The Science Behind Mattress Hygiene: What You Need to Know
When was the last time you thought about the cleanliness of your mattress? For many, it’s out of sight, out of mind—but what lies beneath the surface might surprise you. Mattresses are a hidden hotspot for bacteria, fungi, and allergens, posing risks to health, comfort, and even your peace of mind.
Let’s take a closer look at why mattress hygiene matters and how science is helping us create safer, cleaner sleeping environments.
What’s Lurking in Your Mattress?
The average adult sweats 26 gallons per year while sleeping. Combine that with skin cells, natural oils, and humidity, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for microbial growth. But it doesn’t end there:
- Bacteria growth doubles every 20 minutes in humid environments, leading to rapid contamination.
- Older mattresses are prone to fungal growth, with strains like Aspergillus fumigatus commonly found in those over five years old.
- Over time, mattresses can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to unpleasant odors and diminished air quality.
These hidden threats don’t just stay in your mattress—they spread into the surrounding environment, potentially affecting your health and sleep quality.
Introducing the Mattress Pathogen Score (MPS)
At HygeiaSleep, we’ve developed a unique system to measure mattress hygiene: the Mattress Pathogen Score (MPS).
- Untreated mattresses typically score between 80-100 points, a clear indicator of high bacteria, allergens, and VOC levels.
- Our goal is to bring those scores down to below 30 points within 12 months using advanced technology.
The MPS is more than a number—it’s a standard for creating safer, healthier sleeping environments.

How the HS-700 is Revolutionizing Mattress Hygiene
Our cutting-edge HS-700 sanitization machine is designed to tackle mattress hygiene at its core. With powerful ultrasonic and UVC light cleaning technologies, it removes pathogens, allergens, and odors in just minutes. Key benefits include:
- Sanitizing mattresses in only 3 minutes, fitting seamlessly into daily housekeeping operations.
- Reducing bacterial and fungal growth while eliminating harmful VOCs.
- Improving air quality, which translates to a fresher and safer guest experience.
Seeing Is Believing: The Science in Action
We understand that mattress hygiene isn’t just about claims—it’s about proof. That’s why we offer live dust sampling demonstrations.
We’ll collect a sample from your mattress, place it under a microscope, and show you exactly what’s been hiding in plain sight. This initial analysis helps establish a baseline Mattress Pathogen Score, so you can see the dramatic improvements over time.
Why Mattress Hygiene Matters
In the hospitality industry, cleanliness isn’t just expected—it’s demanded. A clean mattress isn’t just about avoiding complaints; it’s about delivering peace of mind. Guests deserve to know they’re sleeping in a safe and healthy environment, free from invisible threats like bacteria and allergens.
By prioritizing mattress hygiene, you’re not just meeting industry standards—you’re exceeding them.
Ready to Redefine Cleanliness?
At HygeiaSleep, we’re dedicated to transforming mattress hygiene with science-backed solutions. Whether it’s protecting your guests’ health or elevating your property’s reputation, our HS-700 technology is here to help.