Bedding Basics

In today’s world there are so many people who are having trouble snoozing that it is important to do what we can to make our bed the most comfortable and enjoyable place it can be—and that includes eliminating chemicals and toxins that might be found in some bedding. The experts say we spend one-third of our life in our bedroom so if you have one, big or small, you might as well make it as healthy, comfortable and even chic as possible.

Let’s face it… you have to start with a bed that conforms to your body and lifestyle so you feel like it is giving you a hug at the beginning, middle or end of your day.  Companies like Keetsa use Green Tea Cloud Memory Foam, uses organic and sustainable covers and recycled steel coils.  Essentia mattresses are made with the world’s only natural memory foam, breathes 80% better than all other memory foam and uses Glue & Adhesive Free Technology. ?Lifekind natural mattresses are made with certified raw materials (organic cotton, Naturally Safer^® wool, and natural rubber latex) and also third-party certified from source to finished product. http://www.lifekind.com.  If you can’t buy a new bed yet, you can at least add to its sustainablility by choosing better bedding for you and the planet.

Eco-friendly sheets and pillowcases can make way for a more comfortable night’s sleep and has more breathability than synthetic fibers.  Cotton is one material everyone knows, but do you know about bamboo, hemp, linen and modal?  Modal is made from beech trees and a type of rayon, but very comfy.  I found modal sheets and pillowcases after searching endlessly for the right colors to match my bedroom, so I really got lucky! They wash well too.  You don’t have to be allergic or extra sensitive to enjoy napping more naturally.

Blankets and quilts can be made from organic cotton, wool, down and silk.  West Elm posts A Green Glossary: A Look Behind the Labels like GOTS (The Global Organic Textile Standard) and stands behind their organic cotton bedding. Rajoobori has a vibrant and luxurious collection of eco friendly textiles made with “Peace Silk,” or renewable and biodegradable silk that is extracted only after the silkworm has lived a full life and has emerged from its cocoon.  Very east meets west. You CAN be green and design friendly when decorating your bedroom.

Gaiam, is one of several companies who have organic cotton and wool mattress pads, mattress protectors and bed toppers that is befitting an eco friendly bed.

You can find pillows with all the right stuffing like down, cotton, wool, kapok, milkweed, buckwheat and millet.  Has anyone every used a Kamut grain filled pillow? You don’t want to buy fluffy headrests containing synthetics like formaldehyde, PBDE’s and derivatives from petroleum.  These fillers are just as bad as the unhealthy ingredients we find in processed foods.

There are advantages and disadvantages to the various stuffing for instance grain filled pillows like buckwheat and Millet hull can be noisy, but offers the head gentle support.  You may want to investigate further before you purchase the perfect pillows.

There are even healthier and cool-looking beds for dogs and cats.  Check out P.L.A.Y. ‘s beds for your furry friends. Their beds are a great accessory for any bedroom and come complete with an eco friendly cover and a cushion.

Have a good night.