Looking for a non-toxic, PBDE-free, comfortable, durable mattress
Jul 20, 2010 6:20 PM
Joined: Jul 20, 2010
Points: 6
I am new to the list and am in the process of researching non-toxic beds. I have a lot of questions.

I recently learned about how ubiquitous PBDEs are, and about their increased use in mattresses since the increased flammability regulations went into effect a few years ago.

I've had a TempurPedic mattress for the past ten years and have loved it, but it is now kind of soft. I realize now that I've been sleeping on a heap of unhealthy chemicals for a long time.

I want to purchase a King mattress that has as few potentially dangerous chemicals as possible. I've wondered about Strobel beds, as they have the option of having a doctor's prescription for a flame-retardant-free bed. I've also looked at the Essentia website, and it looks like they have a "natural" latex memory foam bed (I've read on this list some questions about how natural it is, though). Any thoughts about Essentia or Strobel?

What latex mattress companies are trustworthy in their claims not to use dangerous flame-retardant (or other) chemicals? Is Savvy Rest genuinely clean and green?

I know that many companies that make "green" mattresses claim that their use of wool allows them to meet inflammability requirements, but the Strobel website insists that wool is flammable, and that these companies must be using other hidden materials to pass the blow torch test.

I am willing to make an investment in a mattress that will not damage my and my family's health and one that will be comfortable and durable for a long time. I am 5'7" and 125 pounds. I sleep a lot on my side, but also some on my back and stomach. I've had sporadic minor hip, lower back, and neck pain.

Thanks for any advice!

Re: Looking for a non-toxic, PBDE-free, comfortable, durable mattress
Reply #22 Jul 26, 2010 11:30 PM
Joined: Jul 20, 2010
Points: 6
Thanks to all for your helpful responses. I went to The Natural Sleep Store in Denver the other day and was introduced to their own latex mattresses with organic cotton and wool. Their new line is Bella Sera, and it sounds equivalent to Savvy Rest--96% pure latex in three or four layers, covered with organic wool in an organic cotton casing with a zipper. It is cheaper than Savvy Rest. I guess the downside is that it is new and therefore doesn't have a track record. Here's a link: http://bellaseraorganicmattress.com/

I also tried the GreenSleep mattress at the store, and it was extremely comfortable. I like the idea of the dowel-on-polymer foundation. It is a very expensive mattress, though, and I don't know if it is worth the extra cost. Apparently it has silk as well as wool and cotton in the layers over the latex, and this helps with temperature regulation. On the GreenSleep web site it says that the company uses its own latex process--does that mean it is neither Talalay nor Dunlop? I am still unsure about the whole Talalay vs. Dunlop question. 

Thanks again!

Re: Looking for a non-toxic, PBDE-free, comfortable, durable mattress
Reply #23 Jul 27, 2010 4:00 PM
Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 850
GreenSleep actually makes their own rubber which makes them pretty unique.  They have their own custom rubber tree seed which is actually registered, it is technically dunlop process.  the beds are expensive but the quality of the covers is far superior and the dowel bases themselves are the biggest premium you pay over most other natural rubber mattresses.   

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