Storing a mattress or box spring without a cover can leave it exposed to dust, moisture, dirt, and damage while you move or renovate. The right bag depends on your bed size, how often you’ll handle it, and whether you want a reusable cover with carrying features or a simple plastic barrier. Below, we compare five options and explain what to check before you buy.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Nordic Elk Queen Mattress Bag | Queen mattresses and easier carrying | Eight handles, zipper, and ID tag insert |
| U-Haul Sealable Mattress Bag | Queen or king mattresses, including pillow-top styles | 3-mil material and sealable closure |
| SGPAC Heavy-Duty Queen Mattress Bag | Repeated moves or storage | Reusable design, zipper, and carrying handles |
| Laddawn 3-Mil Poly Mattress Covers | Bulk use or frequent packing | Roll of 55 vented, perforated covers |
| Linenspa Mattress Storage Bags | Simple storage protection for mattresses or box springs | Water- and tear-resistant plastic; fits up to 16-inch beds |
Our Picks: best mattress and box spring covers for storage 3 reviews
Nordic Elk Queen Mattress Bag: Best for Carrying a Queen Mattress
The Nordic Elk is a reusable queen-size mattress bag made for moving and storage. Its design focuses on handling as well as coverage: the bag has eight reinforced handles, a heavy-duty zipper, and an ID tag insert. Those details can be useful when carrying a bulky mattress through hallways, stairs, or a storage facility.
The listing describes a thick, tear-resistant construction intended to help shield a mattress from dust, stains, moisture, and handling damage. It is a practical choice if you expect to move the same mattress more than once. Some users report that the handles make moving easier and help reduce the chance of grabbing the mattress fabric directly.
The main limitation is that the supplied product information identifies this as a queen-size bag but does not provide its exact dimensions or a maximum mattress thickness. Check the fit against your mattress before ordering, especially if it is unusually deep. It is also a mattress bag, so confirm that it will fit a box spring if you plan to cover one.
Pros:
- Eight reinforced handles for carrying
- Zippered enclosure and ID tag insert
- Designed for reuse during moves and storage
- Queen-size option for full mattress coverage
Cons:
- Exact dimensions and maximum mattress thickness are not specified in the supplied details
- Queen size may not suit other bed sizes
Verdict: Choose the Nordic Elk if you have a queen mattress and value carrying handles and a reusable zippered cover.
U-Haul Sealable Mattress Bag: A Simple Queen or King Cover
This U-Haul bag is a straightforward cover for moving, storage, or home renovation work. It measures 100 by 91 by 14 inches and is listed to accommodate either a queen or king mattress, including pillow-top styles. The 3-mil material forms a barrier against dirt, debris, soil, and water, according to the product description.
The sealable design helps enclose the mattress without the extra carrying features found on some reusable bags. That makes it a simpler option if your priority is basic coverage rather than handles or an ID pocket. Its stated water resistance can be helpful during handling, but it should not be treated as a guarantee against prolonged exposure to water.
One important limitation is in the product instructions: this bag is not designed for vacuum sealing. The listed dimensions may also be a tight fit for a very thick mattress or a box spring, so check the measurements rather than relying on bed size alone.
Pros:
- Listed for queen or king mattresses
- Accommodates pillow-top styles
- 3-mil material helps protect against dirt and water
Cons:
- Not intended for vacuum sealing
- No handles or zipper are specified in the supplied details
Verdict: This is a sensible pick if you need a basic, sealable cover for a queen or king mattress and do not need built-in carrying handles.
SGPAC Heavy-Duty Queen Bag: Best for Repeated Moves
SGPAC’s queen-size bag is a reusable cover with a zipper and handles, designed for moving or storage. Its listed dimensions are 82 by 62 by 15 inches, and the product description says it suits mattresses or box springs with thicknesses within 18 inches. Since the stated height is 15 inches, measure your bed and check the listing carefully if it is especially thick.
The bag is made from blue polyethylene vinyl material and is described as water resistant, extra thick, and tear resistant. Its reusable construction may be more useful than a disposable cover if you expect to store or move a mattress repeatedly. Some users report that the handles help them control the mattress while lifting and carrying it.
This option stands out from the simpler pull-on bags because it combines a zipper with handles. However, it is only offered in the queen size in the supplied product details, and a reusable bag may take up more room to store after use than a thin disposable cover.
Pros:
- Reusable construction with a zipper and handles
- Queen-size dimensions are provided
- Listed for mattresses and box springs
- Some users find the handles helpful during moves
Cons:
- Queen size may not fit other bed sizes
- Check the listed dimensions carefully for thicker beds
Verdict: Pick the SGPAC if you want a reusable queen-size cover with handles and a zipper for more than one move or storage period.
Laddawn 3-Mil Poly Covers: Best for Bulk Packing
Laddawn’s X-Queen covers come on a roll of 55, making this a bulk-oriented option rather than a single reusable moving bag. Each cover is made from 3-mil low-density polyethylene and measures 60 by 12 by 90 inches. The covers are vented, and perforations between them are intended to make individual bags easier to tear off the roll.
This format may suit a moving crew, property manager, or household packing several beds. The roll makes it easy to keep multiple covers together, while the vented design is intended to help with loading and handling. Unlike the Nordic Elk and SGPAC options, the supplied details do not list carrying handles, a zipper, or a reusable construction.
Before buying, check that the X-Queen dimensions work for your particular mattress or box spring. A roll of many covers may be more than you need for a single move, and the product information does not specify a closure system, so you may need another way to secure the cover.
Pros:
- Roll includes 55 covers for repeated or bulk use
- 3-mil polyethylene material
- Perforations help separate covers
- Vented design is intended to ease loading and handling
Cons:
- Bulk quantity may not suit a one-time household move
- No zipper, handles, or reusable design are specified
Verdict: Consider Laddawn if you need many X-Queen covers; for one mattress and easier carrying, a handled reusable bag may be a better fit.
Linenspa Storage Bags: A Convenient Two-Pack Option
Linenspa’s plastic storage bags are designed for moving, longer-term storage, or mattress disposal. The product description says the bags are water and tear resistant and can fit mattresses or box springs up to 16 inches thick. The listing describes two-pack options for queen/full and king/cal king sizes, so check the selected size and package details before ordering.
The setup is simple: place the mattress or box spring inside, fold the extra plastic, and secure it with tape. That pull-on design avoids the need for a fitted zipper, but you will need tape to close and adjust the excess material. The product is described as a two-pack, which can be handy if you need to cover both a mattress and box spring or want a spare.
This is a less feature-rich option than bags with handles. It may work well for basic coverage, but it does not provide the carrying grips that can make a heavy mattress easier to maneuver. Measure the bed’s thickness and confirm the size variant before purchase.
Pros:
- Available in queen/full and king/cal king options
- Fits mattresses or box springs up to 16 inches thick
- Water- and tear-resistant material is specified
- Simple setup using tape to secure excess plastic
Cons:
- Requires tape to close and adjust the bag
- No carrying handles or zipper are specified
Verdict: Choose Linenspa for straightforward coverage of a mattress or box spring up to 16 inches thick, especially when you want a two-pack option.
How to Choose a Mattress and Box Spring Cover for Storage
Measure the mattress or box spring
Start with the bed’s length, width, and thickness, including any pillow top or other raised surface. Compare those measurements with the cover’s listed dimensions rather than relying on a size label alone. A bag that is too tight can be difficult to close, while excess material may need to be folded and secured.
Confirm whether the cover fits a mattress, a box spring, or both
Some listings name a mattress only, while others specifically mention mattresses and box springs. If you need to cover both pieces, check that the bag’s size and depth will accommodate each one. A cover described for a mattress does not automatically fit a bulky box spring.
Choose between reusable and disposable-style covers
A reusable bag may be a better choice if you expect to move or store the bed more than once. Features such as a zipper and handles can also make it easier to carry. A simple plastic cover may be more suitable for one-time protection or for situations where you need several covers at once.
Match the closure to your needs
A zipper can make it easier to enclose a mattress and open the bag again. Pull-on covers may need tape to hold folded material in place, while a sealable design offers a different way to close the bag. Check the product details for the closure type, and do not assume that a cover is vacuum-sealable unless that use is specifically stated.
Think about how the bed will be handled
Mattresses are awkward to carry, particularly on stairs or through tight spaces. Reinforced handles can give you better places to grip, though they do not replace careful lifting. If the bag has no handles, plan to move the covered bed with a partner and take care not to drag it over sharp edges.
Consider the storage environment
Look for the protection level that matches where you plan to keep the bed. Product descriptions may identify a cover as water resistant or describe it as a barrier against moisture, dust, dirt, or pests. Those claims do not mean the cover can prevent damage in every condition. For storage in a damp area, avoid placing the bed directly on the floor and make sure it is dry before covering it.
Decide how many covers you need
A single reusable bag may be enough for one bed, while a multi-pack or roll can make more sense when protecting several mattresses. Check the quantity and size variant before ordering, particularly when a listing offers separate size or pack options. Buying a bulk roll for a one-time move may leave you with far more covers than you need.
FAQs
Can I use a mattress bag for a box spring?
Some covers are described as suitable for both mattresses and box springs, while others are presented as mattress bags. Check the product’s stated fit and dimensions. If you plan to cover both parts of a bed, make sure you have enough covers and that each one fits.
Should I choose a reusable bag or a basic plastic cover?
Choose a reusable bag if you expect repeated moves or want features such as a zipper and handles. A basic plastic cover can be a practical choice for simpler, one-time coverage or bulk use. Consider how often you will use it and how important easier carrying is to you.
Are these covers waterproof?
The supplied descriptions use terms such as water resistant and water proof for some products, but those terms do not promise protection in every situation. Check the details for your chosen bag and avoid leaving a covered mattress in standing water or a persistently damp space.
Can I vacuum-seal the U-Haul bag?
No. The product information specifically says the U-Haul Sealable Mattress Bag is not designed for vacuum sealing.
Will a queen-size bag fit a thick mattress?
It depends on the bag’s dimensions and the mattress thickness. For example, the supplied SGPAC details list an 82-by-62-by-15-inch bag and state a thickness fit within 18 inches. Since listed dimensions and fit guidance may not be identical, measure your mattress and check the product listing before buying.
How should I close a pull-on mattress cover?
Follow the product’s instructions. For the Linenspa bag, the supplied details say to fold the extra plastic and secure it with tape. Do not assume that every cover uses the same closure method.
Final Recommendation
For easier carrying and repeated use, the Nordic Elk and SGPAC bags stand out for their handles and zippered designs. The U-Haul option offers simple coverage for queen or king mattresses, while Laddawn’s roll is aimed at bulk use. If you need a basic bag for a mattress or box spring up to 16 inches thick, consider Linenspa. Before choosing, verify the size, thickness, and closure against the bed you plan to store.