Category: Organic Mattress & Bedding

Green is Good

I guess I’ve been on a health kick lately, but here is another food post. Eating organically will help boost the body’s immune system and other natural defenses, as well as keeping your complexion clear and your body trim. There are many ways to eat organically in this day and age and you should always be mindful of where your food is from, how fresh it is, whether or not pesticides and steroids were used in its production, and its nutrition level. Like many food posts I have compiled another list of things that can be bought with peace of mind whether or not they are from the farmers market or not:

-Avocado -Cauliflower -Watermelon

-Asparagus -Kiwi -Garlic

-Blackberries -Onions -Tomatoes

– Broccoli -Mangoes

-Cabbage -Pineapples

Now we can move on to a list of foods that are OK to buy non-organic, but still would be made better if bought fresh daily 🙂

-Bananas

-Green Onions

-Lemons

-Grapes

-Tangerines

OK. Now it is time to reveal the food that is safest to buy ORGANIC

-Almonds -Papaya -Celery -Cherries

-Apples -Carrots -Cucumbers -Kale

-Bell Peppers -Blueberries -Potatoes -Strawberries

-Peaches -Spinach -Raspberries

-Lettuce -Green Beans -Zucchini

-Pears -Plums -Corn

All our lives we will face tough choices about what we should be eating and why. We will be consumed with temptation when looking through the windows at Dairy Queen or maybe the bakery at your local supermarket. We can not let ourselves down, though. There are always healthier and safer options for everyone to enjoy no matter what your preference is. Just the other night I had a fresh, delicious, savory, spicy catfish sandwich from our local farmers market. The sandwich was rich with spices and subtle flavors and I enjoyed every bite of it. The dinner was healthy and it was also affordable.

Why should we stop where we eat though? We want to practice healthy choices in every aspect of our life, don’t we? We want to live to the fullest of our potential and we can only do that when we are thinking straight and clearly, but how can one think clearly after stuffing there body with greasy McDonald’s and wondering how long it might take for our body to digest the unnatural preservatives in our food. It is simple chemistry, the more organic the product, the easier it will be for your body to accept and also to make use of.

This is same for all the world around us, the more natural that the product is the safer it will be for the overall environment. So many landfills are just piles upon piles and stacks on stacks of waste that is not biodegradable. This is not safe for the ecosystem as these unnatural products release toxins and become and eyesore. Why not choose to be organic? In the end it won’t hurt a soul, but it can make millions of lives safer and thousands of places cleaner.

I remember taking a trip down to Puerto Rico over the summer and being struck in awe by the natural beauty that the country provided and then feeling like I had been slapped in the face when the juxtaposition of the filthy piles of waste that lined the shore appeared in my line of vision, and it was not only in one place, it was all over the place. If we all took simple, easy steps toward creating a healthier world we might not face the environmental issues that we are struggling with today.

Why not do your best to take part in cleaning up this world whenever possible. By buying Eco-friendly, organic products you are saving a whole crop from being poisoned by threatening chemicals. Even more, when you move from simply buying green foods to other green products than your role just became a whole lot more important. When buying organic bedding you are saving a landfill from having another filthy mattress being placed in it ten years down the road because natural bedding is just that good. Give it a try with your delicious new grocery list and then try to incorporate ‘green’ into other aspects of your life.

Eric is currently a student and part-time team member for Norfolk, VA based business Organic Comfort Zone, manufacturers of CozyPure organic bedding and mattress. For more information visit organiccomfortzone.com or cozypure.com or call 757.480.8500.

Tags Environment, green, healthy, natural, organic, pollution

Eco-Tips Environment Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Natural Fibers Natural Home Organic Apparel & Textiles Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding Sleep Tips

Kapok: The Tree of the Gods

Post author By Eric Hahn
Post date December 4, 2013
No Comments on Kapok: The Tree of the Gods

Yesterday I wrote an article about wool, hoping to persuade those against it to join; however, I understand the integrity our customers hold and that some of them can not sacrifice their beliefs for a product, no matter how cozy it may be. This one goes out to all the vegans out there.

I understand that wool is an animal product and I am a firm advocate of animal rights, and while I still enjoy my wool comforter and indulge in feasting on a Thanksgiving turkey or a juicy burger whenever the time comes, for the most part I steer clear of products in which I know that animals are treated harshly. The food chain is real, and I wont sacrifice my appetite as long as the chicken that I am eating grew up happy and healthy. I also hold true to using wool products such as socks and bedding. Still, there are substitutes for wool all over, it just depends on where you are looking for them.

Good thing you are looking at CozyPure, though, because our natural Kapok has much of the same therapeutic effect as wool does, and its just as comfortable. Kapok is a soft, all natural product that comes from none other than the Kapok trees in South America. Kapok is a non-toxic, hypoallergenic fiber that has been used for centuries for things such as pillows and in other bedding products because of its durability and also because it is safe to grow, without comprising the environment around it. It has been used for a variety of things from stuffing life-preservers to cushions and saddles and woven into blankets, its wood has been used for carvings and coffins and canoes.

The Mayans believed the Kapok tree to symbolize the heavens and all of the glory than shines in the night time sky. This is where their Gods reigned, in comfort and peace, stowing away in the trees. Who could blame them? I would be propped up in one at this very moment if there were any nearby, what with all the comfort and beneficial properties that the tree holds. It is used as a medicine plant in the Mayan culture and in most wedding ceremonies, as well as other gatherings, it is made use of.

My affection for the tree is so high that I wrote a small poem dedicated to it. Enjoy:

The majestic Kapok tree, how we worship thee

you are oh so divine, your qualities benefit mine

and I am happy to use you: in my pillows,

in my blankets, and even between my toes!

Ok, so maybe I’m no poet, but at least I know it! (Bad joke?) Still, there is no denying the natural benefits of Kapok products and it is the perfect substitute for those who are allergic to cotton and wool, or are against the manufacturing of wool, or other animal products. Don’t waste your time, try it for yourself today. It can’t hurt, it can only help.

Tags healthy, Kapok, organic, wool

Environment Green Living Healthy Lifestyles Made in the USA Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Natural Fibers Natural Home Organic Apparel & Textiles Organic Clothing Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding Sleep Tips

Why Wool Is Cool

A huge problem that people have with buying wool is that it is an animal product, and with the way that animals are treated in modern civilization people are skeptical on the matter. However, sheep are not killed when wool is attained, and while some people do bring harm to their sheep we make sure that where our products come from there is a safe environment for the animals. The wool is merely sheared off, so it is as if the animals are getting a haircut. No harm comes to these sheep, they enjoy their days long after the product has been taken, can you say the same about that burger that you ate last night?

Another concern with wool is the odor. So many people understand wool to retain a musty smell after being worn multiple times but this is true with all fibers, synthetic included! It is a fact that an article of clothing will get dirty and smelly if not washed for a prolonged period. All my wool sweaters and socks smell perfectly fine after being thrown into the washer, just as my spandex do. See, it can go either way in whatever you are wearing, no matter what your body will leave behind odors on your clothing and its up to you to make sure that it does not stay in such a smelly condition. Its either that or remove your sweat glands.

Wool is WARMER! Wool is capable of maintaining body heat, and while it dries slower than synthetic fibers it is still able to keep one’s body heat elevated without them burning up. Wool is a temperature regulator, meaning that in the cooler months it tends to retain body heat, while during the hot seasons it breathes with your body It is water resistant to a certain degree (lets not get too crazy here though, you can’t jump into a pool and stay dry) however, with smaller spills and messes there is a tendency for the liquid to drip down and simply spill off the fibers. Wool can also absorb up to 30% of its weight in water before beginning to feel wet.

Being the flame resistant fiber that it is wool will not melt into a persons skin when on fire. It is self-extinguishing, so when caught on fire it will typically only char (lets hope that fire gets contained though because you’d hate to ruin that polyester sweater of yours). Not only is it flame resistant but its super durable. Unlike other fibers that break and wear down over time, wool takes much longer to wear down.

Finally, wool is comfortable too! Every night I tuck myself away under my warm, cozy organic wool comforter and thank the stars that its available to me. In the morning I wake up just a little happier because of how cozy I am wrapped up underneath my blanket and my mood is destroyed when the realization that I actually have to see the world outside sinks in. Just another reason to sleep, I guess.

Tags green, natural, organic, wool

Healthy Lifestyles Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding Sleep Tips

Dream Soundly

So many things can have either a positive or a negative effect on a persons dreaming. One of these is the smells that surround you during bed time, and also sounds. These factors can influence what you are dreaming about, the objects and small details that make up the subconscious world. Have you ever had your alarm clock incorporated into your dream? Or have you had a dream sequence after falling asleep while jamming to a CD or watching a movie or reading a book? This is because your mind retains the subjects that these stimulants produce – imagery, music, smells. Dreaming is the the body’s sleep defense system, so that when something impacts the environment around you, your dream does whatever it can to coordinate it. There are many factors as to why you are dreaming what you are dreaming, some being hidden desires and or even simple things can dictate the narration of a dream as you walk down a scenic route because you are feeling ‘calm’ that night.

When people are stressed out they are more likely to experience nightmares or not dreaming at all. Simple solutions can be as easy as exercising or meditating. When a person is relaxed and is open to the idea of sleeping and dreaming they will most likely experience calmer dreams. When providing one’s body with the proper comfort they will fall into a deeper sleep, capable of taking them to higher ground in their dreams.

Many people do not seem to realize that REM sleep has been said to aid memory-forming and when one dreams more they find that they remember more information in their waking hours than those who do not dream (or sleep.) Once believed to be an outlet for the rage that we bottle inside of us during the day, scientists have since discovered psychological effects of not dreaming. In a study conducted by William Dement in 1960, in which subjects were awoken during REM sleep, found that they experience “mild psychological disturbances such as anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.” Correlation between dreaming and physical ability is being further studied, with strong factors supporting that it has an effect on one’s physical capabilities.

Our dreams can sometimes be read as things that pertain to our lives, and be translated for better understanding. Idea’s that consume your sleeping mind – like the falling dream, or being chased, or the realization that you are nude in front of a crowd – can be interpreted into a simple things such as having too much on your plate, or feeling spun out of control. While dreaming about flying could correspond to your new found confidence! Learn how to read your dreams and maybe it can improve your outlook on life.

What is hardest about dreaming is remembering it! If one slips into the habit of telling themselves that they will remember their dreams when they wake up and keep a journal or notepad by the bed to jot down your thoughts after waking they can help in remembering what took place in their dreams, bringing you one step closer to pin-pointing why you are so stressed.

As the body’s sleep defense it only makes sense that the deeper one may fall into sleep, the more dreams would come of it because there is more room to dream soundly in your creative mind. Dreams are very important because they help people to get in tune with their inner thoughts and emotions. If you are not sleeping comfortably and securely, than your dreams are most likely being effected by this. With the proper comfort a body is allowed to indulge in deep thought and imagination. Make sure that the mattress you are sleeping on is allowing for the proper support that your body needs.

Tags CozyPure, healthy sleeping, organic bedding

Made in the USA Organic Mattress & Bedding

Making an Organic Mattress with a Smile

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date August 23, 2013
No Comments on Making an Organic Mattress with a Smile

We’ve all heard the famous “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile”, from the popular Broadway hit musical “ANNIE”. But did you know….? Adding a smile on your face really does enhance your emotions by making you feel more positive and putting you in a better mood.

Here at Organic Comfort Zone – CozyPure® we love it when we’re smiling and find it true that a smile is a quick and easy way to bust stress on extra-hectic days. Here’s a picture taken recently to prove it.

We’re happy making an organic mattress for you, even on our most busy days!

Evidence shows that SMILING makes you happy. We believe happy workers make for a better company. Our great customer service and wonderful organic comfort products are taken to the next level of exceptional quality when we feel good about what we’re doing and when we’re happy.

YES YOU CAN TRY THIS AT HOME.
EVEN BETTER TRY THIS AT WORK!

Work can be fun. In fact, it should be fun. At least that’s how we feel because when we’re happy we do our very best… and therefore our customers get the best-of-the-best products and service we can deliver… which of course then makes our customers very happy. HA! Now that’s coming full-circle with a grin 🙂

Post by CozyPure® Organic Mattresses & Organic Bedding.

Do you find you’re happier when you smile?
Do you think you’re more productive when you’re happy at work?
If you’re not sure… then try it now.
Just add a SMILE to your face for the next hour.
Let us know what happens!

Tags be happy, organic mattress, smile, think positive, work should be fun

Natural Bedroom Organic Comfort Organic Mattress & Bedding

How Many Pillows Do You Need to Sleep Better?

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date August 14, 2013
2 Comments on How Many Pillows Do You Need to Sleep Better?

How many pillows do you need for a good night’s sleep? Are you fine with just one pillow or do you need more to get that right amount of softness and comfort? We have heard answers that range from one pillow to around six! The use (or overuse) of pillows can be a contributing factor to missing out on sleep.

If prefer to sleep with more than one pillow, make sure you don’t turn your neck at an uncomfortable angle while you sleep. Poor sleep posture can cause you to wake up with neck pain or other soreness. Incorrect use of pillows can also contribute to sleep apnea, a dangerous disorder that cuts off your breathing while you sleep.

The age of your pillows can affect your sleep as well. A dusty, old pillow that has gone flat from years of use does not provide proper head and neck support can ruin your sleep, no matter how many you pile up to sleep on.

Here are the features to look for in your next pillow:

A quality cover – A pillow cover should be durable and clean. Materials such as organic cotton are softer and allow for proper air flow. This keeps your head at a comfortable temperature and can help reduce insomnia.

Supportive filler material – The inside of an old pillow can be a home for mold, mildew and dust mites. Pure latex is resilient inner material for pillows and does not attract mites or mold. The inside of your pillow should be supportive and shape itself to accommodate your head for a customized fit.

Proper height – A pillow that is too high or low will tilt your head too far in one direction. If you are sensitive or particular to the fill, then look for the option to unzip the pillow and adjust the height by adding or removing the filling materials

Suited to your sleeping position – If you prefer sleeping on your side rather than your back, your pillow should be designed with your favorite sleeping position in mind. You may even need more than one pillow, especially if you’re a multi-tasker like our President and CEO Cheryl Hahn:

I have a larger, denser wool pillow propped up against my headboard that I angle very slightly. Then I have my regular-fill standard size LaNoodle pillow in front of that, which I use as my “primary sleep pillow”. Since I read every night before turning out the light, the larger pillow is nice for that extra support. When I’m ready to sleep, I mostly use the LaNoodle but the larger pillow angled just a little bit gives me that “wedge” type of support I like since I’m mostly a side sleeper and I can scrunch my LaNoodle Pillow to work perfectly whether I’m reading, sleeping on my side or turn on my back. Pillows are so personal and everyone has unique comfort, you just have to find what works best for you.

You may need one pillow or a combination of pillows to get your perfect sleep. Either way, you should definitely consider a pillow made from premium materials that last. Don’t sacrifice price for quality.

Cool Your Head While Sleeping – Use an Organic Pillow

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date July 25, 2013
No Comments on Cool Your Head While Sleeping – Use an Organic Pillow

Does a hot head prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep?

Having to flip your pillow over in search of that elusive cool spot is more than just uncomfortable, experts say it can contribute to insomnia and cause you to miss out on precious sleep time. This can be an even bigger problem during the summer months. Even with air conditioning, the wrong type of pillow can make your head feel hot and sweaty.

While an organic pillow can’t cure insomnia, a pillow made from organic cotton and latex can help lower the heat around your head and give you a better chance to get a good night’s sleep.

One example is the CozyPure® Pure Performance Pillow, made from a silky soft organic cotton sateen fabric. Our 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton fabric is breathable, offering more airflow and a cooler sleep than synthetic blend pillows and allowing body heat to dissipate easily.

Inside the CozyPure® Pure Performance Pillow are pure latex noodles. Pure latex does not retain heat in the same way blended foams or synthetic batting do. The spaces between the latex noodles also assist with airflow and cooling your head. They also provide support, to cradle your head and neck for individual comfort.

Organic cotton fabrics combined with pure natural fillings provide the ultimate in sleep quality and comfort.

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Organic Comfort Zone, manufacturers of CozyPure organic bedding and mattress. For more information visit organiccomfortzone.com or cozypure.com or call 757.480.8500.

Tags healthy sleeping, organic comfort, sleep green, sleep health, Sleep Tips

Green Living Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Organic Mattress & Bedding

Keep Your Organic Mattress Clean and Dust Free

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date July 16, 2013
1 Comment on Keep Your Organic Mattress Clean and Dust Free

Keeping your house clean and dust-free can go a long way to feeling and staying healthy. While you probably wipe and vacuum up the dust in your house from exposed surfaces and under your furniture, what about your mattress?

While a standard mattress can trap dust and also become a home for dust mites, the outside casing cover of a CozyPure® Performance mattress can be kept dust-free and clean with a few simple steps.

One important thing to remember is NOT to put your organic mattress casing in the washing machine. While you can toss your organic cotton sheets and blankets in the wash you can’t do the same with your organic mattress cover casing because it will tork and shrink. So how do you clean it?

The best way to clean your organic mattress casing is to remove the top panel by fully unzipping along the perimeter, then put it outside on a sunny day. The sunshine and fresh air will freshen it up and uses no energy except what the sun and fresh air produces. No chemicals whatsoever!

What if you have a stain on your mattress?

The best way to get out stains of our organic mattress covered casing or organic sheets is to spot clean with a mixture of water and white vinegar, maybe add a little lemon juice for a pleasant scent. For really nasty stains, try adding a little Dawn dishwashing liquid to the mixture. This creates an easy to make and eco-friendly homemade cleaner using simple ingredients that can help remove stains from your organic mattress cover. Just dab it on a clean cloth (or spray) and gently wipe the stain. Air-dry your mattress casing outside after you are done.

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Organic Comfort Zone, manufacturers of CozyPure organic bedding and mattress. For more information visit organiccomfortzone.com or cozypure.com or call 757.480.8500.

Tags clean mattress fabric, clean your bedroom, mattress cleaning

Miscellaneous Natural Bedroom Natural Fibers Organic Mattress & Bedding Sleep Tips

Organic Bedding Can Help You Sleep Cooler During The Summer

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date July 11, 2013
No Comments on Organic Bedding Can Help You Sleep Cooler During The Summer

It can be tough to get a good night sleep during the hot nights of the summer months. Air conditioning helps, but the wrong type of bedding can trap in too much body heat, requiring you to lower the thermostat to compensate and increasing your energy bill. Organic bedding made from breathable materials can keep you cooler than synthetic bedding during summer nights and help you get a more restful sleep.

Our CozyPure® organic cotton blankets and wool comforters are made from natural fibers, which breathe and allow your body heat to dissipate through increased airflow, unlike synthetic blend fabrics that trap heat and make you sweat.

For the summer months, you might want to try using a set of 100% organic cotton sheets – make sure there’s no polyester blend – because pure 100% cotton increases the airflow between your body and the outside air. Our CozyPure® Organic Cotton sheets offer a fresh environment for a comfortable sleep and are made with 100% GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton. You will get a cooler sleep…and a cleaner one! We use no synthetic blends, formaldehyde or chemicals.

What else can you do to keep cool during summer nights? Experts suggest you should try adjusting your thermostat in the evening and experiment with different settings to see which one works best for you. If the evening temperature is suitable, you can open a window and use an electric fan to increase airflow in your bedroom. Wearing organic cotton garments while sleeping will work with your organic bedding to increase airflow as well.

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Organic Comfort Zone, manufacturers of CozyPure organic bedding and mattress. For more information visit organiccomfortzone.com or cozypure.com or call 757.480.8500.

Tags organic bedding, organic sheets, sleep cooler

Organic Mattress & Bedding

Mattress shipping carton design & innovation

Post author By Organic Comfort
Post date April 15, 2013
No Comments on Mattress shipping carton design & innovation

Our boxes were uniquely designed by CozyPure CEO and Founder, Cheryl Hahn, to help make delivery of our mattresses easier for transportation. Since latex mattresses are very heavy, yet also somewhat floppy, there were issues in handling them throughout the entire logistic system.

“It was counter-intuitive really” says Cheryl when designing the new concept with the box company “to use the weight distribution in a different way that would work more effectively and allow the density work FOR rather than AGAINST the finished packaging. There are machines to roll-pack but I worried about compromising the integrity of our materials and knew there had to be another solution. When we make local deliveries we simply fold the mattresses and that’s when I realized we could do the same thing for freight deliveries, we just needed a box that would work. Packing our mattresses in our specially designed cartons eliminates the “floppy” factor and even allows customers to transport with a hand truck.”

The initial measurements and carton-runs in 2011 were tweaked and all sizes upgraded to double-wall strength in 2012 with added straps to protect against combustion (king size 12″ latex mattresses traveling across the country were most vulnerable). It’s been over two years using this method for shipping our latex mattresses and we’ve seen a significant reduction in damages, in fact with the exception of a very few freight-carrier related issues, damages have been eliminated.

“Our customers are pleased when they receive our mattresses. It’s easier for them to handle an assembled mattress packed this way versus compromising materials being squished into a tight roll-pack… or sending them separate components so they have to assemble the mattress themselves.”, says Hahn. “We give them a finished product ready to unpack and enjoy right out of the box.”

CP-boxes-1 — Shown here: CozyPure Queen Size 12″ thick solid latex mattress fully assembled and packed to transport on a hand truck.

Along with high-quality products, customer satisfaction is one of our top priorities, so developing this innovative carton design to ship our mattresses is something that embraces a small idea with a big impact.

Cheryl Tan from WAVY TV NEWS came out to visit us in 2012 (aired for Earth Day 2013) and you can see our packing process in this video at the 3:09 mark.

Do you find you’re happier when you smile? Do you think you’re more productive when you’re happy at work? If you’re not sure… then try it now. Just add a SMILE to your face for the next hour. Let us know what happens!

Do you find you’re happier when you smile?
Do you think you’re more productive when you’re happy at work?
If you’re not sure… then try it now.
Just add a SMILE to your face for the next hour.
Let us know what happens!