What is a Mattress Bag?
A functional encasement protecting the mattress from environmental elements like dirt, dust, moisture, and damage is termed a mattress bag. These bags are made in different shapes and sizes so that they could be used to cover various types of mattresses.
These bags are made from plastic materials having various thicknesses from 1 mil to 5 mil or greater. Plastic bag covers serve to protect the box spring and the mattress efficiently.
Bagged mattresses are made out of high-density polyethylene as this material is waterproof and does not tear easily; hence is highly durable. The bags are made with heavy-duty zippers which close securely, are quiet, and operate with no snags.
Additionally, these superior bags come with four stitched handles on each side for easy transport. Although they are large-sized, the bags can be rolled or folded for easy storage.
What materials are used to make mattress bags?
Depending on its application, a mattress bag may be constructed from a number of materials. These bags fall into three main categories: Heavy Duty bags meant for long term storage or transport, soft bags intended for day-to-day use, and tough, shock-resistant bags with exceptional waterproofing.
The production of all plastic bags involves merging polymers with other elements, which undergo blending and mixing to form various grades and thicknesses of plastics.
Polyurethane (PU) Material
An elastomer that can be turned into a solid or utilized as a solid film, polyurethane is a pliable plastic. It is a flexible elastomer which can be tailored for numerous properties as required.
It was invented in the Second World War as a rubber substitute, where its remarkable capabilities as a coating and protective material for aircraft were discovered.
It gained remarkable popularity for the construction of mattress bags due to its durability and strength, and after the war, this greatly expanded to include foam rubbers, cushioning, bottles, and numerous other products.
A wide range of thermoplastic and thermosetting polyurethanes is available, all made by reacting diisocyanates with polyols. For the production of materials used in mattress bag construction, carbon dioxide is used as a blowing agent to yield soft but strong plastics.
Polypropylene (PP) Materials
The building block of polypropylene is one propylene, which is a type of thermoplastic polymer. It can be heated and shaped into different forms, as well as made into various plastic textiles.
PP is a strong type of plastic due to its ruggedness towards a wide range of harsh chemicals. This is the primary reason it is used in producing bags, such as those made for mattresses.
Due to its high melting point in comparison to other materials, PP is able to withstand a wide range of temperatures. It also demonstrates low susceptibility to stress, cracking, and normal wear-tear from day to day use.
Due to its strength and durability, PP is an excellent choice of material for supermarket bags providing robust protection as a high-performance material targeting mattress bags.
Polyethylene or Polyethene
Polyethylene, also known as polythene or polyethene, is widely used for packaging plastics, including films, bags bottles, and containers. Annually, PP is produced by millions of tons for teidonial, commercial, and industrail activities.
The main component of PE is ethylene, which is a steady molecule and requires catalysts for polymerization. In this regard, PE can be classified as a thermoplastic as it is easily shaped and molded into finer products like mattress bags.
Polyethylene can be classified into three categories: high, low, and medium density. It possesses a waxy feel, and has a remarkable ability to withstand impacts. Because of its utility, it is greatly used across the globe for manufacturing mattress bag polyethylene under its different aliases.
Vinyl – Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Vinyl is a blend of ethylene and chlorine to create polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is synthetic in nature. As a product of the 1920s, it was regarded as a low-cost and long-lasting option.
Vinyl’s asset of moisture resistance, strength, and durability makes it ideal for use in mattress covers. It can be manufactured in a variety of opaque colors or remain colorless allowing for versatility in design.
Vinyl finds utility beyond mattress covers due to its ability to be recycled, being produced out of salt. Having the ability to be created in a variety of thicknesses ranging from light to extremely heavy, increases its demand for various uses.
Cotton Canvas
Due to its strength and durability, cotton canvas proves to be an optimal choice for mattress bag materials. These canvas bags provide the same level of protection as the plastic versions while being washable.
Moreover, cotton canvas is lightweight, which is an added advantage when it comes to handling. For convenience, most cotton mattress bags come with handles.
Types Of Mattress Bags
The thickness and material of a mattress bag defines what type it is. The materials used in making these can vary from 2 mil to over 5 mil, with the stronger, more durable and long-lasting options being thicker.
The method by which a certain type of bag is opened also influences the classification greatly. A mattress bag may zip open completely, zip open onto one side, or have a longitudinal opening. The manner by which a bag can be opened also determines the bag’s ease of use.
Zipper Mattress Bags
Like other types of mattress bags, these are also made from thick plastic. Zipper mattress bags are made of durable thick plastic that provides unmatched protection. Usually these bags have a heavy duty steel zipper that goes around three sides of the bag.
Some bags have zippers on the side, some have them around the end while others have them encircling the entire bag. Bags can also have most of the zipper on the end which allows for three sides to be opened fully and slightly onto a fourth side.
The majority of steel zippers used on this type of bag are crafted from premium material, which allows them to be interlocked smoothly without snagging.
The side-zippered bags have the same construction and material quality as the end-zippered bags. They permit the mattress to be slid sideways from the bed frame into the bag and then stood upright as it is being put into the bag.
Full zippered bags, like the one below, have a zipper that goes halfway up the two sides and completely around the bag, dividing it into top and bottom half sections.
This design makes it easier to place the mattress because the bag can be placed on its unzipped side and pulled around the mattress.
For best results, a zipper mattress bag should be chosen that matches the size of the mattress. A properly sized bag is easy to seal because it guarantees a good fit and reduces the chances of the mattress shifting, getting caught in the bag, or losing the seal.
Waterproof Mattress Bag
A mattress bag is considered waterproof if its plastic is thicker than 2 mil or 3 mil. Usually, waterproof mattress bags are made out of 4 mil to 5 mil plastic, which is not easily punctured, and shields against dust, insects, and other contaminants. These bags are ideal for long distance moves and extended storage.
The methods of sealing waterproof mattress bags differ. In most cases, heavy-duty tape is utilized to fasten the opening flap. Some manufacturers provide bags that are self-sealing at the openings with an adhesive strip.
Velcro Sealed Bags
For other reusable and resealable bags, Velcro is used in place of zippers, making it the Velcro style. Velcro mattress bags come in different designs, such as those with Velcro on one long side, at an end, or all the way around the bag, forming pockets for the mattress. The most common design, shown in the image below, has Velcro around one end of the bag.
Made of heavy-duty plastic, these Velcro-sealed bags are suitable for any mattress size. While the Velcro seal makes it convenient to keep clothes in or out, it is less aqualastic compared to other types of bags.
These are relatively tough items that can withstand multiple uses. Like all reusable mattress bags, Velcro-sealed bags must be washed after every usage in order to retain their quality.
Lightweight Mattress Bags
Lightweight plastic mattress bags are very similar to household plastic bags (freezer or sandwich bags). They are made from 2 mil to 3 mil plastic and these bags come in rolls, packages, or individually. They are single use bags with an opening at one end.
Due to the weight of the lightweight plastic used, these bags can be handled easily regardless of the size of the mattress. These bags can only be used for short term storage of items, like during home renovations or when a family member is out of town for a long period of time.
Some of the manufacturers, despite the fabric and construction of the bags, are able to provide tight sealing against dust, tearing, and water which makes these bags more appealing. In most cases, however, the bags are made from flexible polyethylene plastic.
Features of Mattress Storage Bags
Apart from the different uses and openings of the mattress bags, there are other features in the bag that increase the ease of use. These features include gussets, handles, and vent holes, which assist in modifying the existing design of a product.
Gussets: The addition of the plastic bag gussets plays an important role in improving the efficiency of putting in the mattress or increasing the capacity of the bag.
They are extra portions of the plastic that are molded to the bottom or sides of the bag which allows for expansion when filled. The gussets can be compressed when out of use, allowing the bag to be folded or rolled for easy storage.
Handles: For ease of movement, handles are placed on the sides of mattress bags and are meant to make carrying easier. Four handles are placed on mattress bags: two handles per side at the ends. The handles are made out of strong fabric, allowing them to accommodate almost all hand sizes without discomfort.
Air Vents: Different types of air vents equipped in mattress bags include slits, holes, flaps, and mesh screens. The vents enable the free movement of air trapped underneath the mattress which needs to escape while the mattress is placed into the bag.
As is the case with most mattress accessories, air vents are added to the bag, excluding those intended to be cheaper.
Without proper moisture control while storing, mold and mildew can develop. This problem can be avoided with the use of air vents that improve flow in the bag and circulation.
How to Choose a Mattress Bag?
While pricing is indeed important, some factors should be put into consideration when picking a bag. Bags designed for mattresses are often used in a specific context such as relocation or storage. These are not always anticipated.
There is a wide range of available options, from sturdy, robust bags to simple shopping bags. For furniture delivery supermarkets, using heavy-duty plastic mattress bags is a must. These bags help protect the customer’s purchase but also safeguard the professional image of the store.
Bag Size
Bag with size and double bed mattress with box springs will require different sizes and hence the main factor to consider is the bag size. For selection of the right size bag, measuring the mattress becomes handy. That measurement helps precise in selecting a fitting bag.
Mattress Bag Price
Mattress Bag Price As with many other products, a bag varies with their price, ranging from 10 USD to hundreds depending on the quality of the bag. Cheap options are easily available at home improvement stores. They are however of low quality. More durable bags can be acquired online directly from the manufacturers.
For mattresses intended for long-term storage, buying a higher-quality mattress bag is recommended. This keeps the mattress protected just like any other household item of value.
Sealing Mattress Bags
If a more expensive and reliable bag is chosen, the next step is deciding whether to seal it using zipper or Velcro. Each has its own unique method of achieving a secure closure that does not slip or break.
Bag Handles
Handles can also affect the price of mattress bags. In general, more expensive and reliable bags have handles that are patented off the sides. This can be an important reason to buy an expensive bag as the ease of using a handle simplifies handling the mattress in in terms of adjusting it, position it, moving and maneuvering it, which makes it greatly easier.
Mattress Bag Materials
Mattress bag ads tend to highlight the construction materials used. Options start from lightweight, easy to handle, and cost-effective thin plastic. There are also more expensive, reusable, heavier, and durable materials that provide protection which makes them suitable for multiple moves, use over time, and long-term storage.
In selecting a mattress bag, it’s important to know the different options available in order to protect one’s investment. Understanding the various materials helps assess the longevity of the bag.
Adhesive: The seal on the opening of a mattress bag must be tight and secure. For mattress bags without zippers or Velcro, they can be secured using heavy-duty tape.
Some designs of mattress bags allow for the tape to be peeled away, and then the bag can be tightened and secured using the attached adhesive tape.
Application Of A Mattress Bag
Mattress bags are primarily utilized when transporting or storing mattresses. The bags are constructed out of a tough, thick plastic material enabling easy handling while being durable.
While mattresses are not considered particularly heavy, their shape and size, especially larger versions like the California king, make them unwieldy to move. Hence, they pose a challenge in terms of transportation and storage, making bagged mattresses more practical.
There has been considerable growth in the plastic bag sector over the years, with advancements enabling the creation of feature-rich bags aimed at simplifying user handling.
By design, mattress bags can be produced from thick, rigid plastic to light, flexible materials, depending on the intended application.
Mattress Protection
The safeguarding capability offered by mattress bags is definitely one of the most crucial. During transport, they help maintain the hygiene and the mattress’s structure. It is easy for the mattress and the box spring to bend, crease, and get damaged if one does not exercise proper care.
Without a bag, microbial growth, an unpleasant odor, and infestation by pests are some of the significant issues that one can face. These problems over time can render the mattress unusable, uncomfortable, and undignified.
Bed Preparation
It is reasonable to expect that every individual looks to place fitted sheets or a blanket over the mattress before sliding it into the bag.
This outline can be made accurate with the use of a high-quality, durable, plastic, mattress bag as this obviates the need. Leaving linens on the mattress is actually counterproductive, less effective towards bag.
All the bedding including, sheets, blankets and pads need to be removed prior to placing the mattress or box spring in a bag.
Doing so will promote the effortless completion of the task and remove any possibility of contamination in the form of dust that is bound to exist on the linens.
Drying a Mattress
Checking for moisture in a mattress may not be a necessity for users, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. Damp portions of a mattress, if not properly dried, can bring about a multitude of problems due to their ability to hide bacteria and microorganisms. Thus, having the mattress dry completely helps assure that no issues will arise later on.
Placing the Mattress in the Mattress Bag
Two or more people are needed to assist you if you want to put a bag around your mattress. Under-queen-sized mattresses can be managed by single individuals, but help is always more efficient and safer.
Side handles hastily sewn into high-quality mattress bags enable better positioning and maneuvering of the mattress.
Because of the significant size and weight of a mattress, attempting to put the bag on it may prove highly challenging, especially when there are obstacles in the room. Eliminate large pieces of furniture and other objects surrounding the space.
Once the area is cleared, lift the mattress vertically so that the cover opening faces the mattress bag. The manner in which the bag is accessed may differ, whether it has an end that is open, a zipper that wraps around three sides of its perimeter, or an opening on a lateral side.
Examining how a mattress is placed in a bag, consider the mattress’s rigidity as some tend to be quite light and can fall or tilt when stood upright. To resolve this issue, use a stiff sheet of cardboard or thin plywood to add support.
Tilt the mattress onto a vertical surface, such as a wall, to ensure one side remains stable while the opposing side is propped up using cardboard or plywood.
Provided the mattress is adequately supported, it can either be slid into a bag that is open ended or pulled over by an open-sided bag. Cardboard or plywood will maintain mattress’s position during alignment.
Moreover, should the mattress bag be composed of 5 mil thick plastic or greater, it can provide further considerable support for the mattress.
Moving Equipment
High quality plastic mattress bags are often made of heavy-duty materials and include sewn-in straps on the sides. These bags tend to be more expensive but offer unmatched strength, sturdiness, and protection.
If the mattress bag does not have handles, it can be lifted using straps or rope. Position straps or rope underneath both ends of the mattress in such a way that the ends rise to the waists of the lifters. This configuration makes it convenient for one person to grasp each end of the mattress and lift it.
Using a dolly is another option for transporting the mattress. After placing the mattress parallel inside the mattress bag, one end can be placed onto the dolly.
The opposite sides of the mattress can be lifted with straps or pushed with the dolly. This approach is less physically demanding and increases speed.
One Person Mattress Bag Packing
For mattresses bigger than a double bed, having more than one person assist is probably the best option. If the task has to be done with one person, though, it can still be done quite effectively. Zippered bags are commonly the most convenient for a single person to operate.
Remember to clear the room of any obstacles. A zipper mattress bag should be placed on the ground next to the bed, and its opened flap should be facing up.
With care, place the mattress in a way that it is sleeved into the bag. Then, heave the edges of the bag upward towards the mattress and zip it.
Advantages of using a mattress bag
While relocating a place, there is a problem of keeping the items safe and also ensuring the safety of the items with maximum concern like furniture or electronics. The goal items should always be kept in the unchanged state while ensuring complete protection.
A mattress is often mistakenly left out from the list of items to protect due to the bed’s softness as well as its seemingly protective and resilient appearance.
Nonetheless, since a significant amount of time is spent on a mattress, attention needs to be given to its safeguarding. Hence, there is a need for a mattress bag, which should be mentioned at the top of your moving checklist.
Mattress Protection
Unprotected transit of a mattress may result in exposure to dust, insects, grime, microorganisms, and other contaminants. Moving trucks or pickup trucks are not ideal for safekeeping.
Prevention of an unhygienic, contaminated, and dirty mattress, which is detrimental to the health of the user, requires a mattress bag.
Lack of a mattress bag will detrimentally influence the mattress the user tries to use, compromising comfort, aesthetics, and structural integrity. Such changes can have dire and permanent effects that can leave the mattress unusable.
Protection From Damage
A mattress can sustain stress or damage beyond the concern of dirt and bugs if it is not properly secured. In a truck, for example, a mattress can sustain severe damages while leaning against other pieces of furniture or getting into contact with sharp objects.
Typically, the need for replacing a damaged mattress can be expensive, especially with larger sizes like king-size models running into several thousand dollars.
As a mattress is critical for health and comfort, it is equally important to protect it with utmost care. This valuable investment can be safeguarded with a mattress bag, which offers the essential protection required.
Good Condition
Similar to other household items, a mattress needs to arrive at its new destination in the same condition it was in when it left. This is crucial for the safety and comfort of the user to maintain the peak condition of the mattress.
By serving as a protective insurance policy, mattress bags ensure the peace of mind that the mattress will arrive at the new home in the same excellent condition it was when it left the old home.