As bedding-protection products evolve, so do the views of hoteliers and guests on what’s expected from properties and the bedding solutions they purchase.
“Bedding protection basically initiated as mattress pads that were used to extend the usage of an otherwise worn-out, uncomfortable mattress,” said Sandra DiVito, VP of hospitality at Protect-A-Bed. “Over the years, as mattresses became more supportive, comfortable and durable, mattress pads covered up the spills and stains that the mattress endured through use. However, cloth mattress pads never addressed fluids and pest contamination and, therefore, never truly kept the mattress clean.”
Eventually, mattress pads became heavier and bulkier and, because of this, these products eventually became a source of fluid contamination. “Mattress pads basically were an absorption layer between the sleeper and a soiled mattress,” she said. “Some entities tried covering the beds with plastic sheeting; however, this proved to be very uncomfortable to the sleeper because it was noisy and hot—not a successful solution for a restful night’s sleep.”
Not only does the Pillowtex Pillow Protector keep pillows hypoallergenic by protecting them from dust and allergens, it also helps prolong the life of pillows and keeps them feeling supportive, according to the company. Even more, the Pillowtex Pillow Protector is constructed to withstand a hospitality environment with extended use and washing.
Just like other companies within the industry, to help solve this issue, Protect-A-Bed developed a cloth waterproof mattress cover, which fits on the mattress securely like a fitted sheet.
“Protect-A-Bed progressed to offer a variety of fabrics, natural fibers, natural blends, microfibers backed with a permanent waterproof polyurethane membrane, which allows air to pass through, keeping the mattress dry and clean, and it was easy to launder,” she said.
Vinyl, polyester and other synthetics are popular materials for protection products. “Product improvements have happened all around, including more breathable yet waterproof patented fabric technologies,” said Roger Doyon, SVP and GM at CleanBrands LLC. These materials tend to be more durable and resistant to tearing and staining.
“Most hoteliers are selecting a durable, breathable, polyester knit fabric that has micro fibers, which absorb fluids,” DiVito said. “It’s similar to a running shirt. This product has a great feel, is easy to launder, and durable in a commercial environment. We also offer products in natural fibers, such as cotton, cotton/polyester blends, tencel (a eucalyptus-based fiber) and bamboo.”
While bedding-protection products have improved, the industry is still grappling with issues. “Unfortunately, there are many ‘knockoffs’ on the market,” DiVito said. “When you attempt to value engineer an innovative product, you always sacrifice something—durability, fit, performance, etc. Today, we have seen products that fit terribly. They look like a big sack on the bed.”
New issues do arise from these “knockoff” solutions. “A loose encasement will be noisy and can feel bulky under the sheets,” she said. “It is unsightly to the guest and can create difficulty for housekeeping when making the bed. The loose fit actually creates harborage points, hiding early detection of pests. Some do not have scientifically tested and endorsed pet control closures. Some products are water resistant, not waterproof. Some fabrics do not absorb fluids. The fluids just roll off the bed, creating a bigger mess. Some products have shrinkage issues when in a commercial environment. Not all encasements are created equal.”
ActiveGuard Mattress Liners are developed to kill bed bugs and dust mites through contact on mattresses and box springs. These mattress liners were derived from bed nets, used worldwide over the past 50-plus years to protect against mosquitoes and malaria. Originally designed as a simple and proactive alternative to encasements for control of house dust mites (long associated with asthma in children and adults), these active liners have been shown to be effective against bed bugs in lab research and extensive multi-year field studies, including those highly resistant field populations studied, according to the company.
To determine product quality, there are a couple of factors to consider. “First, how does that product stand up to use and wash,” Matthew Victor, national sales director of George Courey Inc., said. “We encourage our customers to wash our product thoroughly to ensure they are satisfied with the product over multiple uses and washes. Second, you need to look at the fastening mechanism to ensure that it truly protects the mattress. Does the product come with a locking mechanism? Does it have an internal flap ensuring it is a full encasement? Does it provide a barrier to fluids even after multiple washes? Does it still fit the mattress after shrinkage?”
There are also factors for hoteliers to consider when examining companies.
“What is the reputation of the company?” Doyon asked. “How long have they been in business? Does your preferred distributor stock the product in their warehouses? What are the warranty terms?”
With regard to bedding-protection products, hybrid bedding systems are expected to continue to grow in 2019 and beyond. These systems are designed to protect bedding from liquid damage and mattresses from pests.
“I think we can look forward to seeing products in the future that do an even better job of enveloping the mattress and boxspring,” Victor said. “Think of the future product as a second skin.”
Bedding-protection awareness will also continue to evolve as new technologies surface, even when they’re not directly related to bedding protection. For example, TripAdvisor enables guests to publish their guestroom experiences. This keeps properties in check.
“[Guests] are also more savvy, knowing to check the mattress for protective products and inspecting mattresses for both staining and the possibility of bed bugs,” he said. “Protecting your bedding from bed bugs is almost a requirement for today’s hotel owners. One case, which leads to one review, can drastically change the profitability of a hotel. When was the last time you didn’t check TripAdvisor before choosing a hotel?”
CKI Solutions’ Easy Care 360 Mattress Encasement offers full protection, can be washed in hot water and features a fully removable zip-off top for easy laundering. Laboratory tested, the product is 100% effective against liquid stains, mold, mildew, viruses, odors, dust mites, allergens and bed bugs, according to the company.
Guests aren’t the only ones becoming more knowledgable on bed bugs. Hoteliers are educating themselves through various means.
“The biggest trend in mattress protection is the education of the hotelier,” DiVito said. “Over the last several years, we have spent large amounts of time, effort and energy educating the hotelier about the value of cloth waterproof mattress protection through industry trade articles and Q&A columns, webinars, networking events, and tradeshows conducting live demonstrations of our product.
“However, the greatest evolution is how many GMs and executive housekeepers have experienced the benefits at property level for themselves,” she said. “Once they realize the many day-to-day operational savings this product offers them, they have become our biggest advocates.”
