Guest Columnist
Bedbugs, Dust Mites, Mold Spores… OH MY!
By
Sep 2, 2010 - 8:52:36 AM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - It’s been reported that 80% of bedbug infestations are found in mattresses and box springs. Complaints about bedbug infestations are sharply on the rise, and they aren’t the only things lurking in the shadows of your mattress, joining pollen, dust mites, spiders, mold spores, and other contaminants. As these bloodsucking nuisances invade bedrooms, living rooms, hotel rooms, offices, and even theaters, people want to know how to stop this scourge.

While there are plenty of specialty sleep products on the market, there are also some simple, inexpensive steps that can keep your bedroom safe and healthy.

Here are 10 simple tips to help consumers prevent infestations:

1. Waterproof Mattress Pad: One of the easiest and cheapest ways to inhibit exposure to insects, mold, and allergens is a good mattress pad. The best ones are waterproof, breathable, and have soft terrycloth feel (no more crinkly plastic!). A mattress pad is a good idea anyway, and a waterproof one will keep moisture out of the interior of the mattress.
2. Know the Enemy: Bedbugs (bites), dust mites (excrement), mold (spores), and pollen each present different symptoms and different levels of risk. If you're experiencing symptoms, take the time to carefully examine your environment to be sure you know what may be causing them.
3. Call in Reinforcements: If there is evidence of bedbugs or insect eggs in or around your mattress, call a pest control expert immediately. Do not wait, and do not try to combat them yourself. If you do replace the mattress, make sure to notify the delivery/removal company so they can take proper precautions to avoid spreading the problem with each subsequent delivery.

4. Never Allow a Mattress to get Wet: Guard against spills carefully, and never use anything more than a damp cloth or spray fabric cleaner to clean any dirty spots. The foams and quilting inside is an inviting breeding ground for bacteria and mold when wet.
5. Wash Thoroughly and Frequently: Pollen, dust and other airborn allergens accumulate quickly, especially in the spring. Most people wash their sheets far more often than their blankets and mattress pads, allowing debris to build up. Don’t forget to wash mattress covers and removable pillow covers, and even bedskirts and ruffles.
6. Avoid the “Bogeyman” by Cleaning Often: Maybe kids' fears of monsters under the mattress are justified. Vacuum (or sweep) under the mattress, headboard, nightstands the underside of the box spring periodically to avoid an accumulation so close to where you’re breathing all night.

7. Make Sure a New Mattress is Sealed in Plastic: Remember, the same truck that brings your new mattress has taken old and possibly infested mattresses out of other customers' homes before you. Be sure your mattress is sealed in plastic and not unwrapped until its in your bedroom.
8. Tread Carefully and be Aware of your Surroundings: Use extra caution in apartments and hotels, any common areas where bedbugs can hitch a ride into your bedroom. Do not leave upholstered furniture outside, or sit on upholstered furniture that's been left outside. That old couch on the porch or the lawn may have a lot more than rainwater and mold in it.

9. Follow Manufacturers’ Instructions: Review and follow the care instructions provided with your mattress, including rotating your mattress to extend its comfort life.

10. Avoid Secondhand Bedroom Furniture: While the price might be tempting, avoid hand-me-down mattresses and bedroom furniture, and never buy used (“refurbished”) mattresses. Even well-meaning friends and family could unknowingly pass materials that didn't cause symptoms for them, but might for you.

About the Author: Evan Saks

Evan Saks launched www.Create-A-Mattress.com in May 2010 after a lifetime of experience in bedding, retailing, and e-commerce. With a family history in the mattress industry, coupled with years at 1-800-Mattress/Dial-A-Mattress, his knowledge of the marketplace makes him uniquely qualified to help consumers easily find the right product configuration to best serve their needs. Prior to starting Create-A-Mattress, Saks had been Vice President of Marketing for 1-800-Mattress (“Dial-A-Mattress”) for almost 10 years, where he redefined the company’s brand identity, competitive position and long-term message platform. The site offers top quality waterproof mattress pads in various sizes.

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