So how do you decide which type of mattress to buy? Why do the prices span such a wide spectrum from suspiciously cheap to crazy expensive? 

In Part I of this three part blog series, we compared buying mattresses from what turns out to be a pretty extensive menu.  It starts with the mattress core. Next is the mattress cover.   

Here are a few basics of mattress covers for commercial and group living environments:

• Nylon for mattress covers is referred to as either as generic “nylon” or by brand name like SoFlux. Nylon has many advantages including stain, bacteria, fungus and fluid resistance. It has a soft touch and feels pretty much like a residential mattress under bed sheets. Nylon allows for more “breathing” which results in a cooler night’s sleep.
• Cloth covers are typically a pinstripe cover usually comprised of cotton or a ploy-cotton blend.  Cloth covers are the least popular cover type for commercial installations due to its susceptibility to stains, bacteria and fungus. Residential mattresses typically have cloth covers because it is highly breathable and comfortable but cloth is not recommended for commercial applications.
• Vinyl is a multi-ply laminated textile with a coated surface. As a mattress cover, vinyl is a highly durable due to its highly fluid, bacteria and fungal resistance. There are a wide variety of vinyls that differ in stretchability, softness and comfort. Due to its ability to stretch, vinyl is resistant to tearing and punctures. Newer technology in vinyl has given rise to premium brands like Correct Tick, a very soft and pliable vinyl that is far more comfortable for sleeping than traditional vinyls that tend to be stiff and hot during sleeping.  That being said, traditional vinyls are still a cost-effective and durable solution for both group living and healthcare applications.

For any healthcare, business or government facility the safety of clients, guests and visitors is a top priority. 

What the Heck is CAL. 117 & CAL. 133 Anyway?

Explaining Flammability Standards in Upholstered Furniture. 

California Technical Bulletin 117 was enacted into California law in 1975.  CAL. 117 as it is commonly referred to created flammability standards for concealed filling materials and fabrics used on upholstered furniture.  A 1992 companion legislation created California Bulletin 133 (CAL. 133).  While CAL. 117 was primarily focused on filling, foam and fabric, CAL. 133 was designed to test the upholstered piece as a whole.  So, instead of looking at how well components performed as in CAL. 117, CAL. 133 tested the entire assembled piece of furniture.  The California legislations were considered to be comprehensive enough that many states adopted them to govern furniture standards for seating used in public areas.