Comments on: Sweet Dreams Project: Astoria businessman donating mattresses to those with bed bugs

By: nobugsonme

nobugsonme — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:40:52 +0000

Hi hopelessnomo,

I think I was reading this the same way Winston did. This article does not say that children whose mattresses were already discarded are getting new ones. It simply said mattresses would be bought to replace infested ones.

Obviously if they’re already gone, that’s another story. Encasements are still a good idea, though.

In any case, Mr. Maldonado’s generosity is laudable and I don’t think anyone was saying otherwise.

By: Winston O. Buggy

Winston O. Buggy — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:09:26 +0000

Please note I am not criticizing the concept of the project, which is helping people who are plagued with bed bugs, who as reported can not afford to replace infested mattresses. I am merely trying to point out a more efficient way to help two or three times the number of people while at the same time reducing the overall risk that infested mattresses will be picked up by folks or stored inside buildings till they are properly disposed of thereby allowing the spread of bed bugs in the core area of the buildings. I did not note anywhere in the article that the mattresses had already been removed other than his sister who threw hers out. And if indeed these mattresses which are expected to be replaced the last week in July have all already been thrown out, then let the program make changes for the greater good in the future based
on sound science and economic realities. Especially if the future holds the establishment of an ongoing funded organization. If this is to be interpreted as criticism than so be it but if it is, it is certainly offered as constructive criticism in the truest and most productive sense. PS I have made several attempts to contact Mr. Maldanado to offer my comments and input. If you have contact information please forward. Thank You.

By: monroe

monroe — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:14:15 +0000

Sounded like a good suggestion (& certainly more practical & useful)rather than a criticism to me

By: hopelessnomo

hopelessnomo — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:08:35 +0000

I’m not sure what purpose is served in criticizing this man’s project.

If the mattresses are already gone, they need to be replaced.

By: Winston O. Buggy

Winston O. Buggy — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:18:40 +0000

While we all applaud any action of goodwill, I can’t help but wonder if providing mattress encasements alone might not be a better and certainly more cost effective approach. Obviously if we talk about replacing mattresses we also must consider box springs as well. For about $120 - $150 you can buy quality encasements for both which are easier to distribute, cheaper and less likely to spread the problem by other people picking up the discarded mattress and box spring.