Increasing reports of bedbug infestations, both in Nova Scotia and across the country, have prompted Simmons Mattress Gallery to announce it’s discontinuing its Comfort Exchange Program.
Under the program, customers were guaranteed the ability to exchange a mattress purchased from Simmons for another if they found it wasn’t exactly what they expected it to be. Jordanna Caine, president of Simmons Mattress Gallery, says if the consumer is sold the right bed in the first place, offering such guarantees shouldn't be necessary.
“We think our customers deserve peace of mind that a mattress coming out of our warehouse has not been put at risk in any way. We hope that other stores also change their practices,” Caine says.
In addition, Simmons will also no longer remove old mattresses from people’s homes as it doesn’t want any of its factory new mattresses and foundations coming into contact with any possible contaminants. This includes not only bed bugs, but also dust mites, smoke, pet dander, mould spores and other allergens.
“We find more and more people talking about allergies and sensitivities, so bed bugs aren’t the only issue for most people,” Caine says. “Although the bed bug scare and reality of how easily they can spread was the catalyst for making the change, we also firmly believe the customer needs to be educated on sleep and to go through the selection process with a trained sales associate with a full range of comfort levels across a wide range of price points to match people with the right mattress.”
To address this perceived need, Caine says the company is launching a series of Sleep Talks to help educate people on better sleep and the elements that can affect sleep.
“We like to think we don’t just sell a product – but better sleep and peace of mind. While a quality mattress with the right comfort and support is vital to a good night’s sleep, it’s certainly not the only key. The more aware we are of what elements contribute to the quality of our sleep and how we can control them, the better chance we all have of getting better sleep,” Caine says.
The Sleep Talks will alternate between Simmons Mattress Gallery’s two locations, in Bayers Lake and Burnside, starting on March 15 and running through until July 5. Each event features a guest speaker presenting on different aspects of health and proper sleep techniques. The complete schedule is as follows:
Sleep: The Secret to Your Health
Simmons Mattress Gallery, 15 Garland Ave., Burnside
March 15, 6 p.m.
Find out how sleep could be the key to longevity. Learn about the link between sleep and heart health, as well as things you can do to ensure you get a proper night's sleep. Leave this workshop with valuable tips you can start applying that night. Presented by Dr. Clayton Roach of ROACH Chiropractic Centre in Bedford.
A Full Night's Sleep
Simmons Mattress Gallery, 172 Chain Lake Dr., Bayers Lake
April 5, 6 p.m.
Are you one of the many who have trouble sleeping? Join us for a session with Dr. Monique Aucoin of the Maritime Chiropractic and Laser Clinic regarding the importance of a restful night's sleep and how Chiropractic can help.
Aromatherapy & Sleep
Simmons Mattress Gallery, 15 Garland Ave., Burnside
May 2, 6 p.m.
Learn stress reduction and beneficial sleep patterns through aromatherapy. Presented by Lee Fisher of the Casaroma Wellness Centre.
Exercise and Sleep
Simmons Mattress Gallery, 172 Chain Lake Dr., Bayers Lake
June 7, 6 p.m.
Are you someone who suffers from low energy levels throughout the day and have difficulty sleeping at night? Please join us for an informative session discussing how exercise can actually help improve the quality of your sleep and increase your energy during the workday. Presented by Bluenose Physiotherapy.
Natural Sleep Solutions
Simmons Mattress Gallery, 15 Garland Ave., Burnside
July 5, 6 p.m.
Healthy, restorative sleep is one of the keys to healthy living. In this talk, learn about healthy sleep habits and how food, nutrition and supplements can play a part in helping you sleep well. Presented by Dr. Jennifer Salib Huber from Pillars of Health.
My understanding is that gods are trained to recognize the odor of bedbug feces. Obviously this entails the trainer HAVE bedbugs on hand to use to train the dog, with all the safety requirements that come with handling such a pest in a controlled manner. Treatment is then applied as it would be without the use of the dog. Bear in mind the use of dogs is only for detection purposes, since bedbugs are often difficult to spot because of how easily they can slip and hide in every nook and cranny of a living space. Heads of State use these dogs to scout out hotel rooms prior to their visits... I believe beagles are rather good at it. This is a policy that has been a long time in coming and every store in the world should do the same. Never pick-up an old mattress once it has left the store, furthermore new and old furniture should never travel in the same trucks. I inquire into a store's return policy and if they do take returns of ANY furniture (from a lamp to a bed), I ask if they use the same vehicle to bring back the old as they use to deliver the new and if the answer is yes, I simply don't buy from them. Bedbugs can survive a year between two meals and that is more than enough time to go from a home, back to the store, sit in the showroom for a while, infest other items in the store, and go to a new home. Only draconian policies of non cross-contamination can make a difference in stopping this plague.