— Questions & Answers
Everything You
Need to Know.
Answers to the questions we hear most from procurement teams, facility managers, and compliance officers. Can't find what you need? Call us directly.
What is the LDPE 3D core and how is it different from foam?
The Airstring mattress core is made from Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) in a three-dimensional open-loop structure — the same material used in industrial filtration for its durability and chemical resistance. Unlike closed-cell foam, which traps air and moisture, the LDPE 3D core is entirely open. Air moves through it freely, liquid passes through it without absorption, and its structural integrity is maintained by the geometry of the loops — not by the density of the material. Foam compresses under sustained load and loses its shape permanently. The LDPE core does not.
What sizes does the Airstring mattress come in?
Standard institutional sizes are 25" × 75" × 4" and 30" × 77" × 3". Custom dimensions are available for volume orders of 50+ units. Contact our team with your facility's specific bunk or platform dimensions and we'll confirm availability and lead time.
What cover options are available?
Two standard cover materials are available: Clear Polypropylene (fully transparent, institutional grade) and Clearview-RK Vinyl (clear vinyl with reinforced seams for high-security environments). Additional cover options are in development — contact us for the current full list and FR availability for each cover type.
Is the mattress comfortable for extended use?
Yes — and the data supports it. The open-loop construction distributes weight across thousands of contact points rather than a single foam surface, reducing pressure buildup. The breathability of 73.56 g.m²/hr prevents moisture retention and temperature accumulation, which are primary contributors to discomfort on foam. Facilities report measurable reduction in bedding-related grievances after switching to Airstring.
How does the Airstring core hold up over 10 years?
The LDPE material does not compress, degrade, or absorb moisture — the three primary failure mechanisms for foam. The loop geometry is mechanically stable under sustained load. Accelerated lifecycle testing confirms structural integrity well beyond the 10-year guarantee window. No Airstring core has been replaced under warranty since the product launched.
What weight capacity does the mattress support?
Weight capacity specifications are available in the full product spec sheet — request it directly from our team or download from the product page. The LDPE core's structural performance is load-rated at institutional use levels and is not subject to the progressive compression failure that limits foam mattresses at higher weights over time.
How does the clear cover help with contraband searches?
The Clear Polypropylene and Clearview-RK Vinyl covers are fully transparent, allowing officers to visually inspect the core interior without removing or cutting the cover. Because the LDPE core structure is also open and three-dimensional, any foreign object placed inside it is immediately visible from outside the mattress. A standard visual scan takes under 10 seconds per unit. Facilities using Airstring report eliminating cutting-based search procedures entirely.
Can contraband still be hidden inside an Airstring mattress?
The combination of the clear cover and open-loop core makes concealment extremely difficult. Unlike foam, where a slit can be sealed invisibly after concealment, the LDPE core has no closed cavities and the transparent cover shows the interior at all times. Any tampering with the cover seal is immediately visible. This does not make concealment impossible, but it eliminates the primary concealment methods used with standard foam mattresses.
Does the clear cover affect durability?
No. Clear Polypropylene is a high-strength thermoplastic used in institutional-grade applications precisely because of its impact and tear resistance. Clearview-RK Vinyl adds reinforced seam construction for higher-security environments. Both covers are rated for institutional use and are included under the 10-year core guarantee for material defects.
Are opaque cover options available for facilities that prefer them?
Yes. Opaque cover materials are available as an option — though we recommend the clear options for most security applications. Contact our team to discuss cover material options for your specific facility type and security classification.
How do you clean an Airstring mattress?
The Airstring mattress can be cleaned with standard institutional disinfectants, hosed down, or put through an industrial washer. The open-loop core allows water to pass through completely — there are no enclosed cavities where moisture can pool. Drying time is significantly faster than foam because there is no absorption. The LDPE material is chemically resistant to the disinfectants and bleach solutions used in institutional environments.
Why can't bacteria grow in the Airstring core?
Bacterial growth requires moisture retention and a surface to colonise. The LDPE 3D core does not retain moisture — liquid passes through it — and the polyethylene surface does not support biofilm formation under normal conditions. Independent sanitation audits at 18 months post-deployment have found zero bacterial colonies in core samples. Foam cores, by contrast, trap moisture in closed cells and provide ideal conditions for bacterial proliferation.
What sanitation protocols are recommended?
Standard institutional sanitation protocols apply. A full cleaning guide is available in the product documentation — request from our team or download from the product page. For facilities with specific sanitation standards or accreditation requirements, our team can advise on compatible cleaning agents and procedures.
Does the cover need to be removed for cleaning?
No. The cover can remain in place during standard cleaning. The cover seal is designed to be watertight from the outside while the core ventilates normally. For deep sanitation — such as after a biohazard event — the cover can be removed, the core cleaned independently, and a replacement cover applied. Replacement covers are available as individual units.
What exactly does the 10-year guarantee cover?
The 10-year core guarantee covers structural defects, material failure, and core flattening or degradation under normal institutional use. If the core fails to maintain its structural integrity within 10 years of purchase — for any reason other than physical damage intentionally caused — Airstring will replace the unit at no charge. The guarantee is transferable if your facility changes management or ownership. Full warranty terms are included in every order and available on request.
What is NOT covered under the guarantee?
The guarantee does not cover damage resulting from intentional cutting, burning, or physical destruction; damage from improper chemical exposure (outside recommended cleaning protocols); or cosmetic wear to the cover material that does not affect core performance. The cover is not subject to the 10-year structural guarantee — however, replacement covers are available at low cost as consumable items.
How do I file a warranty claim?
Contact our team directly at (954) 796-7641 or email us with your order number, the unit serial number (printed on each mattress), and a brief description of the issue. We aim to respond to all warranty claims within 24 hours and process approved replacements within [timeframe TBD — confirm with Josh].
Is the guarantee transferable to a new facility administration?
Yes. The 10-year core guarantee is attached to the unit, not the purchaser. If your facility changes management, the guarantee transfers automatically. Provide the new management team with the original order documentation, or contact us and we can re-issue guarantee documentation under the new facility name.
What is the minimum order quantity?
There is no minimum order quantity for standard sizes via our online store. For volume pricing, custom sizes, or bid support, the Get a Quote form is designed for orders of 50+ units. Volume pricing tiers begin at 50 units — contact us to receive a tiered pricing sheet for your order size.
How long does delivery take?
Standard lead times for in-stock sizes are [X–X business days] — Josh to confirm. Volume orders (100+ units) have lead times confirmed at point of order, typically [X–X weeks]. All Airstring products are manufactured in Coral Springs, FL — domestic lead times are consistent and not subject to import delays.
Do you support the formal bid and procurement process?
Yes. Airstring supports government and institutional procurement processes including formal bids, RFP responses, sole-source justification documentation, and piggyback contract vehicles where available. Our team has experience with county, state, and federal procurement requirements. Contact us with your bid timeline and we'll confirm what documentation we can provide.
Can I get a sample unit before committing to a full order?
Yes. Sample units are available for qualified institutional buyers. Contact our team with your facility details and intended order volume — we'll arrange a sample unit with your preferred cover configuration for evaluation. Sample units are subject to availability.
Do you offer financing or payment terms for large orders?
Payment terms are available for qualified institutional purchasers on volume orders. Net-30 and Net-60 terms can be arranged — discuss with our team during the quote process. Standard online orders are processed at time of purchase.
Is the Airstring mattress available in a fire-resistant version?
Yes. FR (Fire Resistant) cover options are available for all standard sizes and are the default recommendation for correctional and institutional applications where fire safety compliance is required. The FR cover meets [certification TBD — Josh to confirm standard, e.g. CPSC 16 CFR 1633 or State-specific standard]. Request the FR spec sheet for your jurisdiction's compliance documentation requirements.
What fire safety standard does the FR cover meet?
FR compliance documentation and test certificates are available on request. Contact our team with your state or facility's specific fire safety standard and we will confirm whether our FR cover meets it and provide the relevant certification documentation for your compliance file. [Specific standard TBD — Josh to confirm and populate.]
Do you provide documentation for compliance and accreditation audits?
Yes. Airstring can provide a full compliance documentation package including: product spec sheets, lab test reports (evaporative capacity, material composition), FR certification documentation, warranty terms, and manufacturing origin confirmation (Made in USA). Request your compliance package from our team — we typically turn these around within 24 hours.
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