Navigating the murky water of
bed bugs mattress toppers can be challenging with the plethora of options available today. To say the market is oversaturated would be an understatement. There is simply no denying that these products have proven effective over the years, and this is exactly why so many manufacturers and developers are now looking to get in on the lucrative business. Of course, this doesn’t make things any easier for the consumer. All in all, it pays to know what qualities and properties to look for when considering a bed bug mattress topper to protect your home.
What Are Bed Bug Mattress Toppers?
When you hear the term “b
ed bug mattress topper”, you should virtually think of a huge Ziploc bag. A large, removable sheet of fabric that fits tightly around your mattress, safeguarding it from outside elements while also preventing inside elements from escaping.
The theory behind these products is to trap the bugs that have already taken up residence in the mattress, preventing them from feeding. New studies show that bugs can only go two weeks without a blood meal before they starve out. These products not only trap the bugs that have already taken up residence in the mattress, but they prevent new ones from making themselves at home as well.
Choosing The Right Mattress Cover For Bed Bugs
Throughout your journey, you’ll hear these products referred to as mattress toppers, bed bug encasements, bed bud mattress covers, or any combination of the above. This is because there are now so many different models and designs available. They should all be designed to work under the same theory that was mentioned above, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they are all created with the same quality. Some models might include more features, while others might be better designed. Others might include more durable materials. Whatever the situation is, you want to make sure you are getting what you are paying for. The very best way to do just that is by learning to ask the right questions before making a purchase.
Does The Topper Fully Encase My Mattress?
Going back to the Ziploc bag theory, a Ziploc bag couldn’t protect your sandwich if it didn’t fully encase it. If half or part of your sandwich was exposed from the bag, it wouldn’t be fully protected from the outside world, would it? No, and neither would your mattress. Remember the theory is to trap the bugs that have already made themselves at home while also preventing new ones from moving in. This step could simply involve choosing the right size topper for your mattress. As simple as it sounds, it’s a crucial step.
Does It Offer A Quality Seal?
The topper might cover the mattress in its entirety, but if it still allows bugs to escape and return, it is going to be ineffective. The point is to starve the bugs out by preventing them from feeding. The only way to do that is by trapping them and preventing them from escaping. A mattress topper that offers a quality seal can do just that. You’ll want to look for reinforced seams, durable zipper mechanisms, and some manufacturers will even offer zipper seals. This is an extra strip or cover which laps over the teeth of the zipper when sealed. It’s an extra layer of protection that’ll come in more than handy.
Was It Tested In The Field?
There are plenty of things that look good on paper or in theory but failed when put to the actual test. Unfortunately, there are a lot of bed bug toppers that are no different. Regardless, you can see the importance for choose a mattress topper that has been tested in the field. The best toppers available today will have been extensively tested under a variety of varying conditions.
Was It Designed With Toxins?
One of the first things you’ll probably notice about these mattress toppers, a lot of them are designed with plastic and polymer materials. Fortunately, a few manufacturers have taken the proper steps to make their mattress covers more eco-friendly. How is this possible? By utilizing materials that derive from natural and organic sources.
Natural and organic encasements and toppers will not only keep your mattress safe from bed bugs but also you from being exposed to dangerous polymer materials.
