Why an Organic Mattress?

Why a Lifekind Mattress?

Compare the purity and environmental impact of an organic mattress to a mainstream, or “ chemical,” mattress...

A Lifekind^® organic mattress is made with 100% certified organic cotton (guaranteed to be grown without the use of pesticides and other processing chemicals) and our Naturally Safer^® pure wool. Mattress cores are made with steel springs or Talalay natural rubber, and pillowtops with Naturally Safer pure wool or Talalay natural rubber. All our materials are from renewable resources that support sustainable agriculture. Even our cotton thread is certified organic.

In today's conventional mattresses, the most common materials used are man-made. They're derived from petrochemicals and from natural gas, which are nonrenewable resources. The list of ingredients can include polyester, polyurethane and memory foams, synthetic latex, Styrofoam™, nylon, and a host of other chemical derivatives.

Conventional mattresses are also likely to include cotton that has been treated with pesticides and other chemicals - definitely non-organic. On top of all that, such mattresses are treated with flame retardants and other chemical applications.

Can a “chemical” mattress be harmful to my health?

Sleeping should be a time for nourishing and replenishing your body in a safe and pure environment. Given a choice, we would rather avoid the chemicals used in mainstream mattresses than absorb or inhale them.

Polyester's chemical origins include possible carcinogens that can potentially damage the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Polyurethane, synthetic latex, and other man-made foams may have all kinds of negative health effects, from headaches to serious allergic reactions. Chemical fabric treatments, artificial colors, dyes, and hazardous flame retardants can further add to the chemical “soup.”

In July 2003, researchers reported that significant levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are increasing significantly in human breast tissue, as well as in the environment. They have also been linked to the interruption of brain development in young children. PBDEs are used as fire retardants in polyurethane foam and textiles. In August 2003, the California legislature passed a bill banning these chemicals from all consumer products beginning in 2008.

Organic Mattress Materials

WOOL

Our Naturally Safer pure wool is American Humane™ Certified for animal welfare. It is grown exclusively in California, where the sheep are reared following stringent guidelines that ensure no chemical contamination or animal cruelty.

Wool has the ability to absorb large amounts of natural body moisture and then release it easily through evaporation. This attribute keeps you comfortable while you sleep by minimizing natural body-temperature fluctuations. (Synthetic fillings and coverings do not absorb moisture or dissipate body heat, often causing sleepers to wake perspiring and uncomfortable.) Wool can also spring back to its original size and shape, and it discourages dust mites. Because of its high moisture content and the protein (keratin) that it contains, wool is also naturally flame resistant.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC COTTON

Lifekind sells only products made with 100% U.S.-grown certified organic cotton. “Certified” means that the grower or processor has met or exceeded defined organic standards. Farms and processing facilities, which are inspected frequently, use only natural, non-chemical agricultural methods approved by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) and other nationally recognized certifying organizations. We will never sell cotton products described as “green,” “100% natural,” “undyed,” or “unbleached.” Such products are produced from cotton grown with pesticides and usually processed with dyes and toxic chemicals. Only cotton labeled “certified organic” is guaranteed (certified) to be grown and manufactured without potentially harmful chemicals.

NATURAL RUBBER

The natural Talalay-process rubber latex used in our mattresses and pillows is harvested from rubber-tree farms. We use only rubber that has been independently tested and certified to Oeko-Tex Standard 100 to guarantee the presence of no harmful substances. The non-destructive harvesting process is very similar to the method used to tap maple trees for their sap. The natural rubber used in mattresses requires very little fossil-fuel energy to convert the milky sap into safe, usable products, and is 100% biodegradable. The natural rubber comes to the United States as a powder in sealed drums, which safeguards it from fumigants sprayed on imported raw materials, then is manufactured into mattress cores at a factory in the United States. Natural rubber provides an almost motion-free sleeping experience, is exceptionally breathable and naturally hygienic, and will not house dust mites. In addition, infrared photography has shown that natural rubber reduces pressure-point pain up to 30% better than memory foam.