Greenopolis.ca: A Greener Way to Sleep

Looking for greener dreams?  Regardless of how busy your life may be, the hours spent sleeping add up.  If you’re considering investing in a new mattress, there are a number of reasons to look at organic mattresses.

Why go organic?

• Conventional mattresses are filled with synthetic materials which can break down over time and release chemicals into the air that you breathe while sleeping.  This ‘off-gassing’ comes from materials commonly used in mattresses such as polyurethane foam.  Many conventional mattresses also contain flame retardants with PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) which are easily inhaled.  PBDEs which may cause negative health effects, including disrupting thyroid hormones, are being phased out in Europe (IKEA now sells PBDE-free mattresses).
• Conventional mattresses are also typically made with plywood or particleboard supports, which can also emit toxic substances through off-gassing.

Here are a couple of tips when looking for a new mattress:

• Look for mattresses that are PBDE-free.  Manufacturers will still have to meet fire regulations and many organic mattresses use wool which is a naturally flame retardent textile
• Look for hardwood foundations
• Look for mattresses made from organic cotton or wool, with natural latex cores
• If you buy a conventional mattress, make sure you air it out for a week before you sleep on it

There are a number of stores available to buy organic mattresses that are made here in Canada.  Try entering ‘organic mattresses’ in an online search for locations close to you.  You may also want to check out Sleeptek, Organic Lifestyle or Rawganique for their lines of organic mattresses and beddings.

Green byte:  In 2003, US sales of organic sheets and towels grew by 17.9%, and those for organic mattresses and pillows increased 8.3% over the previous year.