If you’re looking for the best plastic mattress cover for bed bugs, focus on a zippered encasement that surrounds the whole mattress—not a loose protector that covers only the top. The picks below use fabric with a waterproof barrier rather than a crinkly plastic sheet. Check the zipper design and mattress depth carefully: a snug fit and a closure with no gaps are important for an encasement meant to help keep bed bugs contained or out.
A mattress encasement is one part of bed bug prevention or treatment, not a stand-alone solution for an infestation. Follow appropriate pest-control guidance, and inspect the encasement regularly for tears or openings.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Size | Maximum mattress depth | Standout features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utopia Bedding Waterproof Mattress Protector | Queen | 15 inches | Six-sided coverage, waterproof backing, zippered closure |
| Guardmax Queen Mattress Protector | Queen | Up to 13 inches | Six-sided seal, zipper guard flap, OEKO-TEX certified fabric |
| Utopia Bedding King Mattress Protector | King | 15 inches | Six-sided coverage, waterproof barrier, machine washable |
| Utopia Bedding Full Mattress Protector | Full | 13 inches | Six-sided coverage, waterproof barrier, zippered closure |
| Utopia Bedding Twin Mattress Protector | Twin | 13 inches | Six-sided coverage, waterproof barrier, machine washable |
Our Picks: Best Plastic Mattress Cover For Bed Bugs reviews
1. Utopia Bedding Queen Encasement: A Versatile Pick for Deeper Mattresses
This queen-size Utopia Bedding encasement covers the mattress on all sides and fits mattresses measuring 60 by 80 inches, up to 15 inches deep. A zipper closes the cover around the mattress, while a waterproof TPU backing is designed to help stop spills from reaching it. The knitted polyester surface is intended to feel softer and quieter than a bare plastic cover.
The generous depth limit makes this a useful option if your mattress is thicker than average or you use a compatible topper. Some owners find the cover stays in place and doesn’t make a crinkling sound during sleep. Putting a full encasement on can take effort, though; a second person may make the job easier, especially when handling a large or heavy mattress.
Compared with the Guardmax queen, this Utopia model allows more mattress depth, but its supplied product details do not describe the same specific zipper guard flap. Measure your mattress and inspect the closure after installation. The product is marketed for bed bug and dust mite protection, but no encasement should be treated as a substitute for managing an infestation.
Pros:
- Fits a queen mattress up to 15 inches deep
- Encases all sides and uses a zippered closure
- Waterproof backing helps protect against spills
- Knitted fabric is designed to be quiet and comfortable
Cons:
- Can be awkward to put on without help
- Product details don’t specify a zipper guard flap
Verdict: Choose this queen encasement if you want waterproof, all-around coverage and need room for a mattress up to 15 inches deep.
2. Guardmax Queen Encasement: Extra Attention to the Zipper Seal
The Guardmax is a queen-size encasement for a 60-by-80-inch mattress. It is designed for mattresses 12 inches deep and can stretch to fit up to 13 inches. Its zipper runs around three sides and tucks beneath a stitched guard flap. That added flap is a useful design detail for shoppers who want to pay close attention to the closure as well as the fabric coverage.
The cover uses a jersey-knit polyester face with a waterproof layer beneath it. The manufacturer describes the fabric as soft and quiet, and says it is machine washable and suitable for a warm wash and low tumble dry. The material is also listed as OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. Follow the care instructions to avoid damaging the barrier or closure.
Compared with the Utopia queen, Guardmax gives more detail about how the zipper area is covered, but it has a lower maximum mattress depth. Measure the mattress, including any topper that will remain underneath the encasement. A cover that is too tight may be difficult to close, while excess room can make it harder to get a neat fit.
Pros:
- Zipper closure is designed with a stitched guard flap
- Waterproof layer helps shield the mattress from spills
- Soft jersey-knit surface is designed to stay quiet
- Fits queen mattresses up to 13 inches deep
Cons:
- Maximum depth is less than the Utopia queen option
- Care instructions call for a warm wash and low tumble dry
Verdict: The Guardmax is a strong choice if you want a queen encasement with a specifically described zipper guard and your mattress is no deeper than 13 inches.
3. Utopia Bedding King Encasement: Full Coverage for a King Mattress
This Utopia Bedding model is sized for a king mattress measuring 78 by 80 inches and up to 15 inches deep. Its zippered design encases all sides, and a waterproof barrier is intended to help protect against spills, sweat, and everyday accidents. The smooth knitted polyester is described as non-crinkling, a practical detail if you want an encasement under your regular sheets without a noisy plastic feel.
Its features are similar to the Utopia queen model, but the king size makes it a better fit for wider mattresses. A full cover can be harder to position on a large bed, so having another person help may make installation simpler. Check the zipper and edges after fitting to make sure the cover is fully closed and sitting smoothly.
This is a sensible choice for shoppers who want the Utopia design in king size, especially if mattress depth is a concern. It is not the right pick for a queen, full, or twin mattress, and the supplied product details do not describe a zipper flap like the Guardmax model does.
Pros:
- Made for king mattresses up to 15 inches deep
- Six-sided coverage with a zippered closure
- Waterproof barrier helps protect against liquid spills
- Knitted polyester surface is designed to be quiet
Cons:
- Large size may be difficult to install alone
- No specific zipper guard flap is described in the supplied details
Verdict: Pick this version if you have a king mattress and want a washable, waterproof encasement with a 15-inch depth allowance.
4. Utopia Bedding Full Encasement: Waterproof Protection for a Full Bed
This full-size Utopia encasement is made for a 54-by-75-inch mattress up to 13 inches deep. It wraps around all sides and closes with a zipper. A waterproof layer helps keep liquids from reaching the mattress, while the knitted polyester exterior is designed to feel smooth rather than stiff or crinkly.
The full model shares its main features with the twin and king options in the same product family. That makes it an uncomplicated pick if your priority is matching the cover to a full bed size and getting all-around coverage. Owners of full mattresses with a topper should include the topper when measuring the total depth, and should check that the cover closes without stretching the zipper excessively.
Unlike the queen Utopia model, this version tops out at 13 inches deep. It is a better fit for a standard-depth full mattress than for a taller mattress-and-topper combination. The supplied details describe bed bug and dust mite protection, but a fitted encasement still needs to remain intact and fully closed to serve its intended purpose.
Pros:
- Designed for full mattresses up to 13 inches deep
- Encases all sides with a zippered closure
- Waterproof barrier helps protect from spills and accidents
- Machine washable for routine care
Cons:
- May not fit a deep mattress or a thick topper combination
- Supplied details don’t specify a zipper guard flap
Verdict: This is a practical full-size option if your mattress is within the 13-inch depth limit and you want both waterproof protection and a zippered enclosure.
5. Utopia Bedding Twin Encasement: A Simple Fit for Twin Beds
This twin-size encasement fits a 39-by-75-inch mattress up to 13 inches deep. It fully covers the mattress, closes with a zipper, and uses a waterproof layer to help protect against spills and other liquid accidents. The knitted polyester fabric is designed to be quiet and comfortable under bedding.
Its smaller size can be easier to handle during installation than a king or queen cover, though it still needs to be fitted carefully around the mattress. If you use a topper, measure the combined depth before buying. Some owners of this Utopia design find the fabric smooth and the zipper secure, but the fit depends on matching the cover to the mattress dimensions.
This model is the twin-size counterpart to the Utopia full and king options. Choose it for a standard twin bed rather than a twin XL, which is longer. The product is marketed for bed bug and dust mite protection, but it is not a substitute for treating an infestation or checking the encasement for damage.
Pros:
- Fits twin mattresses measuring 39 by 75 inches
- Allows mattress depth up to 13 inches
- Waterproof, washable design with six-sided coverage
- Quiet knitted surface is designed to avoid a plastic-like crinkle
Cons:
- Not sized for twin XL mattresses
- No zipper guard flap is specified in the supplied details
Verdict: Choose this Utopia model for a standard twin mattress if its measurements fit and you want a washable, waterproof zippered cover.
How to Choose a Mattress Encasement for Bed Bugs
Choose a full encasement, not a top-only protector
A fitted pad or protector usually covers the sleeping surface and may leave the mattress sides and bottom exposed. For bed bug-related use, look for a zippered encasement that surrounds all six sides. This creates a more complete barrier, provided the cover fits properly and stays zipped and intact.
Measure the mattress width, length, and depth
Match the cover to the mattress size, then measure its depth from the bottom to the top. Include any topper that will stay on the mattress inside the encasement. For example, the Utopia queen fits up to 15 inches deep, while the Guardmax queen is designed for 12 inches and stretches up to 13. A mismatch can make installation difficult or leave the fabric loose.
Look closely at the zipper closure
The zipper is a key part of an encasement. Guardmax describes a stitched guard flap that covers the zipper area. The Utopia product details describe a wrap-around zippered closure but do not specify the same flap design. Whichever model you choose, close it fully and check the zipper area and seams after fitting.
Decide whether you need waterproof protection
A waterproof layer can help protect a mattress from spills, sweat, and accidents, in addition to providing an encasement. All five options here are described as waterproof. Keep in mind that waterproofing does not mean the cover is made of solid plastic: these models use fabric surfaces with a barrier beneath them.
Consider comfort and noise
A noisy, stiff cover can be distracting under sheets. The Utopia models are described as smooth knitted polyester with a non-crinkling design, while Guardmax uses a jersey-knit face intended to feel soft and quiet. These covers are not bare plastic sheets, so they may suit shoppers who want a fabric feel with a waterproof layer.
Check washing and care instructions
Washability matters because an encasement may need routine cleaning. The Utopia models are listed as machine washable, with low-heat tumble drying specified in the product details. Guardmax calls for a warm wash and low tumble dry. Follow the care instructions for the specific cover and avoid assuming that high heat is safe for its waterproof layer or zipper.
Understand what an encasement can and cannot do
A suitable encasement can help cover the mattress and may help contain bed bugs already inside it or make the mattress harder to access. It does not treat bed bugs elsewhere in a room or home, and it cannot work as intended if it is open, poorly fitted, or torn. If you suspect an infestation, combine mattress protection with appropriate inspection and pest-control steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a fabric mattress encasement as useful as a plastic cover for bed bugs?
The products in this guide use fabric with a waterproof barrier rather than a loose plastic sheet. For bed bug-related use, the important design features are full mattress coverage, a secure closure, a suitable fit, and an intact cover—not simply a plastic feel.
Can a mattress encasement get rid of bed bugs?
No. An encasement is a barrier for the mattress, not a complete treatment for an infestation. Bed bugs can be elsewhere in the room or home, so use appropriate pest-control guidance and keep the cover closed and undamaged.
Should the encasement stay on all the time?
If you are using it as a mattress barrier, keep it fully zipped and in place. Check it regularly for tears, loose seams, or a zipper that has opened. Removing it can undo the coverage it is meant to provide.
Will these covers make the bed feel crinkly?
The Utopia models are described as having a non-crinkling knitted polyester surface, and Guardmax uses a jersey-knit face intended to be quiet. They are fabric encasements with a waterproof layer, not bare plastic sheets, though the feel can depend on the bed and bedding.
How do I know which depth to choose?
Measure the mattress from its base to its top. If you plan to leave a topper under the encasement, include it in the measurement. Choose a cover with a maximum depth greater than or equal to that total, and check its listed mattress width and length too.
Can I wash a waterproof mattress encasement?
These products are listed as machine washable, but care instructions vary. The Utopia models specify low-heat tumble drying, and Guardmax calls for a warm wash and low tumble dry. Follow the instructions for your exact model to help protect the waterproof layer and closure.
Which option is best for a queen mattress?
The Utopia queen is the better fit if your mattress is up to 15 inches deep. The Guardmax queen is worth considering if your mattress is no deeper than 13 inches and you prefer its specifically described zipper guard flap.
Final Recommendation
For most queen-bed shoppers, the Utopia Bedding queen encasement is the most flexible pick because it fits mattresses up to 15 inches deep and combines six-sided coverage with a waterproof barrier. If zipper protection is your main concern and your mattress is 13 inches deep or less, consider the Guardmax instead. For king, full, and standard twin beds, choose the matching Utopia size and confirm your mattress measurements before ordering.
