Packing for a trip away often leads to lots of organisation and if you find yourself putting your suitcase on your bed while you fill it, this is why you should stop.
While putting a suitcase on your bed might be easier than putting it on the floor, it can transfer unwanted visitors to your bed.
Sleep experts at MattressNextDay are warning all holidaymakers to avoid putting their suitcases on their beds – here’s why.
Why you should never put your suitcase on your bed
As people travel to different countries, bedbugs are more likely to spread.
The pests can hide in the small crevices of your suitcase and easily transfer to your bed when you get home and unpack.
The team at MattressNextDay said studies have shown that two contagious bacteria can survive on mattresses - Escherichia coli (E. Coli) and Staphylococcus aureus.
Research suggests that E. Coli could live in mattresses with the bacteria able to survive for months on surfaces.
Older mattresses are more likely to provide the right conditions for the bacteria to thrive.
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E. Coli can cause diarrhoea and food poisoning and even lead to illnesses like pneumonia.
The experts suggest keeping on top of cleaning all areas of your bedroom to keep the bacteria at bay.
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that can lead to skin infections, acne and, in some cases, pneumonia.
Studies have found that this bacteria can survive well on cot mattresses while further research has revealed how it can lurk on your pillowcases.
Advice for packing to avoid spread of bacteria
Martin Seeley, sleep expert and CEO at MattressNextDay, recommends following these tips to prevent your suitcase from contaminating your bed.
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He said: “When you arrive at your hotel unpack your suitcase as far away from the bed as possible, ideally not on an upholstered surface as this is where bedbugs thrive such as carpet or a sofa.
“If you have a luggage rack unpack and store your suitcase there.
“When you arrive home unpack your suitcase on a hard floor, away from the bedroom, as you won’t be able to spot bed bugs in the carpet.
“Next, inspect your suitcase closely and use a flashlight to revise the seams, folds, and pockets of your suitcase. You should then vacuum your suitcase before placing it back in storage.”
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