Home Publisher's Point of View Make Mattress Encasements Part of Your Green Story

Make Mattress Encasements Part of Your Green Story

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Glenn Hasek

Close your eyes and throw a stick at just about every trade show lately and you are bound to hit somebody selling mattress and box spring encasements. A bit of an exaggeration I admit but there are a lot of folks selling these items and you would be wise to ask suppliers what makes their product “the right fit” for your property. I contacted a bunch of companies that sell encasements for information, but response was limited; I only managed to interview one person but there was ample information available on the companies’ websites.

Mattress and box spring encasements can be considered “green” because they can extend the life of the mattress and keep it out of the landfill. They can also be considered an important part of your attempt to minimize/eliminate exposure to the allergens, dust mites, dead cells that exist in mattresses as they age. As my article explains, not all encasements are the same. You definitely want one that is bed bug proof, as most are these days. Having one that is waterproof throughout is also critical given what fluids can end up on a mattress. If your encasement is waterproof on one side only, what does that mean if your mattress is flipped?

Ergonomics comes into play with encasements as well. Keep your housekeepers in mind; encasements should be easy to install. Some are easier than others. Not all encasements are made from the same material either. Some, for example, include TENCEL branded lyocell fibers that are of botanic origin. Extracted from wood, TENCEL fibers are more absorbent than cotton, softer than silk and cooler than linen. You do want your encasements to “breathe” and help keep your guests cool. Plus, it adds to your property’s green story to be using natural fibers.

Removable Zip Off Top

Protect-A-Bed touts the snug fit of its encasements. This eliminates excess fabric which can create a breeding ground for bed bugs. Cadence Keen Innovations makes encasements that last up to 300 washes. Sam Montross, CEO, says her company offers the Easy Care 360 mattress encasement that features a removable zip off top that makes the encasement easy to take on and off.

“Almost all [suppliers] want you to wash in cold water,” Montross says. “You can wash ours in hot water.”

When asked for encasement buying advice, Montross said, “Before making a big investment, ask for the lab reports. She adds, “Hoteliers should consider encasements for more reasons than just the bed bugs. When mattresses are encased, the room is healthier to sleep in. The CDC says that after five years that mattress is toxic. When you encase that mattress, you protect it from those dead cells.”

There is at least one company that sells encasements with bed bug pesticides built in to the fabric. Montross says these should only be used on the box springs. And, housekeepers should use gloves when installing these.

Share your lessons learned about encasements with our readers by writing to editor@greenlodgingnews.com.

Green Lodging News Adds Speakman, Resort Energy Ventures as Directory Partners

Green Lodging News welcomes Speakman and Resort Energy Ventures as Green Product & Service Directory partners. Speakman, a leading producer of high-performing, water-saving water fixtures, has completely re-engineered its line of fixed and hand-held showerheads to feature lower, more efficient flow rates. From thermal retention to spray velocity, Speakman has designed a substantial assortment of eco-friendly products that save water without sacrificing performance. For additional information, call (800) 537-2107 or e-mail tscanzillo@speakman.com. View the company’s videos here.

Resort Energy Ventures was founded to assist the hospitality industry and other organizations located in high energy cost regions meet their energy needs with responsible, sustainable, and economically viable solutions. The company provides corporate renewable energy deployment strategies, portfolio analysis, and individual project development services for renewable energy, battery, and microgrid systems. Resort Energy Ventures’ approach is to maximize return on investment while meeting sustainability objectives. In resort locations, particularly islands, Resort Energy Ventures has proven that green approaches to energy supply, including renewable energy and battery storage, can radically reduce costs while meeting socially desired goals. E-mail info@resortenergyventures.com, or call (720) 722-1250.

Virginia Green Travel Conference Set for March 1 to 2

I will be one of the keynote speakers at the 5th Annual Virginia Green Travel Conference & Travel Star Awards. The event will take place March 1 to 2 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center and is being put together by the Virginia Green Travel Alliance. The event will feature two days packed with keynote speaker presentations, educational sessions, Green Tourism Business Expo, Travel Star Awards and much more. My presentation is entitled, “Trends in Hotel Sustainability: The Convergence of Awareness, Inspiration & Innovation.” I hope to see you there.

Suppliers interested in exhibiting during the Green Tourism Business Expo should contact Tom Griffin, Executive Director of the Virginia Green Travel Alliance at (804) 986-9119, or by e-mail at tom@greenerresults.com. Hoteliers can register for the conference here.

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