Creating a Healthy Sleeping Environment

Posted on Jan 03, 2012

Six Tips for Choosing Healthy Bedding for a Healthy Sleeping Environment

When shopping for healthy bedding and mattresses, do you get confused with what is healthy and what is not? How do you know what you’re considering is healthy for you and your family? Here are some tips to consider when purchasing bedding and mattresses that create a healthy sleeping environment. 

1. No Flame Retardant Chemicals

Read the product label or ask if the item meets and exceeds all Federal Flammability requirements without the use of synthetic chemical flame-retardants. Instead of toxic chemical sprays or powders, make sure the mattress or bedding uses all-natural or organic materials such as untreated wool and bamboo fibers. These natural materials are inherently flame resistant, thus creating a safe and toxic free, healthy sleeping environment. 

2. Stable Sleeping Surface

Any mattress larger than a twin mattress needs to easily support two people of different weights. Any movement by one person should not transfer from one spot to another, so each sleeper can rest peacefully, despite the movements of the other person. The result is an unbothered, relaxing full night's sleep and a healthy sleeping environment.

3. Zero Toxic Off Gassing

Any materials in the linens or mattress should be made from natural or organic ingredients. Check the label and ask about any ingredient or material that is unfamiliar. Many memory foams and synthetic chemical foams do off-gas toxic chemicals. You want a product that will not just help you sleep better, but also contribute to a healthy sleeping environment.

4. Reduce Allergic Reactions

All-natural materials like Latex and some Eco-foams are naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, inhibiting the growth of dust mites, bacteria, mold and mildew. The open cell structure of these materials do not give dust mites a place to reside. One of the main causes for allergies and illnesses today is the presence of dust mites in synthetic mattresses and linens. Choosing non-allergic materials means you will enjoy a healthy sleeping environment and a good night’s sleep.

5. Breathable

Look for bedding products with an open celled structure for a healthy sleeping environment. This allows air to circulate freely through bedding, like mattresses, so molds and other potential allergens cannot grow. All-natural materials like latex are 4 times more breathable than similar petrochemical foams, allowing for a constant flow of fresh air throughout the mattress, keeping the sleeping environment fresh.

6. Reduced Carbon Footprint and Renewable Resource

Ask if the bedding has a negative carbon footprint. This means the materials used and the manufacturing process to create the product takes more carbon out of the atmosphere during their growth cycle than is released from their harvesting, thus helping to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and mitigate climate change. You can also look for renewable, sustainable resources such as natural bedding made from bamboo, organic cotton or wool for a healthy sleeping environment. 

We hope these tips help you and your family enjoy a healthy sleeping environment and a good night’s rest.

Categories: Design   General  

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