Categories
Natural Bedroom

Whether Your Taste is Antique or Contemporary – An Organic Mattress is the Right Choice

Today, most bed-frames and mattresses are standard sizes, but every now and then we get a request for an odd sized mattress. Usually, someone with a special size request has a cherished antique bed that requires a nonstandard size mattress. Because we have our own factory, most requests can be accommodated and ready for delivery in about 5 days.

If you own an antique bed, then you will understand what I mean when I say that when you climb into bed at night, you are wrapping yourself in history. Your antique bed may have been passed down from generations and if it could speak, would tell countless stories of secrets, romance, love and nurturing, but antique beds aren’t perfect. Bed sizes weren’t standardized until this century and old beds, which are commonly three-quarter size, are usually too short or narrow for modern mattresses and they don’t take a foundation.

CozyPure® organic / natural mattresses are a perfect match for antique bed-frames. Because of the old school, hand-built quality put into every mattress we manufacture, it reflects the kind of craftsmanship once considered back in the days when beautiful old bed frames were built. A natural latex mattress is mold, mildew and dust mite resistant, and anyone who has slept on one can tell you about the comfort and support that they provide.

Most antique bed-frames were designed to last for several lifetimes; they were meant to be purchased once and to never need replacement. A CozyPure® organic, natural latex mattress is much the same way. Our mattresses are made to last 20 or more years without compromising their comfort or support.

Whether your taste in bed-frame is contemporary or if you prefer an antique; the best mattress to put on top of it is a CozyPure® organic mattress.

Sleep well, sleep healthy and Chill Out Naturally®

– REX

Categories
Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom

Something so intimate has become under-valued

When Food, Inc premiered at our local theatre, I told the family we were going to see it together. The film focuses on mass production, that is, our food being produced using very industrialized methods. Fatter chickens in half the time and herbivore cows forced to eat corn (which in turn gives them e-coli bacteria), all for the purpose to make plenty… and make it faster.

The way our food is produced has drastically changed over the past few decades. In sharp contrast, the marketing of our food hasn’t changed much over the years. Consumers are still shown images of red barns and American farmers tilling fields. We believe the chicken we’re buying roamed freely on a happy family farm because the packages say “Fresh” and “Natural”. Boy oh boy, have we been deceived. As I watched the film, I couldn’t help but find comparisons with the bedding industry. In particular, one sentence a Virginia farmer said:

We have allowed ourselves to be so disconnected and disinterested about something so intimate as the food we eat.

Of course, it was very easy for me to translate that line into:

We have allowed ourselves to be so disconnected and disinterested about something so intimate as the bedding we use for sleep.

Most consumers would be very surprised to find out what was inside their mattresses, after all, we are shown images of beautiful women, lying on pretty fabrics, looking peaceful and serene. But those shiny fabrics and the components inside are made primarily from petroleum-based chemicals that out-gas fumes, then later breakdown into air-borne dust particles.

Somehow, our priorities have shifted. People devalue the purchase of quality bedding. Why should they buy a healthy mattress made from all-natural and organic materials when they can get that pretty one over there for half the price? Because, just like the movie “Food, Inc” proves, consumers have fallen prey to deceitful marketing and cheap prices.

Sleep is a necessity for every breathing mammal. It promotes health and wellness. During sleep, our bodies shutdown and become vulnerable to the elements – so eliminate as much chemical contamination as possible for your body to enjoy the full benefits of a good night’s sleep. Because just like the food we eat… sleep plays a critical role in our health and wellness.

So next time you’re at the mattress market, be sure to ask: “What’s inside that bed?”

Sleep well and be happy 🙂 ~cheryl

Categories
Green Living Natural Bedroom

Americans Spend 26 Years of Their Life Asleep

Think about this for a moment: the average American will spend about 26 years of their life asleep – that’s 227,760 hours! The quality of those sleeping hours can have a profound effect on one’s life. Sleep, nutrition, fresh air and proper exercise are the foundation of a good life; without these key ingredients, we become slothish and generally unhealthy. By contrast, good sleep allows us to be alert, healthy and much happier; our lives become enhanced and more fulfilled. Our academic, social, family and work accomplishments expand in direct correlation to our sleep quality, yet most Americans give too little consideration to their sleep environment.

Have you ever wondered what you are sleeping on? What’s underneath the fabric surrounding your mattress? Who designed your mattress? Who built it and where was your mattress made? What possible chemicals are seeping out and just as important; what’s living inside your mattress?

Chances are, if you are like most Americans, you are sleeping on a mattress made from twisted, springy wires that have been covered in petroleum based foam and then tightly wrapped in a nylon covering that has been saturated with fire retardant chemicals.

So what’s wrong with that?

– Wires and springs do not give the body the even and natural support it requires, they can also cause blood flow restrictions, cause us to sleep restlessly and they simply wear out after a few years of use.

– Traditional petroleum based mattress off gas and can harbor mold, mildew and dust mites.

– Nylon and chemical fire retardants can off gas and be absorbed in threw our skin and respiratory system.

What’s the solution?

– For safe, even, comfortable and healthy sleep, the best option is a natural, organic latex mattress. Natural latex comes from the rubber tree and is dust mite, mold and mildew resistant. If the organic mattress is manufactured by a reputable American company such as CozyPure® or Organic Mattress Factory, then you can be assured top quality components were used and fine craftsmanship was of utmost importance.

– Wool or a vegetable based batting is used as a fire retardant instead of harsh chemicals, preventing potentially harmful off gassing, while wicking away the moisture we secrete during our sleep, helping to keep us dry and comfortable throughout the night.

– The added bonus to a natural latex mattress, is that is not only is it healthy for you, but a quality organic mattress will last 20 years or more – that compares to the 5-7 year life expectancy of a traditional mattress.

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of life; poor or inadequate sleep can have life threatening consequences. At the very least, poor sleep will diminish your quality of life. Buying a good organic mattress could possibly be the greatest investment in your health that you will ever make.

CozyPure® mattresses are manufactured right here at the Organic Mattress Factory using only the finest components available. Once you have placed your order, we get right to work on constructing your new organic mattress with loving care and your new sleep system is ready to leave our facility in about 5 days. You will be sleeping soundly and safely on your new bed in about a week to ten days and not have to worry about replacement for 20 years or more!

If you have been considering purchasing an organic mattress, this may be the best time to make that purchase; just in time for the end of summer and the beginning of fall and cooler weather. Imagine being all cuddled up in your new CozyPure® bed before your busy holiday season begins! This is the perfect time to remake your bedrooms into fresh, safe organic sleep sanctuaries.

Categories
Natural Bedroom

An organic mattress may be the best gift to give your child a head start in life

They might seem like adults sometimes and they might seem like small children at other times – it’s the time in life when physical, biological, psychological and behavioral changes are occurring at lightning speed. Your son or daughter is no longer a child and not yet an adult – they have grown beyond adolescence but are not quite adult (NQA). As an NQA, your child faces adult decisions but is still dependant on you, at least in part, for financial and emotional support. Your child longs to complete the transition into adulthood but still needs your steady hand and guidance. Perhaps, at no other time in life can decisions made by your child have more life long consequences. As a good parent, this final stage of transition from your nest into the world, your role is critically important.

NQA’s are often transitioning to college, their first fulltime job or their first apartment. They are in essence, going away from home for the first time, but more than likely, they will return several times before making the final leap.

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As you have cared for your child while they were growing; giving them a solid foundation for their future is just as important. How safe is their new environment? How healthy is their somewhat independent diet? Are they resting well and what are they sleeping on?
Eating on a limited budget or in a college cafeteria often involves heavy doses of starchy and processed foods. Furnished apartments and dorm rooms almost always contain inexpensive, unhealthy mattresses and bedding. For your child to perform at their optimum, they need proper nutrition and healthy, adequate sleep. Education, planning and budgeting can assist with their culinary needs and a quality organic mattress and pillow will help to ensure that they are not breathing and absorbing chemical containments. An organic sleep system makes a perfect parting gift for your ambitious offspring.

While shopping for organic mattresses and bedding, place major consideration on the manufacturer:

How long have they been in business?
Are their products American made?
What is the quality and purity of their products?
What kind of certifications do they hold?
Who owns the company? Is it someone you can trust… and has experience?

When you’re ready to purchase your child’s new mattress, look at companies such as Organic Comfort Zone, which has been doing “green” business for twenty years, has a bricks and mortar retail store, mail order catalog and informative, educational websites as well as great customer service.

Remember, a good organic mattress is an investment. If your child is going to college, then their mattress will follow them home over the summer months. Eventually, that same mattress may be used for guests and finally become your grandchild’s first “big kid bed”. A quality organic mattress is designed to last for twenty years or more and may be passed from generation to generation. With proper care, an organic mattress will remain safe, healthy and comfortable, so when factoring in the cost of a new organic mattress over the lifespan; the cost of ownership is only pennies a day. As a long term investment, an organic mattress is one of the best values in today’s market.

Allowing your NQA to test the waters of independence is difficult and exciting; it is stressful for both you and your child, but you and your offspring will sleep better knowing that they are resting on a safe, organic mattress, eating healthy, balanced meals and generally enjoy life and it’s rewards.

Categories
Natural Bedroom

New quilting for our PurElegance organic mattresses is exquisite!

Just a quick note to let everyone know that our PurElegance organic mattress collection now features a new quilting design. It’s aesthetically-pleasing and captures the true “elegance” of this line while maintaining wonderful surface comfort. Channel-quilting has started to become a little too mainstream… so of course we had to take it up a level. We hope you agree that it’s superb!

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Categories
Green Living Natural Bedroom

Want a Cleaner Bedroom? Make it Naked. Advice on how to make your bedroom safe and organic.

Green Tidings

column by Cheryl Hahn – Virginian Pilot, June 13, 2009

Want a Cleaner Bedroom? Make it Naked.

Industrial chemicals are everywhere… in our business workplace, shopping centers, park benches, and especially in our homes. In fact, indoor air pollution is now rated worse than outdoors. Since the 1950’s our dependency on producing almost everything we use is created with man-made synthetic materials from chemicals: appliances, electronics, home decor, plastics, paints, cleaners, clothing, and more than likely… even the pillow under your head.

It’s almost impossible to escape this chemical soup, unless you live in a bubble, which isn’t very realistic. So how can you reduce your exposure to industrial chemical overload? The easiest place to start is also the one area of your home which makes the most sense: your bedroom. Strip it down and make it naked.

For window treatments choose natural fiber curtains, shades, wood blinds or shutters and stay away from heavy draperies which are usually treated with chemicals and also harbor dust mites. New carpet and adhesives can outgas a vast array of toxic chemicals. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission the most frequently-reported symptoms were watery eyes, runny nose, burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, rashes, and fatigue. If possible, strip your floors down to their natural bare beauty and use area rugs made from untreated wool.

Introduce a few plants to naturally filter the air in your bedroom. Plants add beauty, produce oxygen and absorb chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde. Good choices are English Ivy and Spider Plant; both species are hardy, easy to care for and rated the best for air filtration. When painting your walls, many brands now offer low-emission alternatives that are safer for indoor air.

Select furniture crafted from real solid wood; avoid pressboard and plywood which contain chemicals and offer low-quality durability. Your mattress and bedding should be made from natural and organic materials which breathe to help keep your sleep system dry and clean. Avoid synthetic fabrics and foams made from petroleum-based elements which outgas chemicals and also have a tendency to harbor heat and moisture which is conducive for dust mites.

Every night you retreat to your bedroom to shut down and restore your mind and body for the day ahead. You’re most vulnerable to the elements during sleep, so it makes sense to have an environment that is clean, pure and natural. Eliminating or reducing toxins in your bedroom can start you on your way to creating a nighttime healing space to escape the everyday exposure to industrial chemicals. This is your sanctuary. Breathe deep, breathe easy and sleep well.

Categories
Natural Bedroom

Organic Mattress Toppers – A Perfect Sleep Solution

For many Americans, “bigger is better”. When mattress shopping, there is such a variety, but I am always astounded by those mammoth, gigantic pillow-top mattresses. They tend to look like something from the story of the “Princess and the Pea”. I am sure that you have seen them; they almost resemble two mattresses stacked on top of one another. Actually, most pillow top mattresses are a standard mattress with an additional layer of petroleum based foam sewn on the top. The total of a traditional mattress is a bunch of wiry springs topped with chemical foam, all incased in a nylon sack that has been saturated with fire retardant chemicals; a pillow top is much the same with an addition of more foam and more chemicals.

A natural latex mattress should be simple and pure. When your beautiful, new CozyPure® mattress arrives at your home, it’s ready for sleep; no assembly required! CozyPure® mattresses are designed to last, using natural and organic components that remain resilient and consistent over the years. However, as time passes, some people begin to require more softness – as our joints, bones and muscles age, we may require and enjoy a surface that cradles and absorbs more of our body. The solution to those new found aches and pains may be resolved by adding a topper to your mattress.

Organic Comfort Zone / CozyPure® offers a nice selection of organic / natural mattress toppers to fit the needs of those looking for greater softness. In essence, your existing mattress can become a pillow-top of sorts, but with a real bonus; a mattress topper is removable. The topper can easily be removed, fluffed, flipped or placed on an outdoor clothes line for renewed freshness; ensuring an invigorating newness. In addition, because organic toppers are made from natural components, it needs to “breath”, (just like we do), so periodic freshening is a good practice. Sunshine and fresh air are natural cleansers.

If you already own a good quality chemical mattress and cannot afford or justify replacing it but still want some of the wonderful and healthy benefits of organic bedding, then an organic topper may be the best place to start. At least, with an organic topper, your body will not come in direct contact with your old mattress. A natural latex or wool topper will help shield you from dust mites, mold, mildew and the off gassing associated with traditional sleep systems.

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The bottom line is that you can always make a mattress softer, but you cannot make a mattress firmer. An organic mattress topper is removable, easily cared for and it is versatile. For example, let’s say you want more softness, but you sleep partner wants a firm mattress, you can place a soft organic topper on your side of the mattress and leave theirs as is – what a perfect solution; soft on one half and firm on the other!

CozyPure® organic mattress toppers are offered in several styles and vary in price. If you think that a new natural topper might beneficial to your sleep, just give us a call at 800-229-7571 and one of our sleep experts will happily assist you by answering your questions. Sleep is far too important to waste. Get the most from your rest and watch the quality of your life increase.

– REX

Categories
Natural Bedroom

An Organic Mattress Vacation

I just got off the phone with a woman in Alabama. She was calling because she had been on a mission to find a local retailer that carried natural latex mattresses. Her search process had been futile; locally, there were no dealers other than chemical foam retailers. She explained to me that her husband refused to allow her to purchase a mattress online without first trying it; that’s a common issue we face here at Organic Comfort Zone. Fortunately, Organic Comfort Zone / CozyPure® are located in a beautiful area that allows our distant shoppers to combine a trip here to shop for mattresses with a pleasant short vacation.

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Our cozy, lovely showroom and offices overlook the Chesapeake Bay and it’s only a short drive along the coast to the sands of Virginia Beach, (about 5 minutes). Historic Williamsburg and Busch Gardens are within a 50 minute drive and the entire area is rich with cultural and recreational activities for the entire family. Norfolk is a great stopover when traveling to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and points south.

Not long ago, a shopper from a Northern city stopped by with her husband and son. After spending an hour or so testing our organic mattresses, the family crossed the street and enjoyed lunch and the beach before deciding on their purchase; turning the mattress purchase into a most pleasant experience.

CozyPure® organic, natural latex mattresses
are designed to last twenty years and beyond; making it an important purchase. The joy of shopping for a CozyPure® mattress should be as wonderful as owning one. For our out of town guest that purchase a CozyPure® mattress, every night when the lay on their new organic mattress, they will be able to recall their trip to our Southern shore and remember what we hope was a most wonderful and beneficial vacation.

– REX

Categories
Natural Bedroom

An Organic Mattress Leaves a Legacy of Love

Try to imagine the World in fifty years from now – or even a hundred years in the future. The vision could be bleak or wonderful depending on the choices we make today. Our legacy may be a lush green, welcoming Earth or a place where life can barely survive. The choices we make today may have irreversible consequences on life as we know it. Your purchase, consumption and disposal selections are critical.

One of the largest, most consuming landfill items is a traditional mattress. The average mattress is designed to last only 5 – 7 years and then be placed on the curb for garbage collection. Alarmingly, Americans throw away approximately 20 million mattresses every year. Think about the mountains of waste created by old mattresses.

There are alternatives to making our Planet a giant mattress dump. Some communities actually are in the early phases of creating mattress recycle programs, where the fabrics, springs and wood are all separated and disposed of with greater kindness to the environment.

A better option for the environment than even recycling a short lived tradition mattress is to invest in a quality organic mattress that is designed from the beginning from renewable, sustainable, earth friendly components. Not only is an quality organic mattress intended to last for 20 years or more, it also has much less impact on the Earth and can be recycled with greater ease. When you combine the environmental benefits with the health advantages of a natural / organic mattress, then the intelligent choice is clear; organic mattresses are by far the better choice for both the immediate and distant future.

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Shown here: CozyPure® Organic Futon from the PurElegance Collection

The Organic Mattress Factory begins with pure, fresh, natural, organic, sustainable components and skillfully handcrafts each mattress with loving care; knowing that the finish product will be designed with future generations in mind. The entire line of CozyPure® mattresses and natural bedding merchandise has been refined into not only one of the best, safest and beautiful sleep systems in the World, but it is also a great bargain when factoring in it’s longevity. Whether it’s the CozyPure® PureElegance or the Eco-V collection of organic mattresses or any of the CozyPure® bedding products; they are designed to last into what we all hope will be a green and beautiful future for generations to come.

– REX

Categories
Natural Bedroom

Safe, Healthy, Natural, Organic Sleep

I wouldn’t eat it, but I’d do almost anything else with it – that’s how safe our mattresses and bedding are! Not many other mattress / bedding manufacturers can make that claim, but the quality and pureness that CozyPure® organic mattresses and bedding subscribes to is the highest of standards. Our mattresses are handmade in Norfolk, Virginia, at the Organic Mattress Factory and the rest of the CozyPure® line of products are made right here as well; all under the watchful eyes of owner Cheryl Hahn.

Your body comes in direct contact with your mattress and considering that the average person spends the equivalence of approximately 10,000 days of their lives sleeping; mattress, pillow and bedding selection is VERY important. Creating and maintaining a healthy sleep environment can be critical to a healthy existence. Breathing in and absorbing mold, mildew, dust mites, chemical toxins and other monster of traditional mattresses can be harmful to even the healthiest person and especially critical for anyone with allergies or a compromised immune system. Essentially, you are ingesting your mattress through your respiratory system and via dermal absorption, (through your skin).

Natural latex is mold, mildew and dust mite resistant. The organic wool or vegetable batting we use acts as a fire retardant. The cotton used is organically grown and all of our components and products are handled with loving care. All of the CozyPure® merchandise is designed to provide you with years of safe, comfortable enjoyment.

Today, most people are giving consideration to the chemical additives found in food, water and even the air they breathe, but overlooking the compounds and microscopic bugs in their mattresses. We all need to remember that nourishment comes to our bodies in a multitude of ways, not by just what we eat or drink. We are most vulnerable when we are asleep, but quality sleep is of prime importance to our health. Sleep well – sleep safe – sleep healthy.

– REX