Quick Answer: A mattress cover with zipper (also called an encasement) wraps around all six sides of your mattress, sealing with a zipper for complete protection. Look for one with waterproof backing, micro-zipper technology for bed bug prevention, and breathable fabric. Measure your mattress depth before buying. Queen encasements typically cost $30 to $100 CAD.
In This Guide
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When most people say "mattress protector," they mean a fitted cover that goes over the top and sides of the mattress. A mattress cover with zipper is different. It is a full encasement that wraps around all six sides of the mattress, top, bottom, and all four edges, closing with a zipper to create a complete seal.
This distinction matters because zippered encasements provide a level of protection that fitted protectors simply cannot match. If you are dealing with bed bugs, severe allergies, or need maximum moisture protection, a zippered cover is usually the right choice.
Encasement vs. Fitted Protector: Key Differences
| Feature | Zippered Encasement | Fitted Protector |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | All 6 sides (top, bottom, 4 edges) | Top and sides only |
| Bed bug protection | Yes (with micro-zipper) | No (bottom is exposed) |
| Allergen barrier | Complete (sealed on all sides) | Partial (bottom exposed to allergens) |
| Waterproof | Usually yes (all sides) | Usually top surface only |
| Ease of use | Harder to put on and remove | Goes on like a fitted sheet |
| Comfort feel | Varies (some crinkle, premium ones are quiet) | Generally softer and more natural feel |
| Queen price range (CAD) | $30-$100 | $25-$80 |
For everyday protection against spills, sweat, and general wear, a fitted protector is sufficient and more convenient. For bed bug prevention, severe dust mite allergies, or situations where the mattress needs complete barrier protection, a zippered encasement is the better choice.
When You Specifically Need a Zippered Cover
Bed bug prevention or treatment. If you have had a bed bug issue (or want to prevent one), a zippered encasement is essential. Bed bugs can live inside mattresses and emerge at night to feed. A properly sealed encasement traps any bugs already inside and prevents new ones from entering. Pest control professionals in Ontario typically recommend encasing both the mattress and box spring during and after treatment.
Dust mite allergies. A Cochrane systematic review found that impermeable mattress encasements significantly reduce dust mite allergen levels on mattress surfaces (Arroyave et al., 2014). The Asthma Society of Canada recommends mattress encasements as part of an allergen reduction strategy for people with confirmed dust mite sensitivities. A fitted protector leaves the bottom exposed, where dust mites can still access the mattress interior.
Used mattresses. If you have purchased or received a used mattress, encasing it provides a hygiene barrier between you and whatever has accumulated in the mattress over its previous life.
Storage. When storing a mattress, a zippered encasement protects against dust, moisture, insects, and rodents. This is particularly important in Ontario, where basement and garage storage can expose mattresses to humidity and pests.
Dorothy, Sleep Specialist: "For most customers buying a new mattress, a fitted protector is all you need. But if someone mentions bed bugs, allergies, or they are buying for a rental property, I always recommend the zippered encasement. The extra protection is worth the slightly higher cost and the minor inconvenience of the zipper."
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What to Look For in a Zippered Mattress Cover
Zipper Quality
The zipper is the weakest point of any encasement. Look for:
- Micro-zipper teeth that are too small for bed bugs to pass through (bed bugs are about 1.5 mm wide at their smallest)
- Zipper flap or lock that covers the zipper end, preventing bugs from finding their way through the closure point
- Sturdy metal or reinforced nylon zipper that will not fail after repeated opening and closing for washing
Material
| Material | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester with polyurethane backing | Breathable, quiet, comfortable | Higher cost | Everyday use on your primary bed |
| Terry cotton with TPU backing | Soft feel, absorbent, waterproof | Can feel warm in summer | Those who want a natural-feeling surface |
| Vinyl | Cheapest, completely waterproof | Crinkly, not breathable, sleeps hot | Storage, temporary use, institutional settings |
| Bamboo or Tencel blend | Naturally cooling, hypoallergenic | More expensive, less durable than synthetics | Hot sleepers, allergy sufferers |
Avoid vinyl for your everyday sleeping mattress. While vinyl encasements are the cheapest option, they trap heat and moisture, creating an uncomfortable sleeping surface. They are fine for storage or institutional use where comfort is not a priority.
Breathability
A waterproof encasement needs to block liquids while still allowing water vapour (from body sweat) to escape. Premium encasements use a microporous membrane that achieves this balance. Budget vinyl covers block both liquid and vapour, which is why they feel hot and clammy.
Size and Depth Guide
Getting the right size involves two measurements: the mattress dimensions and the mattress depth.
| Mattress Size | Dimensions | Standard Depth | With Topper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38" x 75" | 8-12" | 10-16" |
| Double/Full | 54" x 75" | 8-12" | 10-16" |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | 10-14" | 12-18" |
| King | 76" x 80" | 10-14" | 12-18" |
Measure your mattress depth from the bottom of the mattress to the top of the sleep surface. If you use a mattress topper, add the topper height to your measurement. A cover that is too shallow will not zip closed. A cover that is too deep will have excess fabric that bunches under your sheets.
Buying in Brantford
We stock mattress protectors and encasements at our showroom at 441 1/2 West Street. The advantage of buying in person is that you can feel the material before purchasing. Some encasements that look identical online have very different textures and noise levels. The difference between a quiet polyester encasement and a crinkly vinyl one is immediately obvious when you touch them, but impossible to tell from a product photo.
Care and Washing Instructions
Proper care extends the life of a zippered encasement from 1 to 2 years (with poor care) to 3 to 5 years.
- Close the zipper before washing. Open zippers snag on other laundry and can bend or break.
- Machine wash on gentle cycle in cold or warm water. Avoid hot water.
- Use mild liquid detergent. No bleach (degrades waterproofing). No fabric softener (clogs the microporous membrane).
- Tumble dry on low heat or air dry. High heat damages the waterproof layer and causes crinkling.
- Wash every 1 to 2 months, or immediately after any spill or accident.
For more detailed washing instructions, see our complete guide to washing mattress covers.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "The biggest complaint I hear about zippered covers is the noise. Some cheaper vinyl ones sound like you are sleeping on a garbage bag. Spend a few extra dollars on a polyester or cotton-backed encasement and you will not even notice it is there. The quiet ones cost $50 to $80, and they last three times as long as the $20 vinyl versions."
Sources
- Arroyave, W.D. et al. (2014). "Impermeable versus semi-permeable mattress encasings." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(9), CD011563.
- Asthma Canada (2025). "Common Indoor Allergen Triggers." asthma.ca
- Health Canada (2024). "Bed Bugs: What You Need to Know." canada.ca
- Arlian, L. et al. (2015). "Reducing relative humidity to control house dust mites." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 12(8).
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We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a zippered mattress cover and a fitted protector?
A zippered mattress cover (encasement) wraps around all six sides of the mattress and closes with a zipper, creating a complete seal. A fitted protector covers only the top and sides, secured by an elastic skirt like a fitted sheet. Encasements provide better protection against bed bugs and allergens because there are no exposed openings. Fitted protectors are easier to put on and remove for washing.
Do zippered mattress covers protect against bed bugs?
Yes, if the encasement is specifically designed for bed bug protection. Look for covers with micro-zipper technology where the zipper teeth are small enough to prevent bed bugs from passing through. The zipper should also have a Velcro flap or locking mechanism that covers the zipper end. Standard zippered covers without these features may still allow bed bugs to enter or exit through the zipper area.
How do you wash a zippered mattress cover?
Close the zipper before washing. Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold or warm water with mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softener. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry. High heat damages the waterproof membrane. Most zippered covers can be washed every 1 to 2 months. Always check the care label, as some vinyl encasements should only be wiped clean rather than machine washed.
What size zippered cover do I need for a queen mattress?
A mattress cover with zipper queen size should match your mattress dimensions (60 by 80 inches) and accommodate the mattress depth. Measure your mattress height and choose an encasement rated for that depth. Standard depth covers fit 9 to 12 inches. Deep pocket covers fit 13 to 16 inches. If your mattress has a topper, include the topper height in your measurement.
What size is a twin mattress cover with a zipper, and how is it different from queen?
A twin mattress zipper cover is sized to a 38-by-75-inch standard twin mattress; a twin XL zipper cover (sometimes confused with twin) is 38-by-80 inches - five inches longer, and the elastic on most encasements does not stretch enough to accommodate the difference. A queen zipper cover at 60-by-80 inches is 22 inches wider than twin and not interchangeable.
The zippered design is the right choice across all sizes for the same reasons: confirmed dust mite allergy, post-bed-bug treatment, or maximum allergen protection. Asthma Canada guidance recommends 6-sided allergen-barrier encasements with verified pore size (≤6 microns) for confirmed mite-allergic sleepers, and Canadian Lung Association guidance reinforces this for asthma management. Look for AAFA's asthma & allergy friendly certification on encasements meant to provide medical-grade allergen protection.
Talia, on our showroom floor, mentions a recurring oversight at our Brantford store: customers buying a "twin" zipper cover for a "twin XL" mattress because the bedding aisle at department stores often labels both as twin - measure the mattress before ordering. Browse our mattress protectors collection for sized options. For confirmed bed bug or mite issues see our bed bug mattress cover guide.
What is a mattress case with a zipper and when do I need one?
A mattress case with a zipper, also called a mattress encasement, wraps the entire mattress in a protective barrier including the bottom, sealing completely with a zipper. Unlike a standard protector that covers only the top and sides, an encasement provides full surround protection. Encasements are primarily used for bed bug prevention, allergen control (dust mites, pet dander), and mattress storage or moving. GREENGUARD-certified mattress encasements are available in Canada at mattress retailers and online. A queen encasement typically costs $50 to $150.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
We carry both fitted protectors and zippered encasements in all standard sizes. Come feel the difference in person, because the texture and noise level matter more than you would think. Protecting Brantford mattresses since 1997.