Which mattress protector is best for bed bugs?

Discovering you have bed bugs in your home can be a shock and you’ll want to know how to get rid of these unwanted pests if they’ve taken up residence. These small insects often live on bedding and can leave red, itchy welts all over your body if you get an infestation, so it is worth knowing which mattress protector is best for bed bugs. 

Try not to despair, though, because although the bites can be irritating and unsightly, bed bugs, like dust mites, are generally harmless. The best mattress protector can help stop any further infestations in its tracks, but there are a few tips you need to know before you invest.  

Here, we’ve put together a list of the best mattress protectors for bed bugs, and all you need to know about identifying these pests and, most importantly, how to get choose the best mattress protector to keep you and your family safe.

Which is the best bed bug mattress protector?

Finding the best bed bug mattress protector will not only protect you from spills and stains, but this clever bedding accessory can also help to reduce allergens caused by dust mites and bed bugs. 

Here are some of our favorite mattress protectors for bed bugs: 

Can bed bugs get through a mattress protector?

A mattress protector is also the first line of defense against bites from bed bugs and other allergies caused by dead skin cells, pet dander, and other irritants reaching your best mattress. However, bed bugs can get through openings in a mattress protector. To avoid this happening, opt for zippered or encased mattress protectors instead. 

It's important to keep your mattress clean, which is why a mattress protector should be the first thing you buy following the purchase of a new mattress, especially if you want to keep these pests at bay. 

Can bed bugs live in pillows?

Bed bugs can certainly live in pillows. While protecting your mattress is your first port of call, it's a good idea to also stop your pillows from becoming a breeding ground. 

The best way to protect your pillows from bed bugs is with a pillow encasement. Invest in one that is stretchable, breathable and noiseless. Most zippered protectors are also waterproof, block bed bugs, dust mites, and other unwanted allergens and pests. 

How to get rid of bed bugs from bedding

Washing bed linen at the hottest temperature the material can stand should kill the bugs and clean the fabric. The heat of a dryer will kill any bugs that might remain. Move infested linen into sealed bags to prevent the spread of the insects. The bed and surrounding area should also be vacuumed and the contents disposed of in a sealed bag. The removable cylinder should be cleaned thoroughly, as should the filter, though this could also be discarded and replaced. Specialist bed bug treatment kits and powders are also available, such as this bestseller on Amazon.