Bed bugs are a nightmare. The idea of bed bugs in my home or my Airbnb makes me panic. A simple mattress protector is a great way to protect your mattress. If you want to know, what is the best mattress protector for bed bugs, I have a few suggestions.
Encasement protectors. This is the only mattress protector that will help with bed bugs. Ones that fit on like a fitted sheet can help protect against wetness but won’t help prevent bed bugs from getting into the mattress. If you have a box spring it is important to have a protector on it too.
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Need to upgrade your mattress? Here are some great options for affordable mattresses.
These are the mattress protectors I use to prevent bedbugs. I have these at my Airbnb and my home. With some mattress protectors, there is a very plastic feel along with noise every time you move. There is a slight noise with this mattress protector, but better than many I have tried. I am also a very light sleeper and can’t stand sleeping on plastic, I get too warm. With this protector, I didn’t have that problem.
SafeRest is not the cheapest but it is the brand I prefer. There have been a few spills and so far nothing has gotten to the mattress. I am not sure how waterproof they are with large amounts of liquid but so far small spills have been no problem with this mattress protector.
Utopia is a less expensive option. It does fully encase the bed and helps protect against bedbugs. There are some complaints that it is a little loud when moving around. Also, it is not as waterproof as it claims to be. There have been issues with spills or accidents soaking right through to the bed. If you have a limited budget and need something utopia is better protection than nothing. Although, if you are buying for your Airbnb, I would recommend a different brand.
Here are a few more options for mattress protectors. These all have good reviews also and are full encasement for the mattress.
Hospitology is a good brand of mattress protectors. They also have pillow and box spring protectors. If you have a box spring it is important to protect it too. Bedbugs can hide there if it is not protected.
Slumberfy is a bamboo mattress encasement with a top that zips almost off. This can make putting the mattress protector on much easier. If using it for an Airbnb it can make the cleaner’s life much easier if it needs to be washed. After struggling to get mattresses into normal mattress protectors, I am contemplating something like this for my next purchase.
A downside is the zipper can be a weak point. The reviews do say the customer service is good if there is an issue. I didn’t see many complaints about the zipper but it may be a good thing to watch.
The one complaint about this mattress protector is how waterproof it is. A few people mentioned liquid leaked through and some claim it is completely waterproof.
Tips for your Airbnb.
I use mattress protectors at home but I think they are required for an Airbnb property. Since an Airbnb gets more guests than your home typically will, it is at higher risk for bedbugs. Here are some extra things I do to prevent bedbugs at my Airbnb.
A mattress protector that encases the mattress is hard to remove and clean. Since a clean place to sleep is important I get a second mattress protector that fits like a fitted sheet. I like this one. This may seem a bit excessive but for an Airbnb, it is worth it. This type of mattress protector is easier to remove and wash and it offers another layer of protection for the mattress. This also helps extend the life of the mattress encasement. It can help prevent it from breaking and letting bedbugs in.
Bed frames and headboards
Bed bugs can also hide in the bed frame and headboard. Metal bed frames can be more beneficial than wooden ones when it comes to bed bugs. Wood can give them places to hide more easily. There can be cracks or natural holes in the wood where you won’t see them.
Avoid a cloth headboard. A cloth headboard gives the creepy crawlies a place to hide. It is also harder to clean. Avoid a cloth headboard at all costs.
My thoughts
A mattress protector that encases the entire mattress is not guaranteed protection against bed bugs but it is incredibly helpful. For my home, I love having the extra protections.
For my Airbnb, they are a must-have. There should always be some sort of mattress protector on the bed. Regardless if it is an encasement or not fully encased. If you have any bed that gets used by travelers or guests often there should be a mattress protector and preferably one that encases the entire mattress.