Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

We spend one-third of our life in the bed; therefore, the quality of the bed has a significant impact on our health and performance. Bed bugs are a nocturnal insect that feeds on human blood and is found in the mattress and around the bed. Bed bugs were once a common public health pest worldwide, that declined in incidence through the mid-20th century. However, recently, bed bugs have undergone a dramatic resurgence worldwide, and there are reports of increasing numbers of infestations. Conventionally, chemicals are used to remove the bed bugs from the mattress. In addition to their toxicity, chemicals used to kill bed bugs are not effective in killing bed bug eggs and, more often than not, require multiple treatments. C2 Custom Furnishings Inc., a Winnipeg based company, has developed a technology that can offer a permanent solution to bed bugs. To control the bed bug problem, traps and heat, instead of chemicals and pesticides, are used in the GoodKnight Bed. To fully commercialize the technology, some details should be figured out. Experts in Building Efficiency Technology Access (BETAC) at Red River College will help C2 Custom Furnishings Inc. through the development of a deep understanding of technology and using new fabric. The objective of this project is to develop a cost-effective bed bug control system that can be commercialized by C2 Custom Furnishings Inc.