(s) of the encasement where people sleep, it simply protects the mattress. Encasements are also available for the box spring, a major repository for bed bugs. However, they are highly prone to ripping and tearing given the sharp edges associated with bed frames. If you are looking for protection for both the mattress and the person sleeping on it then an active mattress liner, one specially formulated to kill bed bugs like ActiveGuard® Mattress Liners, will be a better choice. • If you are looking for a cover liner that kills bed bugs then you have a couple of options. Active mattress liners that are specially formulated with an insecticide will kill bed bugs typically within 72 hours. Encasements will also kill bed bugs typically over a one year period, bed bugs trapped inside of an encasement will starve.
• If ease of installation is important to you in cases where you have a large number of beds to cover or installation will be reliant on a student or even the elderly then consider a liner that can be installed as easily as a fitted sheet. Encasements typically require two people for installation and require lifting of the mattress and/or box spring. • The best bed bug mattress covers do not require ongoing maintenance, but rather offer you the ability to set it and forget it. Some mattress protection products on the market, like enecasements, are meant to trap bed bugs inside and require ongoing inspections to ensure that rips or tears have not allowed bed bugs to escape. • Some homeowners may prefer a product that will serve a dual purpose like killing both bed bugs and dust mites at the same time. Finding the best bed bug mattress cover for you and your home’s needs doesn’t have to be difficult. We hope the list provided above offers you a good starting point to help you make an informed decision.
For more information about bed bugs, to learn more about ActiveGuard® Mattress Liners or purchase our liners directly, visit us online today.Protectors for Memory Foam Mattresses Mattress protectors can be one of the wisest purchases for a memory foam mattress, as they can help preserve your investment and extend the life of your bed without detracting from comfort. Read on to learn about the benefits of pairing a protector with your memory foam bed and see how the different types of protectors compare. Benefits of Using a Mattress Protector with Memory Foam Beds A protective mattress cover is designed to prevent liquids and other substances from reaching the surface of the bed. While many associate mattress protectors with kids or incontinence, the truth is that they offer many other benefits like keeping your bed clean, healthy, and in good condition. The most obvious benefit of mattress protectors is their ability to prevent or reduce stains due to waterproof or water-resistant backings.
Aside from nighttime accidents, they can also keep pet stains, spilled drinks, sweat and other fluids off of your bed, or at least give you extra time to clean up before the stain soaks in. This is very useful for memory foam mattresses, as the foam absorbs liquid and can be fairly difficult to clean after the fact without damaging the material. Avoid Mold & Mildew Because a protector prevents liquids and perspiration from penetrating the mattress, this significantly reduces any chance of mold or mildew developing. While memory foam is naturally resistant to mold, frequent moisture exposure or spills that do not thoroughly dry could create an issue. Reduce Dust Mites & Allergens In addition to liquids, mattress protectors can also keep your memory foam mattress cleaner and healthier. The removable barrier can reduce the amount of shed skin cells, dust mite debris and pet dander that infiltrate the bed. Most mattress protectors are also machine washable to keep allergen levels as low as possible.
Another important reason to use a mattress protector on a memory foam bed is the warranty. With nearly every manufacturer, stains can impact your ability to successfully file a warranty claim down the road since liquids can damage the foam and may also be unhygienic. If your mattress is still in it’s trial period, stains can also void return policies. All of these protective and preventative features of mattress protectors combine to extend the useful lifespan of your mattress. Smelly or unsightly stains can require a mattress replacement, especially if mold develops. Certain liquids and cleaners can also affect the foam and reduce its lifespan. Keeping your mattress dry and covered helps reduce allergens and keep your mattress healthy, and also helps ensure that you will be able to return or file a warranty claim later if needed. Which Mattress Protector is Best? Mattress protectors are not all created equally; there are different types and materials depending on your needs and concerns.
A waterproof mattress cover will have a non-porous backing designed to totally prevent liquids from penetrating the surface. These are ideal for protecting a bed when incontinence and spills are a concern, but can be less breathable and flexible depending on the backing material. Plastic and vinyl material offer a more resistant barrier, but may also trap heat and be noisy. Polyurethane backing stops liquids, but allows air flow and is flexible for greater comfort. Water-resistant mattress covers have a less restrictive barrier, but also may be more breathable and flexible. These do not prevent 100% of liquids from seeping through, but can prevent minor stains and give you extra time to soak up an accident. There are two main types of mattress protectors; encasements which entirely surround the mattress and covers which slip over the mattress. Encasements cover all sides of the bed from top to bottom, and are primarily designed to prevent bed bug infestations or manage severe dust allergies.
The more common style of mattress protector slips over the top of the mattress like a fitted sheet for easier removal. Compare Amerisleep Mattress Protectors Amerisleep offers two types of protectors to complement memory foam mattresses, a Classic protector and an Organic Cotton option. Below is a comparison of the features of each style: The two mattress protectors offer a similar level of protection, slip-on design with all-around sewn-in elastic, one year of warranty, and easy machine-washable care. Both also use non-toxic polyurethane backing to repel liquids while still allowing air to breathe through for temperature control and comfort. The Classic protector features cotton-polyester blend fabric and is imported, while the Organic protector features 100% certified organic cotton fabric from Canada and is made in the USA. The Organic protector offers the advantage of being free of dyes and harsh chemicals, making it safe for sensitive skin., and the recycled and organic materials make the product eco-friendly as well.