Recently, Beijing reported that nearly half of its bamboo mat products tested positive for excessive formaldehyde, and similar issues such as excessive formaldehyde content and poor colorfastness have been found in bamboo mats in other regions. Yesterday, the Shanghai Consumer Protection Commission issued a summer consumer warning, reminding consumers to be extra careful when purchasing and using bamboo mats in the summer.
Industry experts pointed out that a few unscrupulous manufacturers choose inferior adhesives with excessive formaldehyde content in order to reduce costs.
Even worse, to prevent bamboo mats from molding, some manufacturers soak the bamboo raw materials in formaldehyde-containing liquids before production. Others use harmful industrial dyes to color the bamboo. Consumers who purchase and use these substandard mats may experience allergic dermatitis and other health problems. Therefore, the Consumer Protection Commission reminds consumers to purchase bamboo mats from reputable retailers and carefully check the packaging labels.
Do not buy "three-no" products (products without a product name, manufacturer's name, and address). Choose uncolored bamboo mats made using traditional techniques whenever possible. Before use, wipe the bamboo mat with warm water and let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. Proper maintenance is also important; used bamboo mats will accumulate sweat and dust, so it's recommended to wipe them clean with warm water before each use. When room humidity is high, improve indoor ventilation to extend the lifespan of the bamboo mat.
So, how can you choose a safe cooling mat?
1. Check if the color is uniform; a light green or bright yellow is best. Then, lay the mat flat and check if the weave is tight and even.
2. When purchasing a cooling mat, it is best to smell it first. If it has a pungent smell, it may contain formaldehyde.
3. Touch the front and back sides with your hands to check for rough edges and burrs, and whether the surface is smooth and even.
4. After purchase, you can wipe it clean, air dry it, and expose it to the sun, which will significantly reduce the formaldehyde content.
In addition, choosing a cooling mat according to one's physical condition is one of the best approaches. Below are cooling mats suitable for four different physical conditions; feel free to refer to them.
1. The "Cool" Style: Suitable for those who are very sensitive to heat and have a yin deficiency with internal heat.
1. Cooling Mat: A special medicinal solution is fixed inside the mat material. When a person lies on it, they experience a cooling sensation similar to lying on ice water. If categorized by the degree of coolness, the cooling mat ranks first.
Disadvantages: It is very cooling, so it is not suitable for the elderly, children, or people with weak constitutions. Furthermore, the surface material and internal filling of the cooling mat are made of chemical composite materials, which may cause allergies in some people after prolonged use.
2. Jade Cooling Mat: The second most cooling option is the jade cooling mat, made by stringing together thin pieces of jade. The gaps between each piece increase breathability. It has a calming and soothing effect, and is very effective for relieving irritability and insomnia.
Disadvantages: It feels cold to the touch, making it more suitable for middle-aged and young people who are afraid of heat or have a yin deficiency and internal heat constitution.
3. Bamboo mats: Cool, durable, and reasonably priced, the most common types include water bamboo mats, bamboo strip mats, and mahjong-shaped bamboo mats made of small bamboo strips strung together with plastic rope. Mahjong-shaped bamboo mats are the coolest and most flexible, and provide a good massage effect on the back.
Disadvantages: Poor breathability, high rigidity, and easily damaged if not laid flat. Bamboo mats with printed patterns may cause contact dermatitis. It should be noted that due to high outdoor temperatures in summer, combined with increased body temperature, the thick plastic tubing in the mahjong mat can easily release toxic substances when heated, making it unsuitable for long-term use.
II. The Popular Choice: The most neutral and environmentally friendly, suitable for all body types.
1. Cowhide Mat: Among many neutral-weight cooling mats, cowhide mats are the top choice, belonging to the high-end category, with those made from a single piece of buffalo hide being the best. Cowhide mats can be used all year round, providing warmth in winter and coolness in summer, and have excellent sweat absorption, making them ideal for people who sweat a lot. Because they are made of leather, they also offer a unique softness and smoothness when in contact with the skin. It can be said that "cowhide mat + air conditioning" is currently the most perfect combination for the bedroom.
Disadvantages: The edges of the mat tend to wrinkle after use; the genuine leather layer easily absorbs water and evaporates slowly, potentially leading to mold growth in humid seasons. It is also relatively expensive, generally costing over a thousand yuan.
2. Rattan mats: Hand-woven from rattan bark, they come in three colors: evergreen, white, and blue (of which evergreen is the most aesthetically pleasing and blue is the most durable). Rattan mats, repeatedly steamed and sun-dried, are absorbent, smooth, soft, and durable. They are foldable and not easily broken, and can generally last for decades (the longer they are used, the better their luster). They are also resistant to insects and suitable for all types of people.
Disadvantage: It is more expensive than a regular cooling mat.
3. Odor Absorption Expert: Suitable for those with body odor and high levels of toxins in their bodies.
Bamboo charcoal mats: The bamboo used in bamboo charcoal mats undergoes a special oxidation treatment, resulting in strong adsorption properties. They possess antibacterial, deodorizing, dust-absorbing, air-freshening, and cooling characteristics. While not as cooling as regular bamboo mats, they absorb sweat better than ordinary cooling mats.
Disadvantages: The color is relatively dark. Some "bamboo charcoal mats" are simply ordinary bamboo mats with a layer of charcoal cloth sandwiched inside.
IV. Mild Type: Low in cooling properties, suitable for the elderly and those with weak constitutions.
Straw mats: Straw mats are considered veterans in the history of summer mats. They are loved by the elderly for their low price, mild nature, soft material, and natural fragrance.
Disadvantages: A major drawback of traditional straw mats is their susceptibility to dust mites, which may cause allergies in infants. Because straw mats are highly absorbent, they tend to yellow and become damaged after a season, making them not very durable.
