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Overview
Protect-A-Bed® achieved certification from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) for their Allerzip Smooth line of mattress and pillow encasements. Testing conducted by Airmid Healthgroup demonstrated the products’ effectiveness as allergen barriers, their resistance to water penetration, and their durability under real-world conditions. This certification further solidifies Protect-A-Bed®’s reputation as a global leader in mattress protection innovation.
Background
About Protect-A-Bed®:
Protect-A-Bed® is an industry leader in mattress protection, supplying top bedding specialists, furniture chains, and distributors worldwide. Their products are carried by major U.S. retailers such as J.C. Penney, Macy’s, and Sears and distributed in over 35 countries, including emerging markets like India, Russia, and Singapore.
About Airmid Healthgroup:
Airmid specializes in scientifically validating health claims for products in the built environment. Their expertise in allergen studies, material durability, and chemical safety ensures robust testing that meets certification requirements for leading organizations such as the AAFA.
The Challenge
Mattresses and pillows can harbor allergens such as house dust mites, a leading trigger for asthma and allergy symptoms. Protect-A-Bed® sought independent validation of their Allerzip Smooth line to confirm:
- Allergen Barrier Performance: The product’s ability to block allergens effectively.
- Water Resistance: Durability against water penetration to maintain hygiene and mattress longevity.
- Chemical Safety: Absence of chemicals at levels known to cause allergic or irritant responses.
- Durability: The encasements’ ability to withstand frequent washing while maintaining their protective properties.
Meeting these criteria was critical for earning AAFA certification and differentiating the products in a competitive market.
Goals
- Primary Goal: Obtain AAFA certification to validate the health and safety benefits of the Allerzip Smooth line.
- Secondary Goal: Strengthen Protect-A-Bed®’s position as a trusted innovator in allergen-resistant bedding solutions.
Solution/Approach
Airmid Healthgroup conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the Allerzip Smooth line across several key areas:
- Allergen Barrier Testing:
- Using Airmid’s passive allergen chamber, the products were tested to measure their effectiveness in preventing house dust mite allergens from accumulating on the surface.
- Allergen accumulation rates on the encasements were monitored over an extended period under controlled conditions.
- Water Resistance Testing:
- The encasements were tested for resistance to water penetration, ensuring they effectively protected the mattress or pillow from spills and stains.
- Durability Testing:
- Products were subjected to repeated washing cycles, simulating the care frequency recommended on the product’s care label.
- Tests verified that the encasements retained their protective properties and structural integrity after washing.
- Chemical Safety Assessment:
- A chemical analysis confirmed that the products did not contain substances at levels known to trigger allergic or irritant responses.
- Allergen Removal Validation:
- Airmid evaluated the ability to remove allergens from the encasement’s surface through standard domestic washing processes.
Key Results
- Effective Allergen Barrier: The encasements demonstrated excellent performance in preventing allergen accumulation on their outer surfaces.
- Allergen Removal Through Washing: Allergens were effectively removed from the encasements’ surface in standard domestic washing.
- Water Resistance: The encasements provided a reliable barrier to liquid penetration in a laboratory setting, maintaining mattress hygiene.
- Chemical Safety Compliance: The products did not contain any chemicals at levels above which they are known to cause allergic or irritant responses.
- Durability: The encasements retained their protective properties and structural integrity after repeated washing cycles.
Impact
Consumer Confidence: The AAFA certification reassured consumers of the Allerzip Smooth line’s ability to create healthier sleeping environments.
Market Leadership: Protect-A-Bed® solidified its position as a trusted innovator in allergen-resistant mattress protection solutions.
Public Health Benefits: The encasements help reduce exposure to allergens, supporting better sleep and overall respiratory health for people impacted b asthma and allergies.
Lessons Learned
- Comprehensive Testing Is Essential: The combination of allergen, water resistance, and chemical safety tests provided a holistic validation of product performance.
- Durability Matters: Ensuring that protective properties persist after repeated washing is crucial for consumer satisfaction and product longevity.
- Certification Enhances Market Position: Independent validation by a respected organization like AAFA creates a competitive advantage.
Conclusion
Protect-A-Bed®’s collaboration with Airmid Healthgroup highlights the importance of rigorous testing and certification in delivering high-quality, health-focused products. The success of the Allerzip Smooth line demonstrates how independent validation can drive innovation, consumer trust, and market leadership.
Contact Us
Interested in validating your product’s health claims? Contact Airmid Healthgroup to learn how our comprehensive testing services can help you achieve certification and deliver consumer confidence.
Related Links and Tests
Textiles: A comprehensive service for the validation of health related claims on textiles
Allergen Barrier Test with Airflow (Ref SP304)
ISO 811 – Hydrostatic Pressure Test for Textiles: Resistance to Water Penetration