A mattress bag (or mattress cover) is a large open-ended sleeve, usually polythene, that slides over a whole mattress to keep dust, dirt and handling marks off it during a move or in storage. It isn't a mattress protector, which is a washable layer that stays on the bed.
At Wigwam
Our Box Shop sells two, both polythene, for delivery to your door. Prices as listed in September 2026 (the product pages' price data marks them as including VAT; the page text doesn't say):
| Product | The shop says it fits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Single Mattress Cover – 3ft 6″ | "most standard single beds" | £3.99 |
| Double Mattress Cover – 6ft Double/Super King | "most double, king, and super king mattresses" | £5.99 |
The shop gives each cover's bed width (3ft 6″, 6ft) but no length or depth, so check the fit on a deep mattress. It doesn't state a delivery charge or whether covers can be bought at a site; ask on 0800 2545585.
Use it for the move, not the whole stay
Polythene keeps dirt out, and it keeps moisture in too. The product pages call the covers suitable for storage (the double's says "Ideal for long-term storage"), but our furniture guide says: "Avoid plastic covers that trap moisture; use breathable fabrics instead to let air circulate." So bag the mattress for the van, and bag it only when it's clean and completely dry. Once it's in the unit, take the bag off and lay a breathable cover, such as a cotton sheet or old duvet cover, over it instead. Neither of our mattress covers is breathable.
Booking a container? Ask us before you book whether a container or an indoor unit suits a mattress: describing a bare steel container, our guide warns that "Mattresses take on a smell they never quite lose." Our booking system describes the Chipping Norton and Shipston-on-Stour containers as insulated; for any other container, ask when you book, on 0800 2545585.
Storing several for a let? The same rule applies to each one; our mattress guide covers laying them out.
Related terms: Breathable cover · Sofa cover · Condensation
Related questions: How should I store a mattress in a storage unit? · Are shipping containers good for storing furniture? · Do I need a dehumidifier in a container unit?