1% for the Planet logo

Earth Day, 1% for the Planet & The Natural Mattress Company

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

We try to do our small part for the earth.  1% off all sales are donated to 1% for the Planet. Not just for Earth Day but all year long! A Burlington VT based non profit, their impact is to bring dollars and doers together to accelerate smart environmental giving. Here is a blog the Intervale Center wrote on the relationship between 1% for the planet, member companies such as The Natural Mattress Company, Patagonia, Skinny Pancake, Sunsoil, and Dickson Law, and local environmental non profits such as the Intervale Center.

https://www.intervale.org/blog-source/1-can-make-a-huge-impact

Through 1%,  we support other Burlington local non profits such as the Intervale Center   Lake Champlain Land Trust and 350VT. The Intervale’s mission is to strengthen community food systems.During the COVID 19 pandemic the  Intervale Center and many across Vermont will need resources to cope with major disruptions but to also increase our capacity to support our neighbors who farm and need food during this crisis. Please consider making a donation to the Intervale Center here.  This year the Natural Mattress was a sponsor of Wintervale and is excited to be a returning contributor to Summervale!

350Vermont organizes, educates, and supports people in Vermont to work together for climate justice – resisting fossil fuels, building momentum for alternatives, and transforming our communities toward justice and resilience.

Here is a statement from 350VT since the pandemic has occured: Clearly the landscape has changed, but we remain committed to working for climate justice – and if anything, the root causes of the climate crisis are that much more apparent now! The fossil fuel industry is using this moment of vulnerability to build more pipelines, the federal government is de-regulating environmental standards, and states are passing laws banning nonviolent direct action. There is no doubt that the community-based solutions and resiliency we’ve been building together are needed now more than ever. We’ve moved all of our Earth Week community actions online, and we hope you’ll join us for those and other webinars that we’ll be announcing soon.

The Lake Champlain Land Trust mission is to save the scenic beauty, natural communities, and recreational amenities of Lake Champlain by permanently preserving significant islands, shoreline areas, and natural communities in the Champlain Region.You can visit the land trusts website to join their newsletter to receive updates. I think their trails are still open!

 

Few Brands We’re Proud to Represent Response to COVID-19

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

At OMI, the health and safety of our employees, customers and partners is our top priority. Accordingly, we have implemented new procedures of our own, and also followed the suggestions of CDC and others, in response to the COVID-19 virus.

At our Eco-Factory in California, we have installed certain new policies that limit our production staff’s contact with products, and contact between one another as much as possible. This includes for example, staggered shifts.  Also, we have implemented an enhanced cleaning regimen for all hard surfaces including our machinery and tools, following best practices as recently outlined by health organizations.

In addition, we are using commercial purifiers in key locations, to circulate air thru Super HEPA filters. The purifiers in use at our factory are equipped with UV germicidal lamps to flood airborne pathogens with ultraviolet light. The combination of a Super HEPA filter and UV exposure are shown to be highly effective in removing airborne viruses. These special filtration systems have also been made available to OMI retailers, for use in their stores.

For sales and customer service personnel, our modern communication systems allow the teams to work from their homes, to be with their families and also to observe the very important restrictions placed on social contact. Our work-from-home policy of course also means we are able to maintain continuity in service.

As a company committed to purity and health since our founding in 2003, know we are doing our part to keep our workforce well and limit the transmission of COVID-19 virus.

 

White Lotus Home:

We are following the guidance of global health experts at WHO and U.S. CDC on preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus including the following:

  • Any employee that shows any signs of illness, is asked to please go home. They will be using sick days and we are working on offering more paid days off as soon as we get new financial assistance. Thankfully, none of our crew members has had to go home due to illness.
  • Our staff is following all the frequent hand washing protocols. We are cleaning and disinfecting our entire facility daily, including but not limited to cleaning all door handles inside and out, bathrooms and kitchen, all sewing machines and areas of handcrafting, every handcrafter is now working in their own separate room.
  • Once each product has been handcrafted, they are properly sealed in a bag (or paper wrapped if you prefer).  For orders shipping via UPS, FedEx or USPS, the already sealed order is placed inside a brand new box

In order to reduce exposure from the time your order is handmade in our NJ facility until the time it enters your home:

  • When your order arrives, you can remove and discard/recycle the box before you bring the bagged product(s) into your home.

 

Savvy Rest:

COVID-19 has deeply impacted the lives of everyone across the globe in various ways, and here at Savvy Rest the situation is no different.

As an organic company, health is something we take seriously. We have been monitoring local and national news and continue to stay informed of CDC recommendations. We also value the communities we are part of–our work community, our local community, and all of the communities that are part of Savvy Rest’s broad reach. We want to be as responsible as possible to help prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.

Employees in our warehouse are practicing social distancing and CDC hygiene recommendations at all times.

How To Find Rest During A Restless Time

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

As countries close borders, businesses shut down, and quarantine continues, these stressful times begin to take a toll on our bodies. Anxiety and stress has been proven to lower the immune system and increase the risk of high blood pressure or heart attack. Amidst all of this, sleep is often overlooked as a way to help the body recover and overcome these obstacles. But finding sleep can be difficult. While you may be struggling to fall asleep during these troublesome times, there are a few methods and products that may be able to help you to get a better night’s rest:

 

Take a Sip

There’s a reason behind the warm milk before bed tale. A warm drink can often ease the body and release endorphins. A warm cup or milk or a mug of Chamomile Tea is all you might need to signal to your body, it’s time for bed. A glass or water can also be a positive bedtime routine!

Take Melatonin Supplements

A new and rising trend, melatonin can be found everywhere from your local pharmacy to Amazon. One pill or gummy in the evening and you’ll find falling asleep has never been easier. It’s all natural, good for the body, and is a positive signal to the brain for a long, happy night’s rest.

 

Kava Kava

If you don’t want to try melatonin, Kava Kava is another great option. You can buy it in powder or pill, and take a little before night. This herb has been proven to ease anxiety and boost sleep.

 

Mediation and Mindfulness

While sounding counterproductive, meditation or mindfulness are ways to actually handle and manage the thoughts in your head. By practicing, you will start to gather the tool set to be able to shut off your brain before bed, avoiding those late nights filled with stress!

 

Breath Exercises

Focusing on your breath also trains the brain to ignore the other thoughts in your head. Breathing exercises can be a positive way to center yourself and prepare for sleep.

 

Aromatherapy

In the age of diffusers, try using a lavender scent before bedtime. This calming scent is directly associated with instigating feelings of calm and sleepiness. Pro tip: try Silexan Lavender Oil.

 

While not all of these products or methods may work for you, a few of them may be able to help aid your journey with sleep. With a proper night’s rest, your immune system is proven to be stronger and you will be more prepared to handle whatever happens that day. From all of us here at the Natural Mattress Company, we wish you a good night’s rest and safe keeping. Remember to wash your hands, practice social distancing, and take a nap!

How to decide how firm your latex mattress should be?

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

Layers of natural latex.

When choosing latex firmness for your mattress, you have the option to choose between soft, medium and firm. Some factors that can help you choose the best for your body are weight, sleep position, and personal preference.

So which firmness might be the best fit for me!

Soft latex mattress:

Soft latex mattresses typically work well for petit adults. Especially if they sleep on their side and they need pressure point relief. If a mattress is too firm it can cause hip or should pain. A soft mattress will gently cradle those pressure points.

Medium Latex Mattress:

A medium latex mattress is a more neutral density. Obviously, it is neither too soft nor too firm. Both side and back sleeps can rest comfortably on a medium firm mattress, especially if they are more of an average build and don’t have pressure point issues. A medium mattress is usually a good choice for a guest bed.

Firm Latex Mattress:

A firm latex mattress is best for back and stomach sleepers as if offers the most support. Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to avoid sinking into the latex. If the mattress does not offer enough support, it would cause a stomach sleeper’s back to arch.

Choosing your firmness:

Many of the mattresses we carry are customizable and offer latex layers. Examples are the Savvy Rest Serenity, Ergovea Valencia, and OMI Duo. With this type of mattress, the firmer layers should go on the bottom offering support. The softer layer should be on the top to offer comfort. These types of mattresses are a perfect fit, especially if you and your partner have different firmness preferences. The customizability of the mattress allows each person to get exactly what they want. Neither person has too compromise their comfort.

How to Overcome Mattress Phobia

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

Buying a mattress can be a daunting task. Mattresses do not come cheap and are decade long commitments for most. The majority of consumers put in a lot of research to their mattress company and specific model they want. But finally taking that leap of faith can be scary. Especially if your first night’s rest on your brand new mattress is not that life-changing experience you’ve been hoping for. 

 

Here at Natural Mattress Company, we’ve come to tell you there’s no reason to be afraid. Mattresses, much like most new products, take breaking in. Your body needs time to adjust to the new bed and the mattress itself has to settle into the frame. 

 

According to an article by Sleepadvisor.org, there are 8 tips to follow after buying your new mattress that will make the difference between your mattress nightmare and a good night’s sleep:

Let Your Mattress Breathe

Most mattresses need air flow, especially organic or natural mattresses. The latex needs to breathe. That’s why we sell coconut mats to lay between your mattress and the bed frame. These mats allow for circulation under the mattress and further provide support for the mattress. The best part: they’re all natural too!

Put on the Pressure

When first getting your mattress, you can try putting a lot of pressure dispersed throughout the mattress. This helps loosen the latex and potentially even soften your bed by introducing air flow. This may also help prevent any mattress imprint that could be made later by introducing pressure throughout the mattress, instead of in one place.

Be Patient

This advice has always been our favorite advice. Give your mattress some patience. That first night most likely will never be the best night. We advise people give their mattresses at least 30 days, sometimes even up to 90. Fun fact: that is why mattress warranties are often 90 days!

Warm It Up

Not the best advice, especially for natural mattresses. But if you’d like, some foam mattresses react well to a warmer temperature. However, latex does not mind the cold and most people do not like to sleep in hot bedrooms. Take this advice as you wish. 

Sleep on It Consistently

Along with patience, you have to give your mattress its best shot. By doing this, you need to sleep on it every night for those 30 or 90 days. This is the fastest route to breaking it in. 

Put It on the Right Foundation

The bed frame can be half the battle with mattresses. We encourage our customers to do research on the mattress to find the bed frame that will work best for it. Natural latex mattresses can often be very heavy. Because of this, we advise platform bed frames to properly support the mattress throughout.

Follow your Gut

No matter if you’re willing to put in the time, if the mattress isn’t right for you then don’t suffer. If you are worried about this, look into mattress companies like Savvy Rest that allow a latex exchange to better suit the mattress for your needs.

Give It the Full Time

Along with patience, try to give the mattress the full trial time recommended. Those 30 or 90 days may just change your life. 

 

SleepAdvisor has got it right. Patience and time may just be the best way for you to overcome that mattress phobia. If you have any more questions or fears, feel free to give us a call and we’ll do our best to help. The Natural Mattress Company prides itself on putting customers first. We look forward to working with our customers as a team effort to find the mattress best suited for them. Swing by at any time to lay on one of mattresses or to just say hi. Our door is always open. 

Exploring Options: A Discussion about Kapok

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

The majority of customers that walk into Natural Mattress Company have done their research. They’ve read about wool and latex, heard about buckwheat and are interested in what the natural mattress industry as a whole can offer. But most of the patrons that make it into my store have never heard about Kapok. And why should they? The material is not used often, rarely mentioned, and grows on a tree looking exactly like cotton, making it easily mistaken. But should more people be researching this hidden gem?

 

What is Kapok? 

Kapok, according to an article done by Green Living Ideas, is a “soft, silky fiber,” akin to that of wool. It grows all naturally on trees, native to warmer climates, and is easily harvested. The material can be used to make anything, from pillows to life jackets, because of their natural fluffy texture and inherent water resistance. Kapok can be found in some mattresses but is more often used in pillows. Kapok pillows are light, easily moldable, and provide customers with another option aside from the typical wool and latex combo.

 

 Why should I consider buying Kapok?

Well, Kapok has a lot of pros and very few cons. For example, customers looking for that woolly texture but hate the smell might be interested in this neutral material. Similarly, the material is so lightweight, it is easier for customers to carry, transport, pack, or even throw in a good ole fashioned pillow fight! Sachi, the supplier of Natural Mattress Company’s Kapok pillows, even proclaims Kapok as a cruelty-free alternative to those afraid of sheep mistreatment. Like most organic materials, Kapok is chemical free and is advised for side and back sleepers to offer the most support.

Like most natural materials, there is one con to Kapok. Over time the material compresses and will likely shrink in volume. The best way to avoid this is to fluff the pillow as much as possible, while also rotating and flipping the pillow to avoid one spot becoming denser than the rest.

With a little bit of love and care, Kapok may just be the material for you. Stop by the Natural Mattress Company to test out this mystery material and feel free to ask our staff any questions. If you are interested in learning more about Kapok, consider reading the Green Living article linked below!

 

What is Kapok and How is it Used?

 

 

Is Natural Latex Toxic?

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

Will I be allergic to the latex mattresses sold in your store?

I often get the question, if I’m allergic to latex such as latex gloves, will I be allergic to your latex mattresses. The answer thankfully in most cases is no. The latex found in the mattresses we carry whether it be Dunlop or Talalay, does not produce the same allergic reactions.

What is a latex allergy? 

A latex allergy is caused by a reaction to the proteins that are contained in natural or synthetic latex. Most people have found out they have a latex allergy through commonly found items such as rubber bands, balloons, latex gloves, or baby bottle nipples. Natural latex is known to cause Type 1 and Type 4 reactions. Testing for a type 1 reaction is done through a blood test. Testing for a type 4 is done through a skin prick test. Less than 1% of people in the US have a latex allergy. Although latex allergy is rare, the condition is more common in certain high-risk groups. … Between 8 to 17% of health care workers and others who regularly use latex gloves are allergic to latex.

Lets take the example of latex gloves. Latex gloves are a blend of synthetic and natural latex. Healthcare professionals use gloves for many hours at a time over the years, while they are in that chosen career. Touching the latex does not actually trigger the allergy. However, repeatedly breathing in the microscopic powder that lines the gloves can. The powder is released in bursts when workers snap on or off their latex gloves. The powder contains microscopic proteins. If you have long term exposure to these proteins you can develop an allergy.  Once a person has become sensitized, they may then react to skin contact as well.

If I do have a mild to medium allergy can I use a latex mattress?

Yes, if you do have an allergy you might want to consider limiting your handling of the naked latex. If you have purchased a mattress from us that needs to be assembled maybe have someone else do it for you. When the mattress is encased in an organic cotton and wool casing, plus mattress pad and sheets you should be very well protected from the latex. There is a more serious but rare type of allergy systemic immune response to natural latex. Severe allergy symptoms to latex would be feeling like your throat is closing, difficulty breathing or skin swelling. If these are the symptoms you experience when being around latex, maybe you should seek out another product such as a mattress just just contains organic cotton and wool.