My Chemical-Free House

A Guide to Creating a Healthy Home

Mattress Covers to Seal in Toxins, Mold, Block Dust Mites

Published: January 30, 2021 |

These are non-toxic mattress covers to seal in flameĀ retardants, dust mites, pesticides, scents, or mold spores.

These options are vetted by the chemically sensitive and mold-sensitive.

As for blocking gases, foil is better than plastic, as plastic will eventually absorb the VOCs/scents, and so they will come through to the other side.

However, plastic can still be used in the short term, and disposable plastic options can be swapped out as needed.

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Table of contents

1. Polyurethane-Lined Covers

a mattresses covered in a cover where you can see the zipper of the cover

If you have an old mattress and you want to block flame retardants from migrating out of the mattress, I would use a cover likeĀ Organic Lifestyleā€™s Bed Bug Cover.

This has a pore size of zero so it should block flame retardants that are not in gas form (though the company has not tested it for this purpose).

It is also waterproof and will protect you from dust mites and bedbugs as well.

Another good use for this cover is when you are moving a mattress into a high-humidity environment like a trailer, or you have to put a mattress on a flat surface like the floor for a while.

The polyurethane did have an odor to me but after some off-gassing, I found it to be great. Other sensitive folks have agreed with this.

2. Polyethylene Covers

a package of a uhaul mattress bag

PolyethyleneĀ covers are the least toxic plastic cover, but they do not hold up very well after washing and are not usually marketed as mattress encasements.

I have used the U-Haul mattress encasements for temporary protection from contamination or if I need to put a mattress on the floor in a hurry.

These are disposable (not washable), though they do last quite a while.

They are not usually contaminated by scents if you buy them through U-Haul.

3. Polypropylene Covers

a package that says all in one mattress protector

There are polypropylene covers as well; they hold up a little longer than plain polyethylene.Ā 

This All-in-one coverĀ is a mix of polyethylene and polypropylene and is reported to be very tolerable by someone very sensitive to plastic.

Plastic covers do slow down offgassing somewhat from the foam or secondary scents, but usually, these VOCs eventually soak into the plastic layer, so itā€™s not a permanent solution.

4. Aluminized Tarps

an aluminized tarp that is orange on one side and aluminum on the other (one corner folder up to see that)

If you do not have a choice but to use a mattress that is off-gassing or fragranced and you want to block the odors/chemicals completely, you can useĀ aluminized tarpsĀ and tape.

I have used these to sequester many beds, especially when traveling.

Discard as soon as the aluminum flakes off, or face the aluminum down.

These are not totally free of a plastic odor and plastic off-gassing so you would need to check them out if you are sensitive.

The other option would be thick mylar bags (not the thin sheets), but the aluminum does rub off (and that is not safe).

5. Cotton Dust Mite Covers

the corner of a cotton mattress protector that wraps around the top half of the mattress

If you just want a dust mite cover (that is not waterproof, and doesnā€™t block flame retardants), I use theseĀ Allersoft cotton mattressĀ andĀ pillow protectors.

That brand is not organic, but they were good for me after one wash.

Iā€™m really happy with them as they have reduced my allergies, and the price is a steal.

For organic cotton versions, I like these pillow covers. These are still reasonably priced.

A full organic cotton mattress encasement is going to cost more. The Solus brand is priced well at around $100.

Barrier cloth can also work here.

6. Silk

Natural silk is a block of mold spores, says John Banta in his book Mold Controlled.

(He also mentions that Tyvek housewrap can block mold particulates).

7. Charcoal Cloth

You can also lay down charcoal blankets to absorb and partially block the chemicals.

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Corinne SeguraĀ is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.

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Comments

  1. Laura

    Two questions. I thought you previously mentioned a carbon-infused mattress cover. Is that no longer a recommendation? It’s not on your list.

    And, what about using Mylar emergency blankets to cover a mattress? Is there a down side to that regarding moisture accumulating underneath?

    I bought a Saatva mattress, and after 18 months of airing, the odor of the foam is still a problem for me.

    Reply

    • Corinne Segura, Building Biologist

      charcoal cloth is good, it was never in this article but i just added it. mylar is in the article. if the mattres is dry and covered completely then it’s fine.

      Reply

  2. Terri Davenport

    Is there a cover that stops smells from penetrating in mattress? I have new flooring in my home and the one room we canā€™t figure out something was spilled on it or what but it stinks and I donā€™t want the mattress to smell like it. Thank you so so much for your response response in advance.
    Terri Davenport

    Reply

    • Corinne Segura, Building Biologist

      yes the same ones that would fully block the mattress from outgassing outward

      Reply

  3. Kate

    Hi! This feels like a silly question, but Iā€™m confused if I should let my new mattress off-gas, or encase it right away with one of these? Weā€™ve fully renovated our home while not residing there, and itā€™s ready to move back into ā€” with a newborn. For her sake especially, Iā€™m very conscious of what she may be exposed to. So for the mattress in our primary room, let it air out before we move in, or encase it straight away? We do have the luxury to wait, so how long would be ideal? Btw itā€™s a Helix (so not the cleanest by any means, but a compromise with my husband). Many thanks for any helpful tips!

    Reply

      • Kate

        Thanks, Corrine, for the speedy response! Quick follow-up: how often should you wash the mattress encasement? And would you have to worry about checking the mattress for mold if it’s encased for long periods of time?

        Reply

  4. Yasmin Mughal

    Does the thickness of the polyurethane matter? I got a topper protector from The Company Store that is organic cotton with PU laminated. It’s pretty thick and feels plasticky. It’s not soft and flexible like TPU lined covers. I let it offgass for about a week, washed it and laying on it creates symptoms within 5 minutes.. It says it’s non toxic but it’s made in China so I wonder. what is really in this thing. I’m not even “that” sensitive. I typically only react to very strong things like a new construction house or industrial level chemicals.

    Reply

    • Corinne Segura, Building Biologist

      thicker can have more offgassing yes or it could just be the formula that isnt working for you

      Reply

  5. Harrison Miller

    I have mold on my mattress from bed wetting. What encasement would you recommend to seal in the mold already on mattress so it doesn’t leak through? Other than the mold it’s a good quality mattress. Thank you.

    Reply

  6. Ange

    is having metal furniture and wearing metal jewelry bad for us? as far as attracting bad radiation or radioactive energies ? if I’m using the correct verbiage here? I honestly try to never buy and use metal anything unless it’s silver etc./ 11

    Reply

    • Ange

      my China made cell phone case reeked with toxins and I soaked it in vinegars white vinegar and soaked it 4 hours or longer and toxic smell pvc GONE!!!

      Reply

    • Ange

      thank you so much Corinne!!! I totally forgotten my solution with white vinegar I’m going to drench my new matteress if I can.
      and lay it outside away from me,… I’m horrified I thought matteress protect ors would work. they dont. this matteress I have cannot be drenched because it’s aired electric I am hurry ing to get rid of this matteress.

      Reply

  9. Rachel

    I believe I have a sensitivity to foam used in mattresses (after symptoms improved when I threw away my Tempur-pedic). Unfortunately, pretty much all conventional mattresses contain foam now, including the Sealy I’m sleeping on now. I cannot buy another mattress, so I’m looking into buying a mattress encasement.

    Question: would encasing a mattress in polyurethane be truly protective against whatever it is in the foam causing problems? They say the pore size is zero, but the membrane is hydrophilic, so moisture can pass through. If moisture can pass through, can’t other chemicals do so as well?

    Obviously not a scientist here. But if water can pass through the membrane, then I guess it seems like other chemicals can be contained in the water and pass through as well? Thoughts?

    Reply

    • Corinne

      Plastic covers do slow down offgassing somewhat, from the foam or secondary scents, but usually, these VOCs eventually soak into the plastic layer, so it’s not a permanent solution.

      Reply

    • Jenn

      I am allergic to the foams as well. I had to use 2 thick plastic bed covers (Budget cat rental possibly?), and tape seal them really well. The first opened at one end, the other at the opposite end. It balloons out in the bag when you lie down so leave some extra room. I did eventually need to replace them, and used an allergy cover as well. For sourcing the plastic sheets I sometimes had to go to a few different retailers as some batches of the plastic smelled burny or I reacted to, and not others. It doesn’t block it 100% even then, unfortunately. I have older used spring mattresses now, from family or friends (bedbug free)

      Reply

  10. Birgitte Jorgensen

    Thanks for your helpfull advice.. I am not sure though if any of the covers are big enough in order to be wrapped around the mattress (so they are sealed) – or are they only top layers? And can you please advice me on which one that can be wrapped around the entire mattress

    Reply

  11. Carole Resnick

    I am specifically looking for a product that will block scents in a mattress when I’m traveling. Are all of these products appropriate for that purpose – or is that only the aluminized tarps? I’m doing my best to sort through the wonderful info you have here, but am still al little confused about what to choose!

    Reply

    • Corinne

      plastic can work depending on how sensitive you are, how strong the scent is and how long they are in contact with one another. It may not work in all cases. Bring both options.

      Reply

  12. Elizabeth John

    I am really surprised by all these comments and the name of this blog. It makes no sense to use seriously dangerous chemicals like polyester and polyurethane to block out chemicals in a mattress. To use dangerous chemicals to block out dangerous chemicals instead of just using a certified organic cotton and wool mattress. Wool is a natural fire retardant as are other organic fibers. All these chemical mattress covers only create a chemical fulll home.

    Reply

    • Corinne

      polyester and the polyurethane coating are not dangerous chemicals.

      my blog is first and foremost to serve people with chemical sensitivities and this is what works for a lot of people with chemical sensitivities to block mattress odors/VOCs.

      it might need a little airing out and washing first but then it won’t have any measurable offgassing.

      having worked with chemically sensitive folks for 8 years, a good portion cannot tolerate wool and cotton bedding, especially when new. Others can’t afford to buy a new mattress or are using this strategy when the travel to block contaminants.

      so if you don’t have chemical sensitivities or don’t know about the range of sensitivities out there, or are doing extreme plastic avoidance, this blog may not make sense to you.

      Reply

  13. Clara

    Thank you Corrinne! So, is the Organic Lifestyleā€™s Bed Bug Cover the best one for sealing in mycotoxins?
    I’ve never had visible mold in my current home, but there has been water damage and my functional medical doctor thinks I should do my best to get rid of potential mycotoxin exposure from my bed and pillows.
    I have a mattress that is only a couple years old, and it’s made of natural coconut fiber, natural latex and natural wool. I think those are all mold-resistant, but to take extra care I am looking for a mattress cover and to buy new pillows. I can’t afford to buy a new mattress currently.

    Reply

  15. Jared

    Grateful to find a building biologist practitioner, wow!

    So, I purchased a new mattress four months ago. Two months ago, we identified that weā€™ve been living in mold for five years. Ugh.

    Since the mattress is relatively new (no visible mold, but I know spores/mycotoxins can make their way in), Iā€™m thinking about using is encapsulated until we can afford a new one.

    But Iā€™m also a big plastic avoider, so while plastic is compelling to protect against possible mycotoxins in the mattress, is plastic really the only option? And thatā€™s okay with respect to chemicals.

    Any thoughts on this tricky topic?

    Reply

    • Corinne

      The biggest problem I have found with items from a moldy house is the mVOCs, because if we were really talking about spores and particles those could be easily HEPA vac-ed or steam cleaned out. And I would do those two things if I really had to bring a bed. Also a bed is the last thing I would bring from a moldy house, but it’s only 4 months old so it might be fine. But as for the mVOCs they would have to be blocked by plastic or foil.

      Reply

  17. Tyler

    Hi Corinne!

    Seriously, thank you for this site. I’m sure you’ve heard it plenty of times but this has been a godsend for dealing with my MCAS and chemical sensitivity.

    My question is, do the polyurethane lined mattress covers actually seal in mattress offgassing? On the listing for the organic lifestyles bed bug cover you linked, it says it reduces it but doesn’t prevent offgassing odors from coming out. So I’m wondering, how much it would actually lower the offgassing? Is it just some, or would it be the majority? I’ve got an unhealthy mattress I can’t replace yet so it would be really great to know.

    Thanks again.

    Reply

  18. Jenna

    Will a polyurethane cover contain all VOCs, or just flame retardants? Thank you so much for all your information šŸ™‚

    Reply

  19. Ana

    Hi Corinne! Thanks so much for this and all your other posts!

    I am sensitive to chemicals and also have dust mite allergies. I’m debating between the Solus 16″ Organic Cotton Dust Mite Mattress Covers that you mentioned and one called BedCareā„¢ Organic All-Cotton Mattress Covers — my new mattress will be 13″ thick so it might fit better. It also has a smaller micron size, if that’s relevant. Does that one look good to you? Or is the Solus better? Thanks for your input!

    BedCareā„¢ Organic All-Cotton Mattress Cover:
    https://www.natlallergy.com/organic-all-cotton-allergy-mattress-covers.html

    Reply

  20. Jude

    Hi there,

    DO you happen to know of a product that is a complete encasement, that doesn’t let any chemicals through? I am very ill and need something really effective. Thank you so so much!

    Reply

      • vedcyrus

        Hello Corinne,
        Amazing blog. Very much important for the people allergic to the chemical
        Other people who do not have any allergies would not understand the how much we suffer specially when it comes to buy a mattress within budget.

        Would it be possible to prove any link for the mattress cover that is a complete encasement, that doesnā€™t let any chemicals through.
        Thanks

        Reply

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