What You Need to Know Before Buying a Latex Mattress

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Latex Mattress

If you’re interested in buying natural latex mattresses but don’t exactly know where to start, here is the basic information you’ll need to know.

It’s Not Pure Latex

Even if someone sells a mattress as “100% latex” it’s not technically true. The natural sap from the rubber tree has to be processed in order to be able to form latex layers or cores for the mattress. If the sap was processed at 100%, it would be to thick to form the natural layers in the beds. The manufacturing process involves adding a few minor additives which is why the actual percentage is between 95-97% latex. Many bedding companies use blended latex, where they use only 5% of natural latex and the remaining is petroleum based foam. In the process they increase the margins and profits by misleading you the customer.

If you’re in the market for truly natural rubber then the less than 5% that isn’t latex should have no bearing on the comfort or quality of the mattress when you compare it with synthetic or blended foams.

How Long Will it Last?

This depends on the manufacturer but natural latex mattresses have a considerably long life. If you buy high-quality, natural latex mattresses and take care of it you could have the mattress for up to 30 years and still get a good night’s rest. The average traditional coil spring mattress usually lasts six to ten years. So at the end of the day, any additional cost or hassle associated with a latex mattress is well worth it considering how much longer they last.

Rubber Isn’t Easy to Get

You might think that because the sap from the rubber tree comes from a tree that it’s simple to process but rubber trees only grow within 10 degrees of the equator, making the supply rather limited. Another limitation on harvesting rubber is the weather. Rubber trees can only be sliced during the dry season – which only adds up to 180 days out of the year.

How Rubber is Harvested

The rubber tree is sliced at an angle, about three feet long, allowing the serum to run into a holding container. After an hour or so the serum stops flowing and the tree eventually heals. It’s interesting to note, when the serum is harvested more than half of it is water.

About LatexHow Latex Rubber is Processed

In order to prevent the serum from coagulating before it can be processed most companies add ammonia, which eventually washes out as it is processed. The rubber serum is then whipped in a centrifuge to separate the elements and concentrate the rubber to be used. The final step involves washing the latex through water and squeezing the excess out using metal rollers.

Pros to Sleeping on Latex

Most foam mattresses “sleep hot” which means they absorb your body heat while you sleep, making you warmer. A latex mattress allows air to circulate which creates a cooler and more comfortable sleeping arrangement and the night’s sleep you’ve been looking for. Traditional mattresses will sag with use and time but because of the resilient material, latex mattresses are less prone to sagging providing you with a better night’s sleep. Latex mattresses are also great for relief on your pressure points while providing enough support for your back and joints. Because the latex material absorbs motion it makes it the ideal mattress for sharing. This way, everyone has uninterrupted sleep.

Take a look around www.naturalmattressvt.com to see our wide selection of latex mattresses. Call us at 802-985-2650 with questions you may have.

Savvy Rest Mattress Promotion October 2017

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg
Throughout the month of October, customers will have the option to choose one of three unique promotions:

 

(1) Receive four shredded latex pillows (any size^) free with the purchase of a mattress*. If you don’t need four pillows, this may be a great opportunity for gift giving in the upcoming holiday season.
(2) Purchase a mattress* and receive a 50% discount on a Vitality topper (matching size).
(3) Purchase a mattress* and receive a 50% discount on an Afton platform bed (matching size).
^Body pillows excluded
*Savvy Baby excluded

Sleep Positions

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg
bigstock-Senior-man-and-woman-sleeping--133364783.jpg

We know the classics: starfish, fetal, side, stomach, stick straight, and many more. However, what is the best sleep position for you and how can you get the most out of your sleep position?

SIDE SLEEPERS

There are so many different ways to sleep on your side, but all help relieve and calm insomnia and chronic sleep deprivation. While sleeping on your side, putting a pillow between your legs/knees can also relieve back pain by taking pressure off your hips and lower back. P.S — many believe it is most comfortable to bend your knees towards the chest while sleeping on your side. “This position (where your torso and legs are relatively straight) also helps decrease acid reflux, and since your spine is elongated, it wards off back and neck pain. Plus, you’re less likely to snore in this snooze posture, because it keeps airways open. For that reason, it’s also the best choice for those with sleep apnea” (National Sleep Foundation).

BACK SLEEPERS

If sleeping on your back is your most comfortable sleep position maybe try a few of these alternatives. Back sleeping is known to cause lower back pain and episodes of sleep apnea. This can cause a lack of sleep and overall restfulness. To ease these symptoms place a pillow under your knees to allow your spine to curve naturally. On Health.com, ” It’s also ideal for fighting acid reflux, says Eric Olson, MD, a sleep medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. ‘If the head is elevated, your stomach will be below your esophagus so acid or food can’t come back up.'” Healthy Sleeping Positions

STOMACH SLEEPERS

Though it can be done, and with fewer risks with a proper pillow, many sleep professionals are against sleeping on your stomach due to the major strain on your lower back and neck. Stomach sleepers also tend to have more restlessness and don’t feel fully alert because of tossing and turning at night. If you sleep on your stomach try your best to sleep with a thin pillow, if any, this allows your neck and vertebrae to align and cause less strain. Stated by the National Sleep Foundation, “seven percent of adults pick this pose, but it can lead to back and neck pain, since it’s hard to keep your spine in a neutral position. Plus, stomach sleepers put pressure on their muscles and joints, possibly leading to numbness, tingling, aches, and irritated nerves.”

Is it better to sleep on your back?

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

Is It Better To Sleep On Your Back?

Written by Laura, November 15, 2011

Cute kitten sleeping on its back

It’s Up To Your Body

Generally speaking, lying on your back creates the most consistent support for your spine. Your muscles and tissues can relax evenly in all directions. Like a baby, or a kitten napping on its back, you can just lie flat and your musculoskeletal system will be all lined up for restful sleep.

Except when that’s not true. If you have a wonky back, a sore hip, shoulder pain, breathing problems, or other bodily quirks (or you are pregnant), flat-on-back may not be the best sleeping position for you.

People sleep with themselves for a lifetime, and most have figured out what position works best. If you used to sleep happily on your back, however, and now find yourself contorted into a new, uncomfortable position or using multiple strategically-placed pillows, it could be your body has been searching for a way to compensate for a mattress that is no longer supporting you.

Not Sleeping Well?

If you miss a time when back sleeping was sound and comfortable, first consider replacing your mattress. You may need something firmer than you thought, for solid back support. You may need a more forgiving surface, or denser support and a softer surface. An optional topper can offer extra cushioning that relieves surface pressure without compromising the stability you need for your spine. If you have nerve-related back pain, choose a shallower topper. The 2″ Savvy Woolsy creates a cozy, comforting surface without letting you “sink” so much that back support is undermined. If you’re petite or lean and have no serious back problems, you may love the deeper softness of the 4″ Harmony topper.

Over the years, it’s not unusual to find that you prefer a different sleeping position than when you were younger. The most common change is to shift from the back to sleeping on your side. On your side, your rib cage prevents compression of the lungs, allowing freer, easier breathing. For some larger people, sleeping on the back can contribute to pressure in the chest, restricting the flow of breath.

Potential Problems

One condition that can develop with age, or excess weight, is obstructive sleep apnea. Tissues in the back of the throat collapse during sleep, blocking the airway. It’s a serious issue that, untreated, can lead to elevated blood pressure and other harmful consequences. (Central sleep apnea is triggered in the brain, not in the throat, so it’s important to see your doctor for a correct diagnosis.) Heavy snoring or gasping during sleep are clues to apnea. Many people with obstructive apnea breathe better on their sides. Those who sleep wearing a CPAP (controlled positive airway pressure) device, however, may need to sleep on their backs with the head of the bed slightly elevated.

Folks with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), too, can benefit from sleeping on the back with the head of the entire bed elevated. A common mistake is to use a pile of pillows under the sleeper’s head — this just puts an additional kink in the diaphragm and can worsen GERD symptoms. Two four- to six-inch blocks placed under the legs at the head of the bed create a complete incline that helps gravity keep stomach acids where they belong.

If you are fit, limber, and of normal weight, you can likely sleep happily on your back – or in just about any position you like. If your body’s asking for a change, try your side or a partial-side position. Use a body pillow at your back or front to stabilize your trunk until you’re used to the change.

The one sleeping position most experts “tsk” about is on the stomach, particularly while using a pillow. The pillow creates strain on the cervical spine from a kinked-back neck, and the spine is tilted upward from the pelvis. Over time, stomach sleeping will stress the lower back.

Once you have the right mattress and have experimented with position, surface softness and perhaps new pillows, you’ll find it easier to recognize which way of arranging yourself gives you sound, refreshing sleep. Sleep well!

What’s in Your Mattress?

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

What’s In Your Mattress?

 https://naturalmattressvt.com/brand/savvy-rest/

what's inside my mattress?

We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so why is it that there seems to be more of an emphasis on finding an inexpensive mattress instead of one that is actually safe and will last? Trust me, I love finding excellent deals just like everyone else, but what exactly does a “good deal” entail? It doesn’t always mean a super low price. A mattress should be an investment, not something you have to keep repurchasing every few years. Too many mattresses on the market are made with synthetic materials like memory foam. Memory foam will give you initial pressure relief, but it seriously lacks in durability and temperature regulation, not to mention that it is filled with harmful chemicals. Then there are businesses that claim their materials are completely natural, “greenwashing” consumers into thinking that their company is both luxurious and organic at an unbeatable price. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

So, how can consumers purchase a mattress that is certified organic, comfortable, and will last for years to come? Savvy Rest approaches the mattress business in a way that emphasizes health and quality over cutting corners. We want you to feel like you’re making an informed decision, which is why our website is filled with useful articles and videos that are meant to help. Continue reading to find out what’s in a Savvy Rest mattress (and what you should avoid in others).

organic mattress casing materials

Certified Organic Cotton

Our GOTS-certified organic mattresses include two materials in the casing, the first being certified organic cotton. We never use cotton that has been chemically treated with pesticides. Not only are pesticides harmful to your own personal health, but they are also harmful to our planet. Certified organic cotton is the healthy choice and emphasizes the importance of sustainable farming practices. The cotton is soft yet durable, luxurious yet safe. You shouldn’t have to compromise.

Certified Organic Wool

The other material that we include in our Savvy Rest organic mattress casing is certified organic wool batting. Instead of using chemical flame retardants that are toxic to your health, we use wool as a natural flame barrier. The wool also adds a plush, luxurious feel to our casing, and is a material that promotes air circulation. A material like memory foam absorbs all your body heat, causing you to “sleep hot.” Wool helps regulate temperature so that you sleep warmer in the winter, but cooler in the summer. While several companies use certified organic cotton, few use certified organic wool batting, opting for a cheaper, non-certified wool instead. The wool batting that we use is free of synthetic chemicals and is never bleached. The sheep used for their wool are given organic feed and graze in organic pastures.

We take pride in utilizing natural resources because they lead to exceptional products.

layered natural latex mattresses can suit any body type

Natural Latex

We use two types of latex in our mattresses: Dunlop and Talalay. Both are incredibly comfortable and safe for your home. When you’re dozing off in your Serenity mattress, you have the option of laying on certified organic Dunlop and/or Cradle to Cradle Gold certified Talalay.

Dunlop

The certified organic Dunlop we use is supportive and durable. It’s on the denser side, so it has an overall firmer feel than Talalay. We recommend an all-Dunlop mattress for stomach sleepers, in particular, since stomach sleepers need a firm mattress that they won’t sink into. If a mattress is too soft while sleeping on your stomach, your back will begin to bend into an uncomfortable position, which will inevitability lead to pain. We don’t want that!

Here are some popular all-Dunlop mattress configurations:

organic Dunlop latex mattress configurations
Here are a few common configurations of all-Dunlop Serenity mattresses. They range from very soft to quite firm. Interested in seeing more possibilities?

Talalay

The second latex found in our mattresses is Talalay. Talalay is light and plush, giving you a luxurious cradling feel. We compare it to angel food cake, while Dunlop is more like pound cake (any excuse to talk about food).

Talalay is great for pressure point relief. In fact, we always recommend that side sleepers have at least one layer of Talalay in their mattress, specifically the top layer. This allows your hip and shoulder to gently sink into your mattress. Talalay will conform to the contours of your body, leading to ultimate comfort and support. If your mattress is too firm as a side sleeper, you will end up tossing and turning as you try to take pressure off of your hip and shoulder. This will lead to disrupted sleep, poor alignment, and overall discomfort. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have time for that—I need my eight hours to function!

I’m a petite woman and sleep on my side. My Savvy Rest mattress configuration (starting from the top) is Soft Talalay, Soft Dunlop, Firm Dunlop—and I find it incredibly comfortable. The Soft Talalay is not only luxurious, but helps me avoid waking up with achy shoulders or an aggravated hip. I don’t have a lot of meat on me so my mattress cannot be too firm. I like how the Soft Talalay transitions into the Soft Dunlop as I gently sink into the mattress. As I’ve noted before, Dunlop is a bit denser, so I feel like I’m experiencing that softness, but still getting plenty of support. It’s really the perfect configuration for my needs.

Savvy Rest Talalay mattress layering
Our most popular all-Talalay layer configurations, shown here, suit a wide range of weights, sleeping positions and comfort preferences.

So, What About Those Other Mattresses?

The mattress industry is growing and growing. This obviously means that consumers have more choices, but not all of them are necessarily good ones. Here are a few things to look out for:

  • Synthetic materials, or materials that are only partially organic/natural – It’s important to ask yourself a couple of questions. Is this mattress manufactured in a GOTS-certified facility? Is it actually natural, or only “kind of natural?” “Kind of natural” doesn’t cut it in our book.
  • Mattresses that aren’t customizable – One of the best aspects of our mattresses is that they are customizable. This means that you can create a mattress that is designed for your specific needs by choosing between Soft, Medium, and Firm layers of Dunlop and Talalay latex. We even offer split configurations, so that your side of the mattress is different than your partner’s. Plenty of mattress companies claim that their mattress is supremely comfortable. But comfortable for whom? How can they guarantee it will be comfortable for you when you can’t customize it? What is considered comfortable for one person isn’t necessarily ideal for another. Comfort is subjective; it depends on so many factors, and Savvy Rest acknowledges this.
  • Return Policies – Mattress companies that offer trial periods and returns are most likely not offering consumers a product that has high-end, certified organic materials. And we have to wonder where these returned mattresses end up–in a landfill? Our mattresses are made with materials that are expensive to source, manufacture, and properly certify. This means that our prices are higher than mainstream companies, but we believe consumers have an even greater price to pay when they buy into the “easier” route. Either you will return the mattress, frustrated that you’ll have to start the mattress search again, or you will keep it and eventually realize it is not as durable or safe as you thought. While you cannot return our mattress for a refund, you can exchange latex layers within 90 days of your purchase. We want you to sleep soundly at night, so if you spend a few weeks on your mattress and realize that you need to switch out a layer (or two, or three!), then we will send you the latex you desire. It’s really that simple.
  • Chemical Flame Retardants – Just don’t do it!
  • https://naturalmattressvt.com/brand/savvy-rest/
Display room with pale wooden finsihes and OMI Rossa Pocket Coil Organic Mattress

New Rossa Organic Pocket Coil Mattress has Arrived

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

Rossa

The Rossa™ certified organic mattress is a customizable one-sided zipper-cover mattress. It features pocket-coil technology, encased in natural biodegradable materials, paired with a certified organic latex layer on the surface. Choose a split or solid latex comfort layer with firmness options in plush, medium, or firm. A sculpted surface is available at an additional charge to add pressure-point relief and increase air circulation, helping sleepers stay cool and comfortable. The pocket-coil springs are placed in a certified organic cotton encasement to prevent shifting over time. Covered in 10-oz. certified organic cotton on the bottom, the mattress is finished with our signature quilted woven cover.

FIRMNESS: Customizable
*DEPTH: Approximately 12″
CORE: Pocket-Coil Innerspring System
SURFACE: GOLS-Certified Organic Natural Rubber Latex**
COVER: Quilted GOTS-Certified Organic Wool and GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton Cover
SYNTHETIC FIRE RETARDANTS: None
SIZES: Twin – King
FOUNDATION: Wood-Slat Foundation with slat spacing no greater than 1”
WARRANTY: 20-Year Limited Warranty

Rossa Foundation Requirements

The Rossa mattress requires a unique foundation. The coil springs used in most supporting box springs are approximately 3 inches in diameter. The diameter of coils used in the Rossa mattress is approximately 1.5 inches. What this means, is that to prevent the pocket coils from resting on an unsupported space, one of the following options must be used:

  • Order the Rossa with the coordinating OMI foundation, which is padded to offer the coils proper support.
  • Order the Rossa with the supplemental foundation layer. The supplemental foundation layer can then be placed on top of a supportive platform bed, box spring, or foundation.
  • Place on a slat bed frame with no more than 1 inch between slats (most platform bed frames have 2-3 inch space between slats)

Not using proper support could void the warranty

Promotional Pricing Available:

(mattress only): twin $1,195 •  full $1595 • queen $1995 • eastern king $2795 • cal king $2795

Why should you purchase a Natural Mattress?

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays and end of year activities, it is time to take a well-deserved rest. A comfortable mattress is essential to making sure you get a good night’s sleep. The New Year brings “white” sales, but at Green Energy Times, we like to call them “green” sales. Perhaps you are in the market for a new ‘green’ mattress. Green Energy Times interviewed Mike Hassenberg, owner of Natural Mattress Company in Shelburne, Vermont (https://naturalmattressvt.com/), to learn about green mattress and help in your quest for a great, eco-conscious product.

What should be considered when selecting a green mattress?

We sleep about a 1/3 of our lives, so the materials your mattress is made of are important. While we sleep, our immune system recovers and prepares for the day ahead. If your mattress is filled with airborne allergens and chemical toxins, your immune system will battle these rather than repair itself. The certifications that matter most are OkeoTex and Greenguard. OkeoTex certifies that the mattress is free from harmful chemicals. The organization tests consumer products for the presence of a predetermined list of chemicals. Greenguard is a true emissions test that actually measures what is coming out of the product versus what is not in there. Organic certifications include Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and Global Organic Textile standard (GOTS).

Is there a difference in a natural mattress vs. an organic one?

Yes, a mattress can be made of natural materials but not certified organic by GOLS and GOTS. They set the standards in materials and even the factory. The factory where the mattress is made also has to be certified organic by GOTS.

For those converting from a conventional to a green mattress, will there be a different feel?

An organic or natural mattress should be just as comfortable as any other mattress on the market. You no longer have to compromise comfort to be sleeping on a healthful natural mattress. Mattresses are available that range from firm to very plush. There are even mattresses that are customizable where one side of the mattress can be firmer than the other. Organic mattress makers have more material choices than ever before!

What is the average life of a green mattress? How does that compare with conventional ones?

It seems like the traditional mattress industry got together and decided to make their beds last 8 to 10 years. Things like friction and moisture break down man-made foams and padding. Some natural latex brands offer 20 year warranties, because natural latex is incredibly durable. Natural fibers don’t break down with humidity and friction. They break down with exposure to UV light or weather, as they would with nature. Natural latex beds are also naturally dust mite-resistant, antimicrobial, and have longer life cycles that have been proven through independent testing.

Replacement of a natural mattress typically happens when a comfort change is needed. Options are available to swap out a layer of latex or add a topper to the mattress rather than going through the whole mattress buying experience or cost.

What is the price range compared to conventional mattresses?

They have similar price points. However, if you consider the fact that some brands have a longer lifespan, then you may see some green mattresses are less expensive over the life of the mattress.

What is the biggest factor that you see drives consumers to convert to green mattresses?

Life events, such as the birth of a child, sickness, or renewed commitment to the health and wellness of a family are triggers into the natural mattress industry. A good night’s sleep should not be elusive. When people are struggling with lack of sleep, they begin to research the topic and many times will come across the option of natural or organic, because they become aware that mainstream mattresses have an abundance of chemicals in them such as formaldehyde or fire retardant chemicals sprayed on them. These chemicals can affect our bodies’ hormones which have an impact on the quality of our sleep and overall quality of life. They may also be linked to asthma, allergies, and lung, nose and throat cancers.

What happens to a green mattress at the end of its life?

Conventional mattresses go straight to the landfill. They cannot be broken down properly and take up tons of space. Many contain foams that are made from petroleum- based oil and do not compost well. They create soil and water problems. All natural mattresses can be recycled and are not toxic waste. If a mattress comes from the earth, then it will go back into the earth after its use in the home. The reality about green mattresses is they last longer, and, therefore, you need fewer mattresses in your life.

Explain the use of fire retardants for mattresses.

Natural mattresses are less combustible and need a lower level of flame-resistant (FR) solution. These products are able to pass the federal FR testing with the use of natural solutions such as wool and silica minerals that are infused into organic cotton fabrics. Use of less FR solution is a good thing as it bio-accumulates, is a global contaminant, makes disposal difficult, and has health risks.

So, why not go ahead and get a new mattress and make it an eco-conscious one?

The Neglected Resolution

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

The Neglected Resolution

The Neglected Resolution.

Lose weight? Check. Quit smoking? DOUBLE check. Exercise? Well, sure. Eat healthier? Of course!

These are typical (and important) New Year’s resolutions. There’s no time like the new year to re-commit to your health and well-being—that excitement can be a great kickstart for positive new habits. But, strangely, one thing that’s just as critical to your health seldom makes it onto New Year’s resolution lists.

Getting enough sleep.

A post-holiday sleep checkup

Think back over the last week or so. Chances are, it’s gone one of several ways:

  • You’ve had extra time with family, and you’ve had a chance to relax. You’ve been getting to bed earlier and savoring mornings without the alarm. And when you feel like dozing off after a leftovers lunch, nothing’s prevented you from taking a peaceful nap. Being rested feels so good.
  • You’ve had extra time with family and, unfortunately, it’s been so stressful that you’re more tense than ever. Getting through the holidays was a kind of frenzy and your nerves are shredded. So you’re hitting the year-end feeling haggard—and way short on sleep.
  • You’ve had to work through the holidays, and adding preparations and celebrations to your usual obligations has meant burning the candle at both ends and around the middle, too. You’ve had less sleep than ever, and you’re weary enough to wonder if it’s making you ill.

Rewriting the list

Any of these scenarios fit? One way or another your sleep has probably been a significant factor during the holiday season. So what better time than now to make better sleep your #1 New Year’s resolution?

Give it a try this year! Make regular, adequate, comfortable sleep a top priority…and you’ll find that every other health resolution you’re committing to will be much, much easier to keep. Consider making a new natural mattress a resolution, too. Creating a comfortable, safe sleeping environment will support your health all year long