How to sleep with bedbugs in the bed? - briefly
«Use a mattress and box‑spring encasement rated for insects, wash all bedding in hot water, and place a thin plastic sheet under the sheet to create a barrier». «Sleep on a raised platform or in a treated separate area until the infestation is eliminated».
How to sleep with bedbugs in the bed? - in detail
Sleeping in a bed that hosts Cimex species requires a combination of physical barriers, environmental control, and post‑night procedures.
Before lying down, create a sealed environment around the sleeping surface. Use a mattress encasement rated to prevent insect penetration, ensuring all seams are zipped and no gaps remain. Apply a similar cover to the box spring or platform. Place a thin, tightly woven sheet over the encasement, then add a fitted sheet that can be removed and laundered at high temperature after each use.
Select protective clothing that limits exposure. Wear long‑sleeved, tightly woven pajamas and socks made of polyester or wool; cotton fibers can be easily penetrated. Slip disposable shoe covers over footwear to avoid transferring bugs from the floor.
During the night, maintain a temperature that discourages bedbug activity. Set the bedroom thermostat to at least 30 °C (86 °F) for a short period before sleep, or use a portable heater under the mattress for 30 minutes, then allow the area to cool to a comfortable level.
A concise checklist for the night:
- Install bed‑bug‑proof mattress and box‑spring encasements.
- Cover encasements with a removable, high‑temperature‑washable sheet.
- Dress in long‑sleeved, tightly woven nightwear and socks.
- Apply disposable shoe covers.
- Raise ambient temperature for 30 minutes, then lower to a comfortable level.
After waking, follow a decontamination routine. Strip the bedding and launder all fabrics at 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum the mattress surface, focusing on seams and crevices, then discard the vacuum bag or empty it into a sealed container. Inspect the sleeping area for live insects; if any are found, repeat the temperature treatment and consider professional extermination.
By integrating barrier methods, thermal control, and rigorous post‑sleep cleaning, a tolerable night of rest can be achieved despite an active infestation.