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Buyer Beware! Greenwashing the Mattress Industry

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:55:00 -0600

In July of 2007 the infamous open flame fire code regulations went into effect, requiring all mattresses to resist an open flame applied to the mattress on the top and side for 90 seconds. As a result, many consumers began to seek out mattresses free from excessive chemical fire-retardants. Over the last two years there has been a proliferation of mattresses from manufacturers labeled as “natural mattresses”. Unfortunately, most of these mattresses do not deliver as advertised.

The only mattress materials that have natural origins are organic cotton, organic wool and 100% natural latex (meaning no synthetic latex has been blended with the natural latex from the rubber tree). Mattresses which are constructed using only these materials have yet to make their way into models from major manufacturers, although a limited selection of 100% natural (sometimes referred to as organic) mattresses have become available on the internet. The claims by many major mattress manufacturers, and some of the boutique “natural” mattress manufacturers, for natural mattresses are often misrepresented by a common advertising tactic known as “greenwashing”.

“Greenwashing” creates a minefield that must be carefully navigated by the consumer in search of a 100% natural mattress, free from chemical fire-retardants and off-gassing from V.O.Cs. In a New York Times article, The Stuffing Dreams Are Made Of?, Julie Scelfo states: “No government agency regulates the labeling of mattresses as “organic” or “natural,” and trade groups like the International Sleep Products Association and the Specialty Sleep Association offer their members no guidelines for using the terms. Throughout the industry — as a number of people within it acknowledged in interviews — promotional materials are rife with vague or misleading information. “The whole thing is a smoke and mirrors industry,” said Ralph Rossdeutscher, the president and owner of Natura World, a manufacturer in Cambridge, Ontario.”

Stick to the basics, organic cotton and organic wool (a natural fire-retardant) for the mattress cover, with only 100% natural latex used as the supporting layers within the mattress and you can rest assured on a 100% natural or organic mattress. Natural latex provides the additional benefits of unsurpassed sleeping comfort combined with its natural properties: hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, resistant to mold, mildew and dust mites. The most durable of all mattress materials, natural latex mattresses generally carry warranties of up to 20 years, with almost no deterioration or body impressions during that time period.

Latex Mattress - General Review

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:10:00 -0600

Cathy

www.mattressreview.blogspot.com

You've come to the right place if a latex mattress review is what you are looking for. There is a long review in front of you, with plenty of information, guidelines and tips. This is something that will surely help you in finding the right latex mattress.

I want to talk about the advantages first. And the biggest one is that latex mattresses are comfortable. Over 85% of people who used them find them very comfortable, more then memory foam, air and water mattresses that score a bit below. Lets mention that an innerspring mattress is considered to be at the bottom here, with scoring only 60%. Besides comfort, you get a durable mattress that is not radiating heat and breathes quite well.

The main disadvantage is price. You will need to invest some money for a good quality latex mattress. The situation will probably remain the same unless some other type of bed appears. The latex is still new and this review will show it. There aren't many people who used them, but they are considered to lead the race when it comes to quality.

Now that we have finished with the basics, lets continue with the latex bed review. As you have probably heard by now, memory foam products have a lot of toxicity. The chemicals that are used are not always 100% safe and this is an issue that is still somewhat hidden. A bit like a public secret. But more and more people get the right information and start looking for a natural latex foam mattresses. There are different types out there and I'll give you some basic information on it so you can know what you are dealing with here.

The origin of the latex rubber is in Brazil, where the rubber trees were growing when the British found them and exported more then 100 hundred years ago. We get rubber from those trees from all sort of products, and one of them is latex mattress. There are two types of latex, man made latex and natural rubber. This leads us to two ways of processing latex, Dunlop and Talalay. Basically, first one gives us heavier, firmer product that is used in beds. The other is more airy, softer and has a use in other industries as well.

The benefits of latex mattresses is that they adapt to our bodies and give them support at any moment. The pressure to the body is reduced, 33% more than pressure we experience with memory foam mattress. You won't have that feeling of being swallowed with a latex mattress, since it will hold your body on the surface, tightly, but gently.

The other benefit is that there is more airflow with the latex made mattresses. So if you ever feel hot when sleeping on your bed, then you know that you need more airflow. Actually, you need latex.
Your circulation is better and your muscles are not pressed so hard so you will wake up fresh and relaxed. I know you had some bad nights, where you woke up more tired then you were when you went to bed. This is the fault of a bad mattress.

Another great thing we will talk about in this latex mattress review is the resistance to dust mites and microbes. The latex breathes and so there is no moisture being created. This is no place for dust mites, so they don't even care to come inside the latex mattress. The naturally healthy material will also degrade without damage to the environment.

Latex mattress buying guidelines

I'll try to keep this short, so you can focus on the most important factors.

1. Choose Talalay latex, blended or all natural

2. Do not use pillow tops with latex beds - they don't do you any good

3. The heavier you are, the firmer latex you need

4. You don't need to have thick latex mattress - at all

5. Check what is really inside the product - ask

6. They don't have to be expensive - the simpler, the better

7. Buy latex mattress from someone who knows them

8. Compare prices and browse online for quality latex

If you are short on cash, there is mid solution. Buy yourself a latex topper and wait for the real thing. This will show you what kind of benefits you re going to get and may inspire you to save more. Latex topper will definitely show you the real value of a high quality, durable and healthy latex mattress.

Choosing Custom Foam

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:20:00 -0600

BUILDING A CUSTOM CUSHION

Our custom cushion interface gives you the opportunity to build up to three layers of your chosen foam, whether it be from the high quality Qualux series, the simple space-filling R series, memory foam, or the comfort and durability of latex. For reversible cushions, simply match the height of the 1st and 3rd foam layers.

All of our custom cushion can be priced, built and ordered online! Many of our custom cushion have the option of being built with dacron or organic cotton covers, please call 800-255-0181 for more information.

PLEASE CHOOSE FROM THE FOLLOWING FOAM PRODUCTS:

POLYURETHANE FOAM

One of the more impressive everyday uses of polyurethane foam is in couch and seat cushions because of its comfort and lifespan. Today's polyurethane foam will retain its form and cushiness, likely outlasting the life of your couch, chair or mattress!

Polyurethane foam is available in varying firmnesses and qualities, ranging from the premium Qualux Series (also called "Q" Foam) to the economy (also called "R" foam).

MEMORY FOAM

Memory foam is considered medium in firmness and responds to your body's pressure and temperature. It conforms to the curves of the body, offering support without discernable pressure on bones and joints. Because of this lack of pressure, improved comfort and circulation is a noticible effect of quality memory foam.

There are several makers of memory foam internationally, but the Foamsource uses only the highest quality materials. Memory Foam is available in varying densities from a comforting 3lb to a premium 5lb.

TALALAY LATEX FOAM

For customers unfamiliar with latex, it is important to contrast that Memory Foam feels more molded. Latex tends to bounce back when touched, whereas Memory Foam will offer the sensation that your body is being conformed to. Both types of foam will reduce pressure points.

The amazing properties of talalay latex foam provide unmatached comfort and durability and are available as blended or 100% natural latex. Natural latex, also known as latex rubber, is a sustainable natural resource from the rain forests of Sri Lanka. It is derived from rubber trees, and provides a number of impressive health benefits including an impressive resistance to allergens.

The Benefits of a Latex Mattress

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:27:00 -0500

As with many products, consumers are rethinking traditional purchases and looking for green alternatives that are toxin-free and environmentally friendly. Articles that stress the need for safer materials and chemical for use in the home abound and many of these express concerns about "toxic mattresses." A little research will find extensive discussions about the dangers of toxic fire-retardant chemicals in mattresses. When newborns and infants are involved, the purchase of a green mattress is one of the most important decisions a parent can make, as certain fire-retardants are banned in Europe and have been linked to SIDS.

A latex mattress has much the same quality as memory foam when it comes to distributing body weight and relieving pressure points. The similarities end here, as latex has some distinct advantages over memory foam. All natural latex is a sustainable resource harvested from the sap of the rubber tree. Natural latex is anti-microbial, resists dust mites, mold and mildew and is the most durable of all sleeping surfaces. Latex is available in a variety of firmness levels, rated by an ILD number, making it easy to fine tune firmness levels for different body weights and sleeping positions. With the current concerns about toxic chemicals used as fire-retardants in mattresses, an all natural latex mattress, covered only with cotton and wool, is the perfect solution for chemical-free safe sleep.

In a latex mattress the core uses the same material as the conforming layer, making the entire mattress more effective in evenly distributing body weight and gently conforming to body shape and sleep position. Usually a core of about 6 inches is comprised of firmer latex, while a softer layer of about 2 inches is sufficient for a plush feel on the surface. Rather than having two distinctly separate layers, composed of different materials, the two layers of latex both work in harmony to create a unified feel to the latex mattress. A quality latex mattress is unmatched in durability.

Natural latex mattresses not only provide an unsurpassed sleep surface, they replace conventional inner-spring mattresses, which generally end up in the landfill, with a sustainable resource. Natural latex mattresses use rubber harvested from the milky sap of the rubber tree (hevea brasilienises), with a small percentage of natural fillers. Latex was originally harvested from rubber trees that grew in the wild in Brazil and had been used by indigenous people for centuries. The rubber trees were widely dispersed, with a natural tendency to grow far from each other, making harvesting extremely inefficient. As demand for rubber grew, seeds were eventually transplanted in what is present day Malaysia with great success.

The Unsurpassed Comfort of Latex Toppers and Latex Mattresses

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:13:00 -0500

The enormous increase in popularity of latex mattresses and latex toppers is a direct result of the public's desire to find more successful sleeping surfaces, without inner-spring coils. Latex distributes weight and relieves pressure points as well as memory foam, while providing additional benefits. Natural latex is a sustainable resource, harvested from rubber trees, that is anti-microbial and resists mold, mildew and dust-mites. Latex is so durable that it is not unusual for a latex mattress to have a warranty that extends for up to 20 years.

It's safe to say that all mattress manufacturers concentrate their efforts in creating a mattress that most successfully distributes body weight and relieves pressure points. As we age, most of us become even more sensitive to the relief of pressure points, and The Better Sleep Council has begun to suggest that you replace your mattress more often in your 50's. A quick review of the different approaches to mattress construction will show that all mattresses strive to provide ample support for body weight and a conforming layer to relieve pressure.

If you've begun to have problems with numbness in the arms or legs, you're experiencing the need for a softer conforming layer in your mattress. The core of the mattress, which can be coil inner-springs or different types of foam, is designed to most effectively support your body weight and to properly align your spine. A popular myth has developed that the best cure for a bad back is a very firm mattress, when spinal alignment is most important. The most important considerations for proper alignment of your spine are body weight, sleeping position and the comfort of the support layer or "core" of your mattress. A softer topper layer, generally 2" or 3", should be placed over the core to add that plush layer that conforms to the shape of your body. Many feel that the most effective of all toppers is the natural latex topper.

Given the effective solutions now available, there simply is no reason for awakening from your night sleep in a state of pain or discomfort. Both the core of your mattress and the conforming layer, which is often called "plush" or "pillowtop", must work together to provide the optimum of comfort and weight support. Latex provides the most effective solution, particularly the natural latex topper. Mattresses that offer latex toppers combined with a natural latex core, covered with organic cotton and wool, offer the pinnacle of the environmental friendly, all natural and hypoallergenic mattress.

Conventional inner-spring mattress manufacturers use a variety of configurations for their coils by increasing coil count and wrapping the coil individually in an attempt more evenly distribute body weight. The fact that coils will eventually break down creates the sagging associated with an inner-spring mattress that is no longer effective in properly supporting your body weight. Generally inner-spring mattresses will begin to breakdown and sag much more quickly than memory foam or the most durable of mattress materials, latex rubber, which often keeps its form for 20 or more years.

A latex topper offers many of the benefits found in latex mattresses at a much more affordable price point. The latex topper conforms to the natural shape of your body, effectively distributes your body weight and offers a 2" or 3" layer that is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and naturally resists mold, mildew and dust mites. Natural latex is simply nature's most wonderful sleeping surface, unsurpassed for comfort. Combine a natural latex topper with a natural latex core and many feel you have the finest possible mattress, with a durability that offers many years of sleeping comfort, generally with warranties of up to 20 years.

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Rest Your Head on a Natural Latex Pillow

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:09:00 -0500

Consumers are becoming much more discerning about exposure to possible allergens and chemicals in their sleeping environment. If you are waking up in the morning with a stuffy nose, it’s very possible that your bedding may be the culprit, particularly your pillow. Some of our most popular pillows, including feather pillows, are a haven for dust mites and their droppings. For a long time, people with allergies and asthma have been encouraged to avoid feather pillows because they were thought to aggravate allergies more than the synthetic alternatives, which are often referred to as "hypoallergenic" pillows. However, some studies have shown that more dust mite allergen can be found in synthetic pillows than in feather pillows. Recent research reported at the 56th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) shows that synthetic pillows may contain more pet allergens than feather pillows.

A warm, moist environment can harbor dust mites or molds and mildews and play havoc with your sinuses and allergies. Many known irritants can contaminate our bedding, including our pillows, and some chemicals with well documented health risks will be absorbed by our bodies. Here’s what the National Geographic Green Guide has to say “…if not filled with petroleum-based polyester or polyurethane foams, which deplete non-renewable resources, "natural" pillows can be made with conventional cotton, which is responsible for billions of pounds of pesticides and synthetic nitrate fertilizers. Synthetic fillings also absorb moisture, providing an optimal breeding ground for dust mites: Ten percent of the weight of a two-year-old pillow can be composed of dead mites and their droppings. As for moisture- and stain-resistant finishes, they employ everything from perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA to formaldehyde, both likely human carcinogens according to the EPA.”

Fortunately, a wide variety of truly natural and organic pillows are available, including pillows filled with organic wool, natural latex and alternative materials such as kapok and buckwheat. Many of these pillows are sold to those with allergy problems. However, we will all reap the benefits of cradling our heads on a pillow that is chemical free and hypo-allergenic. This is particularly true for your children, who are just developing their immune and respiratory systems. Because of its proximity, nothing influences the air we breathe while sleeping more than our pillow. In many cases we actually breathe through our pillows as we sleep, making a pure, clean pillow critical to a comfortable night’s sleep.

One of the finest materials for a pillow is natural latex, a highly durable material which will keep its shape for years. All natural latex pillows utilize a sustainable resource that is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial and resists mold, mildew and dust mites. Available in different firmness levels, natural latex pillows are molded with a pin-cushion construction that creates a pillow that breathes and absorbs very little moisture. Shredded latex also creates a very effective pillow with a filling that can be shifted for thickness and latex distribution for that “just right” feel.

Covering a latex pillow with a layer of wool sewn inside an organic cotton cover offers you the best of both worlds, with wool not only repelling dust mites and other allergens, but also wicking away moisture for a dry and fresh sleeping experience night after night. The natural insulating properties of wool regulate body temperature and alleviate problems such as overheating, your head feeling sweaty or restlessness.

A quality pillow is every bit as important for a comfortable night’s sleep as your mattress. Remember that your pillow provides the most direct access to your sinuses and breathing passages when you are sleeping. A natural pillow should protect you from mold, allergens, bacteria, chemical off-gassing and dust mites. Make your pillow your first line of defense against any contaminants in your sleeping environment and wake up clear-headed every morning.

The 7 Sins of Greenwashing

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:10:00 -0500

By Dan Shapley from The Daily Green

According to one set of high standards, only 2% of products claiming in some way to be "green" actually measure up. The rest -- a whopping 98% -- are making false claims that mislead consumers into thinking a product is sustainable.

Things are so bad out there that the report's author, TerraChoice Environmental Marketing, had to add a seventh sin of greenwashing to the original six it developed for its first report, in 2007.

Since then, the market for green products has exploded; the rate of green advertising has tripled from 2006 to 2009, according to one TerraChoice survey. Of 2,219 products surveyed in North America in 2009, 98% committed at least one "sin" that could mislead consumers. The most sinful categories of products: kids toys and baby products, cosmetics and cleaning products.

Terrachoice defines greenwashing as "the act of misleading consumers regarding the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service." For consumers trying to make responsible decisions in the marketplace, it's a huge problem.

For more thoughts, from a different and venerable institution, consult Consumer's Union, which publishes the great Greener Choices Eco-Label Center. Beware terms like "eco-safe", "eco-secure", "eco-preferred" and "natural" which are meaningless.

The 7 Sins of Greenwashing

1. Sin of the Hidden Trade-Off: If a product claims to be green in one sense, but ignores other significant impacts, the marketers sin. According to TerraChoice: "Paper, for example, is not necessarily environmentally-preferable just because it comes from a sustainably-harvested forest. Other important environmental issues in the paper-making process, including energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and water and air pollution, may be equally or more significant."

2. Sin of No Proof: If you can't prove it with reputable third-party verification, you can't claim it, according to TerraChoice: "Common examples are facial or toilet tissue products that claim various percentages of post-consumer recycled content without providing any evidence."

3. Sin of Vagueness: Terms such as "all-natural," "environmentally friendly" and other vague or unregulated descriptors can mislead consumers. TerraChoice points out: "Arsenic, uranium, mercury, and formaldehyde are all naturally occurring, and poisonous. 'All natural' isn't necessarily 'green'."

4. The (new) Sin of Worshiping False Labels: Often, a product has an official-looking seal, but the seal is meaningless because it is dreamed up by the product marketers themselves, without any application of third-party standards.

5. Sin of Irrelevance: If a claim is true, but doesn't distinguish the product in any meaningful way, marketers have sinned. According to TerraChoice: "'CFC-free' is a common example, since it is a frequent claim despite the fact that CFCs (that's chlorofluorocarbons - the chemical that depletes the ozone layer) are banned by law."

6. Sin of the Lesser of Two Evils: Even if a green marketing claim is true -- the cigarette is organic, or the SUV has a hybrid engine -- it fails this TerraChoice test if the claim fails to recognize the overall harm caused by the product. The SUV may get better mileage than others in its class, but still achieve dismal fuel economy when compared to other vehicles; the cigarette, however organic, still causes lung cancer.

7. Sin of Fibbing: Simple. It's a lie. Some companies will go as far as claiming to be certified organic or Energy Star-certified, but cannot back up the certification.

Shopping for a Quality Latex Mattress

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:16:00 -0600

Many informed consumers have begun seeking mattresses free from chemical off-gassing and possible toxic fire-retardants, now in use as a result of the new open-flame federal fire codes, which went into effect in July, 2007. Not only have mattress manufacturers continued to use a variety of fire-retardant chemicals, many of which are banned in Europe due to toxic side-effects, but the concentrations of topically applied chemicals to fire-proof mattresses have increased substantially. For example, it is not uncommon to find as much as one and half pounds of chemicals saturating the mattress ticking in a conventional queen sized mattress.

Many consumers, after careful research on the internet, reach the conclusion that the healthiest mattress solution is the purchase of a latex mattress. However, for many, the cost of a latex mattress can be a budget buster, particularly when considering all natural latex mattresses. A natural latex mattress is generally created by using at least 2 layers of all natural latex, covered in organic cotton with organic wool batting, which is a natural fire-retardant. Mattresses constructed with these components will typically cost as much as 2 to 3 thousand dollars for a queen sized mattress.

However, the benefits of latex are certainly available in more affordable all latex mattresses, which can be priced below a thousand dollars for a queen sized mattress. Substituting blended latex, with high natural content, and a cover that avoids the use of topically applied chemical fire-retardants, can create a significant cost advantage in all latex mattresses. In addition to lowering cost, mattress manufacturers using blended latex often feel that it adds a plus by combining the elasticity of natural latex with the consistent quality and durability of synthetic latex.

Off-gassing, which is generally the result of accelerators and curing agents used in the creation of polyurethane foam, is not a problem with either all natural or blended latex. For example, blended latex, made in the USA by Latex International, has been certified to contain no harmful substances and has passed Europe's stringent Okeo-Tex standards. In addition, latex is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial and resistant to mild, mildew and dust mites.

When considering latex used for a mattress, become familiar with the manufacturer to avoid latex of inferior quality, which is generally the result of fillers added to the latex. "Fillers," tiny particles of clay or other materials that are mixed into the foam, make the resulting latex less costly, but also stiffer and less durable. The term "pure latex" typically refers to latex that does not include fillers, and can be applied to either synthetic or natural latex. Most higher-quality latex mattresses use pure latex.

The same consideration for materials used in the choice of latex for your mattress should also be applied when considering mattress covers. Mattress covers that are fire-retardant as a result of fire-resistant fibers are far superior to covers with topically applied fire-retardants, which often use toxic chemicals. An added advantage, when considering a latex mattress, is that it is not necessary to add any fire-retardant to the latex itself, while many conventional mattresses have topical fire-retardant applied directly to the mattress ticking.

The use of more affordable materials allows quality mattress manufacturers to offer latex mattresses, with all the benefits of pure latex, at a more affordable price than "natural" latex mattresses. While all natural latex, with an organic wool cover, assures the consumer of the most "natural" mattress possible, quality latex, with a non-toxic mattress cover, continues to offers the tremendous benefits of latex to the consumer, at a more affordable price point.

A quality latex mattress, constructed without the added expense of a natural wool cover and all natural latex, is a very wise mattress choice. Latex mattresses with more affordable components offer the durability, unsurpassed sleeping comfort and hypo-allergenic qualities only available with all latex mattresses, and are a superior choice to the traditional inner-spring mattress. In the effort to find a safe sleeping surface for you and your family, remember that quality latex mattresses stand alone as incorporating the best in non-toxic mattress construction, regardless of the use of all natural components.

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Safe Sleep on a Natural Latex Crib Mattress

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:20:00 -0600

With the steady rise in children's health problems such as autism, asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems, it certainly best to limit exposure to any possible sources of contact with toxic chemicals or their off-gassing. There is no better place to start than your infants crib mattresses which, unfortunately, are often passed down in our families. Infants are developing so rapidly and spend so much time on their crib mattresses, that it is imperative that we keep their crib as safe as possible. The safest of all materials for crib mattresses is all natural latex.

Research into toxic crib mattresses will turn up several very significant concerns. Many current fire-retardants, saturating mattresses to pass the open-flame standards, contain boric acid and antimony. Antimony is a heavy metal which even the CPSC acknowledges will be absorbed over time and will bioaccumulate in our body. Antimony has been banned in Europe due to concerns that it contributes to SIDS. Many crib mattresses are made from polyurethane foam, which tends to off-gas formaldehyde as it breaks down. The dangers of this chemical are well documented, and they have significant negative impact on developing respiratory systems.

Older crib mattresses often contain PBDEs, an inexpensive fire-proofing chemical banned in Europe because of high concentrations in the milk of nursing mothers. All of these chemicals are know to leach through the vinyl covering of the standard crib mattress. Because of the warm moist environment on a crib mattress, it is a natural breeding ground for mold, mildew and fungus. When mold and fungus break down polyurethane foam it can form highly toxic off-gases, which may also be a significant source of SIDS.

Consider an all natural latex crib mattress and its benefits. Latex is the most comfortable of all mattress surfaces, gently conforming to your babies sleeping position. Latex resists mold, mildew and fungus and is naturally hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial and resists dust mites. Latex absorbs very little moisture and when protected with a natural wool moisture barrier helps keep the crib dry, clean and free from bacteria. When the health of your newborn or children is concerned, a latex mattress will assure you that they are in nature's safest sleeping environment.

It would not be difficult, utilizing current research into the many methods of fire-proofing mattresses, to set off a general cry of alarm about the long-term consequences of exposure to the various chemical which saturate mattresses. However, a far simpler approach is provided by a natural latex mattress, covered with wool. Wool is a natural fire-retardant and is particularly effective in transporting moisture. Mother Nature really does know best! Your children are a precious gift, as is much of what is provided in the nature. By using natural materials, a latex mattress not only provides unsurpassed comfort, but also creates peace of mind, knowing that your children are not spending hours at a time in direct contact with "chemical beds".

With so much at stake, isn't it much better to error on the side of caution when your newborn or children are concerned. In no other situation will your children be in such close proximity or direct contact with any surface. Infants are developing their respiratory system so rapidly that you want their little lungs to be breathing only the purest possible air. There is not a question if certain mattresses off-gas, even the CPSC has documented how much of specific chemicals we absorb. As adults, we've developed completely and built up our immune systems, but this is not the case for children as they develop. Chemical exposure to your developing child can be very dangerous. Keep your children safe on a natural latex crib mattress.

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Sustainable Natural Latex Mattresses

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:11:00 -0500

In an era when we are surrounded by synthetic materials which greatly tax our environment and resources, natural latex represents the best that Mother Nature has to offer. Anyone who has slept on a latex mattress can attest to the incomparable comfort from the natural ability of latex to distribute body weight and relieve pressure points. In addition latex is a very durable material, creating mattresses that regularly last for 20 or more years, without any significant changes in the support or feel of the mattress. Rubber trees are now grown on plantations in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, South Asia, Africa and South America, providing jobs for numerous indigenous workers. Latex is very efficiently harvested and trees that have reached the end of their productive cycle are replaced and the lumber is used for furniture and in construction.

It is not only refreshing to sleep on a natural latex mattress, but also to know that it's a bio-degradable resource that is easily replenished. Conventional inner-spring mattresses carry with them a variety of hazards. The new federal open-flame fire standards for mattresses have added more than a pound and a half of possible toxic chemicals in the ticking of the average queen mattress. These chemicals can create toxic off-gases that are released into our home environment and then the chemicals are dumped along with the mattresses into land fills, with components that will not bio-degrade. Simply put, once a conventional mattress has outlived its usefulness, generally 2- 7 years, they become a nuisance to our environment.

Much of the latex used in mattresses is a blend of synthetic and natural latex to lower the cost and, perhaps, to add some durability. However, it is the natural properties of latex which set it apart. Only natural latex is anti-microbial, hyper-allergenic and a sustainable resource. In addition, it is the natural latex that creates the feel that has made latex mattresses so popular. Synthetic latex would feel just like polyurethane foam without the addition of natural latex.

Do your body a favor and investigate the feel of an all natural latex mattress. Much of what Mother Nature has supplied cannot be duplicated by artificial means, and natural latex is no exception. A natural latex mattress will last for 20 or more years, has an unsurpassed feel, the wonderful qualities of remaining free from dust mites, mold and allergens and is created from a resource that is green and sustainable. Going green has never felt better!

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