By P. Bello
Since the first “On the Road With . . .” column writing has been an interesting pursuit
accomplished by following a rather simple recipe; go on the road to work in the field, see
something interesting and worth writing about and then publish a column. Inspirational
subject matter and topicality are observed nearly every day. However, once in a while an
editor, publisher or industry constituent comes through with requested topicality which is
the case for this very article.
Recently some e-mail conversations and announcements were forwarded to me. After
reviewing these communications it appeared that some folks may have missed some key
points on the role played by mattress encasements in a bed bug management program.
With property managers informing their property owners that with the purchase and
installation of mattress covers that their bed bug concerns were over, it was clear that
some additional information about mattress encasements was warranted.
Mattress Covers vs. Mattress Encasements. Mattress covers have been around a long
time and, like most things, have evolved along the way. Mattress covers are not mattress
encasements. Covers are intended to simply due as their name indicates, to cover the
mattress. In doing so the low end and precursor units to today’s fancier models were
simply intended to cover the mattress to prevent damage, stains and other such things
from occurring to the mattress. For the most part, these covers simply cover the top.
Currently available models may vary from a simple cover to plush padded pillow top type
models that enhance the mattress. However, these covers are not bed bug proof
encasements. They are merely covers.
Mattress encasements actually encase the mattress. Units are also available to encase box
springs as well. Encasements fully encase, wrap or envelop the mattress or box spring.
Once installed they zip shut to fully enclose the mattress or box spring within leaving no
portion of the mattress or box spring exposed.
Bed Bug Tested & Bed Bug Proof. There are any number of models and brand name
mattress encasements commercially available today. However, those units that have been
engineered for and independently tested to be bed bug proof are the best choice for you
especially if your intention is to enhance your bed bug management program. Note that in
the free market economy buyer beware is a recurrent theme we should consider. As such,
check out that the encasement you purchase is in fact independently tested at a credible
research lab to be bed bug proof. If so, the manufacturer will have a supporting data
publication available for your review on their website or within their sales information
documents. Don’t be fooled by low cost or cheap imitations.
What does bed bug tested and bed bug proof mean? Sometimes, possibly more often
than not, marketing claims and product performance data may be slightly different from
each other. The phrase your mileage may vary comes to mind. This said, we need to
understand what the phrases and terms being used actually mean. By bed bug tested and
bed bug proof we mean that the encasement tested has proven to be bite proof, escape
proof and entry proof by bed bugs. That is to say that a bed bug within the encasement is
not able to bite a person through the material nor is it able to escape from the encasement
through the zipper mechanism. Further, bed bugs are not able to enter these units from
the exterior either through the fabric or through the zipper mechanism.
The role of encasements in bed bug management? We need to clearly understand
what the role of mattress encasements are in a bed bug management program. Just
because you have installed mattress and box spring encasements does not mean that your
property will not get bed bugs. It is still possible that bed bugs can be brought in to your
property by a traveling guest or otherwise however, once encasements have been
installed the mattress and box spring are protected from bed bug intrusion and fecal
staining.
Take a quick look at a mattress and box spring. With pillow tops, decorative ticking and
stitching mattresses offer bed bugs a multitude of hiding places where they may easily
evade detection during a visual inspection. Perhaps even worse is the potential hiding
places within a box spring. Once inside a box spring there are several locations where bed
bugs may hide undetected by inspection while also evading subsequent bed bug control
efforts. Suitably installed encasements prevent this. Additionally, because encasements
are essentially a smooth surface, bed bug activity is more easily detected during
subsequent inspections should bed bugs be introduced.
All encasements are not created equal ! Again, it’s buyer beware! If you’re serious
about bed bug management than you are not interested in poor quality and non-tested
encasement units. Encasements come in varying qualities, features and benefits. The
qualities of prime concern are durability and sleep comfort. After all, while it may be
possible to successfully encase using 8 mill plastic sheeting, who wants to sleep on a
sheet of plastic? Manufactures may offer a few models at different price points. In my
experience, the higher end models offer greater comfortable and durability for use on a
mattress. Of prime concern for a box spring encasement is durability and the ability to
resist tears.
Which encasements are recommended? There are a number of manufacturers who
offer quality mattress encasements. The units I recommend are manufactured by Mattress
Safe located in Cumming, GA. Mattress Safe encasements have been tested bed bug
proof by independent labs and have the advantage of being engineered such that the sides
are stretchable while remaining bed bug proof. This is a huge advantage because the
mattress height does not need to be measured to purchase the correct fitting encasement
size as may be the case with competing brands. Go to www.mattresssafe.com for further
information.
For which ever units you elect to purchase be sure that it has been tested bed bug proof
and offers good comfort and durability. While the installation of encasements may not
totally protect your location from an inadvertent bed bug introduction, they will help you
to protect the valuable investment in your bedding and enhance your inspection and early
detection success. Encasements are an important recommended portion of your ongoing
bed bug management program.
