Can an Organic Mattress Cover Prevent Bed Bugs (And How)?

Organic mattress covers can help prevent bed bugs, providing they're specifically designed as complete encasements with secure zippers and bed bug-proof material.

Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects (Cimex lectularius or Cimex hemipterus) that feed exclusively on blood and bite your skin at night while you sleep. While bed bugs aren't dangerous, they're certainly very unpleasant. So if you do get infested, you'll want to get rid of them as quickly as possible.

Even the best mattress protector won't eliminate bed bugs on its own, but it can be effective as part of an overall strategy.

In this guide, I'll explain how bed bug mattress covers work, what to look for when choosing one, and what else you need to do to get rid of bed bugs and stop them in the first place.

Does a Mattress Cover Stop Bed Bugs?

Mattress covers can help prevent bed bugs, but only when using specially designed bed bug-proof encasements that seal the entire mattress with secure zippers and reinforced seams.

When used correctly, high-quality zippered encasements trap existing bugs inside (where they eventually die) and prevent new bugs from establishing in the mattress.

Standard mattress protectors are great for protecting against spills, stains, and dust mites. But they offer minimal protection against bed bugs because they only cover the top and sides of the mattress and leave the underside exposed, so bugs can still get through.

Zippered mattress protectors do a better job, but they're still not entirely bed bug proof. Bugs are adaptable and can often fit through the tiniest gaps, including between zipper teeth.

Research published in the Journal of Economic Entomology shows that properly installed encasements can reduce bed bug populations by 60-80% within infested mattresses and prevent new infestations when used preventatively.

The Illinois Department of Public Health specifically recommends encasements as a cost-effective alternative to discarding mattresses, noting they're more effective than pesticides for pest control.

For maximum protection, encasements should cover both the mattress and box spring, be properly installed without gaps, and be maintained without damage.

However, mattress protectors are not a standalone solution. They must be part of a comprehensive approach to bed bug management.

Do Chemically Treated Mattress Protectors Kill Bed Bugs?

Chemically treated mattress protectors are not an effective way to kill bed bugs.

Recent multi-institutional research by Leong et al. (2023) found that pyrethroid-impregnated mattress liners have limited effectiveness against modern bed bug strains, which have developed resistance to these chemicals.

The chemicals are more of a health risk to you than they are to the bugs.

I recommend choosing eco-friendly, non-toxic, or organic mattress protectors that are certified to be free from harmful chemicals.

Are Organic Mattress Protectors Better for Preventing Bed Bugs?

Organic mattress protectors are not inherently better than non-organic protectors for preventing bed bugs, but they are better for your health and the environment.

The effectiveness of a mattress protector against bed bugs depends primarily on its design and construction rather than whether it's organic or non-organic.

There are many advantages of organic mattress protectors over synthetic ones, such as reduced chemical exposure, environmental impact, comfort, and durability. But in terms of bed bug control, there is no difference in their effectiveness.

How to Choose the Best Mattress Encasement for Bed Bugs

The best mattress encasement for bed bugs should be designed to fully cover the mattress, with a zipper fastener and made from quality materials.

Consider the following factors when choosing mattress encasements.

• Full Encasement Design - The protector must completely encase your mattress on all six sides, not just cover the top and sides like a fitted sheet.
• Zipper Quality and Security - Look for protectors with specialized zippers that feature micro-tooth design and secure end stops. The zipper is the most vulnerable point of any encasement. Superior designs include reinforced seams around the zipper and additional protective flaps that cover the zipper track completely when closed.
• Material and Weave Density - The fabric must have a tight enough weave to prevent bed bugs from penetrating. Effective protectors use fabrics with pore sizes under 5 microns. Bed bugs measure 5-7 millimeters (3/16 to 1/4 inch) long, but the fabric needs to be impenetrable even to their eggs and nymphs.
• Organic and Non-Toxic - Always prioritize chemical-free materials that don't harm your health or the environment. Organic cotton or bamboo are great materials for mattress encasements. Prioritize products with GOTS or OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications.

The MATTSHIELD Ultimate Sensitive Skin Bed Bug Mattress Protector is a good choice that ticks all these boxes.

Remember that the purchase of a mattress protector is only one part of the solution, and there are other steps you will need to take to help keep bed bugs away permanently.

How Can I Keep Bed Bugs Away?

In addition to covering your mattress, here are a few tips to help prevent bed bug infestations.

• Vacuum your bedroom regularly. Pay close attention to tight corners and edges (baseboards, door frames, headboards, etc.), as these are the bed bugs' preferred nesting and hiding spots.
• Wash your bedding and mattress protector regularly on a hot wash (once a week is the standard recommendation).
• Inspect and vacuum your mattress regularly. Make it part of your monthly mattress rotation routine so you never forget.
• Keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free to minimize bug hiding places.
• Avoid buying second-hand mattresses unless you know where they have been used before.
• Thoroughly check any second-hand furniture for signs of bugs before bringing them into your home.
• Check hotel rooms for signs of bed bug infestations to ensure you don’t bring home an unwanted vacation gift.

You should also know how to spot the signs of a bed bug infestation so you can deal with it early if the worst does happen.

How to Spot a Bed Bug Infestation

Bed bugs have flat, oval-shaped bodies about the size of an apple seed, reddish-brown coloration, and the ability to hide in tiny crevices of beds, furniture, and walls.

They can enter your home through fabrics like clothing, rugs, luggage, or furniture. Once they're in, they are a challenge to get rid of.

If you’re looking for signs of a bed bug infestation, here are some things to look out for.

• Small black spots on mattresses, bed sheets, and other surfaces (these spots are usually bed bug droppings)
• Shed skin left behind by molting bugs
• Live adult or baby bed bugs crawling around on your mattress
• Brownish oval specks (dead mature bugs)
• White dots (dead young bugs)
• A musty smell in the room, which is caused by bed bugs’ pheromones
• Itchy red bumps on your skin

If you feel you may have bed bugs, you should immediately buy some natural bed bug spray, which will kill them and help protect against them coming back.

At the same time, continue to follow the preventative measures as listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Bed Bugs?

They’re small, nocturnal insects that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. The most common species is Cimex lectularius.

What will Suffocate Bed Bugs?

Seal items in plastic bags and keep them at 0°F or lower for up to five days. This will guarantee that all the pests are killed off.

What does Baby Powder do to Bedbugs?

Baby powder and 70% isopropyl solution can help eradicate bed bugs (and eggs) on contact. However, it may take several applications of either method to see results.

What is a Bed Bug Mattress Encasement?

Bed bug mattress encasements are big zipper bags that are designed to fully encase your mattress and stop the bugs from escaping.