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Do Pillow Top Mattresses Get Softer Over Time

Do Pillow Top Mattresses Get Softer Over Time

Written by: Daniel Connell · Updated on: January 19, 2024

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Key Takeaways

Pillow top mattresses do get softer over time as they break in and conform to your body. Factors such as materials used, mattress quality, and individual weight and habits contribute to the softening process. Some pillow top mattresses may take 30-90 days to become softer, while others may take longer depending on the type of mattress and materials used.

To restore the softness and plushness of an older pillow top mattress that has firmed up over time, consider using a mattress topper made of latex, memory foam, or polyfoam, or a pillow-top mattress topper with feathers, down, or polyester fiberfill. Regularly flipping or rotating the mattress can also help maintain its plushness.

It is normal for a pillow top mattress to feel firmer and less plush than in the store after some use, as showroom mattresses may feel softer due to being broken in by multiple people. However, regular rotation and flipping, as well as using a mattress protector, can help extend the life of the mattress and maintain its softness over time.

In conclusion, pillow top mattresses do get softer over time as they break in and conform to your body. To maintain softness and plushness, consider using a mattress topper, regularly rotating the mattress, and ensuring proper support. With the right care, pillow top mattresses can maintain their softness and plush feel over time.

Will Rotating And Flipping A Pillow Top Mattress Help Extend Its Softness And Prevent It From Firming Up Too Quickly?

Yes, rotating and flipping a pillow top mattress can help maintain its softness and prevent it from firming up too quickly. When you sleep on the same side of the mattress every night, it wears out and loses its softness. Rotating it every few months is essential to keep it soft and comfortable.

The science behind it is that a pillow top mattress has a soft layer of cushioning on top of a firmer support base. Over time, the soft layer compresses under the weight of your body, causing the mattress to lose its softness and become firmer. Rotating the mattress helps redistribute the pressure, ensuring that no one area is bearing the brunt of the weight.

Proper maintenance and care routines are also crucial in maintaining the softness of your pillow top mattress. Cleaning it regularly, vacuuming it, and spot cleaning any stains with a mild detergent are some of the essential steps to keep your mattress in tip-top shape.

Adding a soft mattress topper can make your pillow top mattress even softer, while firm mattress toppers can be used to make it firmer if desired. There are various resources and guides available online with tips on how to make a mattress softer or firmer, depending on your preference.

In summary, rotating and flipping a pillow top mattress can help extend its softness and prevent it from firming up too quickly. It's a simple yet effective way to ensure that your mattress stays comfortable and supportive for a longer time. So, don't hesitate to give it a try!

What Types Of Pillow Top Mattress Materials And Construction Tend To Maintain Their Softness The Longest Over Time?

When it comes to maintaining softness in pillow top mattresses, the materials and construction play a significant role. High-quality memory foam and polyfoam can conform to the body, but they may lose their shape over time. Latex, on the other hand, is known for its durability and resilience, making it an effective choice for maintaining softness over time.

Cotton and wool are also used in pillow top mattresses due to their breathability, but they may not be as durable as latex or high-quality foams. The construction of the mattress also contributes to its longevity. A Euro top mattress, for example, is denser and more durable than a standard pillow top mattress.

However, pillow top mattresses can suffer from durability issues due to the use of softer and less durable materials in their surface layers, leading to sagging over time. To ensure your pillow top mattress maintains its softness for an extended period, choose a mattress from a reputable brand that uses high-quality materials and offers a good warranty.

Some highly-rated brands for pillow top mattresses include DreamCloud, Awara, and Avocado, which focus on durability and competitive pricing. Before making a purchase, thoroughly research the material quality, mattress construction, and brand reputation to ensure you're investing in a mattress that will maintain its softness over time.

A rotated mattress, much like rotated tires, typically wears more evenly and reduces indentions or support issues.

What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Pillow Top Mattress Before It Starts To Lose Its Softness And Plush Feel?

The chances of getting bed bugs from a new mattress ordered online are quite low, but it's not impossible. Bed bugs usually don't infest new mattresses unless something goes wrong during delivery or storage. They can get onto a new mattress if it comes in contact with an infested one on a delivery truck or in a warehouse. However, bed bugs aren't attracted to mattresses themselves, but to the humans who sleep on them.

Even if your new mattress is bed bug-free, you can still get them if you bring them into your home from another location, like a hotel or a friend's house. To minimize the risk, inspect the mattress upon delivery for signs of bed bugs and contact the seller immediately if you find any.

Remove the packaging outside your home to get rid of any hidden bed bugs or eggs. Using a mattress protector can also prevent bed bugs from getting onto the mattress.

Regular inspections of the mattress for signs of bed bugs are essential in preventing an infestation. Choosing reputable sellers who offer a special "white glove delivery service" where only new mattresses and furniture are delivered by a specific truck can also help minimize the chances of getting bed bugs from a new mattress ordered online.

By taking precautions like inspecting the mattress upon delivery, removing packaging outside, using a mattress protector, conducting regular inspections, and choosing reputable sellers, you can minimize the chances of getting bed bugs from a new mattress ordered online. This way, you can ensure that your new mattress remains a comfortable and safe place to sleep.

What Causes A Pillow Top Mattress To Lose Its Initial Softness And Firm Up Over Time?

Pillow top mattresses can lose their initial softness and firm up over time due to several factors. The breakdown of materials used in the mattress, such as foam, can contribute to this change. Foam materials tend to soften under significant pressure from the sleeper's body over time. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses may also experience a loss of tension in their metal coils, leading to less rigid support in problem areas.

Pillow-top mattresses can develop a lumpy surface as the pillow top itself breaks down and compresses. The weight and pressure exerted by the sleeper can cause the mattress to firm up, resulting in sagging in areas that support the hips and shoulders. Excessive heat can also contribute to the breakdown of the mattress, with foam mattresses trapping more heat than coil support core mattresses.

Comfort layers in the mattress may become softer over time, allowing the sleeper to sink further into the mattress and reducing airflow around the body. Worn mattresses can accumulate allergens such as pet dander, mildew, mold, and other allergens. To minimize sagging and prolong the lifespan of a pillow-top mattress, strategies such as using a mattress topper, rotating the mattress regularly, replacing the foundation of the bed, exploring warranty coverage, or replacing the mattress can be employed. Once the pillow top compresses, it is usually not possible to fix it. Purchasing a separate topper that can be turned and rotated is a way to avoid issues with a compressed pillow top.

Should I Expect That Any Pillow Top Mattress Will Eventually Firm Up After A Few Years Of Use No Matter What?

Yes, it's likely that any pillow top mattress will eventually firm up after a few years of use. This is because the pillow top layer, made of materials like memory foam, latex, wool, or polyester, can lose its initial softness due to constant pressure from sleepers.

Pillow top mattresses usually start around medium firmness (6.5 on the firmness scale). As the pillow top compresses, it can't be restored to its original state, especially for heavier individuals or with frequent use.

To maintain comfort and extend the lifespan of a pillow top mattress, consider alternatives like pocket sprung mattresses with a separate 2-3" deep topper. Regular cleaning every six months can also help.

In summary, pillow top mattresses may become firmer over time due to compression. To ensure comfort and prolong the life of your mattress, explore alternative options and practice proper cleaning habits.

Is It Normal For A Pillow Top Mattress To Feel Firmer And Less Plush Than In The Store After Some Use?

Yes, it's normal for a pillow top mattress to feel firmer and less plush after some use. This change in firmness is due to the compression of materials like memory foam or latex under the weight and pressure of the sleeper.

Showroom mattresses may feel softer than a new mattress because they've been "broken in" from multiple people trying them out. A brand new mattress, on the other hand, often requires a break-in period of 30 to 60 days to adjust to your body and soften up.

To make your pillow top mattress feel softer, consider adding a soft mattress topper made of memory foam, latex, or other plush materials. If you have a memory foam mattress, adjusting the room temperature or using a heating blanket can also make it feel softer, as memory foam is sensitive to temperature changes.

Another helpful tip is to regularly rotate or flip your mattress. This will distribute wear evenly and prevent excessive compression in one area, helping your mattress maintain its plushness over time.

If none of these methods seem to make your pillow top mattress feel softer, it might be time to consider a new mattress with a different firmness level or construction. Remember, everyone's comfort preferences are unique, so don't be afraid to explore different options until you find the perfect fit for you.

How Long Does It Take For A New Pillow Top Mattress To Break In And Soften Up?

Yes, using plastic sheets or encasements on both your mattress and box spring can effectively prevent bed bug infestations. These encasements are designed to cover the entire mattress and box spring, creating a barrier that stops bed bugs from entering or escaping the bedding.

To fully safeguard your bedding from bed bugs, it's recommended to use encasements on both the mattress and box spring. This approach significantly reduces the risk of infestations and makes it harder for bed bugs to find hiding spots.

When choosing a bed bug encasement, ensure it's specifically designed for bed bug protection, covers the entire mattress or box spring, and has a tight seal with no openings, gaps, or tears that bed bugs could escape through.

The zipper of the encasement should have small teeth close together to prevent even tiny, immature bugs from weaving in between the zipper teeth and escaping. By using plastic sheets or encasements on both your mattress and box spring, you can provide a more comprehensive protection against bed bugs. This will help you avoid the stress and expense of dealing with an infestation and ensure a good night's sleep without the worry of bed bugs.

Do I Need To Use Plastic Sheets On Both My Mattress And Box Spring To Fully Protect From Bed Bugs?

Yes, using plastic sheets or encasements on both your mattress and box spring can effectively prevent bed bug infestations. These encasements are designed to cover the entire mattress and box spring, creating a barrier that stops bed bugs from entering or escaping the bedding.

To fully safeguard your bedding from bed bugs, it's recommended to use encasements on both the mattress and box spring. This approach significantly reduces the risk of infestations and makes it harder for bed bugs to find hiding spots.

When choosing a bed bug encasement, ensure it's specifically designed for bed bug protection, covers the entire mattress or box spring, and has a tight seal with no openings, gaps, or tears that bed bugs could escape through.

The zipper of the encasement should have small teeth close together to prevent even tiny, immature bugs from weaving in between the zipper teeth and escaping. By using plastic sheets or encasements on both your mattress and box spring, you can provide a more comprehensive protection against bed bugs. This will help you avoid the stress and expense of dealing with an infestation and ensure a good night's sleep without the worry of bed bugs.

Are There Any Other Materials Used In Tuft And Needle Mattresses That Might Raise Health Concerns Like Fiberglass Does?

Tuft and Needle mattresses prioritize safety and non-toxic materials in their construction. The foam used is CertiPUR-US® certified, ensuring it's free from ozone depleters, PBDE flame retardants, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. The foam also has low VOC emissions for better indoor air quality.

The Tuft and Needle Original Mattress consists of two layers of polyfoam covered by a blend of micro polyamide and polyester. It uses T&N Adaptive® foam, a unique type of poly-foam that provides body contouring, support, and comfort for all sleep styles. The open-cell structure of the foam promotes airflow, keeping the mattress cool.

Unlike fiberglass, Tuft and Needle mattresses do not contain fiberglass as a fire barrier. Instead, they use a blend of polyester and cotton or rayon cellulose fiber treated with fine-grained sand (silica) or salt. This alternative is considered safer than fiberglass.

Tuft and Needle mattresses have undergone extensive testing and are GREENGUARD Gold certified. This means they've been screened for over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs that contribute to indoor air quality. Overall, while Tuft and Needle mattresses do not contain fiberglass, they use safer alternatives for fire barriers, making them a safer choice with minimal health concerns.

Are There Any Practical Recommendations For Using Cold Weather To Control Bed Bug Infestations?

Cold weather can be a practical solution to control bed bug infestations. Bed bugs cannot survive temperatures below their body freezing point, which is around -31.2°C (-24.16°F). Research shows that 100% mortality of bed bugs occurs after 80 hours at -16°C (3.2°F).

To effectively use cold weather, use a freezer that can maintain a consistent temperature below 0°F (-17.8°C) for at least four days. However, not all freezers are suitable for this purpose. Some freezers have large fluctuating defrost cycles that can rise above freezing, rendering them ineffective.

For smaller infestations or those without access to professional equipment, cold weather may be a practical solution. Combine cold weather treatment with other Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for successful control and elimination of bed bug infestations in your home. Seek professional advice if the infestation is severe.

About X

X is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. X has personally tested over 268+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

See Our #1 Researched Mattress in 2024

Rated best for comfort and hotel-feel

Get 450$ OFF Mattresses

References

Do Pillow Top Mattresses Get Softer Over Time

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Pillow top mattresses do get softer over time as they break in and conform to your body. Factors such as materials used, mattress quality, and individual weight and habits contribute to the softening process. Some pillow top mattresses may take 30-90 days to become softer, while others may take longer depending on the type of mattress and materials used.

To restore the softness and plushness of an older pillow top mattress that has firmed up over time, consider using a mattress topper made of latex, memory foam, or polyfoam, or a pillow-top mattress topper with feathers, down, or polyester fiberfill. Regularly flipping or rotating the mattress can also help maintain its plushness.

It is normal for a pillow top mattress to feel firmer and less plush than in the store after some use, as showroom mattresses may feel softer due to being broken in by multiple people. However, regular rotation and flipping, as well as using a mattress protector, can help extend the life of the mattress and maintain its softness over time.

In conclusion, pillow top mattresses do get softer over time as they break in and conform to your body. To maintain softness and plushness, consider using a mattress topper, regularly rotating the mattress, and ensuring proper support. With the right care, pillow top mattresses can maintain their softness and plush feel over time.

Will Rotating And Flipping A Pillow Top Mattress Help Extend Its Softness And Prevent It From Firming Up Too Quickly?

Yes, rotating and flipping a pillow top mattress can help maintain its softness and prevent it from firming up too quickly. When you sleep on the same side of the mattress every night, it wears out and loses its softness. Rotating it every few months is essential to keep it soft and comfortable.

The science behind it is that a pillow top mattress has a soft layer of cushioning on top of a firmer support base. Over time, the soft layer compresses under the weight of your body, causing the mattress to lose its softness and become firmer. Rotating the mattress helps redistribute the pressure, ensuring that no one area is bearing the brunt of the weight.

Proper maintenance and care routines are also crucial in maintaining the softness of your pillow top mattress. Cleaning it regularly, vacuuming it, and spot cleaning any stains with a mild detergent are some of the essential steps to keep your mattress in tip-top shape.

Adding a soft mattress topper can make your pillow top mattress even softer, while firm mattress toppers can be used to make it firmer if desired. There are various resources and guides available online with tips on how to make a mattress softer or firmer, depending on your preference.

In summary, rotating and flipping a pillow top mattress can help extend its softness and prevent it from firming up too quickly. It's a simple yet effective way to ensure that your mattress stays comfortable and supportive for a longer time. So, don't hesitate to give it a try!

What Types Of Pillow Top Mattress Materials And Construction Tend To Maintain Their Softness The Longest Over Time?

When it comes to maintaining softness in pillow top mattresses, the materials and construction play a significant role. High-quality memory foam and polyfoam can conform to the body, but they may lose their shape over time. Latex, on the other hand, is known for its durability and resilience, making it an effective choice for maintaining softness over time.

Cotton and wool are also used in pillow top mattresses due to their breathability, but they may not be as durable as latex or high-quality foams. The construction of the mattress also contributes to its longevity. A Euro top mattress, for example, is denser and more durable than a standard pillow top mattress.

However, pillow top mattresses can suffer from durability issues due to the use of softer and less durable materials in their surface layers, leading to sagging over time. To ensure your pillow top mattress maintains its softness for an extended period, choose a mattress from a reputable brand that uses high-quality materials and offers a good warranty.

Some highly-rated brands for pillow top mattresses include DreamCloud, Awara, and Avocado, which focus on durability and competitive pricing. Before making a purchase, thoroughly research the material quality, mattress construction, and brand reputation to ensure you're investing in a mattress that will maintain its softness over time.

What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Pillow Top Mattress Before It Starts To Lose Its Softness And Plush Feel?

The chances of getting bed bugs from a new mattress ordered online are quite low, but it's not impossible. Bed bugs usually don't infest new mattresses unless something goes wrong during delivery or storage. They can get onto a new mattress if it comes in contact with an infested one on a delivery truck or in a warehouse. However, bed bugs aren't attracted to mattresses themselves, but to the humans who sleep on them.

Even if your new mattress is bed bug-free, you can still get them if you bring them into your home from another location, like a hotel or a friend's house. To minimize the risk, inspect the mattress upon delivery for signs of bed bugs and contact the seller immediately if you find any.

Remove the packaging outside your home to get rid of any hidden bed bugs or eggs. Using a mattress protector can also prevent bed bugs from getting onto the mattress.

Regular inspections of the mattress for signs of bed bugs are essential in preventing an infestation. Choosing reputable sellers who offer a special "white glove delivery service" where only new mattresses and furniture are delivered by a specific truck can also help minimize the chances of getting bed bugs from a new mattress ordered online.

By taking precautions like inspecting the mattress upon delivery, removing packaging outside, using a mattress protector, conducting regular inspections, and choosing reputable sellers, you can minimize the chances of getting bed bugs from a new mattress ordered online. This way, you can ensure that your new mattress remains a comfortable and safe place to sleep.

What Causes A Pillow Top Mattress To Lose Its Initial Softness And Firm Up Over Time?

Pillow top mattresses can lose their initial softness and firm up over time due to several factors. The breakdown of materials used in the mattress, such as foam, can contribute to this change. Foam materials tend to soften under significant pressure from the sleeper's body over time. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses may also experience a loss of tension in their metal coils, leading to less rigid support in problem areas.

Pillow-top mattresses can develop a lumpy surface as the pillow top itself breaks down and compresses. The weight and pressure exerted by the sleeper can cause the mattress to firm up, resulting in sagging in areas that support the hips and shoulders. Excessive heat can also contribute to the breakdown of the mattress, with foam mattresses trapping more heat than coil support core mattresses.

Comfort layers in the mattress may become softer over time, allowing the sleeper to sink further into the mattress and reducing airflow around the body. Worn mattresses can accumulate allergens such as pet dander, mildew, mold, and other allergens. To minimize sagging and prolong the lifespan of a pillow-top mattress, strategies such as using a mattress topper, rotating the mattress regularly, replacing the foundation of the bed, exploring warranty coverage, or replacing the mattress can be employed. Once the pillow top compresses, it is usually not possible to fix it. Purchasing a separate topper that can be turned and rotated is a way to avoid issues with a compressed pillow top.

Should I Expect That Any Pillow Top Mattress Will Eventually Firm Up After A Few Years Of Use No Matter What?

Yes, it's likely that any pillow top mattress will eventually firm up after a few years of use. This is because the pillow top layer, made of materials like memory foam, latex, wool, or polyester, can lose its initial softness due to constant pressure from sleepers.

Pillow top mattresses usually start around medium firmness (6.5 on the firmness scale). As the pillow top compresses, it can't be restored to its original state, especially for heavier individuals or with frequent use.

To maintain comfort and extend the lifespan of a pillow top mattress, consider alternatives like pocket sprung mattresses with a separate 2-3" deep topper. Regular cleaning every six months can also help.

In summary, pillow top mattresses may become firmer over time due to compression. To ensure comfort and prolong the life of your mattress, explore alternative options and practice proper cleaning habits.

Is It Normal For A Pillow Top Mattress To Feel Firmer And Less Plush Than In The Store After Some Use?

Yes, it's normal for a pillow top mattress to feel firmer and less plush after some use. This change in firmness is due to the compression of materials like memory foam or latex under the weight and pressure of the sleeper.

Showroom mattresses may feel softer than a new mattress because they've been "broken in" from multiple people trying them out. A brand new mattress, on the other hand, often requires a break-in period of 30 to 60 days to adjust to your body and soften up.

To make your pillow top mattress feel softer, consider adding a soft mattress topper made of memory foam, latex, or other plush materials. If you have a memory foam mattress, adjusting the room temperature or using a heating blanket can also make it feel softer, as memory foam is sensitive to temperature changes.

Another helpful tip is to regularly rotate or flip your mattress. This will distribute wear evenly and prevent excessive compression in one area, helping your mattress maintain its plushness over time.

If none of these methods seem to make your pillow top mattress feel softer, it might be time to consider a new mattress with a different firmness level or construction. Remember, everyone's comfort preferences are unique, so don't be afraid to explore different options until you find the perfect fit for you.

How Long Does It Take For A New Pillow Top Mattress To Break In And Soften Up?

Yes, they do! A new pillow top mattress usually takes between 30 to 90 days to break in and soften up. However, this can vary depending on the type of mattress, materials used, and individual sleep habits. During this break-in period, the materials in the mattress gradually conform to your body weight and shape, providing better support and pressure relief.

Sleeping on the mattress consistently helps it adjust to your body weight and shape, making it more comfortable over time. To speed up the process, you can apply pressure by rolling or gently bouncing on the mattress, which helps loosen up the materials and makes it more comfortable.

Rotating the mattress every few weeks also helps it break in evenly and prevents premature sagging in one particular area. Additionally, keeping the room warm can help memory foam mattresses become softer when exposed to heat, allowing the foam to conform to your body faster.

Using a mattress topper during the break-in period can provide additional comfort and support. Remember, it's essential to be patient and give the mattress time to adjust to your body and sleeping preferences. Everyone's experience with a new mattress is unique, so don't be discouraged if it takes a little longer for your mattress to soften up. With time and consistent use, your pillow top mattress will become the perfect fit for your sleeping needs.

Do I Need To Use Plastic Sheets On Both My Mattress And Box Spring To Fully Protect From Bed Bugs?

Yes, using plastic sheets or encasements on both your mattress and box spring can effectively prevent bed bug infestations. These encasements are designed to cover the entire mattress and box spring, creating a barrier that stops bed bugs from entering or escaping the bedding.

To fully safeguard your bedding from bed bugs, it's recommended to use encasements on both the mattress and box spring. This approach significantly reduces the risk of infestations and makes it harder for bed bugs to find hiding spots.

When choosing a bed bug encasement, ensure it's specifically designed for bed bug protection, covers the entire mattress or box spring, and has a tight seal with no openings, gaps, or tears that bed bugs could escape through.

The zipper of the encasement should have small teeth close together to prevent even tiny, immature bugs from weaving in between the zipper teeth and escaping. By using plastic sheets or encasements on both your mattress and box spring, you can provide a more comprehensive protection against bed bugs. This will help you avoid the stress and expense of dealing with an infestation and ensure a good night's sleep without the worry of bed bugs.

Are There Any Other Materials Used In Tuft And Needle Mattresses That Might Raise Health Concerns Like Fiberglass Does?

Tuft and Needle mattresses prioritize safety and non-toxic materials in their construction. The foam used is CertiPUR-US® certified, ensuring it's free from ozone depleters, PBDE flame retardants, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. The foam also has low VOC emissions for better indoor air quality.

The Tuft and Needle Original Mattress consists of two layers of polyfoam covered by a blend of micro polyamide and polyester. It uses T&N Adaptive® foam, a unique type of poly-foam that provides body contouring, support, and comfort for all sleep styles. The open-cell structure of the foam promotes airflow, keeping the mattress cool.

Unlike fiberglass, Tuft and Needle mattresses do not contain fiberglass as a fire barrier. Instead, they use a blend of polyester and cotton or rayon cellulose fiber treated with fine-grained sand (silica) or salt. This alternative is considered safer than fiberglass.

Tuft and Needle mattresses have undergone extensive testing and are GREENGUARD Gold certified. This means they've been screened for over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs that contribute to indoor air quality. Overall, while Tuft and Needle mattresses do not contain fiberglass, they use safer alternatives for fire barriers, making them a safer choice with minimal health concerns.

Are There Any Practical Recommendations For Using Cold Weather To Control Bed Bug Infestations?

Cold weather can be a practical solution to control bed bug infestations. Bed bugs cannot survive temperatures below their body freezing point, which is around -31.2°C (-24.16°F). Research shows that 100% mortality of bed bugs occurs after 80 hours at -16°C (3.2°F).

To effectively use cold weather, use a freezer that can maintain a consistent temperature below 0°F (-17.8°C) for at least four days. However, not all freezers are suitable for this purpose. Some freezers have large fluctuating defrost cycles that can rise above freezing, rendering them ineffective.

For smaller infestations or those without access to professional equipment, cold weather may be a practical solution. Combine cold weather treatment with other Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for successful control and elimination of bed bug infestations in your home. Seek professional advice if the infestation is severe.