The content of this article takes an in depth look at mattress bags.
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A mattress bag is a heavy duty plastic bag designed to protect a mattress from the elements, dirt, dust, moisture, damage, and debris. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes to meet the needs of any size mattress. Mattress bags are designed to store both box springs and mattresses using plastic materials that vary in thickness from 1 mil thick to close to over five mil thick.
High quality mattress bags are made of polyethylene, which is waterproof and tear resistant and have #10 heavy duty zippers that tightly seal the mattress bag. Zippers are designed to slide easily and noiselessly without getting caught in the material of the bag. For additional convenience, high quality mattress bags have four stitched handles on either side of the mattress bag that make it easy to maneuver and carry the mattress and bag. Regardless of the large size of a mattress bag, it can easily be folded or rolled to be stored.
The typical method for moving mattresses has been to set them on a clean cloth or plastic in the back of a moving van or in the bed of a truck. This has been the traditional method for many years. As popular as that method may have been, there are innumerable disadvantages and problems involved with the process, such as getting the mattress dirty, exposing it to the elements, and having it stained or damaged.
When mattresses are delivered from a manufacturer or store, they are enclosed in heavily sealed plastic that is bound and gusseted to ensure a tight seal and fit. Once the delivery is made and the plastic removed, it is normally discarded. The purpose of the heavy plastic is to protect a customer’s product during transport. This type of safety and attention to detail is a demonstration of the concern and service that stores and producers show to their products and customers.
Over the years, as people have moved across the country, they have discovered the hazards related to moving. One risky and harmful action that is being changed is packing mattresses without protection or covering. Although mattress and plastic producers have been aware of the problem for many years, the public has taken action to protect the fabric and surface of mattresses over the last twenty years.
This discovery has opened a new market for plastic bag producers who have been making plastic bags for furniture companies for years. In response to the need, sturdier and more durable mattress bags are being offered by plastic bag manufacturers that are made of the most durable, sturdy, and resilient polymers.
The types of materials used to manufacture mattress bags depend on how the bag will be used. Mattress bags are divided into several groups: heavy duty ones for long transport and storage, soft lightweight ones for everyday protection, and extremely durable and shock resistant ones that are waterproof and exceptionally resilient.
All plastic bags are made from the chemical process of combining polymers with other elements that are blended and mixed to create different grades and thicknesses of plastics.
Polyurethane is a widely used plastic that can be shaped and formed as a solid plastic or be used as a plastic film. It is a flexible and versatile elastomer that has its properties manipulated to meet the needs of any application.
The introduction of polyurethane dates back to World War II, when it was used to replace rubber. Its strength and durability made it an ideal material to coat and protect airplanes during the war, which is also the reason that it is used for mattress bags. After the war, the use of polyurethane exploded into foam rubbers, cushioning, bottles, and an endless number of products.
Polyurethane is made by combining diisocyanates and polyols. To make material for mattress bags, carbon dioxide is used as a blowing agent to create a very soft sturdy plastic material.
The basic element of polypropylene is propylene, which is a thermoplastic polymer. It is easily molded and shaped when heated and can be used to produce a variety of plastic fabrics. Polypropylene is a very strong plastic that is resistant to the effects of a variety of harsh chemicals. It is mainly used for the production of bags such as ones for mattresses.
Polypropylene has a high melting point, which makes it capable of withstanding a wide range of temperatures. Additionally, it is resistant to stress and cracking as well as the normal wear and tear associated with household products. The strength, endurance, resilience, and durability of polypropylene is the reason that it is used for mattress bags as a high performance protective material.
Polyethylene, polythene, or polyethene is used for packaging such as plastic bags, bottles, film, and containers. Several million tons of it are produced each year for commercial, industrial, and home use. The primary element of polyethylene is ethylene, which is a stable molecule that requires the use of catalysts to cure polymerization. Since polyethylene is a thermoplastic, it can easily be shaped and formed to make mattress bags.
The forms of polyethylene are high, low, and medium density. It has a waxy texture and exceptional impact resistance. Due to its popularity, it is widely used around the world to produce mattress bags under its various names.
Vinyl is a plastic that is made by combining ethylene and chlorine to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It was first introduced in the early 1920s to make less expensive but durable products. Vinyl is ideal for mattress bags since it is resistant to moisture and is strong, durable, and long lasting. Additionally, vinyl can be used to produce mattress bags in a wide variety of colors or be transparent and clear.
The wide use of vinyl for several products beyond mattress bags is due to its ability to be recycled since it is made from salt. Vinyl is easy to produce in several different gauges, from ones that are light to gauges that are very heavy and impenetrable.
There are benefits to using cotton canvas to make mattress bags since it is made of highly durable cotton fabric. Cotton Canvas mattress bags serve the same function as plastic mattress bags and offer the same type of protection. Unlike plastic mattress bags, cotton ones can be washed and are very lightweight, making them easy to handle. All cotton mattress bags come with handles sewn into the fabric.
The two most common uses for mattress bags are moving and storage. Mattress bags are manufactured from dense, thick, and durable plastic with several features that make them easy to handle. Although mattresses are generally lightweight, they are awkward to handle and move unless they are for a bunk or twin bed. Mattresses range in size from ones for a baby’s crib up to California king, which are difficult to lift, move, and position.
The plastic bag industry, over the years, has developed, perfected, and engineered plastic bags that have convenient features that make them easy to lift, move, and handle. Depending on the use of the mattress bag, it can be made of extremely thick and dense plastic or light, smooth, and soft plastic.
One of the key features of a mattress bag is protection. This aspect of mattress bags is important for hygienic reasons and the stability and safety of the parts of a mattress. Box springs and mattresses can be easily deformed, bent, and creased if they are not sufficiently protected during transport. If a mattress is stored without a mattress bag, aside from having its shape damaged, the fabric of a mattress can attract microorganisms, odors, and various types of vermin. Such imperfections and contaminants can damage a mattress and make it difficult and uncomfortable to sleep.
It may seem to be a good idea to leave a fitted sheet or blanket on a mattress prior to placing it in a mattress bag. Although this may seem logical, it isn’t a necessity with a high quality mattress bag that is made of exceptionally resilient plastic. Any linens that remain on a mattress may interfere with the purpose of a mattress bag.
Prior to placing a mattress or box spring in a mattress bag, all linen, blankets, pads, and other items for sleeping comfort should be removed from the mattress. This will make it easier to place the mattress in the bag and prevent transporting any organisms in the linens.
Checking a mattress for wet or damp spots may not be necessary for the majority of users but is a safety measure that should still be performed. Every part of the mattress should be inspected to ensure that it is completely dry. Wet spots can be a nesting place for bacteria and microorganisms. Ensuring that a mattress is completely dry adds another layer of protection and peace of mind.
Placing a mattress in a mattress bag is a team project that should involve two or more people. For mattresses that are smaller than queen sized, one person may be able to complete the task, but having two or more for safety is preferrable. The best mattress bags have handles sewn into their sides, which makes maneuvering and shifting of the mattress easier, convenient, and less stressful.
Positioning the mattress and the bag properly for insertion of the mattress into a mattress bag can be a challenge caused by the weight and size of the mattress as well as obstacles in the room. The first step is to ensure that the area around the mattress is clear of tables, dressers, desks, chairs, and any other large items found in a bedroom.
Once the area where the mattress will stand is cleared of possible impediments, the mattress should be stood on its side and pointed in the direction of the mattress bag. How a mattress is placed in a mattress bag depends on the design of the mattress bag, which can be open on one end, have a zipper on three sides of the bag, or have an opening on one side of the bag.
Another factor to consider when placing a mattress in a mattress bag is the firmness of the mattress since some mattresses can be very light and flop to one side when stood on end. This problem can be overcome with a stiff piece of cardboard or lightweight plywood. The mattress would be placed against a wall with the wall holding one side of the mattress firm, with a piece of cardboard holding the other side.
Once the mattress is positioned, it can be slid into an open ended mattress bag or have an open sided one pulled over it. The piece of cardboard will help keep the mattress straight. If the mattress bag is made of 5 mil or higher plastic, it can also serve as support for the mattress.
High quality mattress bags made of exceptionally heavy duty plastic have straps sewn into their sides, which can be seen in the image below. This type of mattress bag is more expensive but is sturdier, more durable, resilient, and offers significantly more protection.
If a mattress bag does not have handles, straps or rope can be used to lift the mattress, which can be placed under either end of the mattress with the remaining length of rope coming up to each person’s waist. When the ropes or straps are in place, the mattress can easily be lifted with a person on each end.
Other methods for moving a mattress include the use of a dolly. Once the mattress is placed lengthwise in the mattress bag, one end can sit in the dolly. Straps or ropes can be used to lift the opposite end and supply the force to push the dolly. This method requires less effort and works faster.
It is highly recommended that two or more people be involved in moving mattresses that are double bed sized or larger. Unfortunately, this may not always be possible, and a mattress may need to be moved by one person. The process for one person placing a mattress in a mattress bag varies by the design of the mattress bag, with ones that have a zipper being the easiest type for one person to use.
As outlined in the previous steps, the room should be cleared of any obstacles, especially for a single person. A zipper mattress bag should be laid on the floor next to the bed with its flap pulled up. The mattress should be very slowly slid or pushed off the bed into the mattress bag such that it is positioned in the middle of the bag. The sides of the bag can then be pulled up around the bag for the bag to be zipped shut.
The type and kind of a mattress bag is determined by the material from which it is made. Fabrics range in thicknesses from 2 mil up to over 5 mil with the thicker varieties being stronger, sturdier, more durable, and long lasting.
Aside from the strength of a mattress bag, the next factor is how the bag opens, which includes ones that zip open completely, ones with an opening along their length, and ones that open on one end. How a mattress bag opens is used to classify its type since the opening can determine how easy it is to use.
Zipper mattress bags offer the greatest amount of protection and are made of highly resilient and thick plastic. The typical zippered plastic mattress bag has a zipper that goes around three sides of the mattress bag and is made of high quality steel. Zippers are placed differently according to the opening for the mattress bag, with one's around the end of the bag, ones around the side, and ones that go completely around the bag.
When a zipper bag has a zipper placed around its end, the zipper opens three sides of the end of the bag and usually goes around a small portion of the fourth side. Although zipper material varies according to the bag's quality, most zippers are made of high grade steel that smoothly interlocks and do not get caught in the bag's material.
Zippers that are on the side of a mattress bag have the same design as ones at one end of the bag and are made of the same material. With a side zippered bag, the mattress can be slid from the bed frame into the bag and slowly stood up as it moves into the bag.
A full zippered bag, as seen in the image below, has the zipper placed halfway up the sides of the bag and moves completely around the bag, dividing it into a top pouch and bottom pouch where the mattress snuggly fits. A full zipper bag makes it easy to place the mattress in the bag since it can be stood up on the unzippered side of the bag and have the bag pulled up around it.
For the best results with a zipper mattress bag, it is best to choose one that is the exact size of the mattress to be moved. Correct sizing ensures a tight secure fit such that a mattress will be unable to slide in the bag. If the bag fits too loosely, there is the potential of it getting caught on something sharp and losing its seal.
For a mattress bag to qualify as waterproof, it has to meet certain standards and must be made of plastic material that is heavier than 2 mil or 3 mil. Waterproof mattress bags are made of 4 mil to 5 mil plastic and are resistant to punctures, dust, bugs, and any other forms of contaminants. Although waterproof mattress bags are ideal for long moves, they are specially designed for long term storage.
As with all mattress bags, waterproof mattress bags come with several ways to seal them. A common method to seal mattress bags without zippers is heavy duty tape, which can be applied to the flap of the bag’s opening. Some manufacturers have produced self sealing mattress bags that have adhesive applied to the opening of the bag that makes for a quick and tight seal.
Another type of resealable and reusable mattress bag is Velcro bags that use Velcro in place of a zipper. Just like zipper mattress bags, the Velcro style comes in different styles with Velcro along one long side of the bag, around an end, or all the way around the bag to form pockets for the mattress. The most common form, as can be seen in the image below, is Velcro around one end of the bag.
Velcro sealed bags are made from heavy duty plastic and can fit any size mattress. The seal is secure but not as secure as a waterproof or water tight bag. They are long lasting and can be used multiple times. As with all reusable mattress bags, Velcro sealed bags are easy to clean and should be cleaned after each use.
Lightweight mattress bags come in packages much like freezer bags, sandwich bags, and plastic bags for storing household items. They are made of 2 mil to 3 mil plastic and can come in rolls, packages, or individually. Lightweight mattress bags are for one time use and usually have an opening at one end of the bag.
The lightweight of lightweight mattress bags makes them easy to use regardless of the size of the mattress. They can be used for short term storage, such as when home improvements are being made or when a family member is gone for an extended time.
Regardless of their lightweight, depending on the manufacturer, lightweight mattress bags can offer a tight protective seal against dust, ripping, and water. They are normally made of the most flexible plastic, polyethylene.
In addition to the various openings and the types of materials for mattress bags, other features make them flexible, adaptable, and easy to use. These added features include gussets, handles, and vent holes.
Gussets – Gussets are an important part of all plastic bags since they allow the bag to expand for the mattress to be inserted. They are extra pieces of plastic that have been molded into the bottom or sides of a plastic bag that allow it to expand. When the bag is empty, the gussets can be compressed to allow the bag to be folded or rolled.
Handles – Handles are sewn into the fabric on the sides of a mattress bag to make it easier to carry. There are normally four handles on mattress bags with two on either side at each end. They are made of fabric and large enough to fit anyone’s hand.
Air Vents – There are several varieties of air vents for mattress bags. They can be slits, holes, flaps, or plastic screens. Air vents make it easy to insert the mattress into the bag since they release the air pressure as the mattress fills the bag. Except for inexpensive mattress bags, air vents are a standard part of all mattress bags.
During storage, moisture can build up and cause mildew and mold. Air vents allow air in to prevent such buildup.
Adhesive – The seal on the opening of a mattress bag needs to be tight and secure. Mattress bags without zippers or Velcro can be sealed with heavy duty tape. In some mattress bag designs, adhesive tape is built into the bag that can have its protective covering removed, have the bag pulled tight, and the connected adhesive tape can be used to seal and secure the bag.
Plastic bag manufacturers have bags available in any size from the smallest baby’s crib up to California kings. The chart below displays all of the different sizes of mattresses for which mattress bags are made.
When deciding to purchase a mattress bag, certain factors need to be considered beyond the price. Mattress bags are a form of specialty item that may only be needed for unique occasions. Factored into its purchase is not knowing when the bag may be needed since moving or storage may not seem to be a consideration for the future. Additionally, there is an endless number of mattress bags, including shopping bags and others made of impenetrable durable fabric.
In the case of furniture delivery stores, heavy duty durable plastic mattress bags are necessary to protect a customer's purchase and provide the store's proper image.
Size is the first consideration since a double bed mattress and box springs requires a different size mattress bag than a king sized mattress. When determining the size of a mattress, it is important to measure the mattress in order to have the exact correct dimensions. This helps in making a more accurate choice.
The quality of a mattress bag is very dependent on its price. The prices of mattress bags can vary from a little over $10 up to several hundred dollars. Multiple mattress bags can be purchased off the shelf at home improvement centers at a very low price per bag. More expensive and durable mattress bags can be purchased online directly from the manufacturer.
If a mattress is going to be placed in storage, it is best to purchase an expensive quality mattress bag, which will ensure the integrity of the mattress. As with all items in a home, a mattress is an investment that needs the same protection as any other expensive item.
If the decision is made to purchase a more reliable and expensive mattress bag, the next choice will be to decide between a zipper or Velcro as a sealing mechanism. Both methods ensure a tight seal that will not slip or break.
Handles are also related to price since more expensive and reliable mattress bags have handles sewn into their sides. This feature may be the deciding factor for purchasing an expensive mattress bag since handles make it so much easier to position, move, and maneuver a mattress.
Clearly printed in the advertisements for any mattress bag is the material from which it is made. Materials begin with very lightweight thin plastics that are inexpensive and easy to use. Heavier and more durable materials are more expensive but provide superior protection and can be used over and over for storage and multiple moves.
When examining the materials used to manufacture mattress bags, it is important to become familiar with the consistencies of the different materials and their durability.
When moving from one place to another, there is a long list of things to consider regarding the protection and safety of the valuables from a home. The main concerns are safety, protection, and ease of transport such that when a piece of furniture or electronic device is moved, it will arrive in the same condition as when it left.
One of the items that tend to be lowest on the list of items to be protected is a mattress since it is soft, unbreakable, and not susceptible to any form of damage. What seems to be neglected is how important a mattress is since most people spend at least one third of their life laying on a mattress. It is for this reason that a mattress bag should be at the top of the list of considerations when planning a move.
If a mattress is transported in a moving truck without protection, it will be susceptible to dust, bugs, grime, microorganisms, dirt, and various forms of particulate matter. The box of a moving van or the back of a pickup truck does not provide the type of protection necessary. A clean, uncontaminated mattress guarantees the health of its user. Leaving a mattress uncovered when it is being moved can lead to a wide array of uncontrollable and unforeseen problems. Mattress bags offer the type of security and protection necessary to protect a mattress and keep it safe.
Aside from the threat of bugs and dirt, mattresses can be stressed or damaged by not being secured. Leaning against other furniture or being hit by sharp objects in the bed or box of a truck can cause serious harm. When a mattress is damaged, the only alternative is to replace it, which can be a huge expense depending on the size of the mattress with king sized mattresses costing several thousand dollars. A mattress is an investment in its users' health and comfort. As with all investments, it needs to receive the highest level of protection, which a mattress bag can provide.
As with all items in a household, a mattress should be the same when it arrives as it was when it left. Having a mattress in peak condition ensures the safety of its users. Mattress bags are a form of insurance policy that guarantees that when a mattress arrives at its new home, it will be in the same condition as it was when it left its old home.
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