WE LOVE WOOL: Ohhh… what a wonderful natural fiber! We’ve been using wool in our natural mattresses for over 15 years. It wicks away moisture keeping the body at an ideal temperature during sleep. It’s also breathable and resistant to molds, mildews and dust mites. Because of it’s ability to self-extinguish it’s often used as a natural flame barrier for mattresses.We’ve found that thermal bonding offers the most consistent, high quality loft in bedding applications. The problem with thermal bonding is it usually requires the wool to have a small amount of glue as a resin to gently adhere the wool fibers. Since we knew that was not an option for us, we started to work with plant-pla, commonly known as ingeo(tm). Plant-pla is derived from plant starch — mostly corn — and since it comes from a natural resource, it’s not only environmentally-smart and renewable, it’s also breathable just like a natural fiber! In fact, plant-pla is also moisture regulating, antibacterial and naturally flame resistant. We found that using a very very small amount of this awesome fiber, allowed us to get the wonderful end-results of thermal bonded wool batting, using a natural resin that actually enhanced the properties of our wool. Amaizing Wool is used exclusively in the production of CozyPure® natural mattresses, as well as bedding accessories such as comforters and pillows.
FAQ’s
Will using corn starch or sugars make the wool inside the products “sticky”?
That’s a good question. When you read about plant-based-pla, one would almost assume the “raw sugar” is melted to bond the wool. However, just like most natural fibers, it goes through a process to get towards it’s end result. The sugar proteins are extracted from the corn (or other starchy plant), then fermented in a process similar to making yogurt. After fermentation, the desired fiber is made into the finished form depending on use, for a variety of applications. Once this happens, there is no sugar residue, or stickiness, in the end-product. In fact, plant-pla is now very popular in apparel for it’s wonderful silky feel and breathability against the skin.
Does this process interfere with the feel of the wool, or the benefits of the wool?
Not one bit. In fact, after months of research, we strongly believe that plant-pla actually enhances our wool. Using this to gently bond our wool, we always have a very consistant wool batting that has a beautiful, soft loft and fantastic durability. In addition, the natural properties of plant-pla only complement our wool because they both offer many of the same benefits.
Is plant-pla environmentally safe?
Absolutely. It’s actually one of the most environmentally friendly manufacturing procedures in the industry. From start to finish it really does come full circle. First, it starts with an abundant supply from a natural resource. The production of plant-pla requires less greenhouse gases… a chief contributor to global warming. It’s also rated 100% composting, but don’t worry it won’t biodegrade during it’s usage! It must first be recycled back through the chain (similar to recyling your newspapers), only then will composting occur.
Will this harm our supply of corn as a food source? Does it contain GMO’s?
No, our plant-pla does not contain any GMO’s, and the entire fiber industry’s use of corn-pla is less than point-one percent (-0.1%) of the overall corn production. Of that .1%, we only use a tiny sprinkling to adhere the wool fibers. It’s such an extremely small amount overall, it isn’t even on the radar. The production of plant-pla doesn’t interfere with our food supply at all… so you can continue to enjoy eating corn!
Is your wool organic?
Yes!
Why would I want wool in my bedding? Isn’t wool scratchy and uncomfortably hot?
This is a common misconception. But here are some facts you may not have known: Because it absorbs moisture, wool provides superior comfort in both hot and cold weather. In cold weather, even a little moisture on the skin becomes cold, quickly reducing body temperature. However, by absorbing body moisture, a dry layer of air is left next to the skin and this helps to hold in body heat. In addition, the crimp in the wool fibers makes them stand apart from each other. As a result, little pockets of still air are trapped between the fibers. This lining of air trapped inside the fabric acts as an insulator. Still air is one of the best insulators found in nature. The absorption/evaporation process works in hot weather to help keep the body cooler. Evaporation of perspiration is the body’s natural cooling device. Wool helps this process along, as its thirsty cells absorb moisture and help reduce skin temperature. In addition, much of the outdoor heat is blocked out because of wool’s insulating barrier of air pockets. This means that the body is kept at an even temperature.
For more information about our natural mattresses and bedding, please call the Organic Comfort Zone at 1.800.229.7571 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm EST, or visit the the Organic Comfort Zone at Tomorrow’s World for photos and product information.