Serta Simmons Bedding is partnering with Switzerland-based textile company HeiQ Group to create the U.S. market's first antiviral mattress.
The agreement gives SSB exclusive access within the U.S. bedding category to HeiQ Viroblock technology, which has previously been approved by the European Medical Device Directive for antiviral use in medical personal protective equipment such as N95 equivalent masks, and registered as an antiviral active by the German equivalent of the Environmental Protection Agency.
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HeiQ Viroblock was recently independently tested as 99.99 percent effective in 30 minutes against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus) by an Australian infection and immunity research institute. SSB plans to pursue any necessary approvals for its line of Serta and Beautyrest HeiQ Viroblock mattresses with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the EPA.
How it Works
Virus particles and bacteria are invisible to the human eye (SARS-CoV-2 is only 90 nanometers large) and they easily pass through sheets. They can persist and stay infectious for days on textiles, such as traditional mattresses. HeiQ's Viroblock technology solves that problem by using microsilver technology that attracts virus particles, combined with vesicle technology that breaks down the viral membrane within seconds. Tests conducted at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity showed that COVID-19-causing virus samples concentrated on fabric treated with HeiQ Viroblock were reduced by 99.99 percent.
In accelerated aging tests, textiles infused with HeiQ Viroblock demonstrated the ability to retain their antiviral qualities for three years, and antibacterial qualities for 20 years.
If approved, SSB plans to utilize HeiQ Viroblock across much of its portfolio of brands, which includes Serta, Beautyrest and Tuft & Needle.
"We know that our partners in the hospitality and healthcare industries are doing everything they can to help provide the cleanest environment and reassure their guests," said David Swift, chairman and CEO of Serta Simmons Bedding. "Antiviral and antibacterial mattresses will be an enormous asset in that effort."
According to SSB, it already has received early interest to acquire HeiQ Viroblock-treated mattresses from several hotel brands and management companies. "As the largest third-party manager we are proactively searching for the best opportunities to add value for our owners and enhance the experience for our guests,” said Elie Khoury, EVP operations resources at Aimbridge Hospitality. “We are currently testing the new antiviral bedding and accessories from Serta Simmons and eager to understand the impact in helping our properties deliver the highest level of safety and cleanliness for guests."