June to August is the peak holiday season in the UK. As millions of Brits prepare to set off on their summer trips the sleep experts at MattressNextDay are warning all holidaymakers to avoid a common packing and unpacking mistake: placing your suitcase on the bed.
This seemingly innocent holiday habit could transfer bedbugs and bacteria to your bed 🤢🦟
As global travel picks up this summer, bedbugs are more likely to spread. These pests can hide in the small crevices of suitcases and easily transfer to your bed when you return home.
Studies have shown that two contagious bacteria can survive on mattresses Escherichia coli (E. Coli) and Staphylococcus aureus.
Research suggests that E. Coli could live in mattresses, with the bacteria able to survive for months on surfaces. The older your mattress, the more likely the bacteria is to thrive in these conditions.
E. Coli can cause diarrhoea and food poisoning and can even lead to illnesses such as pneumonia. So, if it can live on surfaces, it’s important to stay on top of cleaning all areas of your bedroom.
Staphylococcus aureus refers to a bacteria that can lead to skin infections, acne and, in some cases, pneumonia. Studies have found that this type of bacteria has a good survival rate on cot mattresses, with further research also revealing how it can lurk on your pillowcases.
How to prevent this from happening? Advice from a sleep expert 🛏️
Martin Seeley sleep expert and CEO at MattressNextDay recommends following these tips to prevent your suitcase from contaminating your bed “When you arrive at your hotel unpack your suitcase as far away from the bed as possible, ideally not on an upholstered surface as this is where bedbugs thrive such as carpet or a sofa. If you have a luggage rack unpack and store your suitcase there.
“When you arrive home unpack your suitcase on a hard floor, away from the bedroom, as you won’t be able to spot bed bugs in the carpet. Next, inspect your suitcase closely and use a flashlight to revise the seams, folds, and pockets of your suitcase. You should then vacuum your suitcase before placing it back in storage.”
Credit: https://www.mattressnextday.co.uk/mattresses/what-do-your-bedtime-habits-say-about-you
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