by Mary Cordero

The Healthy Bedroom

Our bodies need a break at night. If the vital processes of the body’s natural electrical system, internal organs and unconscious mind are interrupted night after night, eventually we may be unable to cope with all of the environmental stresses that we cannot control in our everyday lives. Some people experience this interruption as allergies, fatigue, insomnia, waking up tired, or a general lack of vitality. Others may not feel any symptoms in the short run, but over time the body and the immune system may be slowly worn down. Of course, if you are experiencing any symptoms or have health concerns, it's important to see your doctor.

Although the scientific community in the U.S. is undecided about the health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF's), and may be excessively generous in determining indoor air levels of certain chemical substances in the home, we have adopted the German Bau-Biologie* approach of "prudent avoidance". In Germany, many doctors working with Bau-Biologists report that their patients experience better, deeper and more regenerative sleep, and facilitated healing when they sleep in a healthy bedroom, free of EMF's, chemicals and other pollutants. The bed itself is equally important.

*The German word Bau-Biologie means "building biology" or "the relationship between buildings and life". It can be defined as: "The holistic interaction between man-made structures and the health of all life and all living environments."We spend one third of our lives in bed, and yet most of us spend less money on a mattress than almost any other piece of furniture in the house. The bed is one of the most important investments we can make for long-term health.

H₃Environmental: Our Choices for Beds and Bedding Products

Why no synthetics?
The age of synthetics, such as polyester, has generated bedding products that typically contain no natural materials at all. From our perspective this may be problematic in several ways:

Electrostatic Charge:
Synthetic materials may generate another form of EMFs: the DC electric field, or electrostatic charge. All of us have probably had the experience of walking across a synthetic carpet, then getting an electric shock when we touch a metal doorknob. We’re familiar with the crackle and cling of synthetic fabrics when we remove them from the dryer. These are very obvious examples of the electrostatic charge, which is measurable as volts per meter.

When we sleep on, and under, synthetic bedding, we are surrounded by a subtle electrostatic charge, which generates more positive than negative ions – the opposite of the balance found in nature.

Trapped Moisture:
Another major problem with synthetic products is the fact that they don’t "breathe". Moisture is easily trapped in synthetic mattresses and pillows, attracting dust mites, and promoting microbial growth. When you consider the fact that the average sleeper gives off a pint of water vapor during an eight-hour sleep, the need for products that readily absorb, and then quickly release moisture and dry out is obvious.

Bedding made of natural materials such as wool and cotton can be aired out in the sun. Good old-fashioned sunlight freshens natural bedding, kills microbial organisms and dust mites, and neutralizes odors.

Healing Effects of Wool:
Synthetic materials do not provide a connection to the healing properties of nature. Studies conducted at both the Polytechnic Institute of Wales, and the Hohenstein Institute in Germany have shown that "sleeping with untreated natural fibers actually slows the heart rate and helps regulate body temperature."

Synthetics Don't Biodegrade:
Finally, because synthetic materials are not biodegradable, we choose not to sell products that add waste to the landfills.

Why no chemicals?
Conventional mattresses contain many chemicals from glues, foams, pesticides, and chemical flame retardant treatments. Permanent press bedding is treated with formaldehyde that does not wash out of the fabric. Products labeled "all natural" are not necessarily free of chemical treatments.

Most of the beds and bedding in our homes may be outgassing* for years after we purchase them. As we sleep, we may not only be inhaling these chemicals all night long, but also absorbing them through the skin from our sheets, pillowcases and sleepwear. The human body of the 21st century now contains 500 more measurable chemicals than it had 100 hundred years ago.

* outgassing: a form of evaporation of volatile compounds contained in solid materials.

What goes into a healthy bed?
So how is a bed made that doesn’t have metal, synthetics, or chemicals? A range of healthy beds and bedding that are comfortable and beautiful have been crafted from four common natural, renewable and biodegradable materials: wood, latex, wool and cotton. The best bed for each individual will depend upon lifestyle and personal taste, as well as any allergies or chemical sensitivities that need to be considered.

Solid Wood:
Only solid woods – no plywood or particleboard made with toxic glues are used in the construction of our beds and foundations.

Pure Natural Latex:
For most of us, our experience of "latex" has been limited to a petroleum-based synthetic product. Even so-called "natural latex" mattresses are most often a blend, containing up to 40% synthetic material, including styrene and butadiene rubber. Our beds, however, contain all natural latex from the rubber tree.

Latex gives great support, but at the same time, it’s wonderfully giving and comfortable. Pure natural latex is resistant to mold, bacteria and dust mites. It is not necessary to treat natural latex with chemical flame-retardants, especially when it is covered in wool batting and/or fabric.

Wool Untreated and Unbleached:
Wool has long been considered an ideal fiber for all types of bedding. It has a remarkable ability to control humidity next to the skin, and to insulate without overheating. Historically, it has been usedin the heat of the Sahara desert as well as in the coldest of arctic climates. Its coil-like fibers trap many tiny pockets of air, wicking moisture away from the body through a "capillary action", and providing insulation from temperature changes.

Like natural latex, wool that is properly maintained is naturally resistant to dust mites and mold, and does not require any flame-retardant treatment. It is resilient, long lasting and nearly maintenance free.

For those who suffer from allergies to wool, other custom natural bedding options are available. However, many people who believe they are allergic to wool are reacting to the bleaching and chemical treatments that are in most wool products. Intolerance to the Pure Grow Wool used in our bedding products is not common.

Organic Cotton and Green Cotton Fabrics:
The commercial cotton industry accounts for the majority of agricultural pesticide use in the U.S. Once harvested, it is bleached with chlor
which contains dioxin, a by-product of chlorine bleach, possibly one of the most toxic man-made pollutants, dyes, and other chemicals.

Our products are made with only organic or green cotton. Green cotton is not actually the color green. "Green cotton" is 100% natural fiber, commercially grown, but not chlorine bleached, chemically treated or dyed. Organic cotton is grown without the use of chemical pesticides. Whenever possible, our products are made with organic cotton.

Healthy Choices

© 2007 Green Home, Inc.