Super Search
This is a powerful custom search engine that will allow you to search my entire site, or just a specific section.
Page 7 of 20
Are dust mite pillow and mattress covers good for our health?
Question from YH Do they outgass some kind of chemicals? I don’t really know what they are made of. Is latex a toxic plastic? Buying latex matress is an easy way to get rid of dust mites. Debra’s Answer Dust mite pillow and mattress covers made from polyethylene are not harmful to health, however, polyethylene […]
November 3, 2008
Toxic Crib Mattress / Allergen Mattress Encasings
Question from Lisa T. I have read posts on this forum in the past about the toxicity of conventional crib mattresses, and would love to replace our baby’s mattress entirely. However, the steep cost has caused me to ponder alternatives, so I have a couple of questions: 1) Is there a less expensive barrier for […]
September 23, 2008
Stinky Mattress
Question from k Hi. I’m wondering if the nano-UV wands will kill mold or mildew? There are no visible signs, but I just got 3 mattresses and box springs from a basement where they were stored and they smell moldy. If the wands DO work, how do you then get rid of the smell. Seems […]
September 8, 2008
Simmons mattress – SIMGARD
Question from PRJ We’re shopping for a Queen size chemical-free mattress. We are a bit dismayed by the expense of them, but moreso because we don’t live near any chemical-free mattress or futon producer to actually try-before-you buy! I see that Simmons mattresses are produced with “SIMGARD”, a kevlar-based material as the fire retardant. Do […]
August 9, 2008
How long do natural mattresses last?
Question from Deanna Hi! We need to purchase a new bed in the next week or so. I would love to purchase an organic mattress, but we’re balking a little at the price. Is there any feedback on how long an organic mattress lasts? (I’ve heard a rule of thumb to change out regular mattresses […]
July 10, 2008
Baby Crib Mattress
Question from Sara Hi Debra, I am expecting my baby in 1 month and I need to get a good crib mattress, and I have been reading alot on line, but still feel confused on what to get for my baby crib ( pacific rim ), I have read about different types of organic non-toxic […]
June 22, 2008
How to test mattress for mold contamination?
Question from Vicki DiIoia Hi Debra, We had to move from a house that was overrun with mold. Is there a way to test our mattresses for mold contamination? From reading the other questions/answer I would guess that if it were on the surface- we might be able to clean it/sanitize with sunlight, etc. What […]
June 9, 2008
Safe Mattress for Hospital bed
Question from Judith Wisdom I still haven’t figured out how to handle this one and thought maybe someone might now see an answer. Over the period of my illness of 20 years I’ve always had mattrasses that were free of flame retardant, purchased from places who knew about chemical sensitivity problems. Many of you must […]
April 28, 2008
Is four year old mattress safe ?
Question from Kim M Hi Debra, I know you have shared a lot of information about mattress and maybe this question is answered somewhere else on your site. I recently received a used mattress from a member of my family. The mattress is a Serta Perfect sleeper and the tag states there is a fire […]
Safe Mattress Padding
Question from Lucy Hemmendinger Dear Debra, I just can’t figure it out. My arthtritic hips are calling out for more padding under my body. My organic cotton futon is too firm despite the latex core. I have tried putting an old polyster quilt under the mattress cover for an additional layer but it is not […]
January 17, 2008
Chemicals in Mattresses
Question from jason Thought some of you might be interested in a list of the numerous chemicals found in mattresses glues, polyurethane memory foams and industrial perfumes that we have compiled. http://www.essentiadirect.com/research/glues-toxic-components Debra’s Answer This is a comprehensive list. Thanks for posting it.
December 18, 2007
Affordable Mattress?
Question from Laura Northern Naturals carries moderately priced futons of cotton and Airlay foam. Are you familiar with this? I wonder whether it is greenwashing or an acceptable natural product. Debra’s Answer The Northern Naturals website says: This explanation is somewhat confusing (I didn’t call them, I’m going on what they say on their website). […]
November 8, 2007
Types of foam mattresses
Question from cheryl lipson We have been looking at new foam mattress options, and are very confused about “Talalay” and urethane foam. It was my understanding that you should keep away from urethane as it emits toxic fumes. I have no info on Talalay foam. The sales person told me that there was no need […]
October 22, 2007
Sealing in Foam Mattress Off-gassing
Question from Judith Hi, Debra, Absolutely love your website!! It is the most informative on the greatest variety of subjects I have ever seen. I have a new problem. My mom just moved in with us and she purchased a new foam mattress (completely made up of foam, no springs, no other materials) from IKEA […]
October 15, 2007
Organic Cotton Crib Mattress Pads
Question from Laurie I hope I am not repeating a question. I have searched to find a non-vinyl crib mattress pad that is not treated with fire retardants. I finally found one by Priva, Inc. but it has a polyurethane membrane and is treated with anti-microbial protection. I cannot seem to find any information that […]
September 10, 2007
wool fleece mattress pad
Question from Dawn We just bought a new innerspring mattress with a thick and plush pillow top. It is very comfortable but we have discovered that the pillow top is very hot to sleep on. It does not dissipate body heat at all. I have been looking at wool mattress pads/toppers and I’m wondering if […]
September 4, 2007
Safe Mattresses
Question from k sharp Does anyone know where I can purchase a mattress that has minimal or no chemicals for a reasonable price. Mail order would be preferable since we live 175 miles from any large city. It seems they are well over 1000.00 for a twin size. Debra’s Answer Readers?
August 14, 2007
Odour of wool pillows and mattress
Question from Julie Hi, A couple of weeks ago, I bought a natural latex mattress with wool batting, and wool pillows. They have been airing out since I got them, because they smell like little sheeps… The smell is pretty intense, especially for the pillows. I did many reasearch in the Internet and could not […]
June 19, 2007
Memory Foam Mattress Outgassing
Question from Hilary Dear Debra, Do you have any information concerning outgassing from polyurethane, i.e. memory foam, mattresses? I’m thinking of buying a particular mattress (like the ones found at sleepwarehouse.com), but I want to make sure that I won’t be breathing in outgas fumes for the near future…any thoughts or information to share? Thank […]
May 4, 2007
Natural latex mattresses and latex allergies
Question from Maureen Anderson I have been using Talalay Latex pillows for a few months and am considering purchasing a natural latex mattress. I have MCS and worry about developing a latex sensitivity, which can be very serious if one needs surgery. What I find on the internet indicates that it is the protein in […]
November 7, 2006
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