Bedroom
Let’s focus on the most important element of a bedroom: the bed. If you have the means, don’t hesitate to invest in a good, safe bed. Much of your life is spent in bed.
A friend of ours created one of the most eco-friendly mattress manufacturers in North America, Obasan. Many years ago, Jean Corriveau, president and owner, recommended a natural organic rubber mattress for us with an organic cotton and wool outer covering to protect the mattress. It was phenomenally comfortable from day one, and we knew that because it was all natural and organic, it did not emit any VOCs or contain any toxic flame retardants that we would be breathing at night. Why spend hours every night with your head against something that can slowly make you sick?
The Various Components of a Healthy Bed
A comfortable, safe bed requires more than just a natural healthy mattress. There are many layers to a mattress.
- Choose natural materials for the structure holding your mattress, whether it is a box spring, a foundation or a platform.
- An underbed pad prevents premature wear and tear caused by the mattress rubbing against wood bed slats or a rougher type of foundation. It also prevents the underside of the mattress from being exposed to dust. Wool is the perfect material for an underbed pad because it creates a natural friction that prevents the mattress from easily moving on its base.
- The mattress outer covering is the fabric envelope sewn onto the mattress to protect it. Its composition is indicated on the tag attached to the mattress when it is purchased. Make sure it is made of natural materials. An excellent option is a covering made of a blend of organic cotton and wool.
- The mattress barrier cover helps prevent dust mites from migrating all the way from the mattress to the sleeper. Opt for tightly woven organic cotton and make sure it fits snugly on your mattress.
- The moisture protector is important to prevent the mattress from absorbing the humidity your body releases during sleep. It also will stop body fluids from entering your mattress so that it remains clean. Cleaning a mattress is difficult, so it is best to prevent any source of moisture from getting to it. Wool is ideal as a naturally antibacterial moisture protection barrier.
- The purpose of the mattress cover is to protect the mattress from spills and stains and to offer extra padding for comfort. Look for cotton flannel for softness, and ensure it is machine washable.
- When choosing sheets, make sure you read the labels very carefully. Most sheets offered in large retail stores are made of a blend of cotton and polyester. Look for 100 percent cotton or even bamboo for softness. If you can afford the luxury, silk is another natural option.
- To stay cozy in bed, opt for a simple wool blanket or choose a comforter that will keep you warm in the winter and cool in summer. There are many plastic-free options for the insulating filler: feathers, down, wool, cotton batting, silk and kapok, even milkweed. Make sure the shell is 100 percent natural whether it is made of cotton or silk. A high thread count will ensure the filling does not come out easily.
- If you can’t afford an all-natural high quality mattress, then make sure your pillow is healthy. Your head is in direct contact with your pillow for many hours each day and microscopic particles from your pillow may make their way inside your lungs when you inhale. Most pillows have synthetic filler made from foam or synthetic plastic fibers. The most common plastic-free options are feathers and down. They are more expensive, but totally worth it. You can also find cotton, silk, wool and even buckwheat as natural fillers. Make sure the cover of your pillow is made of 100 percent natural cotton or silk. Once again, it is so important to read all the labels.
