When a mattress is stored, it’s essential to take the proper precautions to maintain its integrity. Mattress bags are the best option for ensuring proper storage. Coming in a wide range of sizes, materials, and durability, there are options to fit most mattresses and storage needs. Starting with assessing your storage needs and timeline is the first step. From there, it’s a matter of knowing your options and hitting the store for a mattress bag. 

What are mattress bags?

Created to repel pests, water, dirt, and dust, they are the best option to keep a mattress and boxspring safe. It’s easy to assume that a mattress bag is a simple plastic bag. While this is technically correct, it is not the whole story. They go from the aforementioned plastic bag to higher quality material with options such as embedded handles and zippers. 

Materials

The most common offerings are polypropylene, polyethylene, vinyl, and cotton. 

  • Polypropylene is easily used for a variety of plastic fabrics. It’s most commonly used to produce bags. Mattress bags are no exception to this. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic that allows for easy shaping and molding,
  • Polyethylene is a widespread material that you see in your everyday life. It is used to produce bottles, film, containers, and much more! Polyethylene is also a thermoplastic, like polypropylene, allowing the same shaping.
  • Vinyl is ideal for mattress bags due to its strength, durability, and ability to resist moisture. Vinyl is also a recyclable material that makes for a mattress bag that holds up for a long time but will still be less wasteful after its lifespan.
  • Cotton Canvas mattress bags offer the advantage of washability and always come with handles attached. Depending on the weight of the cotton canvas, they can be highly durable. Like vinyl, they can be repurposed at the end of their lifespan. 

Reasons To Use Mattress Bags

It may be easy to assume that a mattress bag is another optional item, like using moving blankets. The truth is, it is a necessity. A mattress is an investment that keeps giving and isn’t just thoughtless. Not only do mattress protectors keep mattresses safe when moving they are also a helpful tool for the cleanliness of a bed in the home. Though it is not a make-or-break everyday-use item, it is a cheap alternative to some mattress covers. The protection keeps a mattress from staining and collecting moisture. It is at least worth looking into, especially if pets or young ones are around.

Available Feature Options

As mentioned before, there are different types of options for materials. There are also options for sealing, weight, and size. They come in zippered, velcroed, adhesive, and open-ended. Besides the sealing, there are features such as lightweight options, air vents, gussets, and handles. One of the best parts of mattress bags is their size versatility. There is an option for everything in between, from a crib-sized mattress or a California King. 

A quick rundown of why features are important to consider

  • Lightweight covers for temporary use, like during a home renovation.
  • Handles for ease of use
  • Air vents to prevent mildew if moisture somehow ends up in the bag while storing it.
  • Adhesive strips for tighter sealing or keeping open-ended mattress bags tightly sealed. 

Miscellaneous Things to Consider

After covering the main compartments of the mattress bag, there are a few other things to keep in the back of my mind. Pricing can play a large role in selecting a mattress bag, and there is no shame in going for a cheaper option to stay within a moving budget. Though it’s not 100% recommended taking care of a mattress before taking care of a box spring is okay. 

It’s worth asking the storage or moving company if they have recommendations on what will fit your needs best. Knowledge is the base, and recommendations are the cherries on top. Keep this blog in mind and stay curious. 

Final Thoughts

The selection of the journey to the right mattress bags is well on its way. An informed decision is one step closer. Be sure to consider materials, closures, features, and longevity. Do what is suitable for the move, budget, peace of mind, and current times. There are 101 options; the most crucial part of this process is things lining up as they should. Don’t overdo it, and don’t underdo it.