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How to Choose the Best Hypoallergenic Mattress Cover

Close-up of a hand zipping a white woven cotton mattress encasement closed at the corner of a bed

You've finally decided to do something about those stuffy mornings. So you search for a hypoallergenic mattress cover, and suddenly you're looking at dozens of options that all seem to promise the same thing. When you're already tired, sorting through labels is the last thing you want to do.

The good news is that you don't need to decode every package. A few simple checks will tell you whether a cover can actually help. Let's walk through them together.

What Does "Hypoallergenic" Mean on a Mattress Cover?

Here's the thing: the word on the label doesn't promise much. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) points out that there are no federal standards or definitions for "hypoallergenic." A company can use it however it likes, with or without testing.

That's why the best covers are judged by what they're made of and how they're built, not by the word on the front. (We cover the bigger picture in What Does Hypoallergenic Really Mean?) First, though, it helps to know what you're keeping out.

Why Your Mattress Matters So Much

For many people, the main thing a mattress cover needs to stop is dust mites. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), dust mites are tiny relatives of spiders. They live in mattresses, pillows, carpets, and upholstered furniture, and they feed on the skin flakes we shed every day.

You're far from alone if they bother you. The AAFA reports that about 20 million people in the U.S. have a dust mite allergy. Since you spend hours with your face close to your mattress and pillow each night, your bed is a smart place to start.

In fact, the allergists' dust mite practice parameter (the AAAAI and ACAAI's clinical guidance for doctors) recommends allergen-proof encasements for mattresses, box springs, and pillows. An encasement is a cover that zips closed around all six sides. So what separates a good one from the rest?

What to Look For in the Best Hypoallergenic Mattress Cover

1. A tested pore size. In a woven fabric, the pores are the tiny gaps between threads. They're measured in microns (one micron is a thousandth of a millimeter). The practice parameter says a mean pore size under 10 microns can block the major dust mite allergen (the protein that triggers a reaction). Blocking cat allergen takes pores under 6 microns. Look for a brand that publishes its number. Our guide to what pore size means in allergy bedding explains more.

2. A full zippered encasement. The ACAAI recommends zippered dust-proof covers with pores too small for mites to pass through. Many "protectors" are fitted pads that leave the sides and bottom of the mattress open. A true encasement closes all the way around.

3. Comfort you'll actually live with. A cover only helps if you keep it on the bed. The ACAAI notes that vinyl covers are stiff and noisy and don't let air through. Well-made woven fabrics are much more comfortable. The ACAAI also advises skipping non-woven covers, which can't be washed and have textured surfaces where mites can grow.

4. Easy care. Choose a cover you can machine wash. Mattress and box spring encasements only need washing once or twice a year, or after a spill. Our care guide for dust mite covers walks you through it.

5. Independent testing. Since "hypoallergenic" isn't regulated, the AAFA suggests looking for its asthma & allergy friendly® certification mark instead. Other labels test for different things. We explain the difference in OEKO-TEX vs. AAFA Certified.

How Our AllergyCare Covers Measure Up

We've helped people with allergies since 1989, and our AllergyCare Cotton covers are made to pass those same checks. AllergyCare 100% Cotton has a tested mean pore size of 4.6 microns. AllergyCare Organic Cotton measures 5.3 microns. Both fall under the 10-micron mark for dust mite allergen and the 6-micron mark for cat allergen.

Both cotton covers are certified to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, independently tested for harmful substances. They zip closed on all sides and go right in the washer.

Need a waterproof cover, or worried about bed bugs? AllergyCare Stretch Knit (BedBug Solution Elite) uses a thin urethane membrane fused to a knit fabric. It's waterproof and bed bug proof. Our cotton micro-weave covers are made for dust mites and aren't rated as bed bug proof.

A Cover Works Best as Part of a Plan

We want to be honest with you here. The practice parameter notes that mite covers alone often aren't enough for a clinical benefit. They work best as one part of a broader plan to reduce mites at home.

That plan doesn't have to be complicated. Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly in warm water (no hotter than 120°F) with De-Mite Laundry Additive. Or use Allersearch Allergen Wash in place of your regular detergent. Keep indoor humidity between 35% and 50%, as the practice parameter advises. And when you can, cover your pillows and box spring too.

Each of these steps is a small win. Together, they make your bedroom a much less welcoming place for dust mites.

Your Next Step

Start with the mattress you sleep on every night. Measure its length, width, and depth, since deeper mattresses need a deeper encasement. Then compare fabrics and sizes in our mattress protector buying guide.

If you're not sure what's triggering your symptoms, an allergist can help you find out. And for more simple ways to create a more comfortable home, explore our Allergy-Free Living Guide.

Sources

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider — such as an allergist or your primary care physician — before making changes to your allergy management plan, starting new treatments, or if you have questions about a medical condition. In the event of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately and use an epinephrine auto-injector if one has been prescribed.

Image note: The featured image on this page was created with AI and is for illustration only.