tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post6766132733025914402..comments2024-02-20T04:43:47.934-08:00Comments on Eco-novice: In Search of the Affordable Natural BedBetsy Escandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13598482569526345086noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-67787665845300544102017-11-10T05:34:33.612-08:002017-11-10T05:34:33.612-08:00Also, I have questions about dust mites and wool. ...Also, I have questions about dust mites and wool. Any thoughts on this?Debra-Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03612083650592945990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-52689481301493906972017-11-10T05:34:06.093-08:002017-11-10T05:34:06.093-08:00The links to the futon store are defunct. Can you ...The links to the futon store are defunct. Can you re-link, please?Debra-Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03612083650592945990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-53582991752910242982016-12-08T20:13:55.271-08:002016-12-08T20:13:55.271-08:00Both sound good to me! But I would test it out and...Both sound good to me! But I would test it out and make sure you are OK with the level of firmness.Betsy Escandonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13598482569526345086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-43618792007982216922016-12-05T12:25:20.941-08:002016-12-05T12:25:20.941-08:00Betsey, what are your thoughts on all wool futon m...Betsey, what are your thoughts on all wool futon mattresses or latex and wool?Corri Zolihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11099891967571613419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-91883349398514792662016-10-24T14:10:35.980-07:002016-10-24T14:10:35.980-07:00Yes, I did. I thought I asked adamantya through he...Yes, I did. I thought I asked adamantya through her post. D'oh! Sorry about that. It is just that I have 100% cotton futon mattress on wood platform, but the futon mattress is too firm for my sciatic nerve (right hip). I have very few wool blankets, but it looks like I need to buy more wool blankets on ebay to cushion my hip. Scribblingartsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12574856761756449025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-66200783312107372672016-09-20T13:21:04.650-07:002016-09-20T13:21:04.650-07:00I am not entirely sure what you are asking. I thin...I am not entirely sure what you are asking. I think you may have read a comment above that someone else wrote and attributed it to me? I still have the same cotton/latex futon mattress mentioned in this post. It has a wool felt pad on top that offers some water resistance. And yes I slept on it through at least one (maybe two) pregnancies. And night nursing and bed sharing : )Betsy Escandonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13598482569526345086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-79562076302189922242016-09-20T12:50:28.018-07:002016-09-20T12:50:28.018-07:00I realize your post is old. I am very curious abou...I realize your post is old. I am very curious about your pregnancy. During your pregnancy, did you sleep on your side on the layers of wool blankets?<br /><br />Thanks!Scribblingartsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12574856761756449025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-59771365531893979052016-02-04T22:13:03.630-08:002016-02-04T22:13:03.630-08:00Thank you for the kind words! We absolutely love o...Thank you for the kind words! We absolutely love our wool pillows and have since ordered several more. You can't wash them in the machine, and they have been thrown up on... but I find a little spot cleaning and deodorizer (biokleen) and some time in the sun and they are A-OK for use again :)Betsy Escandonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13598482569526345086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-58846548456183034472016-02-04T14:40:46.754-08:002016-02-04T14:40:46.754-08:00How are the pillows holding up that you purchased?...How are the pillows holding up that you purchased? Also, Thank you so much for all the time that went into putting this article and wonderful resource together! I've referred back to your page very frequently as I've been researching bedding for my kids. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02924265058625766996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-43523748191223664522016-01-04T12:55:07.463-08:002016-01-04T12:55:07.463-08:00Yep, still going strong. I will say that you have ...Yep, still going strong. I will say that you have to rotate them regularly to insure even wear, but overall we are very happy with them. Some of my futons have a latex core and others are 100% organic cotton. All are doing well, but I imagine the thickness and density of futons varies considerably. Ours are both thick and quite dense.Betsy Escandonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13598482569526345086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-87473017892137728492016-01-04T10:47:48.163-08:002016-01-04T10:47:48.163-08:00I was hoping to get your opinion on longevity of t...I was hoping to get your opinion on longevity of the futon matress. I'm in the New England and called a reliable futon store and was told that they don't carry the wool cotton futons anymore because they don't last long? Are you still happy with your purchase and have they lasted? Dianahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15957383758142450415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-1430970693577904172015-11-18T11:08:27.185-08:002015-11-18T11:08:27.185-08:00Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is super hel...Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is super helpful and puts my mind at ease. Now that I've found your blog I can't wait to go back and re-read all of your posts. :) dr. beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03361001097756087076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-40386866636281287722015-11-16T14:07:40.842-08:002015-11-16T14:07:40.842-08:00I would go with the futons, personally. Be sure an...I would go with the futons, personally. Be sure and find out how they handle flame retardant regulations. It sounds like your futon will be fine without a plywood sheet due to thickness, although density also matters. Our bunk beds had slats that were quite far apart (8-10 in.) so we bought wood to add additional slats between the existing ones. We have used waterproof covers from IKEA and Target. I feel OK about waterproof covers as long as they aren't vinyl. Nonideal, but you don't want a ruined or moldy mattress either. Once our kids are more reliable, we switch to wool, but it's definitely not as waterproof. <br /><br />Naturapedic is a great option as well! And they might actually last longer than the futons (not sure about that -- we've had futons for 5+ years now that are still great). Actually not as natural as an all-cotton futon, but they do use Greenguard certification so you know no VOCs. Hope this helps. Good luck! Beds can be such an agonizing decision : PBetsy Escandonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13598482569526345086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-53154140466575110592015-11-16T13:58:13.529-08:002015-11-16T13:58:13.529-08:00Betsy, you blog is amazing. I am so glad I have fo...Betsy, you blog is amazing. I am so glad I have found this post, because I have been over-researching and stressing out about mattress choices for my kids over a week now!<br /><br />I am currently trying to decide between a naturpedic (pricey option) and an all-cotton futon option (affordable). Now I know I need to ask about the chemicals in the futon option. I wanted to ask a few questions:<br /><br />- SLATS: Do you need to use a plywood sheet between the futon and the slats? Mixed info. on this, but can't see why? This would be a 6 inch futon for use on bunk beds, but each kid is still less than 50 pounds.<br />- COVER: Both kids wet and as you mention, throwing up is an issue for us as it happens with nightime coughing frequently (asthma diagnosis). I am thinking of using a cover that is cotton with wool filling, with a food-grade polethylene waterproof barrier. I have used a naturpedic pad for the crib, but don't find it that comfortable as a cover. <br /><br />Please let me know what you think of this - or would you just go the pricey route if you could (I want to, but my spouse does not). <br /><br />THANK YOU! beckydr. beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03361001097756087076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-73735032486634068872015-10-12T06:17:22.450-07:002015-10-12T06:17:22.450-07:00My mattresses also are made with "natural lat...My mattresses also are made with "natural latex." I believe the term is usually used to distinguish it from synthetic latex, which isn't really latex at all but a latex-like material synthesized from other substances. According to this article from another mattress manufacturer, all latex has some additives to be stable: https://savvyrest.com/blog/is-natural-latex-organicBetsy Escandonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13598482569526345086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-71814433979263089892015-10-03T04:43:29.995-07:002015-10-03T04:43:29.995-07:00Thank you so much for your research! I have been i...Thank you so much for your research! I have been in the process of finding a new queen mattress / bed for my husband and I. I had pretty much settled on Cozy Pure, because they offer a deal where you can get bedding, pillows, everything in one package. The thing is that the mattress (and pillows) in this option contain "natural" latex. They say there are NO chemicals at all in their products - so can you tell me, is "natural latex" safe? Thank you SO much!! http://www.cozypure.com/latex-mattresses/natural-latex-mattresses/7-natural-mattress-made-with-100-natural-latexAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13774351796065136157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-29362481907134660592015-08-16T12:22:15.383-07:002015-08-16T12:22:15.383-07:00As far as I know, boric acid is the only flame ret...As far as I know, boric acid is the only flame retardant the Futon Shop uses, which I believe is one of the safest options available. You can also get no boric acid with a doctor's/ chiropractor's note. I have some mattresses with, some without. P.S. I'm not affiliated with The Futon Shop in any way : )<br />http://www.thefutonshop.com/chemical-free-mattress.aspxBetsy Escandonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13598482569526345086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-75561537522678202342015-08-16T12:14:53.920-07:002015-08-16T12:14:53.920-07:00The problem with the mattress you recommend is tha...The problem with the mattress you recommend is that it uses a toxic fire retardant. To keep the price down and green wash, the futon shop is suggesting that their mattresses are completely natural and organic but in order to meet state and federal fire codes they skimp and use questionable and unhealthy chemicals. Why not go all the way and manufacture a futon that doesn't need the addition of toxic chemicals? Consumers must realize that natural and organic sleep systems are worth the extra cost if they are truly concerned about their health. Me, I'd rather skimp on buying latte's at starbucks for a couple of months and buy a mattress that is not going to compromise my health...paul hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10894548410348898855noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-58897222671843272462015-05-31T21:09:13.377-07:002015-05-31T21:09:13.377-07:00We do not have sagging issues. We do try to rotate...We do not have sagging issues. We do try to rotate regularly. One issue we do have is that the mattresses tend to be a little on the large size (with somewhat bulging sides rather than perfectly straight up and down sides) and sometimes it's hard to stuff them into the bed frame, which can lead to the mattress being slightly higher on the sides than in the middle. It hasn't been a big issue for us honestly, except when we try to fit 3 people in a full bed and the person on the end sort of has a tendency to roll towards the middle because it's hard to stay right on the edge as it is a little sloped. I hope that makes sense. Betsy Escandonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13598482569526345086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-66980971606773157292015-05-13T23:00:42.157-07:002015-05-13T23:00:42.157-07:00Thanks for this post! We're currently hunting ...Thanks for this post! We're currently hunting for a green mattress for my daughter and are considering a futon from the Futon Shop. Would love to know how it has held up since you purchased it. Any sagging issues?Sherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06908108951108713486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-36866555051485454992015-01-29T12:29:13.133-08:002015-01-29T12:29:13.133-08:00Great post!
I use layers of old wool blankets on ...Great post!<br /><br />I use layers of old wool blankets on top of wide pine boards. There are about 8 blankets, totaling 3 or 4 inches. The blankets are from before the days of pesticides (and artificial dyes; they're practically antiques). No back pain at all; not even during pregnancy. I'm sure all these over-soft mattresses are why we are a nation of back pain. <br /><br />Before that we had a DIY organic buckwheat hull mattress, but hubby didn't like that it had to be 'fluffed up' every day, because the hulls shift a bit when you move in your sleep. Now I have 250 lbs of organic buckwheat hulls in a closet waiting for the day I decide to make a few dozen breastfeeding pillows.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-42858938094503678332013-01-11T08:23:37.337-08:002013-01-11T08:23:37.337-08:00Really appreciate your efforts, many people want t...Really appreciate your efforts, many people want to achieve that but don't have enough time to spend on research, you have done a fantastic job and i am very thankful to you for sharing all this information with us.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11765319449072723191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-64444779033302915362012-02-02T12:38:14.307-08:002012-02-02T12:38:14.307-08:00My friend bought two twins from the Berkeley compa...My friend bought two twins from the Berkeley company (for a 6yo and 4yo) and seems happy with them. Can't comment on the mattress by Land of Nod. All I know is -- ask lots of questions. Just because it's "organic" doesn't mean it's chemical-free. I wish I had time to do a more comprehensive mattress post, but i don't at the moment -- if you are looking for something that can be shipped, I would check some of the links (like the NYTimes one) at the end of the post, which I think lists companies.Betsy Escandonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13598482569526345086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-29870754605296462052012-02-01T14:35:03.857-08:002012-02-01T14:35:03.857-08:00Thanks for all the awesome information. The Berkle...Thanks for all the awesome information. The Berkley company does deliver to the Los Angeles area if anyone is interested. Wondering if this mattress is better than the Organic mattress sold by Land of Nod. <br /><br />I'm so confused. I need 2 twin natural/chemical-free mattresses asap. Any help is appreciated.JBnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-264294700715447531.post-84917399028893657322011-11-06T19:03:17.571-08:002011-11-06T19:03:17.571-08:00True enough, Bethany. My futon is very thick and ...True enough, Bethany. My futon is very thick and I think as comfortable as a conventional mattress, but the less expensive more authentic Japanese futons can be quite thin -- I'd definitely recommend trying one out in person if at all possible!<br /><br />I found the same thing about soy foam -- but I guess at least PART of the mattress is made of renewable materials. I'm not sure it lowers your exposures to toxins much. It seems there is plenty of greenwashing going on in mattresses -- like the "organic" crib mattresses I sometimes see which still have plenty of junk in them.Betsy Escandonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13598482569526345086noreply@blogger.com