Keep Mattresses out of the Landfill

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

Article from Green Business Bureau:

Mattresses pose a serious problem when it comes to disposal. These large household products take up more than their fair share of space in landfills because they’re difficult to compact, clog machinery, and create large soft spaces that can turn into sinkholes after filling. The problem of mattress disposal can be confronted from two sides. The first is to recycle old mattresses, reusing their components to make new products. The other side of the equation involves purchasing organic/natural, biodegradable mattresses. For those in the hotel industry, understanding how to make smarter mattress purchase and recycling decisions can help positively impact green programs your organization may be undertaking.

MATTRESS RECYCLING

Mattresses are a complex product with numerous recyclable components. Mattress recycling programs deconstruct the bed, removing the materials that can be reused or repurposed. This process not only prevents the mattress from entering a landfill but also reduces the need to use more natural resources in product manufacturing.

Depending on the mattress type, the components that can be reused include:

  • Foam: The foam used in the comfort layer of the mattress can be compressed to make carpet padding, oil filters, mats, and upholstery stuffing.
  • Fabric: The exterior fabric, whether it’s natural or synthetic, can be shredded and made into other textiles.
  • Metal: Innerspring mattresses can have as much as 25 pounds of steel coils. Once removed, these coils can be melted down to make tools, construction materials, and auto parts.
  • Wood: The wooden frame of a box spring can be used in flooring or chipped to be used as mulch or compost.

Not all recycling facilities offer mattress recycling. Hotels are in a unique position, with the high number of mattresses they require, to develop mattress recycling programs within their local communities for their use and the use of community members.

BETTER MATTRESS CHOICES

The other side of mattress disposal is making wise purchasing choices. Everyone from private consumers to large hotel chains can make purchasing decisions that protect the environment. While there’s not a mattress available on the market today that will completely break down without a trace, there are 95 percent biodegradable mattress options.

NATURAL LATEX MATTRESSES

Natural latex mattresses begin as sap from a rubber tree. Through one of two manufacturing processes, that sap eventually becomes a natural latex mattress. Of the two processes, Dunlop and Talalay, Dunlop latex mattresses are the most biodegradable and won’t create sinkholes in a landfill. These mattresses come with a high price tag, and they will still be composed of anywhere from 5-40 percent synthetic latex.

NATURAL AND ORGANIC MATTRESS OPTIONS

If an expensive natural latex mattress is out of your budget, there are hybrid latex/innerspring mattresses that are highly biodegradable, but don’t carry such a hefty price tag.  In this case, keep an eye out for eco-friendly components like:

  • Plant-based polyfoam
  • Plant-based memory foam
  • Organic fibers in the cover like cotton or wool
  • Wool, cotton, thistle, or Kevlar fire socks

CERTIFICATIONS

Because there are no regulations or standards for what constitutes a “green” mattress, you’ll need to look for certifications from organizations that monitor environmental impact rather than trusting a “natural” or “organic” listing on a sales tag. A few certifications to watch for include:

Taking the time to recycle old mattresses and research your next mattress purchase are both great ways to keep mattresses out of landfills. For an example of a hotel that is currently undertaking a mattress recycling program, check out this recent article on Hilton’s recycling initiative.

_____________________________________________________________________

Author Bio:

Rick Blanchard is an expert on sleep product materials and manufacturing for BestMattressReviews.com. His research covers the entire life cycle of mattresses and bedding, including production, wear over time, and disposal. Rick lives in Tarrytown, New York.

The facts about a Savvy Rest Mattress featured at Natural Mattress VT

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

Savvy FAQs (And Our Answers)

Written by Liz, March 27, 2018

Savvy Rest FAQs

When searching for an organic mattress, it’s important to ask questions. A mattress is an investment so you want to make sure that it has everything you’re looking for and more.

While we think you should absolutely choose our products, we understand that you might need a little bit more information than that.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear (and our answers):

  • Why are your mattresses more expensive than other mattresses?
  • What is the difference between Dunlop and Talalay latex?
  • What certifications do you have?
  • Is the Talalay in your organic mattresses GOLS certified?
  • Does a Savvy Rest mattress last?
  • How is Savvy Rest different from other mattress companies?
  • Do you have a return policy?
  • Why does one size not fit all?
  • How does the mattress arrive?
  • What is the difference between the Harmony and Vitality topper?
  • Does natural latex smell?
  • Does linseed oil smell?
  • What kind of wood do you use in your furniture?
  • Do we sell custom sofa cushions?
  • Is there a dealer near me?

Why are your mattresses more expensive than other mattresses?

It’s not secret that our mattresses are more expensive than companies such as My Green Mattress, Sleep EZ, and Avocado. But there are several reasons for this.

For one, our organic mattresses are completely GOTS-certified organic, from the cotton to the wool to the finished product as a whole. Our Serenity, Tranquility, Unity Pillowtop, SerenitySpring, and Pastoral mattresses are certified, as well as our manufacturing facility.

As you can imagine, all of our certifications come with a price tag, so our impressive resume also means that the cost of our product must be higher than those who have not met these standards. Sourcing organic materials is expensive but we believe the quality and peace of mind are worth every penny.

Our mattresses are also customizable for couples so you and your partner can have your own configurations without having to sacrifice comfort.

While a few other mattress companies have this option, it is not very popular in the online-only mattress industry.

To add to the customer experience, we’ve also made our products available to try out in stores. This makes the mattress buying process so much easier. You can figure out what you want in person instead of crossing your fingers and hoping what you ordered online works for you.

organic Dunlop latex
Dunlop latex is denser and more supportive than Talalay.
natural Talalay latex
Talalay is softer and more pressure-relieving than Dunlop.

What is the difference between Dunlop and Talalay latex?

We offer two types of latex in our organic mattresses: Dunlop and Talalay. The main differences between the two are certifications and feel.

The Dunlop latex we use meets the requirements of GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard). It’s an overall denser and firmer latex than Talalay, offering stable support.

Talalay latex is Cradle to Cradle Gold and FSC-certified. It’s known for having a plush and luxurious feel that is excellent at pressure point relief. We usually recommend at least one layer of Talalay latex for side sleepers.

Savvy Rest is the only mattress company in the world with GOTS-certified organic mattresses containing Talalay latex.

When choosing your Savvy Rest configuration, you can opt for all Dunlop, all Talalay, or a combination of the two.

 

Is the Talalay in your organic mattresses GOLS certified?

No, there is currently no Talalay latex manufacturer that offers GOLS-certified Talalay. Our Talalay latex is Cradle to Cradle Gold and FSC-certified. It has also met testing requirements for GreenGuard Gold.

Does a Savvy Rest mattress last?

Yes. Longevity is just as important as safety when it comes to sourcing our organic materials.

Besides toxic off-gassing, a major difference between natural latex and memory foam is that memory foam mattresses retain your body heat which allows the mattress to conform to your body’s curves. Over time, the memory foam will have trouble bouncing back, leading to significant dips and sags.

Our latex mattresses are built to last and come with a 20-year limited warranty (the Earthspring has a 10-year limited warranty).

Cheaper mattresses are not designed with longevity in mind. We do not believe you should have to buy a new mattress every five years. It should be around for the long run.

How is Savvy Rest different from other mattress companies?

Besides offering completely GOTS-certified and customizable natural latex mattresses, we’re also both a B Corp and an employee-owned company.

What is a B Corp?

Our B Corp certification means that our business focuses on more than just profit. We also care about positively impacting our community and producing products that are natural and safe for the home (and the planet).

We’re proud of our partnership with American Forests, the nation’s oldest nonprofit conservation organization. When you purchase a Savvy Rest product on our website, we donate five trees through the Global ReLeaf program. We’ve donated thousands of trees!

We’ve also joined forces with local women’s shelters and created the Safe Sleep Pillow program. Savvy Rest has donated almost 3,000 pillows to women who have escaped dangerous home situations and are looking for a safe space before continuing their journey. After leaving the shelter, they can take the pillow with them. We know a pillow can’t save the world but we hope it brings comfort and healthy sleep to these brave women.

Employee Ownership

As mentioned, Savvy Rest is an employee-owned company, meaning everyone shares in the company’s success.

It didn’t feel right to have only one person benefit from a company’s growth when a company’s success is to due a collaborative effort. All our departments are working hard to introduce the best organic products, to help customers, and to ship all the Savvy goodies to your door.

Every person and voice matters at Savvy Rest so participating in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) made sense.

Learn more about what sets Savvy Rest apart.

Savvy Rest return policy

Do you have a return policy?

While online-only mattress companies allow returns, this is not possible with our organic products. The materials we source are expensive and we would not be able to resell a returned product due to health reasons (and the product would not longer meet organic requirements).

However, there is good news! We have a 90-Day Latex Exchange Policy for our mattresses that gives our customers peace of mind.

Let’s say you feel your mattress is too soft and want to switch out a layer of Soft Dunlop for Medium Dunlop. Just let us know and we’ll ship you the layer of latex and you’ll send us whichever layer you don’t want! It’s that easy.

Why does one size not fit all?

One size does not fit all because we are all different shapes and sizes. We all have different medical needs and injuries to take into account. We all sleep differently, whether on our back, side, or stomach. We need to embrace our differences and Savvy Rest does this by offering mattresses made for EVERYONE.

Customization means you get exactly what you want in order to get the healthy sleep you need.

You want a plush mattress? We’ve got that. You want something super firm? We’ve got that too. Prefer something in the middle? You guessed it–we’ve got it.

Your side of the mattress can even differ from your partner’s. No one should have to compromise comfort, especially when you’re spending top dollar for a quality mattress.

To read more on the topic, check out this blog.

How does the mattress arrive?

Our mattresses are shipped via FedEx. The latex layers are rolled and placed into separate boxes.

natural latex mattress topper
The Harmony features Dunlop or Talalay latex in our certified organic cotton and wool casing. Like our layered mattresses, it is customizable and thus covered by our 90-Day Latex Exchange Policy.
soft Talalay latex mattress topper
The Vitality topper contains Soft Talalay latex only and is encased in a supple organic cotton fabric.

What is the difference between the Harmony and Vitality topper?

Both are natural latex toppers but there are three major differences: casings, customization, and warranties.

The Harmony has the same casing as our organic mattresses. It is fully customizable topper so you can select any type of latex you’d like. The Harmony comes with a 20-year limited warranty when used with a Savvy Rest mattress (3 years when not).

The Vitality has a 3-year limited warranty. The casing is an organic cotton jersey knit. It’s super stretchy so you can really feel the softness of the latex.

The Vitality comes with Soft Talalay latex. You may request a different density of Talalay or even opt for Dunlop but a fee of $100 will be added to your purchase. Please email us at [email protected], or call 866-856-4044 to request a custom Vitality.

Does natural latex smell?

This is a tricky question because everyone has a different sense of smell. Some people are incredibly sensitive to certain smells while others can barely smell anything.

Typically, you may smell the latex for a few nights. This does not mean that your mattress is off-gassing harmful chemicals. It’s simply the scent of the natural latex.

Some of our customers find that once the latex is encased for a period of time, the scent goes away. It’s that initial period right after you’ve moved the layers and assembled the mattress that you may smell the latex. For most, this is temporary and does not affect their sleeping experience.

If you are still concerned about smell, you may order a latex sample kit so you can see and touch the latex before purchasing. We recommend keeping the latex sample by your bed as you sleep.

Does linseed oil smell?

We offer several zero-VOC finishes for our furniture, one of which is linseed oil. We let our finishes dry on our platform beds for two days before they are boxed and shipped. This lets the stain breathe so smell should not be an issue.

 

Natural versus Synthetic Latex

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC LATEX

Many people are perplexed to learn that not all latex is created equal. There is a natural form of latex and synthetic.  As a matter of fact, there is a world of difference between natural latex and synthetic latex.

Natural latex is manufactured from sap tapped from rubber trees, then it is either vulcanized (Dunlop method) or frozen, then vulcanized (Talalay method.) I don’t want to get too involved in which method is better, because it’s hugely dependent upon the processing facility and a number of other factors.

The point is, natural latex is an incredibly resilient and durable, clean and supportive material. It is resistant to dust mites, anti-microbial, antifungal, and hypo-allergenic.

The important thing to remember when considering a product made of natural latex is purity – what is the percentage of pure natural latex vs fillers or synthetic material. Look for certification by an independent laboratory such as Oeko-Tex, which tests for chemicals and toxins in the finished product. The Oeko-Tex stamp of approval will attest to the cleanliness and purity of the product.

Some manufacturers add fillers (most commonly clays, calcium oxide, or titanium dioxide) to the natural latex to make it go further (imagine taking one gallon of milk and diluting it with water to create two gallons of milk). While the finished product will be less expensive, the addition of fillers ultimately makes the latex less durable and more apt to rapid breakdown. Here’s where the consumer needs to be very vigilant…the fact is that natural latex with additives such as those listed above can technically still be called “natural latex”.

Synthetic latex (aka polyurethane foam/memory foam) is made of petroleum by-products, sometimes actually mixed with natural latex.

Again, that’s where you have to be careful. There are many manufacturers who tout their product as “natural latex”, when in fact it’s actually a blend of natural AND synthetic. Interestingly, Dunlop and Talalay latex can be either natural or synthetic. Needless to say, Caveat emptor — do your research.

Synthetic latex, being chemically based, has a tendency to break down more quickly than natural latex. If you’ve ever had a warranty issue with a mattress, you’ll understand immediately. Have you ever had a body impression in your mattress measured by your friendly local mattress salesman and told that it’s “normal wear and tear?”

Create a Healthier Non Toxic Sleep Environment

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

CREATE A HEALTHIER, NON-TOXIC SLEEP ENVIRONMENT

 

Purchasing an organic mattress and/or bedding is a very sensible purchase. As humans we spend 1/3 of our life sleeping. The fact is, our bodies are continuously breathing and absorbing whatever chemicals are used in the products we sleep on. There is growing concern that many of these chemicals widely used in conventional mattresses may be harmful to our health. When you purchase an organic mattress or organic bedding, you’ll be eliminating the hazardous chemicals from your bedroom and creating a healthier, non-toxic sleep environment. A comfortable night sleep is important, but a comfortable, healthy and safe night sleep is essential. BENEFITS OF ORGANICWhen you purchase an organic mattress or organic bedding products, you’ll be eliminating the hazardous chemicals from your bedroom and creating a healthier, non-toxic sleep environment. Purchasing an organic mattress and bedding is not only an investment in a comfortable night sleep, but its also an investment in your overall health and wellness.The great thing about organic mattresses is that there’s no loss or downgrade in comfort or safety vs a conventional mattress.

Organic mattresses are made using the same techniques and as their non-organic rivals, but without the harmful chemicals associated with conventional mattresses. The highest quality organic materials and craftsmanship are present in all products represented at the Natural Mattress Company. The only thing you’ll be losing is the toxicity and potential adverse health risks that conventional mattresses provide.

https://naturalmattressvt.com/brand/ergovea/

DRAWBACKS OF NON-ORGANIC

Over the last few decades, natural mattress materials have been replaced with petroleum-based synthetics. Nearly all mattresses in use today contain polyurethane foam, vinyl (PVC), phthalates, formaldehyde, chemical fire retardants or barriers, and an extensive list of added industrial chemicals, many of which have been untested and approved by our Federal Government.

Natural mattress materials have been replaced with petroleum-based synthetics.

Recent professional studies have questioned the use of these materials. The proven effects of these materials is still unknown, mostly because tracking their long term effects is virtually impossible. The problem with these hazardous and toxic chemicals making their way into our mattresses and bedding is that our bodies are continuously breathing and absorbing whatever chemicals are used in the products we sleep on. Even if we are absorbing these chemicals in low doses, the fact is we spend over 1/3 of our time as humans sleeping, this is a significant amount of time to allow our bodies such close and extended exposure to potentially harmful materials.

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/