Can You Get Rid Of Bed Bugs Without Throwing Everything Away?

If you thoroughly clean the infested areas and fabrics in high heat, you may not have to throw everything out. Calling an exterminator can also help you salvage some or all of your possessions. However, depending on how bad the infestation was, you may be better off replacing certain, hard-to-clean items like your mattress.

3 ways to get rid of bed bugs

Bed bugs are a nuisance that can be hard to get rid of. It's best to contact an exterminator to deal with these pests. They have the skills and equipment necessary to thoroughly treat your home and get rid of these bugs the first time. However, if you're looking for some things you're able to try right away, below are a few options.

1. Use steam. Bedbugs hate heat. High heat not only kills the adult bedbugs but the eggs too.

1. Wash and dry your fabrics on the hottest settings. Instead of throwing away fabrics, try washing and drying them on high heat. In most cases, this kills the bugs.

1. Use rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol kills bedbugs on contact. Apply it to hard to reach areas like the corners of couch cushions.

Mattresses collect dirt! (And sweat and bugs)

Although it's a myth that bed bugs are attracted to dirt, it's important to keep your mattress clean. Sweat, dirt, crumbs and other build-up cause unhealthy conditions. Not to mention, a dirty mattress makes it much harder to see any unwanted visitors like bed bugs.

An easy way to keep your mattress clean is to invest in a mattress protector that you're able to easily wash when it gets less than fresh. When looking to purchase a mattress, look for models that have removable, washable covers. This also keeps things simple and easy to keep things clean.

Is cleaning the mattress enough?

Cleaning your mattress to remove bed bugs involves deep, high heat steam. It's recommended that you do this a few times just to be sure that you removed all traces of the bugs and any eggs. However, be sure to check with your mattress tag that steaming the mattress won't ruin it.

While it's possible to clean the mattress thoroughly enough to salvage it, replacing your mattress is the only way to know for sure that all bed bugs have been removed from your bedroom.

Do I need a new mattress?

Aside from bed bugs, the age of your mattress, how often your pet joins you in bed, and whether or not you have a bed protector make a big difference in how clean your mattress is.

Signs of needing a new mattress are:

• Your mattress is 7-10 years old

• Your mattress has visible breaks like springs poking through

• Your mattress has indents of where you lay

• Your mattress causes you aches and pains instead of relief

• You're looking to rid yourself of pests and bacteria

How can I find the right mattress?

Having a good night's sleep is essential to your health. Finding the right mattress depends on your individual needs. Mattresses are being developed to focus on specific sleepers. Finding a mattress for your specific sleeping habits is a breeze with a little guidance.

Do you sleep hot? Do you have back pain? Do you require more lumbar support? There's a mattress for you!

Below we cover the 3 most common types of mattresses and their benefits:

Foam mattresses

Foam mattresses are normally a little softer feeling and tend to conform to your body. They're a top choice for motion isolation and people who lay on their sides. Here are some good foam beds to check out!

• Winkbeds MemoryLux- This all-foam luxury mattress is available in 3 firmness options. It's great for couples people with back, hip, and/or shoulder pain. Its price varies on the size you order but a queen costs roughly $1599.

• Nectar Memory Foam Mattress- Sleepers who don't want a lot of sink but do want the conforming on memory foam love this mattress. It has excellent pressure relief and at a budget price. It's a great value at $799 for a queen.

• Amerisleep AS3- This mattress is made with athletes and pain sufferers in mind. It offers enhanced recovery technology to help you body rest and heal at night. For those who sleep hot, you'll enjoy the temperature regulating features of this bed. A queen costs $1399.

Innerspring mattresses

Spring and inner coil mattresses are breathable, bouncy, and durable. They're considered the "traditional" type of bed. Spring mattresses are excellent for people who need more support overall, as well as back and stomach sleepers. Here are some good innerspring beds to check out!

• Saatva Innerspring Mattress- This mattress model is great for back and stomach sleepers. This is because it's a firmer bed with a lot of lumbar support. It also provides sleepers with options for both height and firmness. A queen costs $1299.

• Winkbeds Innerspring Mattress- This mattress has amazing edge support and durability. It works well for side, back, and stomach sleepers by offering multiple firmness levels. The cost a of queen is $1599.

• Brooklyn Bedding Innerspring Mattress- These mattresses offer some of the best value on the market for an innerspring mattress. It has a variety of firmness options and it offers bouncy, pressure relief. A queen costs $999.

Hybrid mattresses

Hybrid mattresses are usually described as "the best of both worlds". This is because they combine the durability and breathability of a spring mattress, with the soft, cradling feeling of memory foam. These mattresses are great for all sleeping positions but combination sleepers benefit from this type of mattress the most. Here are some good hybrid beds to check out!

• Helix Sleep Midnight- This model has excellent motion isolation, and pressure-relieving memory foam. It's spring base gives extra support and durability. It's a great mattress for couples and budget shoppers. A queen costs $999.

• Tuft & Needle Hybrid Mattress- This mattress gives a nice balance of bounciness and contouring foam. It's great for those who sleep hot too! A queen costs $1499

• Bear Hybrid Mattress- This model is offers pressure relief for back pain sufferers. It's also great for hot sleepers. It's special cover is made of Celliant, which absorbs and then deflects body heat. A queen costs $1390.

Where can I find a great, affordable mattress (in 2024)?‍

If you're searching for an affordable mattress that offers a wide range of comfort and pressure relief, we've compiled a list of mattresses for you to consider:

1. Saatva Mattress - fantastic for all sleep positions, and is rated our Best Mattress of 2024.
2. Puffy - feels like you're sleeping on a cool cloud (at a good price).
3. Cocoon - amazing pressure relief at an affordable price.
4. Ghostbed - beautiful, plush cover w/ aerated latex and healthy spinal alignment.
5. Winkbeds - 3-stage back relief with free shipping and returns.

Read our short, well-researched 10 Best Mattresses of 2024, here. Our ultimate goal is to help you pick your perfect mattress online, today!