Best Mattress Encasements – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Buying Guide – How to Shop for Mattress Encasements

Choosing the right mattress encasement will provide you with peace of mind without disturbing your sleep. Following are some details about how they work and what to look for when buying one, including materials, care, and some important considerations to help you compare different options.

What Are Mattress Encasements?

A mattress encasement is a type of mattress protector. However, instead of covering just the top and sides of the mattress, an encasement encloses the entire mattress on all sides. They slip over the mattress and close with a zipper, providing protection against common allergens (like dust mites) and bed bugs.

Mattress encasements are also lined with waterproofing material, keeping your bed safe from liquids. For people with allergies, this type of mattress protection reduces allergens that can disrupt their breathing and their sleep, keeping them comfortable and well-rested.

Mattress encasements are especially useful for preventing bed bugs. Bed bugs cannot get in or out of a well-made encasement, and when combatting a bed bug infestation, they are often recommended to help eliminate any bugs that remain in the mattress after treatment.

Mattress encasements are not intended to add comfort to your bed, only to protect the mattress from damage. They are not the same as pads or toppers. However, they can be used with pads and toppers. In fact, some encasements are deep enough to cover the entire mattress with a topper in place.

What’s The Difference Between Mattress Encasements and Mattress Protectors?

The terms mattress encasement and mattress protector are often used interchangeably, but a mattress encasement specifically refers to a cover that protects all sides of the mattress, including the bottom. An encasement slips over the entire mattress and zips closed at one end to prevent any allergens or bed bugs from getting into the mattress and protecting it from liquids.

A mattress protector, on the other hand, typically only covers the top and sides of a mattress. The primary difference between an encasement and a protector is the extra protection for the bottom of the mattress provided by an encasement. A mattress protector will help reduce allergens and protect against liquid damage, but it is ineffective at preventing or managing bed bugs.

Mattress Encasements Construction and Materials

Cover Materials

• Cotton: Naturally hypoallergenic, bamboo-derived fabric wicks moisture and sleeps cool.
• Polyester: Polyester is a common easy-care synthetic fabric. It is durable and quick-drying, but less breathable than other fabrics.
• Bamboo-Derived Fabrics: Naturally hypoallergenic, bamboo-derived fabric wicks moisture and sleeps cool.
• Lyocell: Lyocell is a type of rayon made from cellulose derived from wood, often bamboo or eucalyptus. It’s soft, moisture-wicking, and sleeps cool.
• Velour: With a texture similar to velvet, velour is soft and warm. Typically made from a polyester/cotton blend, it may not be hypoallergenic, and will not wick moisture like other fabrics.

Lining Materials

• Polyurethane: A thin, flexible, and undetectable coating, polyurethane is a silent and comfortable liner material. It has microscopic pores to allow airflow, helping you sleep cooler while still blocking out moisture, allergens, and bed bugs.
• Vinyl or PVC: A thicker, plastic-feeling liner that provides effective protection, but can be intrusive. It is noisier and warmer than polyurethane, but easy to clean.
  

Mattress Encasement Care and Maintenance

Mattress encasements are typically easy to care for, and only require occasional machine washing. Follow the specific manufacturer instructions for your encasement, but generally speaking, you can wash them in cool or warm water with a mild detergent, and tumble dry on low. Many encasements dry very quickly, within 15-30 minutes.

Do not use bleach or harsh cleaners like Borax, dry clean, or iron your mattress encasement. Doing so may void any warranties that are in effect.

To spot clean your mattress encasement between washes, simply wipe spots with a damp cloth, or use a small handheld vacuum on the surface to remove any dust, pet hair, or other debris.

What Else Should You Consider When Buying Mattress Encasements?

• Temperature: Some mattress encasements restrict airflow to the mattress, so if you sleep hot, look for one made with natural fibers, or choose a cooling option to prevent overheating.
• Mattress Thickness: Check the size of the encasement to ensure it will fit your mattress, especially if you have a non-standard size mattress.
• Allergies: If you have allergies or sensitivities, look for natural, hypoallergenic fibers like cotton to prevent irritation.
• Noise: Polyurethane-lined mattress encasements are quieter than those made with vinyl or PVC.
• Bed bugs: To keep bed bugs out of your mattress, choose an encasement with micro-zippers, which have smaller teeth to prevent bugs from entering or exiting through the zipper.