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Re-activateBedbugs make mattress manufacturers especially squeamish. That's because when used mattresses aren't disposed of properly, they may be sold to "renovators" who put a new cover on them without sanitizing them or disclosing that the bedding is made from used materials.
The International Sleep Products Association, a mattress trade group, is trying to get tougher state laws enacted that address used and renovated mattresses and the growing bed bug infestation. ISPA is working with legislators in Connecticut, Florida, New York and Tennessee—states the trade group says have been hardest hit by bed bugs. This week Florida legislators are considering an ISPA-backed bill requiring renovators to sanitize mattresses before reselling.
North Carolina and Texas are examples of states with good used mattress sanitization laws and regulations, says Christopher Hudgins, vice president of government relations and policy for IPSA. But enforcing laws in any state is another matter, he adds.
New mattresses usually have a white tag or label, which states that the mattress contains all new materials. Federal law mandates that mattresses with used stuffing carry a tag or label disclosing that fact. When shopping for a mattress, pass on ones without a label. Bargain bedding won't save you money if it brings bedbugs into your home. For tips on ensuring your mattress really is new, read Twice upon a mattress, then consult our mattress buying guide and our Ratings of brands and mattress retailers (available to subscribers).
—Kimberly Janeway
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