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. 

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.

 

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.

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?

Bad Bedroom Chemistry

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

researching chemicals in mattresses

 

Article by Savvy Rest:

Chemistry. When you hear the word, maybe you think of your high school days of reciting the periodic table and mixing vials of various substances while your teacher anxiously supervised. Or maybe you skip the academic talk and just think of romantic chemistry–your favorite rom-com, your most memorable date or the one you wish you could forget. When thinking of chemistry in the bedroom, one’s mind immediately goes to, well, you know. But I’m not here to talk about that topic (sorry). I’m here to talk about a chemistry that can ruin the good vibes in between the sheets. Your mattress may feel perfectly comfy (or it may have dips as intense as the Grand Canyon) but there’s more to a mattress than just what’s on the surface. If you sleep on a mainstream, non-organic mattress, chances are you’re sleeping among chemical flame retardants. When you’re snoozing, you’re also breathing in toxins that latch onto dust particles in your bedroom. That means you’re spending a third of your life with some seriously bad chemistry. Your bed feels a lot more crowded and a lot less relaxing and romantic now, doesn’t it?

Toxic chemicals don’t exactly give you that cozy feeling. Probably because they’re dangerous and can cause obesity, infertility and even cancer. It’s important for people to realize what they may be sleeping on because chemical flame retardants can have lasting negative effects. Chemically-treated mattresses off-gas, meaning those chemicals are floating in the air of your home, creating an unhealthy environment for you and your family that most are probably completely unaware of. Luckily, we have an alternative to these types of mattresses because we believe everyone should sleep safely and soundly.

enjoying an organic bedroom

Savvy Rest organic mattresses are made with layers of natural Dunlop and Talalay latex. The Serenity and Tranquility mattresses are customizable so you can mix and match the type of latex and density levels (Soft, Medium and Firm) to create the perfect mattress for your needs. You can even split the mattress so your side is different than your partner’s because we don’t believe either of you should have to compromise your comfort. Our mattress casings are made with organic cotton and we’ve also sewn in organic wool batting to act as a natural flame barrier. No need for chemical flame retardants when you can use a safe and high-quality material instead.

Toxic chemicals aren’t only present on your mattress. There are plenty of companies that use toxic stains on their wooden furniture. They may market their product as using high-quality, natural wood but slap some VOC-filled finishes on top and you’ve got a problem. And don’t even get me started on particle board and toxic glues. That’s why we created platform beds that lack those chemicals and are indeed natural. The Afton and Esmont platform beds are hand-built in Charlottesville, Virginia with a variety of zero-VOC stains so that both the people who make them and the people who purchase them don’t have to worry about breathing in nasty chemicals.

Grand Opening Sale November – 20% off White Lotus Home and More!

Posted on by Mike Hassenberg

In the month of November, we are holding our Grand Opening Sale! During the entire month we are offering 20% off all White Lotus merchandise! The discount applies to their mattresses, futons, pillows and bedding.

We are also offering discounts to other brands during different time frames of the month, including some of our most popular mattresses from Savvy Rest and OMI. Please email the store at [email protected], call us at 802-985-2650, or check out our Facebook page naturalmattressvt for all the details on our great deals!

Our showroom is now fully furnished with the best selection of organic mattresses in the state of Vermont! Please stop by 3198 Shelburne Road to say hello, and lay down on some of the most comfortable mattresses anywhere!