How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In A Mattress Without Losing Your Mind (Or Your Bed)
Discovering bed bugs in your mattress can feel like your safe place has been invaded. You might be staring at tiny dark specks on the seam of your mattress or waking up with itchy bites, wondering if you will ever sleep comfortably again. It is stressful, embarrassing, and frankly a little horrifying, even though it is much more common than most people realize. If you are here, you are probably tired, worried about cost, and trying to figure out if you can save your mattress or if it is time to drag it to the curb.
There is a lot at stake when bed bugs show up in your bed. You are thinking about your sleep, your health, your budget, and the risk of these pests spreading to every corner of your home. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, bed bug control is complex and usually takes weeks or months, not days, which is why a clear plan matters so much. When your mattress is where you spend roughly a third of your life, the idea of bugs living inches from your skin is understandably unsettling, but it does not mean your mattress is automatically doomed.
You are in the right place for calm, practical guidance rooted in both science and years of hands‑on experience with real sleepers. You will learn how to confirm that you are dealing with bed bugs, what you can do yourself, when to bring in a professional, and how to decide whether to keep or replace your mattress. We will also cover prevention steps so once you have your bed bug free sleep space back, you can keep it that way. Along the way, you will see where a new, well protected mattress or accessories from Sleepology might fit into your longer term plan for truly restorative sleep.
Most importantly, you will not be shamed or told to burn everything and start over. Bed bugs are a stubborn problem, but with a step by step approach, the right tools, and realistic expectations, you can get through this and reclaim your bed, your sleep, and your peace of mind.
Understanding Bed Bugs In Your Mattress
Before you decide what to do with your mattress, it helps to know what you are actually up against. Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish brown insects about the size of an apple seed that feed on human blood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that while bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, their bites can cause itching, welts, and secondary skin infections from scratching, and the stress around an infestation can significantly disrupt sleep. That means they are a comfort and quality of life issue, even if they are not medically dangerous in most cases.
Bed bugs are experts at hiding, which is why mattresses and box springs are such popular hangouts for them. They like to tuck into seams, tufts, piping, and small crevices where the mattress meets the foundation or frame. According to research summarized by the National Pest Management Association, most bed bug infestations originate in the bed area, but the insects can quickly spread into nearby furniture, baseboards, and even behind electrical outlet plates if left unchecked. The mattress is often the most visible part of the infestation, but it is rarely the only hiding place.
One of the reasons people feel panicked is the speed at which bed bugs can multiply. A single female can lay hundreds of eggs over her lifetime, and in warm indoor environments those eggs can hatch in about a week. If you are seeing multiple live bugs or regular bites, you are probably not looking at a brand new problem that will vanish overnight. That said, the level of infestation makes a big difference in whether your mattress can realistically be treated or should be replaced.
Understanding these basics matters because your decisions should be based on what is actually happening in and around your mattress, not just the understandable urge to throw everything away. In many mild to moderate infestations, especially when caught early, it is possible to treat a mattress and keep it in service safely, especially when paired with a high quality encasement. In other situations, or when your mattress is already old or uncomfortable, removing and replacing it can be the most practical answer. The rest of this guide is about helping you tell the difference and choose a path that works for your home and your budget.
How To Confirm Bed Bugs Are In Your Mattress
When you are exhausted and itchy, it is tempting to assume any mark or bite must be bed bugs. But effective treatment starts with a confident diagnosis. According to the U.S. EPA and the National Pest Management Association, many people misidentify other insects or skin issues as bed bugs, leading to wasted time and money. So the first step is a careful, methodical inspection of your mattress and bed area.
Start by stripping your bed completely. Take off all sheets, pillows, blankets, and protectors so you can see the bare mattress and box spring. Slowly inspect every seam, edge, and corner of the mattress using a flashlight, and if you have one, a simple magnifying glass or your phone camera on zoom. You are looking for live bugs, small pearly white eggs, shed skins, and dark or rusty spots that could be dried blood or excrement. Pay special attention to the head of the bed and along the piping, which are favorite hiding spots.
Next, check the surrounding areas, because the mattress is rarely the only place they live. Look at the mattress foundation or box spring, the cracks where the bed frame joints meet, the underside of the headboard, the back and underside of nearby nightstands, and along baseboards close to the bed. The Environmental Protection Agency emphasizes that a successful bed bug plan begins with a full assessment of how far they have spread, not just what you can see at first glance. If you are in an apartment or multi unit building, it is also wise to ask neighbors if they have had issues, since shared walls can complicate the situation.
Finally, pay attention to bite patterns and other signs, but do not rely on them alone. Some people react strongly to bed bug bites with lines or clusters of itchy welts, while others barely react at all. The Mayo Clinic notes that bed bug bites can look similar to mosquito or flea bites, which is why visual confirmation of bugs or their traces is so important. If you are still unsure after a careful inspection, you might consider having a pest management professional perform an evaluation or even send a captured insect to a local extension service or pest lab for identification.
“I was convinced we had bed bugs because of some bites, but Mia’s checklist helped me realize it was actually a mild dust mite allergy and not an infestation. That saved us from tossing a mattress we loved and hundreds of dollars in unnecessary treatments.” – Karen S., October
When Can You Save A Mattress With Bed Bugs, And When Should You Replace It?
Once you know you are dealing with bed bugs, the next big question is whether your mattress can reasonably be saved. This is where your sleep comfort, the age of your bed, the level of infestation, and your budget all meet. There is no single right answer for every household, but there are some clear decision points that can help you feel confident.
If your mattress is relatively new, still comfortable, and the infestation seems limited, it often makes sense to try to treat and encase it rather than immediately replacing it. The EPA notes that properly encased mattresses can be kept in service, since the bugs are trapped and will eventually die when they cannot feed. This is particularly true if you have not noticed bugs in other areas of the room, and if you are willing to follow through with a thorough cleaning and ongoing monitoring plan.
On the other hand, if you peel back the sheets and find heavy, widespread infestation, especially inside the box spring or deep within foam layers, salvaging the mattress can be extremely difficult. When there are large numbers of live bugs, extensive staining, and evidence they have spread into furniture and baseboards, a professional exterminator may still recommend treatments, but the time, cost, and disruption may not be worth it if your mattress is already sagging, unsupportive, or near the end of its natural lifespan. The Sleep Foundation points out that most mattresses perform best for about 7 to 10 years, depending on materials, so an older bed with bed bugs is often a replacement candidate anyway.
You should also consider your own comfort and peace of mind. Some people simply never feel truly at ease on a mattress that has had a significant infestation, even after treatment and encasement. If that is you, it is okay to acknowledge that a new mattress is part of your emotional recovery from the experience. In those cases, moving to a supportive, durable model and pairing it with a high quality protector from our pillows, sheets, toppers, and protectors collection can help you mentally turn the page and prioritize healthy sleep again.
Finally, think about access to professional help. In dense urban buildings or when multiple rooms are affected, pest control services may strongly advise encasing rather than dragging an infested mattress through hallways, which can spread bugs. In single family homes with easy outdoor access, safely disposing of a heavily infested old mattress and replacing it with something like a Sealy Posturepedic Elite Soft Hybrid Mattress – Brenham II can be a clean break that supports both bed bug control and long term spinal support.
“Our old queen mattress had bed bugs deep in the box spring, and it was also sagging. Sleepology helped us choose a new Sealy Posturepedic Plus Medium Hybrid Mattress – Paterson II instead of spending more money on repeated treatments. It felt like hitting reset on our whole sleep setup.” – Daniel R., November
Step By Step: How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In A Mattress
When you are ready to take action, it helps to move through the process in a clear, structured way. The goal here is to reduce the number of bugs as much as possible, kill what you can, and then physically isolate the remaining ones so they cannot feed on you or spread further. According to the U.S. EPA, successful bed bug control usually means combining several methods, not relying on a single spray or gadget.
Start by prepping the room, with the understanding that bed bugs rarely stick to just one surface. Carefully bag all bedding, linens, and soft items near the bed in heavy duty plastic bags. Seal each bag before moving it from the room so you are not accidentally dropping bugs along the way. Wash everything that can be laundered in hot water and dry it on the highest heat setting that the fabric can safely handle, since research cited by university extension programs shows that temperatures of around 120 degrees Fahrenheit or higher can reliably kill bed bugs and their eggs in laundry loads.
While the laundry runs, turn your attention to the mattress itself. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to slowly and thoroughly vacuum every seam, tuft, and edge. Avoid brush attachments, which can trap bugs in bristles, and focus instead on sustained suction, moving the nozzle slowly so you are not just chasing bugs around. As soon as you are done, remove the vacuum bag or contents, seal them in a small plastic bag, and discard it outside to prevent re infestation. This step alone will not eliminate the problem, but it can dramatically reduce the number of live bugs.
Next, consider using heat or professional grade steam if you have access to it. Academic and extension sources note that direct contact with steam at 120 degrees or higher can kill bed bugs on mattresses, bed frames, and nearby cracks. If you rent or own a suitable steamer, move it slowly over the surface of the mattress, paying particular attention to seams and folds, and allow enough time for the heat to penetrate. If you do not have a powerful steamer, do not rely on a garment steamer or iron; those typically do not sustain the temperatures or coverage you need and can give a false sense of security.
Some households also choose to use insecticides labeled specifically for bed bug control on mattress edges and surrounding cracks, but this is an area where caution matters. The EPA and state extension services strongly emphasize that only products clearly labeled for use on mattresses and indoor bed bug treatment should be used, and always according to the directions. Never soak a mattress in chemicals or apply products directly to your sleep surface where your skin will contact them. If you are at all unsure, this is a good moment to pause and speak with a pest management professional who can recommend safe, targeted options.
Encasing, Isolating, And Monitoring Your Mattress After Treatment
Even a very careful cleaning and steaming session is unlikely to kill every single bed bug and egg in a mattress. That is why pest control experts and public health agencies consistently recommend pairing cleaning with physical barriers and monitoring. This is the stage where you set your mattress up so that any surviving bugs are locked in and eventually die off, while new bugs have a much harder time reaching you.
The most powerful tool here is a high quality bed bug proof encasement for both your mattress and your box spring or foundation. Unlike simple mattress pads or waterproof covers, true encasements completely envelop the mattress on all sides and zip shut, with seams and zippers designed to be escape proof. When installed correctly, they trap any bed bugs already in the mattress and prevent new ones from burrowing in, turning your mattress into a sealed surface that is far easier to inspect. The EPA notes that encasements should be left on for at least a year, since bed bugs can survive many months without feeding in some conditions.
Once your mattress and foundation are encased, it is helpful to isolate the bed so bugs have fewer pathways to climb up. Pull the bed slightly away from walls and make sure no bedding drapes onto the floor. You can also use bed bug interceptor cups under each leg of the bed. These small, specialized traps, which are recommended by several university extension programs, create a smooth surfaced moat that bugs fall into when they try to climb up or down. They are a simple, non chemical way to monitor whether bugs are still active and to reduce bites while treatments do their work.
During this monitoring phase, consistency is your friend. The EPA suggests inspecting encasements, interceptor traps, and nearby baseboards every few days to track progress. If you continue to see multiple live bugs over several weeks, or if new areas of the room seem affected, it may be time to escalate to professional treatment. If, on the other hand, the traps stay clear and you are no longer noticing bites, you are likely on the right track.
When you are finally ready to dress your bed again, take the opportunity to choose future friendly bedding. A smooth, washable mattress protector from our pillows, sheets, toppers, and protectors collection over your encasement can make ongoing cleaning easier and add a soft layer between you and the encasement fabric. Pairing that with supportive, washable pillows, or even a portable option like the Tempur-Pedic Mattress Topper – Pillow Travel and Guest Bundle, helps keep your entire sleep surface fresher and more hygienic while you heal from the disruption.
“I thought I would never feel comfortable in my room again, but encasing the mattress and using interceptors made a huge difference. Within a few weeks the traps were empty, and adding a smooth protector from Sleepology on top really helped it feel like my bed again instead of a crime scene.” – Janelle T., September
When To Call A Professional For Bed Bugs In Your Mattress
DIY efforts can go a long way, especially for mild infestations and in single family homes with easy access and less clutter. However, reputable sources such as the EPA and several university pest management programs emphasize that many bed bug problems, particularly moderate to severe ones, require professional help for complete resolution. The key is to know when to keep going yourself and when to call in backup.
If your inspection reveals bed bugs in multiple rooms, heavy staining and live bugs deep in your box spring or frame, or if you live in an apartment building or dorm where neighbors might also be affected, professional pest control is usually the safest route. Licensed pest management companies have access to treatments that homeowners do not, including specialized insecticides and, in some markets, whole room heat treatments that can reach lethal temperatures in furniture and wall voids. They can also help you build a comprehensive plan that includes follow up visits, which the EPA notes are often necessary because bed bug eggs can continue to hatch after the initial treatment.
You should also consider bringing in a professional if you have young children, pregnant people, older adults, or individuals with asthma or chemical sensitivities in your household. These situations call for extra caution around pesticides, and a trained pest control operator can help balance safety with effectiveness, often using integrated pest management approaches that combine careful cleaning, sealing, and targeted chemical use instead of blanket spraying.
From a financial standpoint, it may feel daunting to pay for professional treatment, but it can be more cost effective in the long run than repeatedly buying sprays, foggers, and gadgets that do not solve the problem. The National Pest Management Association has reported that improper use of household insecticides and “bug bombs” often makes infestations worse by scattering bugs deeper into walls. A professional approach, paired with thoughtful decisions about whether to replace older or heavily infested mattresses, usually leads to a faster return to normal sleep.
Finally, when you work with an exterminator, use that opportunity to reset your entire sleep setup. If your mattress is older or uncomfortable, or if a pest professional recommends discarding it, consider upgrading to a supportive model such as the Sealy Posturepedic Elite Medium Mattress – Brenham II Euro Pillow Top or the Sealy Posturepedic Plus Firm Mattress – Paterson II Euro Pillow Top. You will be starting fresh on a mattress that supports your spine and pressure points, at the same time you regain control over pests.
Comparing Your Mattress Options After A Bed Bug Infestation
If your mattress was already nearing the end of its useful life, a bed bug incident can become the nudge to replace it with something that actually supports restful sleep. Once treatment is complete and your home is cleared, you might be wondering which type of mattress will serve you best moving forward. From a bed bug perspective, any mattress can become infested, but some designs handle encasements and protectors more gracefully, and some are simply better for long term comfort.
Below is a simple comparison of common mattress types you might consider after resolving a bed bug problem. The focus here is on how they feel, how long they tend to last, and how they pair with encasements and protective covers.
| Mattress Type | Typical Feel And Support | Durability And Lifespan | Works Well With Encasements And Protectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Foam (Memory Foam) | Contouring, pressure relieving, hugs the body, often great for side sleepers | Around 7 to 10 years when high quality foams are used | Very compatible, flat surfaces make encasements fit smoothly |
| Hybrid (Foam + Coils) | Balanced feel with bounce and contouring, good support for many sleep positions | Often 8 to 10+ years with quality coils and foams | Works well, though slightly heavier to lift when installing encasements |
| Traditional Innerspring | Bouncier, more responsive, sometimes less body contouring without a plush top | Around 6 to 8 years, depends on coil construction and padding | Compatible, but older tufted designs can have more crevices |
After a stressful bed bug experience, many people gravitate toward mattresses that are easy to keep clean and that feel stable under a smooth protector. High quality hybrids, like those in our best hybrid mattresses collection, strike a nice balance of support and pressure relief, and they tend to perform well for couples with different sleep styles. The Sealy Posturepedic Plus Medium Hybrid Mattress – Paterson II is a strong example, combining targeted support zones with cushioning that still works beautifully under an encasement and protector.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more enveloping, cushioning feel, an all foam design from our best foam mattresses collection can give you that classic memory foam hug. These models usually have simple, smooth outer fabrics that make encasement installation straightforward and help prevent hidden pockets where pests could hide. The key is to choose a model with high density foams so the mattress does not develop deep body impressions long before it reaches its expected lifespan.
Whatever type you choose, plan to treat encasements and protectors as essential long term partners, not temporary fixes. A smooth encased mattress is easier to inspect and clean regularly, which keeps your sleep surface healthier in general. That is true whether you are recovering from bed bugs or simply planning to protect your investment for as many comfortable nights as possible.
Preventing Bed Bugs From Coming Back To Your Mattress
Once you have gone through the work of clearing bed bugs from your home and either salvaging or replacing your mattress, prevention becomes the next priority. While no strategy is foolproof, certain habits significantly lower your odds of another infestation and help you catch problems early, when they are easier to manage.
Start with your bed itself. Keep your mattress and box spring in well fitting encasements and layer a washable protector on top. According to guidance from the EPA and university extension services, encasements not only help in active infestations, they also make new infestations easier to spot because bugs cannot burrow deep into the mattress fabric. Make it a habit to strip your bed periodically and give the encasement a quick inspection, especially around the head end and seams, looking for any tiny dark spots or shed skins.
Next, consider how bed bugs typically get into homes. The CDC notes that they are expert hitchhikers, often arriving in luggage, used furniture, or soft goods that have been in infested spaces. When you travel, inspect hotel beds and headboards before setting down your suitcase, and keep luggage on racks or hard surfaces instead of on the bed. When you return home, unpack directly into the washing machine, and run clothes through a warm or hot cycle when the fabric allows, then dry on medium to high heat.
At home, be cautious with secondhand mattresses, bed frames, and upholstered furniture, no matter how good the deal seems. Bed bugs can survive long periods without food, and an otherwise nice looking thrifted item can harbor a hidden population. If you do choose secondhand pieces, favor items that are easy to inspect, such as metal frames, and clean them thoroughly outside or in a garage, inspecting seams and joints closely before bringing them into the bedroom.
Daily habits also play a role. A relatively tidy bedroom with less clutter around and under the bed gives bed bugs fewer places to hide and makes regular inspections simpler. Vacuuming floors and baseboards, especially near the bed, and laundering sheets on a consistent schedule helps you notice changes. Many Sleepology customers find that pairing a supportive mattress, such as the Sealy Posturepedic Medium Mattress – Medina II Euro Pillow Top, with an adjustable base from our adjustable bed frame and base collection not only improves comfort but also keeps the bed slightly elevated and easier to clean around.
If you ever notice possible early signs again, do not wait. A quick targeted inspection and, if needed, a call to a pest professional can keep a minor issue from becoming a whole house project. Combining these habits with your new awareness of how bed bugs behave puts you in a much stronger position than before your first experience with them.
Taking Care Of Your Sleep Health While You Deal With Bed Bugs
A piece that does not get talked about enough is the emotional and physical toll that bed bugs can take, even when you are doing everything right. Sleep is when your brain and body repair, and the Sleep Foundation emphasizes that most adults need 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep to function well. If you are lying in bed worrying about every tickle on your skin or waking up repeatedly to inspect your sheets, your nervous system is not getting the restorative downtime it needs.
Give yourself permission to treat this period as a short term disruption and to create backup sleep plans as needed. Some people sleep temporarily in another room or on a clean, encased guest mattress while treatments progress, as long as they are sure that surface is not already infested. Others feel better staying in the treated room so bugs do not spread, but they add calming bedtime routines, such as a warm shower or short guided relaxation exercises, to help ease anxiety before sleep. There is no single correct choice, as long as you follow your pest professional’s advice and do not move untreated soft items into fresh spaces.
You might also find it helpful to lower your expectations for a few weeks. It is normal for sleep to feel lighter or more restless while you are working through an infestation. Simple daytime habits like getting morning light, keeping caffeine moderate, and moving your body gently can help keep your sleep drive strong so falling asleep is easier even if you are under some extra stress.
Once things are under control, treat yourself to a small sleep environment upgrade that reminds you your bed is a place of comfort again. That might be a new supportive mattress such as the Sealy Posturepedic Pro Soft Mattress – Dupont II Euro Pillow Top if your old one was due for replacement, or it could be as simple as a pressure relieving topper and fresh pillows that help you associate bedtime with comfort instead of worry.
Over time, most people find that the memories of the infestation fade, especially when they are consistently sleeping well on a clean, well protected mattress. If lingering anxiety or sleep problems continue for months even after the bugs are gone, it can be worth talking with a healthcare provider or therapist. Your mental and physical well being are just as important as any mattress or treatment plan, and getting help is a sign of strength, not failure.
Conclusion: You Can Get Through This And Sleep Comfortably Again
Finding bed bugs in your mattress is one of those experiences that can make anyone feel overwhelmed and a bit out of control. Yet with a clear plan, realistic expectations, and the right tools, most infestations are solvable problems, not permanent conditions. You have learned how to confirm that you are truly dealing with bed bugs, how to assess whether your mattress is worth saving, and how to combine cleaning, encasing, and monitoring so that any remaining insects are contained and eventually eliminated.
You have also seen where professional help fits into the picture and how to use this moment as an opportunity to re evaluate your sleep setup. Whether you ultimately keep your current bed under a high quality encasement or transition to a supportive new mattress from Sleepology, what matters most is that your bedroom becomes a place where your body can fully rest and recover again. Protectors, encasements, and thoughtful prevention habits will help you hold onto that peace of mind long after the last bug is gone.
If you feel stuck deciding whether to salvage or replace your mattress, or you simply want a second set of expert eyes on your situation, you are not alone. At Sleepology, we talk with people every week who are navigating bed bugs, allergies, and other sleep disruptors, and we are happy to help you weigh the pros and cons in your real life context. Once you put a plan into motion, each small step forward, from that first load of hot laundry to the first truly restful night on a fresh, protected bed, is proof that you are moving out of crisis mode and back into a healthier sleep routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to throw away my mattress if it has bed bugs?
Not always. If the infestation is mild, your mattress is relatively new and still supportive, and bugs have not penetrated deeply into the structure, it is often possible to vacuum and steam it carefully, then encase both the mattress and box spring in certified bed bug proof encasements. According to guidance from the EPA and university extension programs, encased mattresses can be kept in service because trapped bugs eventually die when they cannot feed. On the other hand, if your mattress is heavily infested, old, or already uncomfortable, replacing it may be more practical than investing time and money in trying to save it.
How long does it take to get rid of bed bugs in a mattress?
Bed bug control is rarely an overnight process. The U.S. EPA notes that it can take weeks to months to fully eliminate an infestation, depending on how severe it is, how cluttered the environment is, and whether you are using professional treatments. Even after vacuuming, steaming, or applying approved insecticides, eggs can continue to hatch, which is why encasements and interceptor traps are so important. Plan on regular inspections and, if needed, follow up treatments for at least several weeks before you declare victory.
Are DIY bed bug sprays and foggers enough for a mattress infestation?
Most over the counter sprays and foggers are not a complete solution, and some can make problems worse if misused. Professional and academic sources warn that “bug bombs” or total release foggers often scatter bugs deeper into walls and furniture, while leaving many alive. If you use insecticides at all, choose products specifically labeled for bed bugs and for use on mattresses and follow the directions exactly. For moderate to severe infestations, or whenever young children, pregnant people, or sensitive individuals are in the home, it is safer to involve a licensed pest control professional instead of relying solely on DIY chemicals.
How can I tell if my bed bug treatment on the mattress is working?
You will not usually see instant, complete disappearance, but there are clear signs of progress. Over time you should notice fewer new bites, fewer or no live bugs in interceptor traps under bed legs, and a reduction in fresh dark spots or shed skins on encasements and nearby surfaces. Regular inspections of your encased mattress and bed frame every few days or weekly will help you spot lingering activity. If you continue to see live bugs or new signs after several weeks of consistent effort, it is a good idea to consult a pest management professional for a more aggressive and targeted approach.
What type of mattress is best after a bed bug infestation?
From a bed bug standpoint, any mattress can become infested, but models with smooth, simple outer covers tend to work best with encasements and protectors and are easier to inspect and clean. Many people recovering from an infestation choose a hybrid mattress from collections like our best hybrid mattresses because they blend strong support with pressure relief and hold up well for years. Others prefer the contouring feel of all foam mattresses from our best foam mattresses, which also pair nicely with encasements. The most important things are comfort, support, and the ability to fully encase and protect the mattress long term.
Can bed bugs get into an adjustable bed base?
Bed bugs do not live inside the motors or electronics of adjustable bases, but they can hide in fabric coverings, joints, and nearby cracks just like they do in traditional frames. The metal and smooth surfaces of most adjustable bases from our adjustable bed frame and base collection tend to offer fewer cozy hiding places than upholstered frames, which is helpful. During treatment, inspect seams, any fabric panels, and connection points carefully, and vacuum or steam those areas as recommended by your pest professional.
How can I protect a new mattress from bed bugs in the future?
The best approach is layered: start your new mattress life inside a high quality bed bug proof encasement, then add a washable protector on top. Keep the bed slightly away from walls, avoid letting bedding trail on the floor, and periodically inspect encasement seams and baseboards. Be cautious when traveling by checking hotel beds and keeping luggage off sleep surfaces, and be selective with secondhand furniture. These steps, combined with a comfortable, supportive mattress, greatly reduce your risk of another infestation and make any future problems much easier to detect early.