April 19, 2012
Ever wanted to spend an afternoon in bed instead of at the library? Well, that’s exactly what students who participated in Physical Plant’s mattress survey got to do.
Mattresses at Hamilton are on an eight-year cycle, and this year, Physical Plant is planning to purchase mattresses from a different manufacturer and sought students’ input on their mattress preferences.
“Our mattress supplier increased his price and we decided to look at options. We received a feeler from another national manufacturer and after talking with them, they built us a mattress similar to what we are interested in purchasing,” Assistant Director of Physical Plant Terry Hawkridge said.
Mattresses are replaced every eight years, so Physical Plant is only planning on purchasing approximately 150 mattresses at this time. Physical plant donates the old mattresses that are salvageable to local charities.
“We do not sell old mattresses. We offer them to local charities from Syracuse and Utica, Catholic charities, refugee centers and some shelters. We only landfill the nasty ones,” Hawkridge said.
Physical Plant and the Custodial Foreman examined the mattresses before selecting the two mattresses that were tested by students.
“After the new mattresses came in from the second manufacturer, we took a hard look at them. The Custodial Foreman reviewed them the most. They seemed to be good mattresses and had appropriate fire ratings. We then brought in a new mattress kept in storage and put them side-by-side and tested them,” Hawkridge said.
Physical Plant received mixed reviews after opening up mattress testing to students.
“The results were mixed, but the student body seemed to like the egg crating texture better and the new mattress company. After we look at the mattresses, costs and references, we will make up our minds,” Hawkridge said.
Regardless of Physical Plant’s final decision, 150 students can look forward to sleeping on a brand new mattress next year.