Dust mites are some of the most common allergies and asthma triggers in your home. These microscopic mites are invisible to the naked eye but can leave a nasty trail.
Dust mites are commonly found within furniture where they hide. One area these pests love is the bed — the thick mattress and sheets provide the perfect thriving spot.
The best way to protect yourself is using one of the best dust mite covers. We’ve analyzed dozens of dust mite covers, researching the cover’s design, material, depth, and whether it’s hypoallergenic. In conclusion, we have rounded up our five favorites.
- Dust mite-proof
- Thin soft design
- 10-year warranty
- Six-side protection
- Hypoallergenic design
- Breathable fabric
- Soft polyester fabric
- Guarded and secure zipper
- Waterproof TPU backing
- 360-degree protection
- Quiet & secure
- Easy to setup
- 100 Percent waterproof
- Hypoallergenic cover
- Free from toxins
Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, our comprehensive analysis of the best dust mite covers is designed with you in mind. Our team of professionals conducts thorough research, hands-on testing, and careful evaluation of each product’s performance. We assess design choices, user experience, and effectiveness in protecting against dust mites. By comparing and ranking products based on key decision-making factors such as material, breathability, durability, and ease of use, we provide you with a reliable guide to make the best choice. Our data-driven approach, combined with real-life usage, ensures that our recommendations are backed by solid evidence and expert knowledge. Trust our findings and experience the difference in your dust mite-free, healthier home environment.
The Best Dust Mite Covers of 2024
As we searched for the best dust mite covers, we focused mainly on the points above. Comfort and quality are critical, but we also focused on features such as waterproofing and zipper construction.
After much consideration and advice from our expert team, we found our top five dust mite covers.
PlushDeluxe Premium Mattress Encasement
Best Overall
One of our favorite mattress encasements is this one from PlushDeluxe. It’s a super soft cover that is waterproof and safe from bed bugs and dust mites.
The hypoallergenic cover will protect you and your loved ones from allergens, dust mites, and bacteria. Despite being hypoallergenic, however, it has a breathable membrane that allows for good air circulation. This will help to prevent sweating and overheating during warm summer nights.
Applying the cover is as simple as it can get, thanks to the small invisible zipper. It also features a secure velcro strap that keeps it in place.
What We Like
Dust Mite-Proof and Hypoallergenic
The hypoallergenic cover prevents dust mites from settling within the mattress. This will help to relieve any allergic symptoms you may be feeling when in bed.
It’s equipped with an invisible zipper and velcro straps that make it impossible for anything to access the mattress. Bed bugs also won’t be able to settle within the creases of the mattress.
Your mattress will be covered on all six sides. This provides optimal protection against bed bugs and dust mites.
Thin and Soft Design
Dust mite covers or mattress covers, in general, can sometimes feel too thick and uncomfortable. However, the PlushDeluxe cover is ultra-thin and feels super soft against the skin. It also won’t rattle or make any loud noises as you move around at night.
Easy to Clean In Washing Machine
When cleaning the cover, you can easily remove it and wash it in the machine. It’s also safe to tumble dry on low; it will stay soft and plush for long.
10-Year Warranty
An incredible 10-year warranty backs this mattress cover. The warranty promises a full product replacement if there are any defects or malfunctions due to the manufacturing process.
Waterproof Membrane Layer
Liquids of any kind won’t be able to penetrate the cover — whether beverages or bodily fluids. It’s treated with a polyurethane membrane barrier that helps to protect the cover and mattress.
What We Don't Like
Snug Fit on Larger Mattresses
PlushDeluxe claims the cover fits a 12 to 15-inch deep mattress. However, a few customers noticed that it was a snug fit.
Hard to Take On and Off
Customers find this hard to remove from the whole mattress. Since there is only a small zipper for your whole mattress, it feels like shoving a pillowcase into its case. If you have kids and need to remove it often, it can be a bit of a hassle.
It’s Hot In There
Because of the waterproof layer, this mattress cover gets really hot. If you already live in a warm place, this might send you over the edge into a sweaty mess.
Product Specs
| Depth | 12 to 15 inches |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Material | Cotton with terry surface and waterproof membrane layer |
| Warranty | 10-year warranty |
Our Ratings
User Experience
Queen SureGuard Mattress Cover
Best for Bed Bugs
The SureGuard mattress cover is made of cotton and soft to the touch. It’s 100 percent waterproof and protects your mattress from all six sides.
It’s super fine, invisible zipper keeps bed bugs from settling in your mattress. Then the hypoallergenic cover blocks out dust mites, bacteria, allergens, mold, and mildew.
There are no annoying noises as you or your partner move around at night, and it’s free of toxins. You can choose between a range of sizes to suit your bed, including a queen, king, twin, and more.
What We Like
Six-Side Mattress Protection
The cover fully encases the mattress, keeping bed bugs at bay. It’s quick to install and fits deep mattresses easily. You also get full instructions on how to apply the cover.
Hypoallergenic Design Helps Allergies
Dust mites can cause horrible coughing and wheezing upon inhalation. If you’re asthmatic, it could even trigger an attack. So keeping these microscopic pests out of your bed is crucial.
Luckily, the hypoallergenic cover blocks common triggers such as dust mites, allergens, bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Easy to Clean and Dry
The cover is safe to machine wash as well as tumble dry on low heat. Being able to wash a mattress cover easily is important, especially if you’re a busy parent.
Breathable Comfortable Fabric
Being comfortable at night will do wonders for one’s sleep. We’re pleased that this cover is super soft and, best of all, breathable. You won’t be waking up in a puddle of sweat, feeling like you’ve just finished a marathon.
Non-Toxic Materials
Some mattress covers can be treated or coated in different chemicals to make them waterproof or fire-repellent. However, this cover is free of toxins such as PVC, phthalates, or fire retardants.
Excellent 10-Year Warranty
The mattress cover is backed by a 10-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unhappy with the cover or its performance, you can return it.
What We Don't Like
One Side Is Terry Cloth
One side of this cover is terry cloth, which isn’t entirely waterproof on all sides. This is something to be aware of as some customers were unpleasantly surprised to discover it wasn’t waterproof on one side.
Hot to Sleep With
Customers found that this increased the temperature of their sleeping environment slightly. Other customers found it was okay, but be aware that if you already live in a warm climate, this might not suit you.
Hard to Put On Mattress
You need at least two people to put this cover over your mattress, especially if you have a queen or king size mattress. On this note, the mattress covers also run quite big, which leaves a baggy look around your mattress. Not ideal if you want hotel vibes in the bedroom.
Product Specs
| Depth | 13 to 16 inches (6 to 8 inches, 9 to 12 inches, and 17 to 20 inches also available) |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Material | Cotton with terry cloth |
| Warranty | 10-year warranty |
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Cover
Best Waterproof Cover
The Utopia Bedding mattress cover is a super soft knitted polyester fabric. It fits a 13-inch deep mattress perfectly and is available in all standard sizes.
A zipper and zip guard protect the mattress from 360 degrees. Neither bed bugs nor dust mites can penetrate the tight-knit or zipper.
It’s fitted with PVC backing on all sides. This helps to ensure no water will penetrate the cover and ruin the mattress.
What We Like
Soft Polyester Fabric
The soft polyester is comfortable to sleep on. It’s also very stretchy and easy to slide over the mattress.
Guarded and Secure Zipper
A secure zipper is crucial to block out dust mites and bed bugs. The zipper on this cover encloses the mattress completely with a tight fit. The zip guard helps to seal it in even more.
Waterproof TPU Backing Prevents Liquids
To ensure no water or liquid ruins your mattress, the cover is lined with a TPU backing. This helps to prevent any liquid from penetrating the cover.
Easy to Wash in Machine
The cover can be washed by hand or in a machine using cool water and a mild detergent. It’s crucial that you don’t use bleach or solvents as these can damage the backing. After washing, you can tumble dry the cover on low heat.
What We Don't Like
Not Entirely Noiseless
Despite Utopia Bedding claiming this cover is noise-free, we discovered otherwise. It might be due to the PVC backing. But there’s a bit of a squeak when moving — nothing too bad though.
Gets Hot At Night
A common issue with these dust mite covers is that they get hot. This one has the same issue. If you like a cool environment at night, then this isn’t going to tick your boxes.
Hard to Install (Without Damage)
Customers found that getting this cover onto their mattress was quite a workout! The sizing seems to be a little off, with some covers running too large and others running too small, depending on the depth of your mattress. It takes at least two people to get this cover on, which isn’t great for middle of the night bed-wetting accidents.
Product Specs
| Depth | 13 inches |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Material | Knitted polyester and PVC backing |
| Warranty | Not specified |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
LinenSpa Zippered Hypoallergenic Mattress Cover
Most Comfortable
The LinenSpa mattress cover is soft to the touch yet creates a tough barrier that dust mites can’t cross. It provides a secure fit around your mattress and won’t create that crinkling sound.
Maintaining the cover is super easy as you can safely wash it in the machine and tumble-drier. The long zipper encloses the mattress to ensure nothing creeps inside. It’s waterproof and won’t allow any liquid to penetrate and ruin the mattress.
What We Like
360-Degree Protection
The cover will protect your mattress from every side — no more allergens such as dust mites. You’ll also be safe from bed bugs. In fact, several customers reported immense improvements against bed bugs.
Quiet and Secure Fit
Loose covers will crinkle, move around and make a whole lot of unwanted noise as you turn in your sleep. Luckily, this cover provides a snug fit around any mattress with a depth of up to 12 inches. It won’t rustle or bustle, and you get to sleep quietly.
Safe for Washing and Drying Machine
When you need to clean this, it’s easy to do so. Toss it in the washing machine on a cool, warm, or hot cycle. You can then tumble dry it on low. If you don’t bleach, iron, or dry clean this, it will spruce up just fine!
10-Year Warranty
Customers already think this is a bargain, but add in a 10-year warranty? We’re all in!
What We Don't Like
Stitching Weak in Places
Although the cover performs well, we’re not sure for how long. Some of the stitching in different places seems a bit weak.
Thin Material
The material isn’t super thick. It’s quite thin and even see-through in places. You might worry that it will tear, but that’s what the 10-year warranty is for.
Zipper is Uncovered
Zippers might have tiny gaps, but they’re big enough for bed bugs and dust mites to get through. That’s why it’s important to have a covered zipper. This one, unfortunately, doesn’t have that. So it’s not the absolute most effective and eliminating dust mites.
Product Specs
| Depth | 12 inches |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Material | Polyurethane with polyester backing |
| Warranty | 10-year warranty |
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
TRU Lite Bedding Mattress Cover
Best for Families
The Tru Lite Bedding mattress cover is a favorite among families since it comes in all standard sizes. It’s also hypoallergenic and soft to the touch.
To protect the mattress from any beverage or liquid spill, the cover is 100 percent waterproof. It’s also breathable and provides excellent ventilation for you and your mattress.
The long zipper protects your mattress from all sides. It’s antibacterial and resistant to mold, mildew, and germs.
What We Like
100 Percent Waterproof
The waterproof barrier will keep your mattress dry and safe from things like urine, vomit, and beverage spills. This is an important feature since it can be rather frustrating to discover stains on your mattress. Odors will also be kept at bay, thanks to the barrier.
Hypoallergenic Cover Creates Great Barrier
If you or your loved ones deal with allergies or asthma, you might find most triggers arise at night due to dust mites. However, this hypoallergenic mattress cover creates a barrier between you and any creepy crawlies as well as allergens.
Thanks to the waterproof barrier, mold or mildew also won’t likely grow.
Fully Enclosed Cover
The large zipper makes it super easy to slip it over a mattress. To further prevent any allergens or bed bugs from settling on your mattress, the mattress covers all sides of your mattress.
Free From Toxins
This mattress cover is made without vinyl, PVC, phthalates, and other irritants. It’s better for people with sensitive skin. Unfortunately, the exact materials aren’t listed but it seems to be a polyester type with a TPU backing.
What We Don't Like
No Zipper Guard
Despite how tightly the zipper closes, we’d still like a velcro strap or guard to further secure it.
Could Be Better Quality
You might notice how thin this mattress cover is. Customers don’t like how flimsy it feels. If you want something higher quality, we recommend skipping this option. Also, the zipper has mixed reviews. Some found that it got stuck. Others found it broke quite quickly.
Extra Material is Noticable
This dust mite cover runs a little big. You can feel air pockets and folds underneath your sheets. If you’re sensitive to such textures, this might get on your nerves.
Product Specs
| Depth | 6 to 18 inches |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Material | Not specified |
| Warranty | Not specified |
Our Ratings
User Experience
| Product | Best | Depth | Hypoallergenic | Material | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlushDeluxe Mattress Encasement | Overall | 12 – 15″ | Yes | Cotton with terry surface | 10-year |
| Queen SureGuard Mattress Cover | Bed Bugs | 13 – 16″ (6 – 8″, 9 – 12″, 17 – 20″) | Yes | Cotton with terry cloth | 10-year |
| Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Cover | Waterproof | 13″ | No | Knitted polyester and PVC backing | N/A |
| LinenSpa Zippered Hypoallergenic Cover | Comfort | 12″ | No | Polyurethane with polyester backing | 10-year |
| TRU Lite Bedding Mattress Cover | Families | 6 – 18″ | Yes | N/A | N/A |
What Are Dust Mites?
Dust mites are microscopic pests that look similar to bugs. As the name suggests, dust mites live and thrive in household dust, where they feed and breed.
Dust mites, unlike bed bugs, do not bite humans. Instead, they feed on dead skin flakes, also known as dander (1).
As we sleep on a mattress, tiny flecks of skin fall off when we move around. This dander works its way deep into the inner layers of the mattress or even furniture and carpets. However, it’s not only human dander these pesky pests like; they’ll also feed on pet dander.
Take Note
What Is Dust Mite Allergy?
Dust mite allergy results when dust mites cause an immune reaction. This typically happens when they’re in contact with the skin or inhaled. What is so tricky about dust mites is that not only do their body parts trigger allergies but their waste as well.
Dust mites will die in low humidity or extreme temperatures, but the allergen might still bother you. This is because their dead bodies, or skeletons, are still lying around. When these are inhaled, they can cause allergic or asthmatic reactions (2).
Common symptoms of dust mite allergy include the following:
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Itchy mouth, nose, or throat
- Itchy skin
- Postnasal drip
- Coughing
- Sneezing
Asthmatic reactions include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Wheezing
- Difficulty sleeping due to shortness of breath or coughing
- Chest pain or tightness
Benefits of Using Dust Mite Covers
A dust mite cover is a mattress encasement that covers the mattress entirely.
These covers serve three important purposes:
- Eliminates food source: When you cover all sides of your mattress in a thick fabric, the dust mites won’t have access to food, which is our dander. As they lose their food source, they’ll eventually starve and die.
- Creates a barrier between you and the allergen: This is an important one for anyone with allergies. Thanks to the cover, you’ll be far away from any dust mites, waste, and skeletons. Creating this barrier will help to prevent any discomfort you might feel at night.
- Keeps mattress and pillows clean: Naturally, we sweat as we sleep. Plus, if you have children, they might wet the bed — many things could cause a few stains. Most dust mite covers are waterproof and help keep your bedding clean and stain-free (3).
How to Find the Best Dust Mite Covers
Finding the best dust mite covers might require some trial and error. You need something that creates an unbreakable barrier between you and the mites, but it also has to be comfortable. Here are a few things to consider before buying:
1. Quality
The quality of the cover will ultimately determine how effective it is and how you’re going to sleep. Sleeping on a rough and cheap synthetic fabric that rustles with every move can be frustrating.
Subpar quality may also result in a cover that isn’t breathable but retains heat. This can be incredibly uncomfortable to sleep on. You might be stuck feeling like a roasted chicken, rotating on a grill all night.
We recommend looking for one made of cotton with terry, or a knitted polyester type with PVC backing (if you want something waterproof).
2. Waterproof
This is important since many dust mite covers also claim to be waterproof. Being waterproof isn’t necessary and doesn’t determine how well it keeps dust mites away. However, it’s a nice feature that many look for but are often left disappointed about.
Waterproof covers include a PVC backing which creates a waterproof barrier. Some like this, but some find it annoying as it’s quite loud and can become very hot.
If you don’t want a waterproof cover, choose one with a terry cloth layer. This absorbs moisture, but it isn’t 100 percent waterproof. In exchange for that, you get a soft and comfortable cover.
3. Zipper Quality
The zipper is one of the most essential — but often overlooked — features of a dust mite cover. A good zipper will help to strengthen the barrier between you and the allergen.
On the other hand, a subpar zipper might break or allow some of the dust mites to escape. In conclusion: it doesn’t matter how good of quality your cover is if the zipper is bad.
FAQs
How Often Should Dust Mite Covers be Washed?
You should wash your dust mite covers at least once or twice a year, depending on the dust levels within your home. You might need to clean them more frequently if you have pets or children.
How Do I Know If I Have Dust Mites In My Mattress?
You know if you have dust mites in your mattress when you start waking up with itchy skin. Other tell-tale signs include itchy eyes and a blocked nose.
Can Dust Mites Survive In a Memory Foam Mattresses?
Dust mites can survive in a memory foam mattress, although the density of the fibers makes it more common for them to live on the bed’s surface.
How Do I Prevent Dust Mites In My Bed?
The best way to prevent dust mites in your bed includes using a dust mite cover, like this Plush Deluxe Mattress Encasement. It has a soft and thin design, is 100 percent dust mite proof, and comes with a 10-year warranty.
Do Air Purifiers Get Rid of Dust Mites?
Air purifiers do get rid of dust mites because they remove dust. The less dust in the home, the greater the chances of avoiding an outbreak of dust mites.
