Handy Household Hints..........

[jackthehat]

I've bought a slab of blue foam rubber to act as a mattress on a child's bed.
However, it wasn't until I got it home and unwrapped it that I realised that it smells quite badly.

It smells fusty/musty been up in an attic sort of smell......It's been Febreezed to within an inch of its life and propped up in the garden all day.....

I have yet to find out if this has worked, or not.

If it hasn't, does anyone have any ideas how I can get it sweeter-smelling and to get it to stay that way?

Thanks.

[annie0000]

tbh jth, I would ditch that idea if it's for regular use - that foam isn't sealed so god knows what fumes it would give off, and it'll trap dust - not very healthy to sleep on and could be dangerous to a young child breathing that in. If using it occasionally - I'd buy two hypo allergenic water proof bed sheets and encase the foam in them so that the smell and fumes are enclosed.

[boxtops]

Oh dear - I wouldn't want to sleep on that!

[Rodge2]

You can sometimes get good things on freecycle if you're looking for a child's mattress and don't want to buy one. You can look at what people are offering in your area, or post what you are looking for if no-one is offering it. I think that would be safer.

[jackthehat]

It's for my grand-tiddler so (unfortunately) it won't get that much use.....:o(

I intend to stitch it into a covering, but am worried that unless the smell is eradicated before I do so, it'll keep coming through.

I like your idea about the waterproof sheets.

Thankyou. :o)

[JonnyBoy12]

Yes, I am with the other 2 on this one. There could be dust mites in this mattress, and we are told that there will be an influx of these during the 2012 Olympic Games next year brought in from abroad.

I do not think you should use this mattress, as you would be putting yourself at risk.

[boxtops]

where have you seen that, jonny boy? Unless people are bringing their bedding with them, dust mites surely don't travel.

[annie0000]

I have a bit of a thing about dust mites and mattresses - I seal every mattress top and bottom in waterproof sheets when it is new and only take them off for a hot wash then I hoover the mattress with my dyson mattress tool and steam clean it before remaking.

[jackthehat]

That sounds good to me, Annie.
The foam itself is very clean, it's just a little bit whiffy.......although would a 5 year old boy notice? LoL :o)

[annie0000]

i read somewhere that the mites can jump from the floor/carpet into your mattress so you should always cover the underside of a mattress too. Also if you have bunk beds you need to seal the mattress in the top bunk or the poor ki in the bottom bunk gets a nice shower of dust mites every time the kid in the top bunk turns over. Eeuuugghhh!!

[annie0000]

I am sure it will be fine for that and as you say a 5 year old wouldn't notice anyway. Just air it properly, seal it in and it'll be fine for occasional use I would think :o)

[sherrardk]

You want the boy to be comfy and not to have any reason not to stay. If you are worried that he might have an accident you can get waterproof sheets that go under the proper sheet (from the nappy section of supermarkets). They are not 'plasticky' in any way so he wont sweat on them and if you put them on the bed before he gets there he won't even know that it's there.

[annie0000]

you probably would have better with a blow up bed - only about a tenner for a single one and very comfy - no smell and easier to store.

[JonnyBoy12]

I read it in a newspaper, boxy, and not one of the tabloid ones either. I see what you mean. How would they travel unless in bedding?

Has anyone else here heard this news?

[RATTER15]

I think Johnnyboy means "Bed Bugs" they usually come from abroad or people frequenting guest houses and hotels, B&B's etc

[jackthehat]

Thanks, everyone.........I think I know what I am going to do, now. :o)

[annie0000]

I think I heard about worries of TB and the like jonny - not dust mites though.

[Rodge2]

Perhaps you could return it to the shop and get the blow up one, jth?

[carmalee]

jth - have a sneaking suspicion that what it contains and how it is processed makes foam a very poor choice for matresses - especially for children - seem to remember my daughter researching this quite thoroughly a couple of years back when my grand child was born - will try and get hold of her asap to check but she is often with internet connection for long periods (she is basedin Africa) so don't hold your breath - will try though.

[jackthehat]

I agree that the solution is not ideal but he's coming to stay for a week (for the first time, woo hoo) very soon and the bed-stead I bought didn't come with a mattress. The cost of buying a 'proper' mattress at the moment is prohibitive, and I'd rather spend the money on showing him a good time, in any case.
I have inflatable mattresses but have tried to create his own special designated bedroom hence the foam-rubber option.
It's a short-term solution but as so often in my life short-cuts turn out to be not so short, after all............:o)

[annie0000]

lol jack - I hope he has a fab holiday - kids look for very little other than being made to feel special and I am sure you will do that - that doesn't take money, only time and commitment - hope the visit is the first of many.