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 your needs and buy larger gauge if the bed is used often.
• Larger gauge means a thicker, more durable vinyl.
• Children’s beds benefit from a more durable cover.
• You can use different gauges for the mattress and box spring.

Use the right product for your needs

• Vinyl is not breathable so it will not allow heat exchange, unlike a permeable mattress cover.
• 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 a great option.
• Vinyl is easily cleaned between users - simply wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Care for your vinyl cover

Put your zippered cover on correctly (best done with two people)

• Unzip completely.
• Line up zippered end with the head of the bed.
• Gather sides (like putting on stockings).
• Gently pull the cover toward the foot of the bed.
• Zip in place.

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

• Use a zippered cover.
• The mattress protector should cover the entire mattress, box spring, pillows and duvet covers.
• Bed bug covers are ideally used before infestations begin but can be used to enclose and trap bedbugs that are already there.