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UV Lights and Mattresses

March 1, 2011 by mattress1982

Mattresses are not the most sanitary item in the home. They are often embedded with bacteria, viruses, and most notoriously, dust mites. Dust mites are difficult to kill by ordinary means as they are practically invisible to the human eye, and burrow deep down within the layers of the mattress. They feed off of dead skin that sheds from the body while sleeping, and excrete droppings, which can cause allergies, headaches, inflammation of the mucus membranes and other health problems.

Most Effective Methods of Mattress Cleaning

The older a mattress is, the greater the infestation. Although vacuuming is helpful, it only removes the mites on the surface, and leaves behind countless other mites in the deeper layers. So then, how do you deal with these creatures effectively?

One of the most effective mattress cleaning methods is the use of UV light. UV stands for ultraviolet, and is a technology that mimics the rays of the sun, which is a natural purifier. UV light, specifically UV-C light, when used as an indoor cleaner, serves as a germicide, destroying bacteria, viruses, mold and even dust mites within a split second.

UV Light against Mites and Germs

While you can’t purchase UV light in a bottle, there is a product on the market that uses UV rays to sterilize mattresses from these notorious microorganisms. The Hygienitech Mattress Cleaning System is a portable cleaning device that uses high frequency waves along with UV-C light and powerful suction to eradicate and extract mites and other particles and germs from the layers of the mattress. In as little as 15 minutes for a single mattress, and 30 minutes for a double mattress, the fibers can be purified just as if the rays of the sun were to clean it itself. There is also a plant-based spray that comes with the system, which is a deodorizing and sanitizing spray that can be used not only on the mattress, but also on the carpeting and upholstery.

It is suggested to use the Hygienitech Mattress Cleaning System every six months to rid your mattress of the accumulation of any of these bacteria and skin-eating critters. If your mattress is old, you’ll want to put it to use right away. Also, if you’ve been having allergy problems such as sneezing or itchy eyes when waking up in the morning, you may notice a great improvement, since you will no longer be breathing in foreign objects that can often be irritants and thus cause allergy flare-ups.

Something as simple as cleaning a mattress with UV light can help make for a better night’s sleep, not only literally, but also in regard to peace of mind. If we were to see the multitude of germs and creepy critters that are thriving in the fibers of our mattresses, we would be extremely repulsed. And since we can’t bring the sun indoors, it’s good that there are modern inventions that can help replicate the sun’s purifying qualities.

So, say goodbye to dust mites in your mattress, and say hello to sleeping in more sanitary conditions. UV light does it all!

Mattress and bedding related UV products and services:

EcoGecko UV Light and Vacuum

Verilux CleanWave UV-C Sanitizing Wand

Verilux CleanWave UV-C Sanitizing Bed Vacuum

Hygienitech Mattress Cleaning System

Should I Ever Buy a Used Mattress?

March 1, 2011 by mattress1982

Let’s face it. Most of us like to find ways to save money, and that includes purchasing items that are used. Some have no reservations about hitting the rummage sales or browsing through the local thrift store.

However, when it comes to choosing a mattress, most experts agree that you should never buy a used one.

Used Mattress vs. New Mattress

Used mattresses can pose a health issue and sanitation issue, and no matter how much you clean them, you never know if you’ve gotten them clean enough. Years of dead skin and microscopic insects are likely lurking in the layers of the mattress, which are quite deep. Additionally, you never know what kind of prior accidents might have happened on the mattress, including bed-wetting mishaps, blood stains or nausea outbreaks. Cold and flu germs could even possibly be embedded in the fibers.

Choosing a Mattress – Think about Dust Mites and Bed Bugs

One of the most common insects that live in mattresses is the dust mite. Dust mites are not visible to the human eye, so even after you’ve cleaned, there is no telling whether or not all of the little critters have been eradicated or if any still remain. Dust mites feed off of the dead skin that flakes off of the human body, and leave feces wherever they go. These invisible bugs love mattresses, logically because there are loaded with dead skin, and they likely take up long-term residence in the fibers. For some, dust mites cause allergies, and no one wants to break out into a sneezing fit when they’re trying to get some sleep.

Bed bugs are another concern. Although they seemed to have been unheard of since the early 1940’s, bed bugs have actually been on the rise again over the past decade or more. A bed bug, also known as a wall louse or redcoat, is a parasite that feeds off of human blood. Certainly no one wants to be the late night dinner of these insects, let alone have them crawling within the four walls of your bedroom!

In fact, if you were to examine the fibers of a used mattress under a scientific microscope, it would be enough to make you run away screaming in complete disgust. All of the filth and bacteria that you would be subjecting yourself to is not worth shortcut of trying to buy used. And, the greatest horror is that it’s not even your dirt! Who knows who used the mattress before you!

Sure, you could hire a professional to come and deep clean the mattress, but since services such as these are pricey, in the end you would not be saving yourself money in the long run. Additionally, most mattresses are not meant to last that long anyway. The maximum life expectancy for a mattress is approximately ten years; so if you were to purchase a used mattress, who knows how long it would be usable? It could be completely shot within a year or two.

Finding the Best Mattress for You

In conclusion, when choosing a mattress, it’s best to buy new. Just like you would not want to buy a used pair of shoes or someone else’s previously sampled cosmetics, you don’t want to rub someone else’s bacteria from their mattress all over your body. The best mattress is a brand new, perfectly clean mattress – one that you know will last you a number of years, and when you clean it, you at least know that the germs you are removing are your own.

Pillow Covers and Dust Mites

March 1, 2011 by mattress1982

regular pillow covers — CC Flickr photo courtesy of andybutkaj.

If you wake up in the morning feeling stuffy and have trouble breathing it may not be due to a change in the weather or the coming on of a cold. It could be something even more troubling, dust mites. Allergens from dust mites is the number one cause of allergen rhinitis and these unattractive tiny critters, smaller than a grain of sand, can be living in your pillows and blankets without being seen.

How to Protect Yourself if You’re Suffering from Allergies?

If you suffer from allergies, you can take steps to protect yourself from the effects of allergens by using dust mite pillow covers as well as dust mite mattress containment covers. Many of these dust mite pillow covers look like the regular covers, but are made of special material that prevents the allergens from getting through to the pillow. Most are designed for you to use as a decorative pillow case over dust mite covers.

In addition, these covers can also protect you from pet dander and other allergens that accumulate on bedding. Some dust mite mattress and pillow covers use a urethane membrane to block allergens and can be especially useful for children as they are waterproof. However, dust mite covers without membranes are softer and more comfortable.

Depending on the severity of allergies, a dust mite mattress cover should be used with dust mite protective covers for your pillows to offer full protection. How well the covers will stop mites from getting to your pillows and mattresses will depend on the fabric being used. Fabrics have openings in the weave that allows the material to breathe. A dust mite cover should have openings no larger than 2.8 microns, which will block out most dust mites that average about 10 microns. Cat and dog dander averages about 3 microns.

Cleaning the Covers

It’s the tight weave in the fabric that keeps the allergens out, but they do need some care and cleaning to remain effective. In general, dust mite mattress covers will only need cleaned every four months and the dust mite pillow covers should be cleaned in warm or hot water about every two weeks. Although washing instructions may vary slightly by manufacturer, they should be tumble dried on low heat and never used with bleach.

Keep in mind that buying dust mite pillow covers and using a dust mite cover for your mattress will keep any more allergens from accumulating on pillows and mattresses, but will not eliminate what may already be living there. Before putting the covers in place you should vacuum the mattress with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. Pillows can be placed in the dryer, without washing them, to help remove existing allergens before placing them in dust mite covers. The heat in most residential driers is not high enough to kill dust mites, but can remove some through the lint filtering system.

Dust mites thrive in a humid atmosphere with 75 to 80 percent humidity, but can not survive when the humidity level drops below 50 percent. They may not present much of a problem in the dry, winter months, but maintaining a dust mite mattress cover all year will reduce the effects dust mites have on your health.

Mattress Warranties Help Protect Your Investment

February 28, 2011 by mattress1982

When you are thinking about buying a new mattress, there are many different types available; from water beds, air beds and traditional spring beds. The one thing most people look for when shopping are the mattress warranties, many believing it is an indication of the product’s durability. Unfortunately, this is usually not the case and buyers need to know how to buy a mattress before considering any warranty information.

What to Expect From a Mattress Warranty?

Depending on the manufacturer, a mattress warranty can be between 10 and 20 years, but that does not mean you should expect it to last that long. Most warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship and possibly design flaws, but even that leaves the manufacturer room for discussion in the event the mattress was not used under normal circumstances.

If you don’t know how to choose the right mattress you may want to ask someone who does. Lying on the bed in the store for at least 15 minutes will give you better idea about how to pick the right mattress, but if the foundation on which the mattress will rest once you get it home is different than the one in the store, it won’t feel the same. It may also void some mattress warranties.

Inner spring mattresses will often suffer from broken springs or ripped seams, many of which are covered under warranty. Waterbeds, hospital beds and adjustable beds will have different types of warranties covering more than the mattress alone. Although, some manufacturers may have a separate warranty for the mechanical functions of the bed that are not part of their mattress warranty.

On average, the mattress industry sees only about a one-percent return rate under mattress warranties. Before you buy a mattress based on the warranty alone, be sure to understand what it covers. Those who know how to find the right mattress understand that the foundation for the mattress will need to support it properly or the warranty could be voided. Also, if certain tags are removed or the frame is not designed for a certain type of use, the mattress warranty may not be honored.

Prorated Mattress Warranties

Additionally, some manufacturers pro-rate their warranties, meaning the longer you own the mattress the less the manufacturer will give for a replacement. If you understand how to buy a mattress before you get to the store, you will have a better chance of finding one that fits you and will be covered under the mattress warranty that protects your investment.

Many people find that after a few years, their mattress doesn’t provide the support they had in the beginning. Most who know how to choose the right mattress understand the mattress warranties are not a guarantee against normal wear and tear or from regular deterioration. It should be noted that mattress warranties are among the most consumer-friendly when compared to many other industries.

When you arrive at the store, don’t pretend you know everything about mattresses unless, of course, you do, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find out about the type of support that will be needed to maintain the firmness of the mattress, the foundation required and the frame you will need to help the mattress last longer and help extend its warranted life.

Dealing with Bed Bugs and your Mattress

February 28, 2011 by mattress1982

bedbug evidence mattress — CC Flickr photo of bed bug evidence courtesy of cuttlefish.

Bed bugs are nasty little creatures. Although bed bugs seemed to be a thing of the past, and were rarely heard of since the 1940’s and 50’s, over the past decade or so, bedbugs have made their return. This is due in large part to the fact that many of the chemicals used 60 years ago to eradicate such pests are no longer available for use.

What Are Bed Bugs

Bed bugs, as can be derived from the name, are parasites that live in bedding and like to show up during the night and feed off of the blood of humans. They are approximately a quarter-inch long and are reddish in color. You will know if your home or hotel room is infested with bed bugs if there are red bites on your skin, and brown bug excrement markings on your sheets as well as on your walls.

Sadly, if you visit a hotel that is infested with these critters, there is a possibility that you can carry them home with you on the sleeve of your shirt or the hem of your pants or blouse. They also can ride home on your luggage as well.

How to Kill Bed Bugs in a Mattress

If you do end up dealing with a bed bug infestation in your bedroom and mattress, it can be difficult to exterminate them altogether. Your best bet is going to be to get rid of the mattress completely, and make sure any new one is fully encased.

However, there are a number of resources online that can be helpful in learning how to kill bed bugs in a mattress.

One of the first things that you will want to do is inspect the room for any areas where bed bugs may be hiding. Vacuum everything thoroughly, including your box spring and mattress. Any linen that may have been infected should be washed in hot water or placed in the dryer for several minutes. Additionally, check the mattress for any holes or tears. If there are openings, then the bed bugs very well may have crawled inside and it may be impossible to get rid of them. You may have to resort to purchasing a new mattress.

Chemicals and Bed Bugs

However, if there are no tears in the fabric, then you can proceed by treating the mattress with an insecticide. Pyganic dust, Temprid SC Insecticide, phantom aerosol, and bedlam aerosols are all possibilities if you’re thinking how to kill bed bugs in a mattress. Apply these with special attention to the folds and seams of the mattress. You can also hire an exterminator to do the work for you, but you will likely spend a lot of money doing so.

Dry Steam Mattress Cleaning

If you don’t like using chemicals in your mattress cleaning, you can also utilize a steam cleaner. The heat from the steam will kill both the bed bugs and their eggs on contact. Be sure to apply the steam to all areas of the mattress including any crevices where the bugs might be hiding. A dry steam cleaning of a mattress is especially desirable as it lets off little moisture, thus reducing your chances of causing mildew growth on the mattress.

Regrettably, even after all of this effort, sometimes the bed bugs may still remain. If you miss any bugs and they lay more eggs, then you will have the same problem all over again. Simply put, be extremely thorough in your mattress cleaning, and keep in mind that these critters are very hard to get rid of.

Reputable Resources Related to Bed Bugs

The Mayo Clinic writes about bed bugs, and symptoms you might have if you are infested.

WebMD also has a good page about bed bugs.

The University of Kentucky has this informational bulletin about bed bugs.

The EPA also covers the issue of bed bugs in great detail.