Every day, we’re exposed to various environmental toxins, such as pathogens from other people, contaminated food, plant and animal toxins, and pollution in various forms. Aside from these, the body has to efficiently get rid of internal toxins like metabolic and microbial toxins, as well as toxins arising from negative emotions.
Sleep is the time when the body purges these toxins, and repairs and restores itself actively. It’s the only activity that allows the body to focus on repairing damaged cells and producing new ones. So, with good sleep, you can wake up fresh and rejuvenated every day.
To have good quality sleep, your bedroom must be free from any distractions. It should also be dark, quiet, and cool enough to encourage continuous and adequate deep sleep. Most importantly, you should have the right sleep implements that provide the comfort and support your body needs to have quality sleep. This is why having a healthy mattress like those made by Nature’s Embrace is so important.
Imagine if we spend every night inhaling contaminants or toxins emanating from our own beds — we’ll be actually adding to our body’s toxin workload. Instead of having steady, quality reinvigorating sleep, we’ll be making it harder for our body to do its job.
People naturally want healthy beds and look for quality mattresses that are comfortable and provide the right lumbar support to keep their backs aligned naturally, thereby preventing backaches and other consequences of poor posture. These mattresses also enable users to get the restful sleep they need.
Natural toxin-free healthier mattresses
Want to know if the mattress you’re using or intending to purchase is a healthier mattress? Check that it’s made of natural, toxin-free material.
A popular natural mattress material (and alternative to foam) is natural latex rubber, which comes in two forms: pure 100 percent latex mattresses and spring mattresses that provide extra firmness.
Latex mattresses, whether full latex or latex-spring, comprise natural latex in the core or as covering in a spring core. They also have an organic cotton batting (padded layer), a wool layer for fire protection, and organic cotton ticking covering the whole mattress.
These materials make for great healthier mattresses, and each one is discussed further below.
Latex
Natural rubber latex is wholly sourced only from the Hevea brasiliensis or rubber tree. Unlike materials like soy foam and bio-foams that usually contain minimal plant components and are petroleum-based, latex is all-natural.
Additionally, some mattresses using these other materials and featuring so-called latex blends or synthetic latex carry a certain overpowering smell, which can aggravate headaches and contribute to skin irritation and respiratory issues.
Natural latex mattresses today are either Dunlop or Talalay latex sourced from the rubber tree. An organic mattress can only be made from GOLS certified Dunlop latex. The latex is a milky substance that is harvested from the rubber tree. That substance is then processed and poured into mattress moulds.
Dunlop latex mattresses are typically heavier and have firmer bottoms, while Talalay ones are usually soft and have a cushy top layer. These differences are a result of each company’s unique manufacturing techniques. One thing to remember is that Talalay requires a flash freezing process, which sometimes involves the use of certain chemicals. For your peace of mind, make sure to ask brands featuring Talalay latex about their manufacturing methods.
Latex has a natural resistance to the usual problems we encounter in the bedroom, particularly in beddings: mould, mildew, and dust mites. These not only make bedding elements unsightly and smell unpleasant, but are also harmful allergens that can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
With a latex mattress, you can prevent these harmful buggers from setting up shop in your bed and affecting bedroom air quality.
Cotton
Because of cotton’s softness and high degree of breathability, manufacturers utilize it in the top layer of mattresses. Its high level of absorbency makes it an ideal mattress material as it easily and naturally draws moisture (e.g. sweat) away from the body.
If the mattress you plan to buy contains cotton, aim for a brand that uses organic cotton.
A not-so-fun fact: Conventionally grown cotton is among the dirtiest, toxic crops there is as it is heavily sprayed with pesticides. And while these toxins are less likely to end up in your mattress, the cotton manufacturing process also entails the use of various chemicals which can leave residues.
Organic cotton, on the other hand, is cultivated without being subjected to harmful pesticides. But for your mattress to be truly healthier, opt for brands that do not use chemicals or dyes.
Wool
Like latex, wool is resistant to mould, mildew, and dust mites, which also makes it a popular padding material in natural mattresses. Additionally, it acts as a natural flame retardant, so it is used as a natural flame barrier in natural, healthier mattresses. And like cotton, wool works well for wicking moisture from the body, for a breathable mattress material.
Wool batting is usually wrapped in cotton ticking, so those suffering from wool sensitivity won’t have to worry.
Other options for a healthier mattress
If you have an existing mattress that’s not so healthy, but still has years of service ahead of it, you can make it healthier by using a protective mattress cover. This can work as a barrier between your body and any harmful agents that may be lurking in your mattress — be it dust mites or toxins.
Mattress covers come in a wide variety of materials including synthetic polyester and vinyl. However, if you want a non-toxic, healthy alternative, opt for a mattress cover that’s made of organic wool, cotton, or eucalyptus. You also have the option to buy one that’s waterproof (preferably biodegradable or food-grade), especially if you have children or pets using your bed.
Another way of making your current mattress healthier is by adding a topper for added cushioning, especially if it is too firm. Go with one that’s made of natural latex or organic wool or cotton to ensure it’s toxin-free.