EcoZeal

Sleep chemical-free with natural and organic bedding.

We spend about a third of our lives snoozing away in bed. Nowhere else do we have such close contact with and exposure to fabrics and materials, especially near our face and nose. It stands to reason that making sure our bedding is healthy should be as high a priority as clean air in our homes.

Chemical Bedding Hazards

Federal law requires bedding sold in the U.S. to be flame resistant. The law undoubtedly saves lives, but there’s a dark side to it. Many bedding items such as pillows, mattresses, sheets and blankets are permeated with flame-retardant chemicals that may be hazardous to our health. Some of the chemicals used include boric acid (also used to kill roaches), formaldehyde, antimony (a heavy metal very like arsenic), and decabromodiphenyl oxide (a substance that’s been proven to have found its way into breast milk.)

Buying natural and especially organic bedding lets you avoid exposure to these and other chemicals.

You’ll want to avoid labels like the ones listed here; they’re a sure sign of chemically-treated bedding:

permanent press
no-iron
crease resistant
shrinkproof
stretchproof
stain-proofed
water repellent
water-proofed
flame retardant
.
Fortunately it’s possible to buy natural bedding that meets federal standards. See the resources below for some stores that carry it.

Dust Mites: Nature’s Bedding Hazard

Even pristine-looking bedding may be crawling with dust mites. These microscopic creatures feed on tiny bits of sloughed off skin and can cause allergic reactions, sinus problems and asthma.

Wash your linens in very hot water every two weeks to kill dust mites. Unless your washing machine is equipped with a sanitary cycle, you may have to set your household hot water temperature up – you’ll need a temperature of 130°. (Remember to turn it back down when you’re done to avoid danger of scalding, especially if you live in a household with young children!)

The worst offenders for dust mites are down, feather and foam rubber pillow and mattress stuffings. Natural latex and buckwheat hulls are two dust-mite-resistant materials.

Getting rid of natural and chemical hazards in the bedroom can go a long way toward making you feel better at all hours of the day and night!

Resources:

Nirvana Safe Haven - Natural latex, organic cotton and wool mattresses and bedding.

EcoChoices EcoBedroom  – Natural and organic beds and bedding; dust mite covers.

Soaring Heart Natural Bed Company - Natural beds and futons, maple and pine bedframes and furniture, natural and organic bedding.

Rawganique.com – All things hemp for the bedroom.

Kushtush Organics Eco Sleep Shop  – Organic bedding and babies’ and childrens’ bedding.

Nature’s Crib  - Organic baby bedding, mattresses and sleep accessories.