Mattress Covers to Seal in Toxins, Block Dust Mites

Seal in Flame Retardants, Dust Mites & Mold Spores

1. Polyurethane Lined Covers

If you have an old mattress and you want to block flame retardants from migrating out of the mattress, use a cover like Organic Lifestyle’s Bed Bug Cover, which 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 offgassing, I found it to be great.

2. Polyethylene Covers

Polyethylene 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 Uhaul 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).

3. Polypropylene Covers

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

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

They 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.

Mattress Encasement to Fully Block Offgassing, Pesticides, and Other Contaminants

Block Offgassing with Aluminized Tarps

If you do not have a choice but to use a mattress that is offgassing or fragranced and you want to block the odors/chemicals, you can use aluminized tarps 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.

The other option would be thick mylar bags (not the thin sheets).

Mattress Cover to Block Dust Mites

Cotton Covers

If you just want a dust mite cover (that is not waterproof, and doesn’t block flame retardants) I use these Allersoft cotton mattress and pillow protectors.

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