Commercial beds: Body signature NEVER but Aussie made ALWAYS

By Mandy Clarke, Editor

A comfortable and luxurious guest bed might just be the single most important demand for any accommodation stay and for most guests, a good review will always be about the quality of the sleep experience.

However, in 2022 survey after survey has shown that sustainability is the most important traveller trend. Moreover, guests say they are prepared to pay more for a sustainable experience.

Pondering this trend our evercurious team at AccomNews had some questions about the sustainability factor of commercial guest beds.

We wondered how an accommodation provider in the market for new mattresses can provide guests with the very best beds with luxury sleepenhancing features, while also satisfying the ever-growing demand for sustainable products.

And what about end-oflife recyclability?

AccomNews contacted Peter Deveny, Group Commercial Manager A. H. Beard with those important questions. He shared his expertise on the latest developments in commercial beds and how to satisfy guests' sustainability concerns.

First, we asked what constitutes a commercial grade accommodation bed while providing utmost guest comfort?

He answered with a word of caution, hospitality guest beds should never have a 'body signature'.

He explained: “The rigours and demands of commercial situations mean that beds should be specifically designed for that environment. We’ve all seen the big, fat puffy beds in retail stores and thought about how comfortable they look, but the reality is that many of these models aren’t at all suitable for commercial environments. “But mattresses made with a lot of fibre fill in the comfort layers can be problematic, in that they are often more likely to show “body signature”, which is the indentation that is left in the mattress when you get out of bed. “This is obviously a huge red flag for guests in the commercial environment. To avoid this comfort fills should be made from high-quality, Australianmade foams, with small amounts of fibre in the quilt fill. Pocket coil spring systems provide the best support, ideally, they should be zoned so that correct posture is maintained. “Upholstery should be durable, fire retardant and treated to resist mould, mildew, and other allergens for safe, comfortable sleep.

Image courtesy of A.H. Beard

What are the latest innovations in guest sleep comfort?

“Continued developments in spring technology and comfort materials mean that commercial beds are more comfortable and luxurious than ever.

“Zoned pocket coils that react and respond to diff erent sized and shaped bodies off er ergonomically correct support that gives your body bett er quality rest and is healthier for you. “Materials like latex provide incredible comfort, pressure relief and durability. There is nothing quite like the feel of a bed using latex as the main comfort layer. “Fabric treatments that help to redistribute heat and moisture make your bed more comfortable and healthier.”

What are the bed options for environmentally conscious accommodation providers?

Mr Deveny advised to determine what environmental factors the bed has impacted. He suggested the following.

Ask your supplier:

• Where are the raw materials sourced from and what are they? • Are they produced with environmental sustainability in mind?

Buy local

Only buy Australian-made products. Is it really worth the cost to the planet of shipping a matt ress halfway around the world to save a few dollars?

Think end of life

Ask, will the materials used in the bed be easily recycled at the end of their useful life? And choose a product that doesn’t excessively add to landfi ll.

Trust your supplier

Only buy from reputable, established suppliers who can prove their credentials in relation to the way their beds are manufactured and the eff orts they go to, to be responsible for their actions.

On the issue of recycling, when it is time for a new mattress what happens to the old one?

“There are several viable recycling businesses around the country that break down matt resses and other bedding products, reusing or re-tasking as much as possible of the various materials” Mr Deveny explained. “You can send your beds to one of these facilities as part of your refurbishment programme. Don’t forget to include this in your budgeting, as there is a fi nancial cost att ached to recycling beds but there is also a signifi cant environmental and social benefi t.

“Many of these recycling businesses are also social enterprises that employ people who might otherwise not fi nd meaningful work in the community. People who have been displaced because of domestic violence, political and social refugees from other countries and many others are given the chance to fi nd a way into mainstream employment by way of these social enterprise employers. “Therefore, by recycling your beds you are not only helping the environment, but you are also contributing to a bett er society as well. “The Australian Bedding Stewardship Council is an industry body working with governments and other stakeholders to improve the way we deal with end-of-life bedding products and AH Beard is a founding member. “We are proud to be part of the solution and embrace the challenge of fi nding new uses for old beds.”

Choose a product that doesn’t excessively add to landfi ll

Finally, what else can you tell us about sustainable beds?

“Our Origins range is the fi rst fully recyclable matt ress and is a new approach to matt ress design and construction. Using no glue, no foam, and sustainably sourced, recyclable comfort materials it is the world’s most sustainable matt ress.

“Available in a range of diff erent comfort levels and constructions, this range is the ultimate solution for accommodation operators looking for an environmentally responsible and sustainable solution without sacrifi cing comfort and performance.”