Jun 12, 2008 4:13 pm US/Pacific
Moldy Mattresses Continue To Cause Health Problems
(CBS 5)
Mold has been found in some select comfort mattresses purchased prior to 2005.
Gayle Fischer had no idea that for the past few years she and her husband had been sleeping with mold.
"It's kind of frightening, sickening because it's mold," said Fischer.
"They have people register for the warranty, they should have warned people about this way in advance."
Here's how it happens: when moisture from your body gets under the mattress pad, it's trapped with no ventilation, eventually turning into mold and multiplying.
Gayle contacted ConsumerWatch and then Select Comfort.
"I told them I did not want another bed, so they said they would give me a refund," she said.
Bill and Diane Balbierz were also tuning in and then checked their bed only to find mold. Bill feels this may explain some of his "unexplainable" recent health issues..
"I've had difficulty with breathing, chest congestion. I've seen my doctor, I've gone to an allergist. I've been taking allergy shots for the last couple of years. Doctors found I have some beginning asthma," said Bill.
And Diane also feels this may explain some of her recent problems.
"I was experiencing rashes. very intense rashes on my face and arms," said Diane.
"The risk for people is when they have a significant amount of mold in which they're in close proximity over a period of time," said Dr. Hal collard is with UCSF.
The Fischers contacted ConsumerWatch and then select comfort. Their bed is being replaced. A class action lawsuit has been filed against Select Comfort.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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