Objective
To investigate the ability of a product to prevent the escape of encased bed bugs.
Test Description
All bed bug testing is performed in a specially designed chamber where both temperature and relative humidity are controlled. The test product and control are set up as per manufacturer’s instructions.
Both pillow and mattress protectors can be tested on a full-size scale.
Pillow Protector
Bed bugs at different life stages (1st – 5th instar nymphs and adults) are placed inside pillow protectors, along with standard sized pillows. Each pillow is placed in a Ziploc enclosure. This is to ensure a proper seal from the outside environment and containment of the bed bugs if they escape from the pillow protector. Test samples are visually examined weekly (without removing pillow protectors from the enclosure) and compared to control samples.
Length of testing: 3 weeks
Mattress Protector
PVC frames are made to dimensions of a standard size twin bed (ex. Twin – 9″ x 29″ x 75″, 22.9 x 99 x 190.5 cm) and covered with a standard sized mattress protector. Bed bugs at different life stages (1st – 5th instar nymphs and adults) are placed inside the mattress protector, and the entire system is enclosed in a transparent storage bag. The Storage bag is sealed with spray adhesive and clear packing tape to ensure a proper seal from the outside environment and containment of the bed bugs if they escape from the mattress protector. Test samples are visually examined weekly without removing the mattress protector and frame from the enclosure and compared to control samples.
Length of testing: 4 weeks
Customer Benefit
- The results generated by this test allow manufacturers to claim that their product provides a barrier against bed bugs at different life cycle stages.
- Enables preliminary testing of a prototype product, comparison of different product forms and verification of product claims
- Full-scale study of product for more vigorous claim verification
Third Party Validation
After a successful assessment, the product can be labelled as having been tested by airmid healthgroup in support of any claim relating to the test and data received.
Bed Bug Photo Gallery
