Bed Bug Mattress Cover vs Mattress Liner

by | Mar 28, 2016 | Bed Bug Treatment

bed bug mattress cover

Bed Bug Mattress Cover vs Mattress LinerProtecting your mattress is the first and best line of defense against bed bugs. In searching for mattress solutions, research will likely uncover both a bed bug mattress cover (also known as an encasement) and a mattress liner like those made by ActiveGuard. But, which is the better option? 

 Bed Bug Mattress Cover vs Mattress Liner

There are a number of notable differences between a mattress liner, such as that ActiveGuard offers, and a bed bug mattress cover:

  • Bed bug mattress covers tend to have a lower quality that can rip on box springs, and a short life span overall. A mattress liner can last much longer because it is made of more durable material.
  • A mattress liner fully encases and seals a mattress and is maintenance-free, while a bed bug mattress cover usually requires continual checking to make sure it has not come loose and created a breach where bed bugs can make their escape or enter the mattress.
  • A mattress liner is known for its ease of installation and convenient sizing while the mattress covers usually require two people to install and have so many size options that it can be confusing.
  • In terms of a preventative strategy, the mattress covers are limited in terms of only protecting the mattress and the box spring as a barrier. In contrast, a mattress liner can not just block, but also actually kill, bed bugs prior to a full-fledged infestation.

Other Distinctions to Note 

There are numerous other differences that should be considered before making a mattress liner or cover selection:

  • The mattress liners have been tested and proven, using both lab and field data while mattress covers have only been tested in a lab.Bed Bug Mattress Cover
  • Mattress liners have been proven to kill bed bugs within 72 hours as well as dust mites.
  • Mattress covers can starve existing bed bugs for up to one year, but mattress liners can work for up to two years as a preventative strategy, offering greater peace of mind.

In Summary

In summarizing the findings of mattress covers versus mattress liners in the war on bed bugs, the following points should be considered:

  • Mattress covers and mattress liners both work on bed bugs, but mattress liners have a greater track record of working longer and more effectively against bed bugs.
  • Mattress liners appear to offer more value for their money based on their quality, performance, longevity and ease of use.

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