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For those that have been through mold remediation...

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Posted 5/21/2023 9:25 AM (GMT -5)
Hello,

for those that have been through a mold remediation, did you try keeping any mattresses?

We have a mattress that was 2 years old that was always under a waterproof cover and then a mattress pad over that. Our remediator recently said to cover any new mattresses we purchase in full waterproof encasements so mold can't get into them in the future.

If I cover the old ones in the full waterproof encasements and there is very low contamination in the mattresses to begin with, would this be okay to use in a guest room that doesn't get used very often?

Just wondering if anyone tried this or did you get rid of all mattresses regardless? Thank you! Obviously the expenses add up and the general landfill waste...
Posted 5/21/2023 1:47 PM (GMT -5)
I got rid of everything, as I was super sensitized. I have heard of people keeping mattresses that had always been kept in full encasement.

If you are like me and have recognizable reactions to mold and mycotoxins, I would first take the mattress outside and remove all the coverings. Then I would get close to the mattress and see how I reacted over the next 24 hours.

If all was well, I would put a new encasement on it and repeat the experiment again, getting my face up close to the mattress and unzipping the encasement and sticking my head in and getting a good breath of the air inside the encasement. If there are toxins on the mattress, the air inside the encasement will let you know. (Caveat: If you also have chemical sensitivities, you might react to the new encasement itself.)

I have found that when things are enclosed in a ziploc bag or container, I can really tell if they are contaminated much easier than testing something out in the open or outside where there’s fresh air all around.

Where was the mold in the house? That could make a difference, too. If it was inside the wall or under the floor or in the ceiling or window of the bedroom that the mattress was in, there would be a much higher risk. Of course if mold was widespread or in the duct system, then the air in the house would be contaminated more equally.

Just my thoughts.

Post Edited (WalkingbyFaith) : 5/21/2023 10:50:26 AM (GMT-8)

Posted 5/21/2023 3:43 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you WalkingbyFaith, this is a great idea. Yes mold was in our HVAC and behind many walls, attic, basement etc.. , it was a very large remediation. Surprisingly, and fortunately, we had no mycotoxins, tested twice for them and all tests were negative.

The remediator said to bring furniture we want to try and keep inside one item at a time, to see if I react over several days. We got rid of a lot already.

Totally understand the porous item issue but being that the mattresses were under many layers, one being waterproof, my husband was hopeful it would be one less thing to replace.

I think I will do what you suggested as the mattress is in plastic, will keep it outside where I can stick my head in the bag.

Thank you for your helpful reply, I appreciate it. Such an odd experience all the way around, thank you again.
Posted 5/22/2023 10:35 AM (GMT -5)
I agree with everything WBF said. It sounds like a reasonable thing to try to keep your mattress if it was encased and if you plan to encase it again. Maybe try two encasements this time, just in case!
Posted 5/22/2023 4:12 PM (GMT -5)
Saraeli,
Brilliant! Such a great idea, thank you. Its amazing how these thoughts and ideas escape you when you are making these decisions.

Two encasements might do the trick. Certainly going to see how I react via head in the mattress bag and go from there.

Great suggestions from you and WalkingbyFaith, thanks again!
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