How Do You Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In A Mattress?

Updated 3 Days Ago
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Getting rid of bed bugs in your mattress could be as simple as washing your sheets. However, some cases may require more time, money, or both. Between having to use machines in your bedroom or hiring an exterminator, it can be costly and hazardous.

3 ways to get rid of bed bugs

Once bed bugs get into your mattress, you want them out as fast as possible. The idea of sleeping with bugs crawling on you and biting you is not a pleasant thought. Bed bugs can happen to anyone, but don't worry, there are plenty of ways to get them out of your life and mattress.

  1. Wash your sheets and any other bedding accessories in hot water and dry on high heat. This is likely the cheapest and quickest option.
  1. Use a bed bug steamer. These specially designed steamers deliver heat of up to 200 degrees to kill the bed bugs, even in hard to reach areas.
  1. Hire a professional service. This can be expensive, but if the bed bugs are persistent and need to be chemically eliminated, it's best to let a professional handle the dangerous chemicals.

Mattresses collect dirt! (And sweat and bugs)

Mattresses are notorious for their ability to trap odor and stains. That's why your mother always made you use a mattress pad. However, unless your mom got you a waterproof pad, your sweat, dead skin, hair, and other small particles can slip through it.

Dirty mattresses are havens for bugs like bed bugs and fleas. Keep an eye out for common signs of bed bugs such as small hatched or unhatched eggs of a yellowish color. Be on the lookout for small red dots on your sheets that may be a bug you squashed as you rolled over in the night.

Is cleaning the mattress enough?

Yes, you can clean the mattress to make it clean on the surface. It can get that nice pearly white top back, but can you see the mattress's inner workings? How do you know that the inner workings aren't infested with eggs of that next infestation or holding onto the sweat of two weeks ago?

Do I need a new mattress?

Is there a smell in your room you can't find the source of? It could be the place your dog always lays at night, or it could be your mattress you've had for 10 years. To keep yourself from needing a new mattress you can do things to eliminate the number of smells and dirt your mattress is exposed to. You can keep pets out of your room, especially if they spend time outside. You can get a waterproof mattress pad that will keep your sweat from seeping into the bed. However, you may just have to bite the bullet and get a new mattress if it's too late.

How can I find the right mattress?

If you are worried about finding a good mattress that can keep the smells and bugs away, there are a few things you should look for. Going hypo-allergenic is an option since they don't have that bothersome chemical smell like some memory foam mattresses. Plus, they are usually dust mite and bug resistant. You may want a mattress made of latex or memory foam since they don't hold onto smells like traditional mattresses.

Here are some hypo-allergenic mattresses for you to consider:

  • Botanical Bliss Organic Latex from Plush Bed
  • Loom And Leaf Memory Foam from Saatva
  • AS3 from Amerisleep

Mattresses made with natural materials to keep smells out:

  • AS5 from Amerisleep
  • Zenhaven by Saatva
  • Natural Bliss by Plush Beds

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!

End-of-Summer Sale - Up To $600 Off

Saatva is our top pick for the #1 mattress in 2024! They're a luxury mattress shipped with FREE white-glove delivery & setup (different than regular bed in a box brands put on your doorstep). They have over 50,000 reviews.

Check Price →
Biggest End-of-Summer Sale - Up To $600 Off