Choosing Vinyl Bedding

When protecting your mattress is important

Vinyl mattress covers are an inexpensive, simple way to protect your mattress from fluids, allergens and bedbugs. Vinyl covers can add years of life to your mattress, especially if it is protected before becoming soiled.

Tips for choosing vinyl covers

Get the right fit

• use a tape measure to determine the depth of your mattress, which varies significantly
• if the depth is between sizes, go to the next deeper size
• the width and length are typically standard for each size bed (twin, twin XL, full, etc)

Decide on the thickness (gauge)

• think about needs and buy larger gauge if high usage bed
• larger gauge means a thicker, more durable vinyl
• children’s beds benefit from a more durable cover
• could use different gauge for mattress and box springs

Use the right product for your needs

• vinyl is not breathable so that it will not allow the heat exchange that a permeable mattress cover will allow for
• vinyl is not absorbent so most users put an absorbent mattress pad over the top
• mattress pads with the vinyl or permeable waterproof barrier built in are available
• vinyl is easily cleaned between users

Care for your vinyl cover

Put your zippered cover on correctly

• unzip completely
• line up zippered end with head of bed
• gather sides (like putting on stockings)
• gently pull cover toward foot of bed
• zip in place
• best done with two persons

Clean your vinyl cover

• simply wipe clean with soap and water, or disinfectant spray
• allow to dry before replacing bedding
• do not machine wash or dry

Providing allergy and bedbug protection

Keep your mattress dust mite and bedbug free

• must be a zippered cover
• should cover the mattress and box spring, pillows and duvet covers
• ideally used before infestations begin but can be used to enclose and trap bedbugs