Finally took the plastic off my bed!

natalie_ca

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Last year in January I had a problem with bed bugs in my old apartment (same building other end of the hallway). As a result I left my 2 year old bed in that apartment when I moved out and bought a new one. I left the hard plastic on the box spring and mattress out of fear of bed bugs having moved with me to my new apartment.

They sprayed my new apartment 10 days after I moved in, but I was still freaked out about bed bugs so I left the plastic on.

I put an old mattress cover on the mattress and used a small fleece throw to cover up with.  And that's how I've been sleeping for over 18 months.

  In August of last year I was thinking of removing the plastic, but the week before I was going to, I got word that my apartment was going to be sprayed AGAIN for bed bugs because people 2 floors below me had them, and the women below me was complaining of itching even after they sprayed. So as a result they were going to spray my apartment and the one above me too.

So after that I was still freaked out about bed bugs even though I didn't have any. I vacuumed my rug almost every day, and steamed the carpet once or twice a week for a few more months.  Then I relaxed about both and just did them monthly.

It's been over a year since I've heard anything about bed bugs, and I checked with the caretaker last week to see if there was any issues in my row of apartments. There hasn't been.

So today my brother came over to help me take the plastic off my bed and put it on the frame.  Now I can actually put my new mattress cover (almost 2 years old now) on the bed, and my nice new bed ensemble (almost 18 months old).  I can't wait to see a nice looking bed!  And to sleep on an actual bed instead of hard crinkling plastic!

I'll post some pictures of it later today when I'm done.  It will take me awhile because I have to keep stopping to rest my back.
 
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natalie_ca

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I have never had bed bugs. I hope you didn't get eaten by them.
Last year in January I was. But not since. Thank goodness!  The thing is around that time I had started on 2 new medications and I have sensitive skin.  Both my doctor and I thought it was a reaction to one of the new medications. I have lived in this building since 1996 and bed bugs didn't even cross my mind.  Every time I get an itch in my apartment now, I haul out the steamer and steam everything, especially the bedroom. Suffice it to say that I'm now paranoid for life!
 

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Every time I get an itch in my apartment now, I haul out the steamer and steam everything, especially the bedroom. Suffice it to say that I'm now paranoid for life!
It's no wonder. Just reading "bed bug" makes me itchy. :lol3:

It must feel good to be rid of the crinkly plastic.
 
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natalie_ca

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It must feel good to be rid of the crinkly plastic.
It does!!!  It's taken more than a hour, but I've finally got the bed made.  I had to lay down and rest my back after applying each sheet.  The cats love it!!  When I was laying on the new mattress cover (which I put through the dryer before putting it on), Abby came to visit and cuddle.

When I was putting on the fitted sheet and the flat sheet, both Spencer and Katie had to help.

When I was putting on the electric blanket and pillow cases, someone was under the bed playing with my toes .
  I suspect it was Katie.

I can't wait to crawl under the blankets tonight. I plan on turning my electric blanket on low setting. Hopefully it will help with the the joint and back stiffness I have in the morning.

I still have to pack up the plastic and clean off the night stands, but when I get that done I'll post a picture of the finished product.
 

blueyedgirl5946

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I am so very happy for you. I admire how well you handled that whole situation. Congratulations on your new bed and covers. l pray you will sleep the best tonight you have in two years.:nod:
 
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natalie_ca

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I couldn't wait!  I ended up turning on the electric blanket and having a nap this afternoon. My 3 kids joined me.  What a comfy and blissful nap! I was toasty warm, but not overly so, and when I got up I didn't have any aches and pains like I usually do after when I get out of bed. 

I'm just waiting for my dryer to finish so that I can hang up my clothes and then I'm back to bed.  Can't wait!

I haven't gotten to take a picture yet. I messed up the bed with my nap and haven't remade it,  lol
 

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I lived in a backpacker hostel in England for five months and there were bed bugs. It was HORRIBLE!!! I don't blame you for being paranoid. Sweet dreams.:)
 

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Good for you! I'm glad it's over and things are back to normal in your place. 

I'm thinking about putting our electric blanket on our bed, too. We are down into the 40s for now at night and it's simply too cold. We haven't turned the heat on in the house yet.
 
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