To keep safe, students must pack with them mattress encasements like this one from BeneSleep.

It will benefit those that:

• Want to prevent infestation of dust mites, bed bugs, and other micro toxins that may be living in their pillows and mattresses
• Want to protect their pillows and mattress from liquid spills and accidents
• Suffer from allergies or asthma

Via Allergy Buyers Club

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BeneSleep, A dorm room essential

We’ve featured quite a few videos on mattress cleaning on this site before, but none is as thorough and as detailed as this. It’s as if the mattress has gone to rehab.

This video is from Pure Clean, a mattress cleaning system.

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Mattress Detox Process

Developed by a company called Bio Sensory, Inc, this device was made to monitor bed bug activity and then trap them as necessary. The Nightwatch may be used in homes and establishments like hotels and will soon be available in September 2008.

Will this be an affective tool?

Per the sternenvironmental:

According to Bio Sensory’s website, “NightWatch™ was scientifically designed to trap bed bugs with a proprietary, 7-part kairomone lure which uses the pests’ own natural, biological attractants and feeding instincts against them. By mimicking the CO2 and heat of a human body, NightWatch combines with this powerful yet safe lure to make the trap highly effective at detecting and catching these biting pests – before they can reach humans or even domestic animals.“

This product is ideal for use in homes, apartments and hotels. Each unit covers a 16’ x 16’ room span. Bed bugs are attracted to the unit overnight and trapped in a contained pit that will need to be emptied each morning. Being that this product is a “detection and monitoring system”; consumers will still need to use this system with an Integrated Pest Management program to receive the best results.

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NightWatch, New Bed Bug Monitoring Device

• No plastic coverings. Remove this immediately upon delivery of the crib mattress.
• Ensure that the crib mattress fits snugly and perfectly. It should be in the standard size - 27 1/4inches by 57 5/8inches - with a depth of at least 6 inches.
• Opt for a firm crib mattress rather than a really soft mattress as the latter is a hazard. Soft mattresses have the tendency to suffocate the infant or provide improper corner support, your baby may be trapped.
• There’s no need for a topper with a crib mattress. Again this is a safety hazard which can potentially suffocate babies.
• Use organic mattress if possible.
• In the same manner, use organic beddings.
• Babies shouldn’t be allowed to sleep on air mattress or waterbeds yet.
• Be aware of crib recalls or product recalls. These are usually published in the news.

Photo from CaliforniaSIDS

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Exercise Crib Mattress Safety

Ideally for infants, young kids, and kids heading off to college, CleanRest’s mattress and crib encasements are doctor recommended. With it MicronOne™ technology the mattress encasement covers a more extensive protected area. That’s why it proudly claims to be the cleanest. It also comes fully zippered and is made of waterproof surface though it doesn’t sacrifice comfort and breathability.

Its price range is affordable as well.

Via CleanRest

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The Cleanest Mattress Encasement

Among the important points to this green guide are outlined below:

Mattress: Look for alternatives that contain fewer synthetic and petroleum-based components.The Natural Care™ collection features latex foam made in part from biodegradable materials like rubber tree sap and a layer of base foam enhanced with soy.

Bed Frame: Instead of buying a brand new headboard, try shopping at a flea market or antique mall or give your old bed a new personality with a coat of paint.

Pillow: Check out naturally-derived latex options like the Natural Care™ pillow. In addition to being comfortable and supportive, it is hypoallergenic and inherently resistant to dust mites, mold and mildew.

Sheets: Consider linens made from sustainable fabrics and know there is an eco-option to complement every season. Try organic cotton in spring, hemp in summer and organic flannel in winter.

Comforter: Snuggle under a cotton filled comforter rather than feather down. Although both are insulating, cotton is easily laundered in the washing machine, which helps remove allergens.

If you would like to get a copy of this helpful guide, it’s available for download at Simmons or you can also visit Natural Care Bed.

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Green Guide From Simmons and Danny Seo

This is the first time I’ve seen a gadget which has UVC light technology, which supposedly takes mattress cleaning a step further. While the vacuum sucks and traps dust mites, the UVC light works an extra punch and sterilizes it.

Wonderful!

* Durable anti-allergy bed vacuum
* Kills 99.9% of bacteria and helps eradicate dust mites and germs that may cause asthma, ill health, etc.
* Vibrating pad will release the dust mites which are hooked into the mattress and enable deep down cleaning
* Two stage micro allergy filtration safely and efficiently assists in the removal of dust mites and their feces from mattresses and fabrics
* ABS plastic housing with polypropylene filters
* Easy grip handle on top of vacuum
* On/off and control button on front of handle
* Dust pan and stage one filter on top of vacuum
* Control panel with sterilization cleaning, sterilization, vibrating sterilization cleaning and filter replace icons
* UV-C lamp indicator windows on top of vacuum
* Stage two micro allergy filter located on bottom of vacuum underneath handle
* Three UV-C lamp safety sensors on bottom of vacuum
* UV-C lamp protective grill covers UV-C lamp and protective tube on bottom of vacuum
* Vibrating pad located on bottom front of vacuum
* Duster cloth included for cleaning the UV-C lamp
* Instruction manual included
* Measures approx 12” L X 14” W X 6” H (overall)
* Power cord measures approx 16’ft
* Power cord supplied with a polarized plug
* Net weight 4 lbs 2 oz

Via Solutions

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Dust Mite Vacuum with UVC

When you’re traveling a lot, you probably don’t realize that a lot of people have been using the mattress and pillows you’re sleeping on at the hotels. Of course, housekeeping makes sure these are fresh and clean with each new guest. But if you really want to be on the safe side, Solutions is offering this pillow pouches. These are pillow covers you can bring wherever you stay.

Additionally, because its made of satin, it doesn’t mess up your hair even when you sleep.

It’s a sanitary solution to constantly sleeping in hotels.

* Bring along a bit of comfort and security in your travels or at home
* Soft, 100% satin polyester pillow case
* Fits most standard pillows
* Stitched finish seams
* Envelope style opening on back
* Storage pouch included
* Storage pouch has loop and button closure
* Machine washable
* Measures approx 32”L X 21”W
* Pouch measures approx 6 ¼” L X 5 ¼” W
* Made in China

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Satin Pillow Pouches

What’s great is that the gadget has other uses…all in the name of good health.

Save hundreds of dollars using “super-oxygenated” water instead of chemical cleaners, sanitizers and deodorizers. It’s quick, easy and affordable. Super-oxygenated water is proven to sanitize, deodorize, and remove stains, mold and mildew. This system turns tap water into a super cleaner that works 3,000 times faster and is 50% stronger than bleach—yet is safe for any household surface and food, including salad, fruit, vegetables and meat. Even safe for babies, pets, and people with allergies, asthma and sensitive skin. You get a base unit, booster cartridge, spray bottle, two cleaning cloths, and multi-purpose bowl for cleaning household items and produce.

Via Solutions

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Lotus Sanitizing System

An Innovative Source Material for Natural Rubber Products, is now available online at www.vytex.com. Swanson and Doyle co-authored the paper along with Industry Consultant Russell Culp and Vystar Vice President, Technical Services, Matthew Clark.

Vystar Corp. is the exclusive creator of the innovative technology to produce Vytex Natural Rubber Latex(TM) (NRL). While latex allergy is most common in the healthcare industry because of workers’ prolonged and/or repeated contact with latex, it is estimated that as many as 17 percent of healthcare workers and three percent of the general population could have an allergic reaction to the protein in natural rubber latex. However, because of its superior product qualities, like barrier protection, strength and durability, fit and comfort, environmental impact, cost, etc., it is the material of choice for a vast array of everyday products.

Essentially what this latest technology does is that it offers “ultra low antigenic protein levels as raw material while preserving desirable NRL properties in finished products”.

For manufacturers of foam mattresses and pillows, this will also help reduce cost as this developed material will curb wasted energy and resources to a minimum.

Via High Beam

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Vytex Rubber Latex Gets Buzz

What are PBDEs?

PBDEs are a class of toxic chemicals in wide use to prevent the spread of fire and are likely to be found in dozens of products in your home, from the padding below your carpet, to your bed, couch or television screen.

MATTRESSES AND CRIBS

• Earthsake
• Foam sweet foam
• Gaiam
• Lifekind
• The Organic Mattress

ADULT AND CHILD MATTRESSES, BEDDING, AND BABY GEAR

• A Happy Planet
• Dream Soft Bedware
• Ecobaby*
• European Sleep works
• IKEA
• McRoskey
• Natura Sleep Systems*
• Natural Aurora Mattress*
• Nirvana Safe Haven
• Northern Naturals
• Organic Bliss Innerspring Mattress*
• Organic Wear USA

FUTONS

• Abundant Earth*
• Gaiam
• Organic Cotton Alternatives
• Tonkatinkers Kreations*

Via EWG Org

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PBDE-Free Manufacturer & Product List

CleanBrands CEO Mike Linn commented on their new partnership with Wal-Mart, saying “effective July 1st, BeneSleep(TM) pillow encasements will be available at 2,800 Wal-Mart stores nationwide and mattress encasements will be available at a selection of 1,000 locations. Consumers should look for the green MicronOne(TM) shield to ensure that they are purchasing the most trusted name in hypo-allergenic bedding products.”

“I created MicronOne(TM) fabric technology to help relieve my son’s nighttime asthma and allergy problems,” said company founder and President Gary Goldberg. “Clean, healthy sleep should be made available to everyone and CleanBrands is thrilled to partner with Wal-Mart to enable consumers across the country to experience a whole new level of allergen protection, healthy sleep and peace of mind with our BeneSleep(TM) line of products.”

Via PR Newswire and Bedzine

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BeneSleep Dust Mite Barrier now at Wal-Mart

French design company, Nonjetable, believes that buying high quality designed furniture helps the environment because consumers tend to waste less. The company neither paints nor apply varnish on their furniture for sale. Progressive child’s bed and furniture is designed to keep the needs of a growing child in mind. Special features :

The side of the bead head, that creates a reassuring space and prevents a child from falling, can be changed according to the bed’s orientation in the room.

The beadhead is a large surface on which the child can express his/her creativity and personality.

The low tables can be rolled from under the bed and used as bedside and independent play tables.

The removable bed end storage box and table gives the bed 50 cm of extra length.

The storage volume of the three low tables is 338 litres.

Via Nonjetable

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Nonjectable Bed Frame

In Sydney, the Department of Medical Entomology at Westmead Hospital has launched a special Bed Bug Web site. “Bed Bugs during the early part of the 21st century have undergone a massive resurgence and there has been a notable lack of quality information available on this re-emerging public health pest,” it says.

[snipped]

Chinese authorities have spent millions of dollars trying to eradicate bed bugs and other “harms” before the 2008 Olympics begin on August 8.

More of that on this news article.

As everyone should be aware, these little buggers may actually climb off the bed and onto the luggages. As a result, delegates may be bringing the buggers back to their homeland after the events.

So, travelers… be safe and be aware!

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Bed Bugs is a worldwide problem

The product works to prevent and protect the user from allergies, with its three-sided zippers (BugLock) the company has patented. It also has a Miracle Membrane feature, which essentially means it’s 100% waterproof.

Aller-zip carries a 10 year protection plan. The item may be purchased at most bedding stores as well as the Guardsman website.

Protect either mattress or box spring. Bed bug and dust mite infestations are serious problems that can cause a variety of health concerns including asthma, eczema and allergies. Aller-Zip mattress and box spring encasements provide an effective barrier to infestation. Because treatments cant reach the core of an already infected mattress and box spring, they usually need to be disposed of - but no longer. Aller-Zip protects your mattress investment and most importantly, your health. Its cotton, terry-cloth fabric toplayer is soft and comfortable under your sheets. Guaranteed against leaks or tears for 2 years or the factory will replace the pad at no cost.

Via Allerzip at Amazon

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Guardsman and Protect-A-Bed partners to bring Aller-Zip

In a nutshell, the bill would seek to create a grant program with the Department of Commerce that would mean the allocation of  $50,000,000 yearly to fight bed bugs.

Chime in the discussion with other citizens here.

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The Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite Act of 2008

According to the MinnPost, the said program, when implemented efficiently and properly, results in the following based on Duluth’s numbers:

• 9 pounds of cotton in a mattress (average)
• 25 pounds of steel in a mattress (average)
• 1,500 mattresses a month to Duluth Goodwill Industries (and growing!)
• 360 pounds per cubic yard–compaction rate of mattresses
• 1,600 pounds per cubic yard–compaction rate of garbage without mattresses

The ISPA (International Sleep Products Association) is in fact considering Duluth’s initiative as a “national model for mattress recycling.”

Via MinnPost

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More mattress recycling program spearheaded this summer…

“The Healthcare Commission have an important role to play in ensuring high standards and we welcomed and cooperated fully with their inspection of both Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals on 5th and 6th June,” says Ashford and St. Peter’s Chief Executive, Paul Bentley. “Whilst the initial feedback we received from the visit was positive we were concerned to learn on the afternoon of 13th June that an improvement notice was to be issued in respect of a special pressure relieving ‘air’ mattress decontamination room and a risk assessment on a bench top steriliser, at Ashford Hospital. Acknowledging these observations we have already taken action to start to resolve these issues including the immediate closure on the evening of 13th June of the small decontamination room.”

Ashford and St. Peter’s is a 534 bed hospital service with 66 beds on the Ashford Hospital site. Ordinary mattresses used for the majority of patients are cleaned on the wards and are not affected by the improvement notice. The small mattress decontamination room at Ashford Hospital, mentioned in the improvement notice, was used to hand clean two or three special pressure relieving ‘air’ mattresses per week. Due to the nature of services at Ashford Hospital the turnover on these special pressure relieving ‘air’ mattresses is small and does not impact on the delivery of clinical services.

Mattress decontamination at St. Peter’s Hospital is entirely separate and is not identified in the improvement notice. Patient services at both Ashford and St. Peter’s have not been affected by the closure of the small decontamination facility at Ashford.

Via Medical Today

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Mattress Infection at Hospital

The foam is sent to Wisconsin, where it will serve as material for carpet underlay. Wooden frames from the mattresses become fuel for the paper mill while the cotton are sent to locomotive companies to use for their oil filters. The only thing they haven’t no use for so far? The fiber layer called or shoddy.

“One of the challenges that we’ve seen there is the steel springs - that they’re not compressible,” Hagen said. “We’ve looked at shredding the springs, but that’s cost prohibitive.”

Right now Goodwill just gives the springs to an auto recycler, which chews them up with the old cars. But that doesn’t return any money to the mattress project.

Via MPR

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Duluth’s Mattress recycling program

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Bed Bug Treatment Preparation

• Control cockroaches. Cockroaches are an asthma trigger. Dead cockroaches and cockroach droppings contain allergens that can provoke asthma attacks. Raid(R) Roach Bates keeps killing bugs for up to four weeks. To prevent future roach problems, remember exposed food attracts them. Use Ziploc(R) bags and containers to protect leftover food and make sure garbage cans have lids.
• Banish dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic spiders usually found in large quantities in house dust. With an estimated 40,000 dust mites in an ounce of dust, clean up surface dust as often as possible using a product like Pledge(R) with Allergen Trappers(TM).
• Combat mold. When humidity is high, mold can be a problem in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Make sure these areas have good air circulation and are cleaned often. Keep a dehumidifier in the basement to reduce moisture from leaks or flooding. Run a fan for at least 20 minutes after showers or baths to vent warm, moist air.
• Attack the germs. Colds and flu can increase allergy attacks and worsen allergies. Help keep these at bay by using Oust(R) Surface Disinfectant & Air Sanitizer which kills 99.9 percent of germs and viruses on hard, non-porous surfaces.
• Protect linens from allergens. Sheets, pillows and fabric curtains can harbor dust mites, mold and other allergens. Use airtight, antibacterial mattress and pillow covers and wash all linens weekly in
  hot water.

Via SC Johnson

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SC Johnson’s Summer Care Tips

It’s also an unhealthy practice. So close to the floor, which can be colder, the temperature may also contribute to the build up of dust and pollen in the mattress. It may seep through the material and I may end up getting allergies and skin irritation.

That’s a food for thought to remember, in taking care of your mattresses.

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Mattress Without Frames

Simmons has issued a recall of some 20,000 crib mattresses because they do not meet the required 27 1/4 inch width. The mattresses for recall are said to be smaller and may cause a gap which could prove harmful and unsafe. One incident has been reported based on this.

The release about the recall provides more information.

If you were able to purchase this, contact Simmons Kids for a replacement 1-800-810-8611.

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Simmons Crib Mattress Recall

“We don’t know how many children are bed-sharing without incident, but we thought it would only be responsible of us to report this number of children are dying,” said Karen Bridgeman-Acker, a child welfare specialist who worked on the report. “We think bed-sharing is definitely a factor in those deaths.”

But parents are recommended to assess bed-sharing practices, with babies sleeping in cribs inside the parents’ bedroom instead of sleeping directly on the bed.

“If there is an increased number of deaths in the bed-sharing situation, it might just be because there is an increased number of (parents) bed-sharing,” said Dr. Aurore Cote, who co-authored the Canadian Paediatric Society’s statement on safe sleep for babies. “We have plenty of data to show this is the case.”

The society recommends babies sleep in a crib in the parents’ bedroom, Cote said, but doesn’t discourage cuddling with the child to ease breastfeeding. She pointed to evidence that autopsies of babies who died in cribs or after sharing their parents’ bed sometimes reach the same conclusion: that cause of death can’t be determined. It’s wrong to call the first situation “crib death” while labelling the latter an actual cause, Cote said.

Parents who use drugs or alcohol or who use too many pillows and blankets are also reasons bed-sharing goes awry, said Teresa Pitman, spokewoman for the La Leche League of Canada, which teaches women how to sleep safely with their babies to facilitate breastfeeding.

“I certainly recognize the concern, when you look at babies dying,” she said. “I just think there might be a different approach to making it safer, rather than turning away from it.”

Via Canadian Press

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Bed sharing is still a deadly problem

Study: Bunk Beds Have Built-in Risks
Bunk Beds Send an Estimated 36,000 Americans Under 21 to the ER Every Year

Today’s feature on Bed Bunk Danger
NBC’s Kevin Tibbles reports on a new study outlining the dangers of bunk beds for kids. TODAY’s Matt Lauer talks to Nancy Nord of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

College students face bunk bed risks
Bunk beds don’t just pose a hazard to young children: they can also be a bad idea for risk-taking college students, new research suggests. A nationwide study of bunk bed-related injuries in the U.S. found an unexpected spike in injuries in 18- to 21-year-olds, who experience twice as many injuries as younger teenagers. Researchers don’t know why, but they suspect it’s normal, rowdy dorm behaviour.

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Bed Bunks and Safety

Do you know that it isn’t advisable to have someone else sleep on the floor next to a waterbed mattress? Accordingly, this practice is unsafe as possible dangers pose in this type of set-up. What if the mattress suddenly collapses? Similarly, no one should ever attempt to go under a waterbed mattress. Imagine the kind of possible injury one might incur in a situation like this.

Waterbed mattresses are not usually kid friendly. Not especially when they carry around toys with them; or have some kid jump on top of it; or have an infant sleep there. If you have a waterbed mattress in the house, it is best to avoid letting children near the waterbed mattress.

Waterbed mattresses require regular checking and maintenance. When as the last time you did this for yours?

Photo via Traumwriter

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Waterbed Mattress Safety

At $29.99, have the complete cleaning system that is especially helpful in keeping your mattresses in tip top shape. The set comes with a stain removal solution, a protectant and an after cleanser and deodorizer. These takes care of your mattress cleaning problems, even after the first cleaning. I especially like the deodorizer and protectant, which may be applied to regularly.

Via Denver Mattress

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Mattress Care Protectant and Stain Removal

There are many ways to do it so here’s one more easy to follow guide I found off YouTube.

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Clean your mattress the right way

In choosing the right mattress and pillow it must be…

Ergonomic Mattress:

• Designed to conform to the spine’s natural curves and to keep the spine in alignment when you lay down.
• Designed to distribute pressure evenly across the body to help circulation, decrease body movement and enhance sleep quality.
• Designed to minimize the transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to the other.

Ergonomic Pillows:

• Designed to keep the spine in natural alignment.
• Designed for maximum adjustability.
• Designed with the ability to be fluffed to fit the unique contour, shape, and sleeping posture of the user.
• Designed to support different sleep positions.
• Designed to support the head.
• Designed to provide tactile softness.
• Designed to eliminate pressure points.
• Designed to increase facial air circulation.
• Designed as hypoallergenic.

Via Cornell University Hotel Ergonomics

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Ergonomic Mattress and Pillows

The Atlas Orthosomatic mattress is composed of five layers of softness, which is why it may be considered one of the best mattresses in the market. The layers are made up natural rubber sheet, cocofiber and seaweed. This mattress is metal free and is wrapped with a zipped quilted cotton cover that may be easily washed.

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Atlas Orthosomatic Mattress

The Iraklis mattress is specifically for children or petite people’s use only.  Because the mattress is of low-elasticity, it can only support light weight bodies perfectly. The materials to this mattress include horse hair, seaweed, natural coconut rubber fibre and natural rubber sheet — everything that comprises what good sleep on a really soft mattress is.

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Iraklis Orthosomatic Mattress

The Anemoni mattress topper is made from 100% biodegradable shredded coco rubber and is left untampered with. Elasticity would have to be vary from section to section and from topper to topper.

The Anemoni, while very safe and healthy for sleep as it provides ample support to the body, is also not washable or removable.

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Anemoni Orthosomatic Mattress Topper