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A bed bug mattress cover, or encasement, zips around the whole mattress so bed bugs can’t get in or out. For more information, read below on what different types of mattress covers achieve, how mattress covers prevent bed bugs from getting to your mattress, and the key qualities of anti-bed bug mattress covers.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| # | Type | Fits mattress depth | Waterproof | Bed bug blocking | Machine washable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zippered encasement | Up to 15" | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2 | Six-sided encasement | 13"–16" | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 3 | Six-sided encasement | 9"–12" | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 4 | Six-sided encasement | 12" (stretches to 13") | Yes | Yes | Yes |
✓ yes · ✗ no · – not confirmed · Specs as stated on the Amazon listing or by the maker · Not a treatment for any condition
The Different Types of Mattress Covers
Many people use the below names interchangeably, but did you know that each refers to a different type of mattress protection?- Mattress Encasements – when one wants to find a bed bug mattress cover, what one is really looking for is a mattress encasement. A mattress encasement covers all six sides of the mattress, sealed completely with a zipper. The EPA notes that encasements keep bed bugs from getting into the mattress and trap any already inside.[1]
- Mattress Protectors – a mattress protector covers the mattress in the form of a fitted sheet that should lie beneath your bed linen. Mattress protectors protect your mattress from dust, dirt, fluids, and other messes. They help keep the mattress clean.
- Mattress Pads – a mattress pad also usually comes in the form of a fitted sheet, having a soft layer of padding between you and the mattress. Traditionally mattress pads are used to soften the support a mattress offers.
- Mattress Toppers – a mattress topper provides the same function as wrinkle free sheets, with the exception that toppers are often thicker and are not in the form of a sheet. A mattress topper is usually a layer of foam or fiber that changes how the bed feels.
How Does A Bed Bug Mattress Cover Work?
A bed bug encasement closes the mattress inside a sealed fabric shell. Preventing bed bugs is not a simple matter of wrapping your mattress up on all sides in a cotton sheet. Bed bugs are small and flat, so they can hide in seams and gaps. An encasement uses tightly woven fabric and a fine zipper with a cover flap or lock at the end, so there’s no gap for them to crawl through. Bed bugs trapped inside eventually die, so leave the encasement on for at least a year.[1] An encasement doesn’t get rid of bed bugs elsewhere in the room. If you think you have an infestation, the EPA recommends a full control plan, often with a pest professional.[1]Features of Good Bed Bug Mattress Covers
Good bed bug mattress encasements come with a few of the following features:- Waterproof – a waterproof mattress encasement suits children who wet the bed or anyone with bladder leaks. Waterproof covers keep spills out of the mattress. If you are a messy person and spill coffee in bed more often than you’d like to admit, then a waterproof mattress protector is also the way to go.
- Padded – some mattress encasements come with a layer of plush padding to add comfort to your mattress. A padded encasement adds a little softness on top.
- Cooling Technology – Since bed bug mattress encasements have exceptionally fine holes on them, they can heat up quite fast. A mattress encasement with temperature regulation or cooling technology will reduce sweat and discomfort at night.
- Allergen Barrier – A zippered cover also keeps dust mite allergens sealed inside the mattress, which allergy groups recommend for people with dust mite allergy.[2]
- Machine Washable – it’s very convenient to be able to wash your mattress encasement in the washing machine. Make sure your mattress cover has this feature if you want a waterproof mattress encasement.
Our Bed Bug Mattress Cover Picks
Please look at our selection below to view some of the highest quality mattress encasements, sure to keep the bed bugs at bay! We hope you love the products we recommend!1
- This zippered encasement covers the mattress on all sides.
- SafeRest says it guards against spills, allergens and bed bugs.
- The waterproof barrier sits under a soft, quiet cotton surface.
- It fits mattresses up to 15 inches thick and is machine washable.
2
- A six-sided zippered encasement with a fine zipper that SureGuard says seals out bed bugs.
- It’s waterproof, with a cotton terry top.
- The listing says it is GREENGUARD Gold certified and free from vinyl, PVC and phthalates.[3]
- This queen fits mattresses 13 to 16 inches deep. It comes with a 10-year quality guarantee.
3
- This encasement covers all six sides of the mattress.
- A fine zipper closes under a Velcro flap.
- It’s waterproof, with a cotton terry surface free from vinyl, PVC and phthalates.
- Machine wash and tumble dry low.
4
- A six-sided zippered encasement; the zipper tucks under a stitched guard flap.
- It has a soft jersey knit face over a waterproof layer.
- The listing says it is OEKO-TEX certified and blocks dust mite allergens.[4]
- This king fits 78 x 80-inch mattresses 12 inches deep, stretching to 13.
Comparison Table: Top-Rated Bed Bug Mattress Cover
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SafeRest Zippered Encasement - Zippered Waterproof Mattress Encasement |  |
| SafeRest |
| 2 | SureGuard Six-Sided Encasement - Zippered Bed Bug Proof Encasement |  |
| SureGuard |
| 3 | PlushDeluxe Waterproof Encasement - Six-Sided Cotton Terry Encasement |  |
| PlushDeluxe |
| 4 | Guardmax Zippered Encasement - Bed Bug Proof Jersey Knit Encasement |  |
| Guardmax |
Sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Protecting Your Home from Bed Bugs. Accessed October 15, 2026.
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Dust Mite Allergy. Accessed October 15, 2026.
- UL Solutions. UL GREENGUARD Certification. Accessed October 16, 2026.
- OEKO-TEX. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. Accessed October 16, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Product picks reviewed and updated; added a Key Specs table; added Sources (EPA, AAFA, UL, OEKO-TEX)
- Dec 2019: Added SafeRest Zippered Mattress Encasement
- Oct 2019: Added PlushDeluxe Waterproof Mattress Encasement
- Jul 2017: First published
