Sound Sleep for Your Family by Megan Cutter W
e sleep about one third of our lives. Did you know that you could be inhaling harmful chemicals the entire time? I know, that is not what you are thinking about when you head for the bedroom. However, you need to
know that most mattresses and upholstered furniture contain fire retardant chemicals, polyurethane, polyester fibers, glues, resins and even formaldehyde. All of these chemicals off-gas over time, and over-exposure to them can cause asthma, cancer, memory-loss, decreased fertility, hyperthyroidism, neurodevelopmental delays and a host of other health issues.
According to a New York Times article entitled “How Dangerous is Your Couch,” a recent study of tod- dlers in the United States conducted by researchers at Duke University found flame retardants in the blood of every child they tested. The chemicals are associated with an assortment of health concerns, including antisocial behavior, impaired fertility, decreased birth weight, diabetes, memory loss, undescended testicles, lowered levels of male hormones and hyperthyroidism. In addition, the synthetic fibers found in most mattresses hold moisture, com- press, and harbor dust mites. Because these products attract mites, they are impregnated with pesticides as well as fire retardants and other harmful chemi- cals. Is this what you want to breathe in, night after night? How do you protect your fam- ily from these chemicals? Finding an organic mattress without fire retardant chemicals is a challenge. The good news is that natural and organic mat- tresses are available and will give you
the rest you need while protecting your family’s health, and you can begin that protection for your children right from the start. Billy Stevens, the owner of Green Dream Beds in Durham com- ments, “Personally, the features I value in a mattress are comfort, green materi- als and customizability. Because your family’s health is a top priority, I recom- mend mattresses that green your home with organic cotton, organic wool, all- natural latex or heat-tempered springs. Not all latex is the same, and even if a product says ‘natural latex’ it still may include a blend of natural and synthetic latex. To protect their health, consumers need to ask about the materials used in the manufacture of the bedding, and only purchase products that are 100% natural and organic. The lifespan of 100% natural latex can be as long as 25 to 30 years.” Stevens adds, “I prefer certified organic mattresses from Savvy Rest or Naturepedic. The Naturepedic product line compliments Savvy Rest with a selection of crib, children’s, and adult
mattresses using an innovative com- bination of latex and heat-tempered coils. Both Savvy Rest and Naturepedic offer many interchangeable layers and customizable features. There are no petroleum derivatives, fire retardants, pesticides, or toxic out-gassing from either the Savvy Rest or Naturepedic brands. Unlike visco-elastic memory foam, which emits toxins such as form- aldehyde, or conventional mattresses, which contain chemical fire retardants and petrochemicals, these green mat- tresses are free of all toxins. The wool fibers in a Savvy Rest casing meet fire retardant standards and also wick mois- ture, circulate air, retain body heat, and repel dust mites.”
Billy Stevens can be reached at Green Dream Beds, 3401 University Drive in Durham. Call or email for store hours, information or directions. (919) 321- 1284 or
greendreambeds@gmail.com. Visit
www.greendreambeds.com. See ad on page 15.
natural awakenings April 2014 39
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