Frequently Asked Mattress Questions

What chemicals typically outgas from a conventional mattress?

That is a difficult question to answer, because every chemical mattress can be constructed differently and treated with any number of synthetic applications.

Our co-founder’s book, Toxic Bedrooms: Your Guide to a Safe Night’s Sleep, lists more than 60 different chemicals as being emitted from a memory-foam mattress and 37 chemicals emitting from a typical innerspring pillow-top mattress. The vast majority of these chemicals are derivatives of petroleum and natural gas.

Do Lifekind^® mattresses meet federal flammability standards?

Yes, primarily because wool is a natural fire retardant. Organic wool has a high moisture content and naturally contains a flame-reducing protein called keratin. In the summer of 2008, we proved to the U.S. Product Safety Commission that a mattress could be made without fire-retardant chemicals and still pass all federal and state standards. A Lifekind^® mattress provides a healthful and safe sleep environment. Your Product Specialist can provide you with more information.

How can I buy a mattress without first lying on it?

It’s easier than you may think. Years ago, a study found that the average time a person spends lying on a mattress in a store is less than two minutes. That’s a very short period of time to determine if a mattress is right for you. Your Lifekind^® mattress is custom made to meet your precise characteristics of height, weight, age, and sleeping position, as well as several other factors. After an in-depth interview with one of our highly trained Product Specialists, we make a recommendation. We stand behind that recommendation with the best 90-day, one-time Comfort Exchange and Pillow Top Loaner programs in the organic bedding industry.

I am allergic to wool. Won’t I be allergic to your wool products?

Medical authorities agree that most wool “allergies” are not true allergies at all, but rather sensitivity to the feel of wool fibers on the skin. This can cause some people great discomfort, however. In the case of our mattresses and pillow tops, since no skin contact takes place, a sensitivity of this nature should not be cause for concern. While we do not warrant any of our products for individual allergic reactions or sensitivities, we will be pleased to send samples of our mattress materials without charge prior to your mattress or bedding purchase. This will include a sample of our Naturally Safer^® pure wool, along with our Allergy Test Sheet.

Why should I use a foundation under my organic mattress?

Foundations do three things for a mattress. First, they ensure proper air circulation, thereby discouraging mold and mildew. Secondly, they provide fabric-to-fabric contact so your mattress does not rub against rough surfaces such as wood or metal. Finally, they allow you to adjust your mattress height from the floor.

Does my innerspring mattress need a box-spring foundation?

Yes. Using an innerspring mattress without a box spring, or placing it on an old box spring, will impact the comfort of your new mattress and reduce its life.

Can a natural rubber mattress be placed on a box spring?

Yes. However, the mattress will not absorb as much movement as it would if placed on a wood-slat frame or foundation.

Can I put my natural rubber mattress on a platform bed without a foundation?

Yes. The slats on the platform bed should ideally be between 2” and 3” apart. If your platform bed consists of a solid surface, the mattress will not ventilate properly and will be subject to mold or mildew. (Our Combo Mattress can be used on a platform slat bed without a foundation.)