Bed bugs can infest your mattress and survive there by feeding on your blood. While bed bugs are unlikely to affect your health, the bites can be irritating. The bugs reproduce rapidly, so it's a good idea to kill them off as quickly as you can if they're already present in your bed. If you don't have them yet, you would be wise to prevent their appearance by investing in a mattress protector made specifically for the purpose.
Fabric Encasements
A mattress encasement surrounds your mattress and seals in bugs and prevents new ones from settling in. An encasement made of polyurethane with a fabric top will be the most comfortable option since it will mimic the feeling of sleeping on an uncovered mattress and will transfer and dissipate heat well. As long as the encasement is described as bite-proof it should be an effective barrier against the bed bugs that you trap inside. Fabric encasements are unlikely to rip, but they may require washing if bed bugs are crushed against their surfaces.
Vinyl/Plastic Encasements
Encasements made of vinyl or plastic will not be as comfortable as fabric encasements and they may emit a light odor. They are effective in trapping bed bugs and preventing them from biting you and come in varying levels of thickness, depending on the level of your infestation. These encasements run the risk of ripping and tearing but they can be easily wiped clean and won't stain.
Zipper Considerations
Regardless of which material you choose for your mattress protector, it is important to check the zipper construction. Bed bugs are small and can fit through tiny gaps in the zipper's teeth or where the zipper fits into the end enclosure. Choose an encasement that has a tightly fitting zipper with no gaps at the end stop. To be safe, apply a piece of duct tape over the end of the zipper to provide additional protection.
