A Healthy Mattress
The first step
Why is a healthy mattress important? Because it is one of the first and largest steps in creating a healthier sleeping environment! There are several reasons for this.
First of all, we spend approximately one-third of our life sleeping. Because of this, your mattress has the largest contribution to a healthy, toxin-free sleeping environment.
Secondly, having the best and even customized support helps us have the deepest and most restorative sleep. The most comfortable mattress, tailored to your needs, will help you have restful sleep.
Finally, because your body and mind are being healed, restored, and recharged during sleep, it should be the healthiest choice possible so that your body can concentrate on these important functions, rather than having to eliminate toxins
What makes up a healthy mattress?
To start, we should talk about what the healthiest mattresses do not contain. Healthy mattresses do not contain things like these:
- Flame retardant or stain-resistant chemicals.
- Foam cushioning.
- Phthalates,
- PBDE’s (which should not be in any currently sold mattresses, but could be in older versions)
- Petrochemicals
In our 18 years in business, we have sought out the best organic, luxury, and natural mattresses, holding to the standard that they will be chemical-free. Conversely, a healthy mattress is made up of natural and organic materials – products found in nature. These healthy materials include organic latex, cotton, sheep’s wool, cashmere, horsehair, mohair, and alpaca wool. These natural materials are breathable and comfortable. You can sleep cooler for a deeper sleep. They are also durable, shown by their longer warranties. Typically, they are hypoallergenic because they are resistant to dust mites, mold and mildew. They also provide superior support, sometimes even allowing customization by the side or by zone. This brings us to our next point.
How do we offer mattresses without chemical flame retardants? Are they flame-safe? Yes, because wool is a natural flame retardant. Also, natural materials are not as flammable as synthetic materials.
Finally, a healthy mattress is the healthiest mattress for you – in other words, it is tailored to your needs. A healthy mattress will allow you to sleep with your spine aligned well (perhaps with some help from pillows). Finding a mattress that is customized to your needs as well as to your sleeping partner’s, will help you to sleep and live more healthfully.
Looking at, talking about, and trying out various mattresses will help you know what the most comfortable mattress is for you. Some people prefer firm mattresses, others plush. Some people need different support tailored by zone. Also, consider your sleep position and how that will impact the type of support you need. And of course, chemical sensitivities and allergies need to be considered. Finding the best nontoxic mattress for you will contribute to a much deeper and more restorative night of sleep.
What are the various types of healthy mattresses?
There are several different types of mattresses, such as cotton, innerspring, pocketed coil, latex, or a hybrid combination. You can find our best picks and an explanation of the various types of mattresses in our blog post: Best Organic Mattresses 2022. Here are a few questions to consider when buying your healthy mattress:
- Do you prefer a plush or firm mattress?
- Do some parts of your body require more support than others?
- Any allergies?
- Are you a side, back, or stomach sleeper – or do you change position?
- What is your price range?
- What mattress size are you looking for?
- Will you need a foundation?
We are always glad to discuss these questions with you and discuss your options. Choosing a mattress is a big decision, and we are happy to assist you in taking all the time you need to make this important choice for your health and comfort.
More information
For more info, check out How the Best Quality Mattress Can Lead to Your Best Quality of Life. For information on how to choose a healthy pillow, please read our companion blog titled A Healthy Pillow. Your mattress should have a mattress protector to safeguard your investment and for your comfort. Here’s our Guide to Choosing a Mattress Protector.