Mattress bags are designed to keep your bed free from damage when moving. And, this affordable accessory could seriously save you from having to spend your paycheck on a new bed you don't need.
You might be moving out of your parent's home, temporarily returning to the nest, or getting the keys to your first apartment. Either way, you've got a lot of packing to do. There are too many clothes, appliances, and everyday essentials to think about; and that's before you get to all of the heavy furniture, including your mattress.
It may be the last thing to go, but it's important to safeguard your bed and transport it appropriately. And if you bought a brand-new mattress, you'll understand how important it is to protect it. So before you strap your mattress to the roof of your car or chuck it carelessly in the moving van — make sure you get yourself a bag. Acting as a barrier between dirt, dust mites, and critters, it'll protect your best mattress from everything your garage, storage unit, or transit throws at it.
Best mattress bags: Quick menu
1. Our mattress bag picks
2. What to consider
3. FAQs
4. How we chose
6 of the best mattress bags for full protection
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Our mattress bag picks
Even if you have to store your best cheap mattress away, recycle your mattress, or, are looking into mattress disposal options, these bags will come in handy. I've done the legwork and found the top-rated mattress bags for moving. These are the six with great reviews.
The best mattress bag for moving
Price: From $7.28
Sizes: Twin, queen, king
Material: Vinyl
+ Super thick and waterproof
+ Great price
+ Can protect from pet accidents and stains
+ Can double up as a mattress protector
- No handles
- No zipper or adhesive strip (use packing tape to seal)
This 2-in-1 mattress bag and waterproof mattress protector is made with polyurethane vinyl, which is much thicker than most so you won't need to worry about potential spills and stains along the way. Take the stress out of moving in with your partner knowing your mattress will be well-protected for under $10.
The best mattress bag for disposal
Price: From $6.99
Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king
Material: High-density polyethylene
+ Perfect for disposal
+ Can be used as a drop cloth
+ Cheapest in guide
+ Variety of thicknesses available (ranging from 1.5-6 mil)
- Thinnest on the list (could easily tear)
Every mattress meets an end eventually and some cities require that mattresses be wrapped in plastic before they’re disposed of, to prevent bedbugs from getting in. These cheap single-use mattress bags will do the job. They aren't as thick as others, so we wouldn't recommend them otherwise.
The best value mattress bag
Price: From $11.69
Sizes: Twin/twin XL, queen/full, king/California king
Material: Polyethylene
+ Adhesive closure
+ Super thick, rip-resistant design
+ Fit regular and oversized mattresses up to 16 inches
+ Water and dust-resistant material
- Not reusable
Linenspa is known for its affordable range of mattresses and cheap bedding sets, so there's no surprise its cover is great quality and a great price. It's thick and durable and features an adhesive strip to seal it shut — saving on packing tape. This does make it a single-use item, which is fine if you're storing or just moving once.
The best reusable mattress bag
Price: From $29.98
Sizes: Twin. twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, California king
Material: Polyethylene tarpaulin
+ Reusable
+ 7 different sizes
+ Handles
+ Water repellent
+ Extra-large zipper
- More expensive
If you’re a student or someone who might move multiple times in the next few years, a reusable mattress cover like this one may be a wise investment. It’s made of a thick tarp material and closes with a zipper. Perhaps best of all, it has eight handles, so you won't have to pivot it up the stairwell like Ross from Friends. It's definitely one for your dorm packing list/college apartment checklist and will make packing up a dorm so much easier.
The best vacuum mattress bag
Price: From $12.48
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king
Material: High-density polyethylene
+ Great price
+ Can use your best vacuum to compress it
+ No vent holes
+ Heavy duty (High tear and puncture resistance)
+ Length allows complete envelopment of the whole mattress
- No handles
- Requires packaging tape to seal tight
This is Amazon’s choice that's earned 4.6 out of five stars across nearly 24,000 reviews. If you’re looking to vacuum-seal your mattress ahead of a move, several reviewers say this bag saved them space and held up well during a move, even when sliding a mattress over the floor.
The best commercial-grade mattress bag
Price: From $12.48
Sizes: Queen
Material: Not disclosed
+ Tear and puncture-resistant material
+ Easy to slide on and secure
+ Semi-opaque construction
- Needs to be secured with packing tape
Sure, there isn't any fancy packaging, but this mattress bag from AmazonCommercial has almost 6,000 positive reviews. The brand claims it's good enough for hotels and retail use, so it should excel at protecting and transporting your residential bed with no issue. Like the aforementioned options, it keeps out dirt, dust, odors, moisture, and pests such as insects and mice.
What to consider when choosing a mattress bag
- Thickness and durability: Naturally, thicker materials tend to be more durable. For some bags, you’ll be able to see how many millimeters (that’s one-thousandth of an inch) it is. A bag that’s 3 mm to 6 mm should be sufficient for most moves, as it can stand up well to handling and possibly being dragged across surfaces. If it’s 2 mm, that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t use it, but just be aware it’s less likely to withstand rough handling. These may be better suited for storage in a home or garage.
- Size: It sounds simple, but you’ll want to make sure your mattress bag is the right size for your mattress. Many bags come in different sizes, so there’s sure to be one that fits, but you don’t want to find yourself trying to fit a mattress into a bag that’s too small on moving day. Top tip: Go a size up if you're unsure.
- Handles: While they’re certainly not a necessity, handles are very useful to have. They'll make the moving process much less frustrating, as the mattress will be easier to maneuver.
- Closure/fixture type: Some mattress bags will have zips, others will have adhesive backing, and a few (typically cheaper options) need to be sealed with packing tape. Remember to pop a roll of heavy-duty tape (like Scotch Tape from Amazon) in your basket if you're buying the latter.
FAQs
Should I put my mattress in a bag?
Short answer: Yes! Not wrapping your mattress in protective packaging could be one of the biggest moving mistakes you could make. Mattresses (including the best mattress in a box, the best memory foam mattress, and the best organic mattresses) can be an expensive investment, and not worth the risk of damage. Mattress bags can keep your bed protected from spills and stains when en route to your new place, and free from pests, bed bugs, and mold if you're planning on keeping it in storage for some time. It could be the difference between your mattress lasting for years to come or having to spend the rest of your savings on a new one.
What's the best way to store a mattress?
According to Jillian Mueller, a recovering insomniac and sleep expert at Sleepopolis.com, you should: "Clean your mattress thoroughly, wrap it in a mattress bag or plastic wrap, then place it laying flat on the ground in a temperature-controlled room. Make sure not to store boxes or other objects on top of your bed."
Jillian is a health, wellness, and lifestyle writer living in Charlotte, NC. As a recovering insomniac, she knows firsthand the importance of a good night’s sleep and loves sharing the latest tips and tricks to help you get the rest you need. She also is an avid runner and is studying to become a certified Balanced Body Pilates Instructor.
How we chose these mattress bags
No, we haven't had hands-on experience with these mattress bags, but with plenty of reviews, the public has! To make sure this list is a short roundup of only the best bags you can get to protect your bed, we've read the ratings, compared and contrasted the comments, and done our thorough research. The six here scored top marks for durability and cost and live up to expectations, according to customers. We've filtered out the best from the rest, so you don't have to. Pick up one of these mattress bags and believe me: your biggest purchase yet will be protected.
Once your bed has arrived safely at its new destination, you might want to refresh your knowledge on how to clean a mattress. You'll want to have your best handheld vacuum and one of our favorite upholstery cleaners on standby.
When unpacking your mattress, take time to inspect it, and evaluate its comfort. You might find that you'll need to invest in the best mattress topper to add comfort. Alternatively, invest in the best cooling mattress topper your money can buy if you're a hot sleeper, moving into a top-floor apartment.