Mattress Encasement
Mattress Encasements work a lot better than mattress covers - that should go without saying. By using a cover that encases the entire mattress will ensure that whatever is in the mattress will stay there. This is extra important for dorm mattresses. The number of people who have slept on a mattress before you is countless - you definitely want to form a barrier between you and those germs.
Another benefit is the relief to your allergies. Dust and other allergens get caught in a mattress and can be released everytime you sit or lay on your bed. A mattress encasementwill keep these particles out of the air in your bedroom. Protect-A-Bed covers have a patented Bug Lock with Secure Seal on the zipper which is guaranteed to lock everything inside.
Once you enclose your mattress, it is done. With a mattress cover, you will end up pulling off a corner when you are changing your bed linens or can slip when you adjust your sleep position. This should be a one time chore, not one that is repeated every other week with laundry.
College Vaccines
There are a wide range of check lists that a student gets when they graduate high school and are preparing to head to college: Bed and Bath Linens, Cleaning Supplies, School Supplies, and Vaccines? Yes - Vaccines. Vaccinations are generally thought of all the shoots that a toddler gets by two or the boosters that a 5 year old needs to enroll in school. Though there are not requirements for vaccines to be enrolled in a university, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) publishes a list of recommendations. This list can be found at the CDC website.
A new addition to the list is Meningitis. Since the early 90’s, cases of meningitis among adolescents and young adults has increased by 60%! This disease can take one of two forms: swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord OR an infection of the blood. 10-15% of American who contract meningitis will die; up to 20% of survivors will have long-term disabilities. This diseased is caused by a bacteria and is spread through air droplets and direct contact - such as coughing, kissing, and sharing items that come in contact with your mouth.
Living in a dormitory, close quarters with lots of other students increases ones risk of getting a disease. That, coupled with irregular sleep habits, poor nutrition, and other lifestyle factors increases the risk 6X more! Students can reduce their risk of contracting this disease by getting a vaccination and not sharing certain things. Another preventative measure is to use a UV-C Sanitizer Wand in your dorm room over all surfaces weekly. This wand kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria by harness light. The UV-C Pluggable Air Sanitizer will keep the air in your room healthy to breathe.
Protect the well being of your child. It is cheaper to invest in quality products that keep your student healthy than to constantly worry about them falling ill. Go through the recommended vaccines for college students and send them equipped to fight off bacteria.
Save Green by Going Green
Now-a-days everyone is looking for a new way to save green. Money is generally tight and we and to make sure that we are living within our means. Some people have the idea that going green costs more, but that is not the case.
While there are green products that are more expensive on the market, there are also ones that are not. A set of quality towels is around $50 and a set of quality organic cotton towelsis around $40. Another misconception when it comes to eco-friendly products is that there is not a good selection. Christy Organic Cotton towels are available in 10 colors. There is a shade to coordinate with any decor.
Another cost that is often overlooked and never taken into consideration is in relation to health. Time is money; we all know this. Our health is priceless and any time that is taken away because of allergies or illness is money that is lost. Organic and eco-friendly products keep chemicals out of our home and help ensure that the air we breathe at home is pure. UV-C Sanitizer Wands are another way to ensure your home is germ and bacteria free without bringing in harsh chemicals.
Going green does save green. It not only keeps our Earth healthy but our bodies as well. Buying quality products the first time around saves money because you are not replacing those items every year. Buying quality GREEN products saves money because you are not replacing those items every year AND you are not introducing chemicals into your home that could adversely affect your health.
College Days
College days are fast approaching. It is now July and August follows, which is the start of college. College life and moving into the dorms will be upon you soon. By now, you have had time to go through all of your graduation gifts and see what is missing.
Mattress encasement was most likely not one of the things you received, but it is one of the most vital items you can take with you into the dorm. If you stop to think about how many people have slept on that mattress before you and what they could have done on it… it should make you gag just a bit. You have this nice comforter and matching sheets - you are so excited about decorating you new home with with roommate. But before you put your awesome bed linens on, put a mattress encasement on. It completely encases the mattress and ensures that what ever is in the mattress, stays there.
UV-C Sanitizer Wands are incredible! They kill germs with the power of light! There is no easier way to disinfect your room than with a Germ Guardian Wand. It is compact and effective. The last thing you want to worry about it where to store bulky cleaning supplies in your small dorm room.
There are a million things you have to do and get before your start your college days. Getting these two items will enable you (and your parents) to rest easier knowing you are protected from germs and bacteria.
Homes Harbor Pesticides
Your home will harbor pesticides for up to a decade after they have been used! The Environmental Protection Agency study was just published in Environmental Science & Technology (and summarized by Environmental Health News). The study found that these chemicals can linger for as long as 20 years!!
Germ Guardian products do not use chemicals to kill germs and bacteria. These products utilize UV-C light! It is not toxic or dangerous to yourself or your children. The Large Sanitizer Wand is ideal for disinfecting your nursery, bath, kitchen - everywhere. Even disinfectant sprays leave a residue!
There is no reason to expose your baby or yourself to any more chemicals! Use products like the Germ Guardian Sanitizer Wand to rid your home of germs and bacteria, not chemicals.
Dorm Living Starts Now
Dorm living starts now, in June. It may feel like August is a long way off, but it will be here before you know it! Also, if you put it off until the first part of August, you are stuck with the leftovers. What a scary thought! Below is a list of the essentials.
- Alarm clock - Yes, you will need an actually alarm clock. Your phone may work now;but after an all-nighter, you will need more than one. Trust me.
- Mattress Protector - Who slept on that mattress before you and what do they do on it? Yuck! A mattress encasement will protect you from whatever maybe in that mattress. You (and your parents) will sleep better.
- Bed linens - Isn’t it nice to crawl into a freshly made bed? Well, you’ll be in charge of that in the fall. It is easier to have 2 to 3 sets of sheets - one on the bed, one that’s dirty, and one that’s clean.
- Towels - 2 or 3 sets is a good idea for towels as well. When you go to dry your face and you get an odd odor - that means your towel needs to be washed AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Or at the very least, thrown in the hamper.
- Robe - Maybe you’ve never had a robe before in your life, but it will soon be your favorite accessory. It is perfect for go to and from the shower - and the dining hall. You pay for dorm meals - and breakfast is hard to mess up.
- Area Rug & Bath Rug - Area rugs are not the place to spend money. They are there to cover the hideous tile and absorb sound. Bath Rugs (not mats) are perfect for in front of the sink. They can be thrown in the washer with your towels and will absorb the water that makes it way out of the sink.
- Mini-Fridge - Some dorms provide these; be sure and check before you purchase one. But it sure is nice to have a cold drink without having to walk to the vending machine.
- Small Microwave - Again, some dorms come with one. Think about watching a movie last and having fresh popped corn or a bowl of mac-n-cheese.
- Computer - duh.
- Dishes - Two of each: cup, bowl, plate, silverware set. Are you really going to wash the bowl right after using it? a second set will be nice.
- Handi-Tak to hang posters - no nails are allowed and you will want something to cover the boring walls.
- Iron & Ironing Board - you will want to look nice for class presentations and dates.
- Laundry bag - how else are you going to get your dirty clothes from your room to the washer?
- Radio/stereo/MP3 player - Some sort of music machine to mellow out with at night or rock out to when getting ready.
- Shower caddy - It is a lot easier to have everything you need in one basket than having to gather it in your arms every time.
- Telephone & Mobile - Telephone for the dorm room because you never know who might be trying to find you and that is the only number they can find. Mobile phone is a given, I know.
- TV/DVD player - Movie night can be SO much fun. AND you might get free cable!
- Cleaning Supplies - A hand held vacuum is so handy; you won’t know how you lived without one all of these years. A plug-in air sanitizer does the work for you and a UV-C wand is so quick you won’t mind cleaning you room.
This is not an all encompassing list, but it is a good start. Get the basics and necessities and work your way up to the decorative. You only have 6 weeks! Think about how quickly that goes by! Start now and start at the dorm shop in GoGreenBedding.com!
Towels and Tub Mats
Towels and Tub Mats are on the top 10 things you need when you head to college. Most people remember towels, but forget a tub mat. Most dorms I know of have at least a sink in the room. They also have tile or linoleum floors. That is definitely cold on your feet when you are brushing your teeth. It is also slippery with just a little water. Both of those problems are remedied with a tub mat.
Tub Matsshould be used over Bath Mats in dorm rooms because of their wash-ability. You would wash your tub mat with the same frequency as you do towels. Bath Mats typically have anti-slip backings on them. These do not stand up to washings frequently. A moist bath mat is a breeding ground for bacteria, germs, viruses and more - especially with as many students that come in and out of a dorm room in a given week. A tub mat will absorb any water that escapes the sink and is durable enough to stand up to the wash. It also provides a barrier between your feet and that cold floor.
Bath Towels come in many varies. One of the most important factors for most students, especially females, is the color. Prism Bath Towelscome in 14 vibrant colors. You are sure to find one that will match your child’s decor. These towels are economical as well as high quality. They are sure to stand up to the beatings of any college student.
Quality towels and tub mats will last through your students entire college career and into their adult life. There is nothing worse than having a scratchy towel when you get out of the shower. Make sure your student is taken care of even though you can not be there.
Protect-A-Bed
Protect-A-Bed mattress and box spring covers provide both allergy relief and bed bug protection. The mattresses and box springs in dormitories are not the cleanest items in the room. Think about how many other students have slept on them over the years. Also think about the spills that might have occurred, from soda to soup to mouthwash. There is not way to know what all is on or in your mattress. Bed bugs have been in the news a lot lately. A bed bug can last a year without feeding. So just because the room was unoccupied over the summer, it doesn’t mean these pests have moved out. Bud bugs hide quite well and are nocturnal so you may not see them when you are moving in.
You wheels are turning now and you are probably disgusted at the sight of the dorm bed. But Protect-A-Bed’s Protectors are incredible. Their box spring cover encases the entire foundation and creates a secure seal. This locks everything inside, not allowing bed bugs or dust or other allergens to escape. Their mattress encasement comes in two varieties. Both have Bug-Lock three sided zippers and AllerZip seals that trap bed bugs, mites, dust, allergens, and more inside the mattress. One has a Smooth Surfacethat is waterproof and stain-proof, yet remains breathable and comfortable. The other has a Terry Cloth surface for superior comfort and a soft feel.
Protect-A-Bed products provide a barrier between your child and the dormitory bed. This simple set of encasing the mattress and box spring will help with allergies and also with anything that is making it’s home in the bed.
Germ Guardian
Germ Guardian products should be at the top of your list for products to send with your child to college. They harness the power of Ultraviolet (UV) light to kill 99% of germs on most surfaces. UV-C is the specific light wave frequency that is used. These rays are naturally filtered out by the earth’s atmosphere. This is not new technology; in fact the Nobel Prize of Medicine was given for the use of this technology in 1903.
UV-C light is also known as germicidal because its short wavelength breaks down micro organisms. It destroys the nucleic acids in these organisms so that their DNA is disrupted by the UV radiation. Micro-organisms have less protection from UV and cannot survive exposure to it. This method is used in hospitals and other medical faculties because it does not rely on chemicals, which could be harmful to humans.
Germ Guardian has a range of products that will keep any dorm room, apartment, or home germ free. Their products not only work on surfaces, but also the air. Use the sanitizer wand on all surfaces, including door knobs, bedding, and walls. The pluggable air sanitizer keeps the air safe to breathe. Another way to continually sanitize the air is with the Clean 2 Hand Vac. The base serves as a charger for the vacuum and also an air sanitizer. A cordless vacuum is the most practical cleaning tool you can have in a dorm room! Do not forget about your toothbrush! A moist toothbrush could serve as a breeding ground for germs. Use the toothbrush sanitizer to make sure you aren’t brushing germs onto your teeth.
You will have enough worries as you send your child off to college. Do not let germs be one of them. By sending your child off with Germ Guardian products, you will have one less worry. We all know that with students living in such close vicinity to each other, germs could have a hay-day. But not in your child’s room!
Austin Settings Success
Austin Settings was a success! Not only did the Austin Alumni Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma raise funds for ArtHouse and Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, but also our Somina Table was a huge hit!!
Our table was a Somina Mattress on a custom-made steel frame. The centerpiece included Somina Contour Pillows, Christy Organic Waffle Towels, a Pur Cashmere throw, and an Athens Sheet. Each place setting featured a piece from ARTSYer, a local artist who uses tempered glass to create her unique works.