"MATTRESS OR PILLOW AND METHOD FOR THEIR DISINFECTION"

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention concerns a mattress and a pillow. The invention further concerns a cover suitable for being applied externally to a mattress or a pillow. The invention further concerns a method for the disinfection and/or sterilisation of a mattress or pillow or cover suitable for being applied externally to mattresses or pillows.

Background of the invention

Mattresses and pillows made of viscoelastic material are known, which are used for providing a supporting surface for the body of a user and comprise typically one or more layers made of latex and/or of polyurethane foams.

External covers of mattresses and pillows are also known, suitable for protecting the mattresses and the pillows to which they are applied in order to protect the inner layers from stains and wear; they usually constitute the surface for interfacing between the mattress or pillow and the external environment.

In domestic applications, mattresses and pillows are generally used by a single user, while in other environments, such as hotels, hospitals, apartment hotels, hostels, farmhouse tourism premises, nursing homes and hospices, a single mattress or pillow may be used over time by a plurality of different users. Promiscuous, continuous and prolonged use can sometimes entail the proliferation of germs, bacteria and dust mites in outer covers and inside mattresses and pillows. In the case of successive use by several users of a single pillow or mattress, the process of proliferation of germs, bacteria and dust mites can be particularly accentuated precisely because of the promiscuity of use. To obviate these disadvantages, recourse is generally had to cleaning, disinfection and/or sterilisation of mattresses, pillows and their outer covers which is often scheduled at regular intervals of time (for example before the start of each tourist season).

The covers are easier to clean than the mattresses and pillows since they can be easily removed and washed, for example by hand or in a washing machine, or even in industrial processes. As regards pillows, they too can be washed by hand or in a washing machine; in the latter case, however, due to their volumetric bulk (greater than that of the covers previously described), a washing machine of larger dimensions may be required. Simple washing by hand or in a washing machine is not, however, usually effective in completely eliminating germs and bacteria; to optimise the process of sanitising pillows and covers, recourse is therefore had to alternative methods, such as the use of known washing machines which provide dedicated cycles of disinfection and/or sterilisation.

As regards mattresses, the operations of cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation are more complex because of their considerable dimensions; mattresses are therefore usually sanitised by means of suitable apparatus and specific methods. In accordance with a known method of cleaning, the mattress is treated with a bactericidal detergent solution, which is usually applied to the outer lining of the mattress and introduced into the stuffing of the mattress by means of a dedicated apparatus. The detergent solution can for example be applied and subsequently removed by a system of injection and extraction; the action of the solution requires that it should be sprayed onto the surface of the mattress and/or injected into it by means of a nozzle and subsequently sucked up together with the removed dirt.

Subsequently to the steps previously described, other operations can be carried out such as rubbing the lining, manually scrubbing the mattress, at least partially drying the mattress and carrying out an antibacterial and anti-dust mite treatment.

The apparatuses and methods of washing, disinfecting and/or sterilising mattresses and pillows have however a number of important problems.

Disinfection and/or sterilisation of pillows and the covers of mattresses or pillows is inconvenient to use, as it requires a specific machine, such as a washing machine suitable for implementing specific cycles dedicated to disinfection and/or sterilisation.

Washing pillows in washing machines furthermore entails the risk of damaging the pillow itself.

As regards mattresses, disinfection and sterilisation according to known methods require long times, of the order of several hours; in particular, in accordance with known methods, disinfection of the mattress can take from 5 to 9 hours. This duration comprises the treatment of the mattress using suitable equipment (from 1 to 4 hours) and the subsequent 4 or 5 hours to conclude the complete drying of the mattress, which is necessary for completely removing the moisture from the mattress in order to avoid the existence of an atmosphere favourable to the proliferation of bacteria.

The long duration of the process of disinfection and the complexity of the mattresses is even more particularly inconvenient in environments where there is a need to disinfect and sterilise a large number of mattresses or pillows, such as hotels, hospitals, apartment hotels, hostels, farmhouse tourism premises, nursing homes and hospices. In this type of environment, where disinfection and sterilisation of the mattresses and pillows can be necessary on a monthly or even weekly basis, it would be particularly desirable to have a of disinfection and/or sterilisation process of short duration.

It is also known the document DE 10 2010 055579 which illustrates a device for holding a person in a motor vehicle (child's seat). This device comprises a pillow consisting mainly of viscoelastic material . In a specific embodiment, this pillow can also comprise titanium dioxide among the secondary components.

Known apparatuses for carrying out disinfection and/or sterilisation of mattresses are furthermore inconvenient to use and expensive.

A principal object of the present invention is to resolve one or more of the problems encountered in the known art.

An object of the present invention is to develop a mattress and/or a pillow which makes it possible to carry out the operations of sanitising the component with greater ease.

A further object is to make available a method of disinfection which makes it possible to combat the proliferation of bacteria in mattresses, pillows and covers, particularly in environments in which there is a high promiscuity of use of mattresses and pillows and/or a tendency to a proliferation of bacteria.

An object of the present invention is to propose a mattress, a pillow and a cover for mattresses or pillows capable of being disinfected or sterilised easily and rapidly.

It is furthermore an object of the present invention to propose a mattress, a pillow and a cover for mattresses or pillows which is simple and inexpensive to make. A further object of the present invention is to propose a method which is simply and rapidly implemented for disinfecting and/or sterilising mattresses, pillows and covers for mattresses or pillows, which might be performed even daily and possibly in a domestic environment, requiring little time and reasonable efforts.

Summary section

These objects and yet others, which will appear more clearly from the description which follows, are substantially achieved by a mattress, a pillow and a cover for mattresses or pillows in accordance with what is expressed in one or more of the attached claims, taken on their own or in combination with each other, or in combination with any of the further aspects or characteristics described below.

In a 1 ^st aspect a mattress or pillow (1) is provided comprising at least one layer (2) made of a viscoelastic material, said mattress or pillow (1) extending for a length (L), for a height (H) and for a width (J) and being characterised in that said at least one layer (2) comprises a titanium dioxide dispersion in at least one portion (11) thereof.

In a 2 ^nd aspect in accordance with the 1 ^st aspect, said layer (2) is made of at least one material selected from among the group consisting of polyurethane- based foams and latex.

In a 3 ^rd aspect in accordance with the 1 ^st or 2 ^nd aspect, said titanium dioxide dispersion is distributed homogeneously in at least one portion (11) of at least said layer (2) of the mattress or pillow (1).

In a 4 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said titanium dioxide dispersion is distributed homogeneously in the volume of at least said portion (11) of at least said layer (2) of the mattress or pillow (1).

In a 5 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, in conditions of use of the mattress or pillow (1), said portion (11) extends along a substantially vertical prevalent direction for a first fraction (Η') of said height (H) of said mattress or pillow (1), in particular said substantially vertical direction being parallel to said height (H).

In a 6 ^th aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect, said first fraction (Η') of said height (H) is substantially equal to said height (H).

In a 7 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, in conditions of use of the mattress or pillow (1), said portion (11) extends along a first substantially horizontal prevalent direction for a first fraction (!_') of said length (L) of said mattress or pillow (1), in particular said first substantially horizontal direction being parallel to said length (L).

In an 8 ^th aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect, said first fraction (Ι_') of said length (L) of said mattress or pillow (1) is substantially equal to said length (L).

In a 9 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, in conditions of use of the mattress or pillow (1), said portion (11) extends along a second substantially horizontal direction for a first fraction (J') of said width (J) of said mattress or pillow (1), in particular said second substantially horizontal direction being parallel to said width (J).

In a 10 ^th aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect, said first fraction (J') of said width (J) of said mattress or pillow (1) is substantially equal to said width

CO- In an 11 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said titanium dioxide dispersion is distributed exclusively at least at one surface layer of said mattress or pillow (1).

In a 12 ^th aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect, said mattress or pillow (1) comprises an upper portion (6) and a lower portion (7), said upper portion (6) and said lower portion (7) being defined with reference to the conditions of use of said mattress or pillow (1), said upper portion (6) being opposite to said lower portion (7) of said mattress or pillow (1), said surface layer being arranged at least at the upper portion (6).

In a 13 ^th aspect in accordance with the 11 ^th or 12 ^th aspect, said mattress or pillow (1) comprises an upper portion (6) and a lower portion (7), said upper portion (6) and said lower portion (7) being defined with reference to the conditions of use of said mattress or pillow (1), said upper portion (6) being opposite to said lower portion (7) of said mattress or pillow (1), said surface layer being arranged at least at the lower portion (7).

In a 14 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 11 ^th to the 13 ^th , in conditions of use of the mattress or pillow (1), said surface layer extends along a substantially vertical direction parallel to said height (H) of said mattress or pillow (1) for a first fraction (Η') of said height (H) at least equal to 1 mm . In a 15 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 11 ^th to the 14 ^th , in conditions of use of the mattress or pillow (1), said surface layer extends along a substantially vertical direction parallel to said height (H) of said mattress or pillow (1) for a first fraction (Η') of said height (H) comprised between 1 mm and 5 cm .

In a 16 ^th aspect in accordance with any of aspects 11 ^th to 15 ^th , in conditions of use of the mattress or pillow (1), said surface layer extends along a first substantially horizontal direction for a first fraction (Ι_') of said length (L) of said mattress or pillow (1), said first substantially horizontal direction being parallel to said length (L) of said mattress or pillow (1).

In a 17 ^th aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect, said first fraction (Ι_') of said length (L) of said mattress or pillow (1) is substantially equal to the length (L) of said mattress or pillow (1).

In an 18 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said titanium dioxide dispersion is distributed at least at one surface of the mattress or pillow (1) adapted for constituting a support surface for the user.

In a 19 ^th aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect, said mattress or pillow (1) comprises a first and a second end portion (9, 10), said second end portion (10) is opposite said first end portion (9) and said surface of the mattress or pillow (1) suitable for constituting a support surface for the user is positioned in at least one among said first and said second end portion (9, 10) of said mattress or pillow (1).

In a 20 ^th aspect in accordance with the 18 ^th or 19 ^th aspect, said mattress or pillow (1) comprises an upper portion (6), said upper portion (6) being defined with reference to the conditions of use of said mattress or pillow (1), and said surface of the mattress or pillow (1) adapted for constituting a support for the user corresponds substantially to said upper portion (6) of said mattress or pillow (1).

In a 21 ^st aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said mattress or pillow (1) comprises an upper portion (6), said upper portion (6) being defined with reference to the conditions of use of said mattress or pillow (1), and said titanium dioxide dispersion is distributed at the upper portion (6) of the mattress or pillow (1).

In a 22 ^nd aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said mattress or pillow (1) comprises an additional layer (3) distinct from layer (2), and said titanium dioxide dispersion is distributed in said layer (2) and/or in said additional layer (3) of the mattress or pillow (1). In a 23 ^rd aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect, said layer (2) and said additional layer (3) are contiguous, for example overlapping each other.

In a 24 ^th aspect in accordance with the 22nd or the 23rd aspect, said mattress or pillow (1) comprises an upper portion (6) and a lower portion (7), said upper portion (6) and said lower portion (7) being defined with reference to the conditions of use of said mattress or pillow (1), said upper portion (6) being opposite to said lower portion (7) of said mattress or pillow (1), and in use condition of the mattress or pillow (1) said layer (2) is arranged in the upper portion (6) of the mattress or pillow (1) and said additional layer (3) is arranged in the lower portion (7) of the mattress or pillow (1).

In a 25 ^th aspect in accordance with any of aspects from the 22 ^nd to the 24 ^th , said additional layer (3) of said mattress or pillow (1) is made of a viscoelastic material .

In a 26 ^th aspect in accordance with any of aspects from the 22 ^nd to the 25 ^th , said additional layer (3) of said mattress or pillow (1) is made of one or more materials belonging to the group consisting of polyurethane-based foams and latex.

In a 27 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said mattress or pillow (1) is of multi-layer type.

In a 28 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said titanium dioxide dispersion in said layer (2) is not uniform in the volume of the layer (2) itself and follows a distribution in accordance with a regular geometrical pattern. In a 29 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said titanium dioxide dispersion is distributed homogeneously in the volume of the of the layer (2) of the mattress or pillow (1).

In a 30 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said titanium dioxide dispersion is present in the layer (2) of the mattress or pillow (1) in a percentage by weight at least equal to 5% of the weight of the viscoelastic material .

In a 31 ^st aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said titanium dioxide dispersion is present in the layer (2) of the mattress or pillow (1) in a percentage by weight comprised between 5% and 30% of the weight of the viscoelastic material .

In a 32 ^nd aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said titanium dioxide dispersion is present in the layer (2) of the mattress or pillow (1) in a percentage by weight comprised between 5% and 15% of the weight of the viscoelastic material .

In a 33 ^rd aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said titanium dioxide dispersion is present in the layer (2) of the mattress or pillow (1) in a percentage by weight comprised between 7% and 10% of the weight of the viscoelastic material .

In a 34 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said titanium dioxide dispersion is present in the form of a colourless crystalline powder.

In a 35 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said titanium dioxide dispersion is present in the crystalline form called anatase.

In a 36 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said titanium dioxide dispersion is present in the form of nanocomposite.

In a 37 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said titanium dioxide dispersion is made up of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide.

In a 38 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said titanium dioxide dispersion is made up of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide characterised by a diameter substantially comprised between 2 and 200 nm .

In a 39 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects, said layer further comprises a substance adapted for changing colour when the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide are activated.

In a 40 ^th aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect, said substance adapted of changing colour when the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide are activated is a colourant.

In a 41 ^st aspect in accordance with the 39 ^th or the 40 ^th aspect, said substance adapted for changing colour when the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide are activated returns to its original colour once the titanium dioxide returns to the inactive state.

In a 42 ^nd aspect a cover (8) for mattresses or pillows (1) is provided, said cover (8) being characterised in that it comprises a titanium dioxide dispersion in at least one portion (11) thereof.

In a 43 ^rd aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect, said cover (8) is a mattress cover or a pillowslip for pillows (1).

In a 44 ^th aspect in accordance with the 42 ^nd or 43 ^rd aspect, said titanium dioxide dispersion is present in the cover (8) in a percentage by weight at least equal to 5% of the weight of the material of which the cover (8) is made. In a 45 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 42 ^nd to the 44 ^th , said titanium dioxide dispersion is present in the cover (8) in a percentage by weight comprised between 5% and 30% of the material of which the cover (8) is made.

In a 46 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 42 ^nd to the 45 ^th , said titanium dioxide dispersion is present in the cover (8) in a percentage by weight comprised between 5% and 15% of the material of which the cover (8) is made.

In a 47 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 42 ^nd to the 46 ^th , said titanium dioxide dispersion is present in the cover (8) in a percentage by weight comprised between 7% and 10% of the material of which the cover (8) is made.

In a 48 ^th aspect in accordance with any of aspects from the 42 ^nd to the 47 ^th , said cover (8) is made at least partially of fabric.

In a 49 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 42 ^nd to the 48 ^th , said cover (8) is made at least partially of fabric of elasticised type.

In a 50 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 42 ^nd to the 49 ^th , said titanium dioxide dispersion is distributed homogeneously in at least one portion (11) of said cover (8).

In a 51 ^st aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 42 ^nd to the 50 ^th , said titanium dioxide dispersion is distributed homogeneously in said cover (8). In a 52 ^nd aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 42 ^nd to the 51 ^st , said titanium dioxide dispersion is present in the form of a colourless crystalline powder.

In a 53 ^rd aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 42 ^nd to the 52 ^nd , said titanium dioxide dispersion is present in the crystalline form called anatase. In a 54 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 42 ^nd to the 53 ^rd , said titanium dioxide dispersion is present in the form of nanocomposite.

In a 55 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 42 ^nd to the 54 ^th , said titanium dioxide dispersion is made up of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide. In a 56 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 42 ^nd to the 55 ^th , said titanium dioxide dispersion is made up of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide characterised by a diameter comprised between 2 and 200 nm . In a 57 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the preceding aspects from the 42 ^nd to the 56 ^th , said cover (8) comprises a substance adapted for changing colour when the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide are activated.

In a 58 ^th aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect, said substance capable of changing colour when the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide are activated is a colourant.

In a 59 ^th aspect in accordance with the 57 ^th or the 58 ^th aspect, said substance adapted for changing colour when the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide are activated returns to its original colour once the titanium dioxide returns to the inactivated state.

In an 60 ^th aspect a mattress or pillow (1) is provided in accordance with any of the aspects from the 1 ^st to the 41 ^st comprising a cover (8) in accordance with any of the aspects from the 42 ^nd to the 59 ^th .

In a 61 ^st aspect a method of disinfecting and/or sterilising mattresses or pillows (1) or covers (8) for mattresses or pillows (1) is provided comprising the steps of:

preparing a mattress or pillow (1) or a cover (8) comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion;

preparing an activator (12) activatable on command to activate the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide;

activating said activator (12) for the purpose of disinfecting and/or sterilising said mattress or pillow (1) or cover (8) for mattresses or pillows (1). In a 62 ^nd aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect, said activator (12) is capable of emitting at least electromagnetic radiation having a frequency comprised within the frequency range corresponding to the activation frequencies of the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide.

In a 63 ^rd aspect in accordance with the 61 ^st or the 62 ^nd aspect, said activator (12) is capable of emitting at least electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength below 400 nm and/or a frequency above 750 THz.

In a 64 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 61 ^st to the 63 ^rd , said activator (12) is adapted for emitting at least electromagnetic radiation having a frequency comprised within the frequency range corresponding to the frequencies of ultraviolet radiation.

In a 65 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 61 ^st to the 64 ^th , said activator (12) is adapted for emitting at least electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength comprised between 400 nm and 10 nm and/or a frequency comprised between 750 THz and 30 PHz.

In a 66 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 61 ^st to the 65 ^th , said activator (12) is adapted for emitting at least electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of about 385 nm and a frequency of about 779 THz.

In a 67 ^th aspect in accordance with any of aspects from the 61 ^st to the 66 ^th , said activator (12) is a lamp.

In a 68 ^th aspect in accordance with any of aspects from the 61 ^st to the 67 ^th , said activator (12) is a fluorescent lamp.

In a 69 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 61 ^st to the 68 ^th , said mattress or pillow (1) or cover (8) adapted for being applied externally to mattresses or pillows comprises a substance adapted for changing colour when the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide are activated.

In a 70 ^th aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect, said substance capable of changing colour when the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide are activated is a colourant.

In a 71 ^st aspect in accordance with the 69 ^th or the 70 ^th aspect, the method comprises the step of activating said substance adapted for changing colour when the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide are activated by means of said activator (12).

In a 72 ^nd aspect a cover is provided which is suitable for being applied externally to mattresses or pillows (1), said cover being transparent at least to electromagnetic radiation having frequency and wavelength comprised within the frequency and wavelength ranges corresponding to the frequency and wavelength ranges for activating the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide.

In a 73 ^rd aspect in accordance with the preceding aspect, said cover (8) is a mattress cover or a pillowslip for pillows (1).

In a 74 ^th aspect in accordance with the 72 ^nd or the 73 ^rd aspect, said cover is transparent at least to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength below 400 nm and/or a frequency above 750 THz.

In a 75 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 72 ^nd to the 74 ^th , said cover is transparent at least to electromagnetic radiation within the frequency range corresponding to the frequencies of ultraviolet radiation. In a 76 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 72 ^nd to the 75 ^th , said cover is transparent at least to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength comprised between 400 nm and 10 nm and/or a frequency comprised between 750 THz and 30 PHz.

In a 77 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 72 ^nd to the 76 ^th , said cover is transparent at least to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of about 385 nm and a frequency of about 779 THz.

In a 78 ^th aspect in accordance with any of aspects from the 72 ^nd to the 77 ^th , said cover is made at least partially of fabric.

In a 79 ^th aspect in accordance with any of the aspects from the 72 ^nd to the 78 ^th , said cover is made at least partially of fabric of elasticised type.

In an 80 ^th aspect a mattress or pillow (1) is provided in accordance with any of the aspects from the 1 ^st to the 41 ^st comprising a cover (8) in accordance with any of the aspects from the 72 ^nd to the 79 ^th .

Description of the drawings

There now follows, by way of non-limiting example, the detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments of the invention, in which :

figure 1 shows a layer of a mattress in accordance with the present invention;

figure 2 shows a layer of a mattress comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion in accordance with a first distribution;

figure 3 shows a layer of a mattress comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion in accordance with a second distribution;

figure 4 shows a layer of a mattress comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion in accordance with a third distribution;

figure 5 shows a layer of a mattress comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion in accordance with a fourth distribution;

figure 6 shows a layer of a mattress comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion in accordance with a first distribution;

figure 7 shows a multi-layer mattress in accordance with the present invention;

figure 8 shows a layer of a mattress in accordance with the present invention, comprising two layers;

figure 9 shows a pillow in accordance with the present invention; figure 10 shows a layer of a pillow comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion in accordance with a first distribution;

figure 11 shows a pillow comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion in accordance with a second distribution;

figure 12 shows a layer of a pillow comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion in accordance with a first distribution;

figure 13 shows a cover for mattresses in accordance with the present invention partially applied externally to a mattress;

figure 14 shows a cover for pillows in accordance with the present invention partially applied externally to a pillow;

figure 15 shows a user during disinfection and/or sterilisation of a mattress in accordance with the present invention by means of an activator; figure 16 shows a user during disinfection and/or sterilisation of a pillow in accordance with the present invention by means of an activator.

Detailed description

With reference to the attached drawings, no. 1 comprehensively indicates a mattress or pillow. From a structural point of view, the mattress 1 can comprise at least one layer 2; in particular the mattress 1 can be made in a single layer 2 (single-layer mattress - figure 1), or in several layers (multi-layer mattress) as illustrated in figure 7 and in figure 8, in particular at least two layers.

In the case of single-layer mattress 1, the single layer 2 of the mattress 1 coincides substantially with mattress 1; figures 1 to 6, illustrating a layer 2 of a mattress 1, are therefore to be understood as also illustrating a single-layer mattress 1.

From the point of view of the materials constituting mattress 1, at least one layer 2 of mattress 1 can be made of viscoelastic material, preferably selected from among the group consisting of polyurethane-based foams and latex.

Mattress 1 can comprise at least one additional layer 3, which itself can be made of viscoelastic material, preferably selected from among the group consisting of polyurethane-based foams and latex.

In a mattress 1 comprising two or more layers, at least layer 2 can be made of a polyurethane-based foam and at least the additional layer 3 can be made of latex, or vice versa, and/or at least two layers 2, 3 can be made of a polyurethane-based foam and latex; in this last case, in particular, each of the two layers 2, 3 made of the same material can be differentiated from the other layer 3, 2 by a different value for density of the material.

Obviously the mattress 1 can comprise any number of layers, not necessarily all made of visco-elastic material, and of different geometries and combinations, as currently known.

However, the overall profile of the internal structure comprising the mentioned layers 2, 3 will be parallelepiped (with thickness of dimensions lower than the longitudinal and transverse extension), with upper and lower surfaces of the structure flat and respectively adapted for receiving and supporting a user and of resting on the bed frame.

From the structural point of view, the layers 2, 3 of the mattress 1 have an upper surface 4 and a lower surface 5. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces 4, 5 of at least one layer 2 can be substantially flat, as illustrated in figures 1 to 7; preferably the upper surface 4 and the lower surface 5 of a single layer 2 are flat, as illustrated in figures 1 to 7. In accordance with an alternative geometrical form of the layers of the mattress, at least one among the upper surface and the lower surface 4, 5 of at least one layer 2 can have an at least partially curvilinear geometry; in particular, one layer 2 of mattress 1 can have one among the upper and lower surfaces 4, 5 substantially flat and the opposite respective lower surface or upper surface 5, 4 (opposite to the substantially flat upper or lower surface 5, 4) at least partially curvilinear.

In particular at least two layers 2, 3 can be characterised by this geometry, as illustrated in figure 8, in such a way that the partially curvilinear surface of one layer 2, 3 is mutually couplable with the partially curvilinear surface of the other layer 3, 2. Preferably a layer 2 can have an at least partially curvilinear geometry at its upper surface 4, and an additional layer 3 can have an at least partially curvilinear geometry at its lower surface 5, suitable for being coupled to (marrying) the upper surface 4 of layer 2, as illustrated in figure 8.

In particular, as illustrated in figure 8, the surfaces of layers 2, 3 opposite to the at least partially curvilinear surfaces can be substantially flat.

As regards pillow 1, it can be composed of a single layer 2 made of viscoelastic material; as an alternative to the single-layer structure, the possibility is not excluded of pillow 1 being made with a structure comprising two or more layers, in viscoelastic material or otherwise, whose characteristics can be in accordance with what was described above for layers 2, 3 of mattress 1. The viscoelastic material with which pillow 1 is at least partially, in particular completely, made, is preferably selected from among the group of polyurethane-based foams and latex.

From the structural point of view, mattress 1 and pillow 1 have some common characteristics.

Mattresses and pillows 1 in accordance with the present invention are equipped with an upper portion 6 and a lower portion 7, which are defined with reference to the conditions of use of mattress or pillow 1 ; in a mattress 1 the upper portion 6 and the lower portion 7 are usually substantially flat and parallel to each other. The term 'conditions of use of mattress' 1 is intended to mean the condition in which the upper portion 6 of mattress 1 supports at least in part the weight of a user and the lower portion 7 of mattress 1 lies on the frame of a bed or similar device; in particular the upper portion 6 and/or the lower portion 7 can be elastically deformable to allow mattresses 1 to adapt, under the weight of the user, to their physiognomy, in such a way as to constitute a comfortable support. The term 'conditions of use of pillow 1' is intended to mean the condition in which the upper portion 6 of pillow 1 supports at least in part the weight of a user and the lower portion 7 of pillow 1 lies adjacent to the upper portion 6 of mattress 1.

As regards a mattress 1 of single-layer type, the upper surface 4 of layer 2 can coincide substantially with the upper portion 6 of mattress 1 and the lower portion 5 of layer 2 can coincide substantially with the lower portion 7 of mattress 1, as illustrated in figure 1.

The present invention regards furthermore an outer cover 8 for mattresses or pillows 1; preferably, cover 8 can be a mattress cover or a pillowslip for pillows 1.

In the course of the present description, the term 'cover' is intended to mean a cover suitable for being applied externally to mattresses or pillows 1.

From the geometrical point of view, the mattress and the pillow 1 extend for a length L, for a height H and for a width J . Because of the dimensional differences which usually occur between mattresses and pillows, the values of length L, height H and width J of mattress 1 can be different from the values of length L, height H and width J of pillow 1.

The length L, height H and width J of the mattress or pillow 1 are calculated with reference to a rest condition of the mattress or pillow 1. The term 'rest condition' of mattress or pillow 1 is intended to mean the non-deformed condition, in which the mattress or pillow 1 is not in contact with the user. In the rest condition of mattress 1, the upper and lower portions 6, 7 of mattress 1 being substantially flat and parallel to each other, the height H of mattress 1 is usually constant along the length L, while in the rest condition of pillow 1 the height H can vary along the length L.

Again from the geometrical point of view, the mattress and pillow 1 comprise a first end portion 9 and a second end portion 10 opposite to the first end portion 9. The first and the second end portions 9, 10 are characterised by a height substantially equal to the height H of the mattress or pillow 1, by a depth substantially equal to the width J of the mattress or pillow 1 and they extend for a first fraction L' of the length of the mattress or pillow 1; in particular the extension of the first and second end portions 9, 10 is equal to or lower than a value equal to half of the length L, as may be seen in figure 4 as regards a mattress 1. The first and the second end portions 9, 1 can be defined with reference to a symmetry plane which vertically crosses the mattress or pillow 1 at half the length L of the mattress or pillow 1 ; the first and the second end portions 9, 10 represent the two portions into which the mattress or pillow 1 is divided by the vertical symmetry plane.

The mattress 1, the pillow 1 and the cover 8 advantageously comprise a titanium dioxide dispersion in at least one portion 11; in particular, in a mattress or pillow 1, the portion 11 comprising the titanium dioxide dispersion can belong to at least one layer 2 of the mattress or pillow 1.

Titanium dioxide is a chemical compound characterised by the chemical formula Ti02 and is present in nature in three different crystalline forms: rutile, anatase and brookite. Rutile is the commonest form, in whose atomic structure each atom of titanium is surrounded by six atoms of oxygen in such a way as to form an octahedral structure. A second polymorphism of titanium dioxide is constituted by brookite, which is rare and is characterised by an orthorhombic crystalline structure. A third crystalline form of titanium dioxide is represented by anatase, characterised by a tetragonal crystalline structure and by excellent photocatalytic properties. The preferred crystalline form of titanium dioxide for the purposes of its use in a mattress 1, in a pillow 1 and/or in a cover 8 according to the present invention is constituted, exactly because of its photocatalytic properties, by anatase; however, rutile too can be used for the purpose since it demonstrates photocatalytic properties, although in a lesser manner than anatase.

Because of its characteristics, titanium dioxide, when subjected to radiation of the appropriate frequency, in absorbing it, generates an electron-hole pair. Generating the electron-hole pair is due to the fact that, given that titanium dioxide is a semiconductor characterised by a gap energy of between 3 eV (gap energy of rutile) and 3.2 eV (gap energy of anatase), when it absorbs photons with sufficient energy (at least equal to the gap energy), there occurs a movement of electrons from the valency band to the conduction band; in this way a positively-charged gap is left in the valency band.

Under the effect of the appropriate radiation, the electrons are free to migrate into the conduction band, while the gaps can be filled by the migration of an electron from an adjacent molecule, leaving a new gap; the process can be repeated. Electrons and gaps can recombine or, when they reach the surface, generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which perform their action respectively in proximity to and at a distance from the portion 11 characterised by the presence of titanium dioxide. When the germs and bacteria present in the mattress 1 are in direct contact with the catalyser (titanium dioxide), direct oxidisation of their cellular components can occur; titanium dioxide is capable of degrading by oxidisation numerous organic compounds, disinfecting and/or sterilising the surfaces onto which they are implanted. In other words titanium dioxide, acting as a photocataiyser, is capable of exploiting the electromagnetic radiation energy of suitable frequencies to promote chemical reactions in other molecules which find themselves in contact with or in proximity to their surface. The disinfectant and/or sterilising activity of titanium dioxide is therefore twofold in that it takes place both on bacteria in direct contact with the titanium dioxide dispersion, and on those in proximity to it.

As regards anatase, its photocatalytic properties can be activated by photons with a wavelength of 385 nm or less, a value belonging to the ultraviolet radiation wavelength range. The term 'activation of the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide' is intended to mean the triggering of photocatalysis reactions as a result of the absorption by titanium dioxide of photons with sufficient energy to activate the reaction, while 'ultraviolet radiation' is usually intended to mean electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength is between 400 nm and 10 nm and whose frequency is between 750 THz and 30 PHz. The titanium dioxide dispersion can be distributed in such a way as to optimise the process of disinfection and sterilisation of the mattress 1, the pillow 1 or the cover 8 onto which it is applied, as will be explained in more depth below.

In a mattress or pillow 1, in particular, at least one layer 2 can comprise, in at least one portion 11 thereof, a titanium dioxide dispersion; preferably the titanium dioxide dispersion can be distributed homogeneously in at least one portion 11 of at least one layer 2 of the mattress or pillow 1. In particular, the titanium dioxide dispersion is distributed homogeneously within at least one portion 11 of at least one layer 2 of the mattress or pillow. The portion 11 of the mattress or pillow 1 comprising the titanium dioxide dispersion can substantially coincide with the entire mattress or pillow 1, as illustrated in figure 1 as regards a mattress 1 and in figure 9 as regards a pillow 1, or can extend through a portion 11 of the mattress or pillow 1 of smaller dimensions than those characterising the mattress or pillow 1 (height H, length L and width J). Preferably, in the event that the portion 11 of the mattress or pillow 1 comprising the titanium dioxide dispersion substantially coincides with the entire mattress or pillow 1, the titanium dioxide dispersion is homogeneously distributed within the volume of the internal structure of the mattress or pillow 1 and/or within the external surfaces of the mattress or pillow 1.

The portion 11 can extend along a substantially vertical direction for a first fraction H' of the height H of the mattress or pillow 1; the substantially vertical direction can be substantially parallel to the height H. The first fraction H' of the height H can be substantially equal to the height H; in other words, the height of the portion 11 of the mattress or pillow 1, characterised by the titanium dioxide dispersion can assume a value substantially equal to the height H of mattress 1. As regards the longitudinal extension of the portion 11 of the mattress or pillow 1 comprising the titanium dioxide dispersion, it can extend along a first substantially horizontal direction for a first fraction L' of the length L of the mattress or pillow 1; the first substantially horizontal direction can be parallel to the length L. In particular the first fraction L' of the length L can be substantially equal to the length L of the mattress or pillow 1. The portion of the mattress or pillow 1 characterised by the titanium dioxide dispersion can furthermore extend along a second substantially horizontal direction for a first fraction J' of the width J of the mattress or pillow 1; the second substantially horizontal direction can be parallel to the width J. In particular, the first fraction Ύ can be substantially equal to the width J; in other words, the width of the portion 11 of the mattress or pillow 1, characterised by the titanium dioxide dispersion can assume a value substantially equal to the width J of the mattress or pillow 1.

The portion 11 of the mattress or pillow 1, characterised by the titanium dioxide dispersion can be characterised by any distribution in the upper portion 6, in the lower portion 7, at the lateral surfaces and/or in the layers of the mattress or pillow 1. In particular, the titanium dioxide dispersion can characterise at least one entire layer 2 of the mattress or pillow 1 ; preferably the titanium dioxide dispersion is distributed homogeneously within the volume of the internal structure of the mattress or pillow 1, as illustrated in figure 1 for a mattress and in figure 9 for a pillow 1.

In accordance with a first distribution, the titanium dioxide dispersion can be arranged in the upper portion 6; in other words, in accordance with the first distribution, the titanium dioxide dispersion is not present inside the mattress or pillow 1, but exclusively in the upper portion 6, which, being in conditions of use of the mattress or pillow 1 in contact with the body of the user, represents one of the surfaces of the mattress or pillow 1 most subject to the proliferation of germs and bacteria. In accordance with the first distribution, the titanium dioxide dispersion can be arranged in the entire upper portion 6 of the mattress or pillow 1, as illustrated in figure 2 for a mattress 1 and in figure 10 for a pillow 1, or in a portion 11 thereof, as illustrated in figure 6 for a mattress 1 and in figure 10 for a pillow 1, or in a portion 11 thereof, as illustrated in figure 6 for a mattress 1 and in figure 12 for a pillow 1. In accordance with the first distribution, the titanium dioxide dispersion can be arranged in the upper portion and/or the lower portion of the mattress or pillow 1.

In accordance with a second distribution, the titanium dioxide dispersion is distributed at a surface layer of the mattress or pillow 1, so as to perform its disinfecting and/or sterilising function in, and in proximity to, at least one surface of mattress or pillow 1. Preferably, the surface layer is facing upwards in conditions of use of the mattress or pillow.

The surface layer characterised by the titanium dioxide dispersion can be arranged in the upper portion 6 of the mattress or pillow 1, as illustrated in figure 3 for a mattress 1 and in figure 11 for a pillow 1, and/or in the lower portion of the mattress and/or pillow 1. In particular the surface layer can extend along a substantially vertical direction parallel to the height H for a first fraction H' (at least equal to 1 mm) of the height H of the mattress or pillow 1. Preferably, the surface layer extends for a first fraction H' of the height H of the mattress or pillow 1 comprised between 1 mm and 5 cm . As regards the longitudinal extension, the surface layer comprising the titanium dioxide dispersion can extend along a first substantially horizontal direction for a first fraction L' of the length L of the mattress or pillow 1; in particular, the first fraction L' can be substantially equal to the length L of the mattress or pillow 1. In other words the surface layer can extend for a length substantially equal to the length of the mattress or pillow 1, as illustrated in figure 3 for a mattress 1 and in figure 11 for a pillow 1.

In accordance with a third distribution, the titanium dioxide dispersion is distributed in at least one among the first end portion 9 and the second end portion 10 of the mattress or pillow 1, as illustrated in figure 4 for a mattress 1. In accordance with a fourth distribution, the titanium dioxide dispersion present in at least one portion 11 of at least one layer 2 of the mattress or pillow 1 follows a distribution in accordance with any regular geometric pattern or scheme, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 5 for a mattress 1. In particular, in figure 5 a mattress 1 is shown comprising 3 portions 11 characterised by the presence of a titanium dioxide dispersion; each portion 11 is distanced from the adjacent portion(s) 11 by a distance M and extends along a first substantially horizontal direction for a first fraction L' of the length L of the mattress or pillow 1.

The types of distribution described can coexist in any combination in a mattress or pillow 1 ; for example a mattress or pillow 1 in accordance with the present invention can have a titanium dioxide dispersion in its upper portion 6 in accordance with the first distribution and a titanium dioxide dispersion distributed over a surface layer located in its lower portion 7 in accordance with the second distribution.

According to the present inventive concept, further types of distributions of the titanium dioxide dispersion can be provided inside and/or outside the mattress or pillow 1.

As regards a mattress or pillow 1 of multi-layer type, in particular comprising at least two layers 2, 3, each layer can be characterised by one or more characteristics described above with reference to a single layer 2 of the mattress or pillow 1, such as the materials with which it can be made, its geometry and the possible placings of the portion 11 of the mattress or pillow 1 comprising the titanium dioxide dispersion. Preferably, at least one additional layer 3 of the mattress or pillow 1 can be characterised by a titanium dioxide dispersion. In particular, a layer 2 of the mattress or pillow 1 comprising a distribution of titanium dioxide and an additional layer 3 of the mattress or pillow 1 comprising a distribution of titanium dioxide can be contiguous; in other words, the two layers 2, 3 comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion can be in direct contact, in particular overlapping, without there being interposed layers of the mattress or pillow 1 not provided with a titanium dioxide dispersion.

In particular, in a mattress 1 comprising two layers 2, 3, a layer 2 can be arranged in the lower portion 7 of the mattress or pillow 1 and an additional layer 3 can be arranged in the upper portion 6 of the mattress or pillow 1. Returning to the description of the characteristics of the present invention common to all its possible variants, the titanium dioxide dispersion can be present in determinate percentages by weight, calculated with reference to the weight of the viscoelastic material of which the mattress or pillow 1 is made. The percentage by weight of the titanium dioxide can be at least equal to 5% of the weight of the viscoelastic material; preferably it can be comprised between 5% and 30% of the weight of the viscoelastic material . In particular, the percentage by weight of the titanium dioxide is comprised between 5% and 15% of the weight of the viscoelastic material; preferably, the percentage by weight of the titanium dioxide is comprised between 7% and 10% of the weight of the viscoelastic material.

Experimental data has demonstrated how a percentage by weight of titanium dioxide of about 10% of the weight of the viscoelastic material provides optimal results in terms of disinfection and/or sterilisation of the surface on which the dispersion is applied, successfully destroying more than 90% of the microorganisms implanted there.

As the percentage by weight of the titanium dioxide diminishes, the disinfectant and/or sterilising effect also perceptibly diminishes; when the titanium dioxide is present in a percentage below 5% of the weight of the viscoelastic material, the disinfectant and/or sterilising effect is fairly limited.

Obviously, percentages above 10-15% perform the function of disinfection but increase the weight and cost of the product. A mattress and a pillow 1 according to the present invention can be covered using a cover free of the titanium dioxide dispersion : preferably the cover can be a mattress cover or a pillowslip for pillows 1. In particular, the cover can be transparent to electromagnetic radiation comprised in the range of frequencies and/or wavelengths corresponding to the frequencies and/or wavelengths for activating the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide.

Because of its transparency to the wavelengths adapted for allowing the activation of the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide, the cover, when applied to a mattress or pillow 1 comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion and if exposed to suitable electromagnetic radiation, enables the disinfection of the mattress or pillow 1 without the preliminary removal of the cover itself.

Preferably, the cover can be transparent at least to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength lower than 400 nm and/or a frequency higher than 750 THz. In particular, the cover can be transparent to electromagnetic radiation comprised in the frequency range corresponding to the frequencies of ultraviolet radiation; preferably the cover can be transparent at least to the electromagnetic radiation comprised in the frequency range corresponding to the frequencies of ultraviolet radiation; preferably the cover can be transparent at least to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength comprised between 400 nm and 10 nm and/or a frequency comprised between 750 THz and 30 PHz. Advantageously, the cover can be transparent to radiation having an energy at least equal to the gap energy of titanium dioxide, preferably at least equal to the gap energy of anatase (3.2 eV) and/or of rutile (3 eV). Preferably, the cover can be transparent at least to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of about 385 nm and a frequency of about 779 THz.

The cover can be made at least partially of fabric; preferably the fabric can be at least partially of elasticised type.

The present invention regards furthermore a cover 8 suitable for being applied externally to mattresses or pillows 1 comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion in at least one portion 11 thereof; preferably, the cover 8 can be a mattress cover or a pillowslip for pillows 1. A cover for mattresses 1 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in figure 13 in a configuration wherein it is partially applied to a mattress 1, while a cover 8 for pillows 1 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in figure 14 in a configuration wherein it is partially applied externally to a pillow 1. Figures 13 and 14 illustrate respectively a mattress and a pillow not comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion; however, the cover 8 can be applied also to a mattress or pillow 1 comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion in accordance with the present invention. In other words, a mattress or pillow 1 comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion can be covered using a cover 8 comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion according to the present invention; in this way, by means of the exposure to electromagnetic radiation of suitable frequency the disinfectant and/or sterilising action exerted by the titanium dioxide dispersion can affect at the same time both the mattress or pillow 1 and the outer cover 8 applied thereto.

The cover 8 can be made at least partially of fabric; preferably the fabric can be of elasticised type. The titanium dioxide dispersion can be distributed homogeneously in at least a portion 11 of the cover 8. In particular, the titanium dioxide dispersion can be distributed homogeneously inside the cover 8; in other words, the cover 8 can be entirely characterised by a homogeneously distributed titanium dioxide dispersion.

The cover 8 can comprise a titanium dioxide dispersion in determinate percentages by weight, calculated with reference to the weight of the material of which the cover 8 is made. The percentage by weight of the titanium dioxide can be at least equal to 5% of the weight of the material of which the cover 8 is made; advantageously, it can be comprised between 5% and 30%. In particular, the percentage by weight of the titanium dioxide can be comprised between 5% and 15% of the weight of the material of which the cover 8 is made; preferably, the percentage by weight of the titanium dioxide is comprised between 7% and 10%.

The titanium dioxide dispersion characterising at least a portion 11 of the cover 8 can have any distribution inside and/or outside the cover 8. In particular the portion 11 can comprise a distribution of titanium dioxide in accordance with the distributions previously described and illustrated, with reference to a mattress, in figures 1 to 6.

As regards the characteristics of the titanium dioxide dispersion that are common to a mattress 1, to a pillow 1 and to a cover 8 in accordance with the present invention, the dispersion can be present in the form of a colourless crystalline powder; preferably the titanium dioxide is present in the crystalline form called anatase. From the point of view of grain size, the titanium dioxide dispersion can be present in the mattress or pillow 1 or in the cover 8 in accordance with the present invention in the form of nanocomposite; in particular, the dispersion can be made up of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide. The nanoparticles can be characterised by a diameter substantially comprised between 2 and 200 nm; advantageously, the nanometric dimensions of the particles increase (compared with particles of larger dimensions) the reaction area of the titanium dioxide with the radiation capable of activating its photocatalytic properties, consequently increasing the disinfectant and/or sterilising effect.

For the purposes of verifying the activation of the photocatalytic properties of the titanium dioxide, and therefore the effective start of the process of disinfection and/or sterilisation, the mattress 1, pillow 1 and/or cover 8 according to the present invention can comprise a substance capable of changing colour when the photocatalytic properties of the titanium dioxide are activated. The changing of the colour of the substance consequent on the activation of the photocatalytic properties of the titanium dioxide serves substantially to indicate that the process of disinfection and/or sterilisation of the mattress 1, the pillow 1 or the cover 8 is in progress.

In particular, the substance capable of changing colour when the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide are activated can be a colourant.

The titanium dioxide comprised in the mattress or pillow 1 or in the cover 8, preferably in its form anatase and/or rutile, can be preliminarily subjected to a process of doping in order to modulate its electronic (and consequently photocatalytic) properties by means of the addition of elements adapted for the purpose. Titanium dioxide can be doped for example with : ions of metals, in particular of transition metals, ions of rare earth elements, anions, aluminium and/or silicon. The effect of doping consists in potentiating the photocatalytic activity of the titanium dioxide, varying the region of absorption of the solar spectrum and therefore the frequency and wavelength ranges responsible for the activation of the photocatalytic properties of the titanium dioxide. In particular, anatase can be doped with metal ions, in particular ions of transition metals or rare earth elements.

The present invention further concerns a method of disinfecting and/or sterilising mattresses or pillows 1 or covers 8. The method comprises at least the steps of: preparing a mattress 1, a pillow 1 or a cover 8 comprising a titanium dioxide dispersion, preparing an activator 12 capable of activating the photocatalytic properties of the titanium dioxide and activating the activator 12 for the purpose of disinfecting and/or sterilising the mattress or pillow 1 or the cover 8. In other words, the activator 12 is capable of activating the photocatalytic properties of the titanium dioxide and consequently the process of disinfection and/or sterilisation of the mattress 1, pillow 1 and/or cover 8 comprising the dispersion. The method can further comprise the step of activating the substance adapted for changing colour when the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide have been activated by means of the activator 12.

The mattress or pillow 1 or the cover 8 suitable for being disinfected and/or sterilised according to the present method can be in particular mattresses or pillows 1 or covers 8 in accordance with the present invention, as previously described.

Preferably, the cover can be transparent at least to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength lower than 400 nm and/or a frequency higher than 750 THz. In particular, the activator 12 can be capable of emitting at least electromagnetic radiation comprised in the frequency range corresponding to the frequencies of ultraviolet radiation; preferably the activator 12 can be suitable for emitting at least electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths comprised between 400 nm and 10 nm and/or frequency comprised between 750 THz and 30 PHz. In other words, the activator 12 can be adapted for emitting, in operating conditions, electromagnetic radiation having an energy at least equal to the gap energy of titanium dioxide, preferably at least equal to the gap energy of anatase, in such a way as to be able to activate its photocatalytic properties.

Preferably, the activator 12 can be adapted for emitting at least electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of about 385 nm and a frequency of about 779 THz.

The activator 12 can be a lamp; in particular the lamp can be of fluorescent type.

As previously mentioned, the mattresses or pillows 1 or the covers 8 capable of being sterilised in accordance with the present method can comprise a substance capable of changing colour when the photocatalytic properties of the titanium dioxide are activated. The presence of the substance capable of changing colour can facilitate verifying that the photocatalytic properties of the titanium dioxide have been activated and therefore that the start of the process of disinfection and/or sterilisation has actually taken place.

In accordance with the method of disinfection and/or sterilisation according to the present invention, figure 15 depicts a user in the act of disinfecting and/or sterilising a mattress 1 by means of an activator 12 and figure 16 depicts a user during disinfection and/or sterilisation of a pillow 1 by means of an activator 12. With reference to the method in accordance with the present invention, the user's action illustrated in figures 15 and 16 corresponds to the step of activating the activator 12 for the purpose of disinfecting and/or sterilising respectively a mattress 1 and a pillow 1.

The present invention makes it possible to obtain one of the following advantages. First of all, the invention makes it possible to resolve one or more of the problems encountered in the known art. The present invention makes it possible to combat the proliferation of bacteria in mattresses, pillows and/or covers; this is advantageous particularly in environments in which there is a high promiscuity of use of mattresses and/or pillows.

The present invention also makes it possible to sterilise and/or disinfect mattresses, pillows and/or covers without having to resort to dedicated and costly apparatuses; the invention is therefore convenient to use and easy to actuate, simplifying the disinfection and/or sterilisation of mattresses, pillows and/or covers. The invention makes it possible to carry out disinfection and/or sterilisation of mattresses, pillows and/or covers in a considerably reduced time. The invention is furthermore simple and inexpensive to make.