Ambler’s Allergy Technologies LLC believes it has the answer to the largely overlooked, yet growing problem. Its newest product is the ActiveGuard mattress liner, a patented, fitted mattress cover proven to kill bed bugs on mattresses and box springs that is being introduced to the U.S. market.
The liners, originally developed to combat dust mites and asthma in London, is currently being used across the country. Many people are even considering using these alongside Merlin commercial pest control for situations where things get particularly bad. Under the brand name Astex, 40,000 units have been sold in Europe and Asia in the last decade. ActiveGuard liners are a natural extension of the malaria nets, or bed nets, used by millions throughout the world over the last 50 years. They underwent field trials in the U.S. and achieved high scores.
Bed bugs were all but eradicated in the U.S. after World War II as a result of widespread pesticide use. The bugs are making a comeback because toxic chemicals are being used less. However, with the help of a professional exterminator, or the liners produced by ActiveGuard, it is very likely that there will be a decrease in bed bugs again in the near future.
Allergy Technologies was founded in 2002 by Gus Carey to find innovative solutions for common health problems. Carey, who grew up in nearby Spring House, and boasts graduate degrees from both Oxford and Harvard, has embedded philanthropy in his company, which operates as a self-trademarked “philanprofit”. Two percent of proceeds from ActiveGuard will be donated to help inner-city asthma clinics and asthma education programs at leading hospitals.
Source: Roberta Perry, for Allergy Technologies
Writer: Joe Petrucci