Synthetic Versus Organic Mattress Construction

Whether or not you're aware of it, you could be sleeping on a toxic, unhealthy mattress made from materials that are not only bad for your health, they're bad for the environment. Not only will an organic mattress protect your well being, it will also protect our environment.

Conventional mattresses are made using foams and vinyl (PVC) that are primarily derived from petroleum byproducts, making them inherently unsustainable. But perhaps more importantly, synthetic foams (including memory foam and synthetic latex) and PVC are made with a range of chemicals, many of which have mild to serious health concerns. They include 1,1,1, 2-Tetrachloroethane2-chloro-1,3-butadiene, acetone, acrylate resins, dimethylformamide diphenyldiisocyanate, metallic oxides, methylenedianiline, phthalates, perfluorochemicals (PFCs), toluene and vinilideine chloride.

Many of these chemicals are indestructible (they never degrade in the environment) and contaminate our blood and our wildlife at an alarming rate. These chemicals have been linked to organ damage, hormone disruption, asthma, nervous system problems, and many are suspected carcinogens. They definitely aren't compatible with a good night's sleep.

There are better, healthier options if you're ready to kick the synthetic foam habit. Unlike those sleep systems made with chemicals and other nasty ingredients, the following are some greener, safer alternative mattress filling options.

Organic cotton: This is a common fill used in organic mattresses. This is a great choice for children and adults a like, and an excellent option for those suffering from allergies since it is the least allergenic option.

Wool: If you want a superior mattress with no health drawbacks, wool is your best bet. Though some have allergies to wool, this fiber offers numerous benefits for those who are able to use it. It's naturally mildew resistant and have properties that make it naturally flame retardant as well. Plus, wool is incredibly supportive, so it's great for people with back problems. Just be sure to look for organic wool whenever possible as this will ensure you're not adding pesticides to your night's sleep (sheep are routinely sprayed with pesticides to prevent pest problems). A humane-wool choice is even better as it means your wool will have been sheered from animals that have been well cared for.

Natural latex: Unlike synthetic foam mattresses, natural latex is not a petroleum product. In fact, natural latex comes from Para rubber trees, so it's completely natural. Natural latex also has some cool properties: it's naturally anti-microbial, hypoallergenic, and resistant to dust mites. And if you prefer a softer feel to your mattress, this is definitely the way to go as natural latex, like conventional foam, has lots of give.

Hemp: Sometimes called a miracle fiber, hemp is another fantastic natural mattress option. Hemp is much more sustainable to grow than even organic cotton and it's a renewable resource, unlike conventional foams made of petroleum. Plus, hemp is mold and mildew resistant and works well in climates that are hot and humid.

Other organic bedding filling options: Today there are some new and exciting fills on the market that will broaden your choices even more. Things like coconut husks and mohair are being used to create fiber-filled mattresses that are more natural than oil-filled ones, and they make use of renewable, natural resources, too.


------

Fashion & Earth provides eco consumers with organic clothes, organic mattress brands and more at affordable prices. With their hassle free return policy and, extremely popular Rewards Program you really have nothing to lose! Go ahead - check them out and experience the feeling of wearing (and sleeping) organic bedding and clothing.