anyone tried organic or green mattresses?

[Mouse girl]

I hear, but don't know, that natural latex and the ones that have the proper certification for being actually natural latex are not as hot. There are lots of sites that explain the certification symbols for natural. I guess alot of companies sell latex billed as natural but are mixed with lots of chemicals. It's soooo complicated this natural mattress thing.

I think some beds are hotter than others, but I think the memory foam in the regular beds can be hot unless they have a "cooling" get element to them. It seems like the large latex pillow I bought recently to use as a body pillow makes me sweat less (night sweats have been a symptom for me for all the decades I've been sick). I have a poly body pillow that seemed to make me sweat more but not positive since the symptom can vary quite a bit.

I've had neck pain since I was around 12 so I don't use a pillow but have various soft blankets that I bunch up as a pillow. Depending on what's comfy for you, the good thing about using a blanket is, it's not going to get smaller with your head's weight and you can adjust it to be more or less supportive. But, other people I know, haven't liked trying a small bunched up blanket.

The mattress thing makes me feel so overly dramatic. I'm so not fussy in general but this disease makes so many things so hard. I have two more natural mattresses to replace regular ones I got online. Really nice the company offers an exchange. Neither have foam or wool which was not easy to find! One is organic and meets all the certifications, the other is just spring and cotton but not organic so it might have some chemicals. I can get away with some chemicals just don't know until it comes and I try it. The other that is organic has some plant fiber in it, just finger crossed I'm not allergic.

The twin mattresses sound kinda cute, like the old I love Lucy shows. I like the idea of having separate bedrooms (or for me, separate homes) so there is no noise disturbance or snoring or me having a weird time schedule that works for me. It's kinda strange that we grow up being taught to sleep alone, be independent, but then, boom, you marry someone and you can never ever escape! Not even when you sleep. LOL

I hope you find a good mattress @lenora .

 

[lenora]

Mouse Girl.....You went to a lot of trouble, and I thank you for your efforts. Oh, what to do, what to do? Each time I buy a mattress I swear that it gets harder instead of easier. I'm clinging to my old one and think maybe it's really not too bad, except for one thing....it is. It's just that bases have changed and this is going to turn into a whole lot of money.

Yes, I'm ultra-sensitive about heat, also. I've been trying to read every comment given about every mattress. Of course a certain percentage of them are paid to be on there, so I try my very best to discount them. I know Rod can't understand my dilemma, but he is patient about it and that's all I need. The noise thing: I did find an answer to them. Earplugs and trust me, in the beginning, I couldn't stand them. The ones I use are purple and I honestly don't know what I'd do without them. Sometimes I'll forget I have them in and will wear them around the house until it's pointed out. Try them....don't expect them to be comfortable or anything even close for about 2-3 wks. and then one night they'll just take and will feel OK. I can't sleep unless I feel they're in there. So the very best of luck. If you're sure of them you can get a lg. container of them at Walmart.

See, I couldn't tolerate a body pillow and I'm really afraid of the heat from the latex; even the "supposed" natural ones. I remember that's one of the reasons I ended up getting the one I have now. Unfortunately, this co. went out of business in the meantime. When did everything become so difficult? What a shame that you have to use blankets for your neck, although my pillow isn't much thicker than that. I'll tell you something that I bought that has made a nice difference...a silk pillowcase. Silk, not poly, as they can be washed and don't get hot at night. I'm on my 3rd one now, and have a little bag that I put it in for the wash (about $5 or less) and then let it go into the dryer or hang it up to dry....depends on how much time before bedtime. I flip the thing over and it's lovely and cool and while I don't know that it has made a difference to my hair, it has to my skin. Anyway, I do like it and it's just a thought for you.

Well, we'll have to see who gets the mattress first. I'll go to a regular store when they re-open (when...who's been lying on the bed, etc., etc.). I'll tell you how easy it is to pass something on without realizing it. I believe I told you I had shingles about 7 yrs. or more ago. I have to pull the muscle away from my spine, thus I always have sores across that area. Since I always have them, I didn't recognize anything different and we went mattress shopping one Sat. p.m. Needless to say, I didn't buy one. But my point is this: Here I was with shingles and anyone who hadn't had chicken pox could have easily picked them up IF I had been in the right stage of passing them on. I couldn't tell you whether I was or not, and of course I was covered in a long sleeved t-top so should have been OK. However, I think back to that and I know it's going to be a long time before I get a new mattress.

Thanks again, Mouse Girl, and best of luck to you in finding a good one. Trust me, I'll be looking and reading for a very, very long time. I have a feeling that you will, too. Yours, Lenora.

 

[lenora]

Hi Wishful....I should have connected again with you earlier. Medical intervention was needed here & 6 days in the hosp., during the Coronoavirus. Things are on the mend but no, I haven't addressed the hammock issue for one glaring reason (that I thought about afterwards). There simply wouldn't be room in our bedroom to put one, although the idea of having one on the porch is good, albeit there wouldn't be too much room for our many chairs that are needed when visitors arrive. I haven't even had the energy to think about finding a new one, although I have heard the Avocado (something or other) is good. My husband tells me it will have the same problems as the one we already ordered off the Internet and had to return. Truly, the fabric just bunched up when the bed was in the raised position. Fine for most people, but I'm the original Princess in the Princess & the Pea story. No, I don't want the starring role, but it appears to be mine. Thanks for checking in, I do appreciate your concern. Yours, Lenora.

 

[Wishful]

There simply wouldn't be room in our bedroom to put one, although the idea of having one on the porch is good, albeit there wouldn't be too much room for our many chairs that are needed when visitors arrive.

If a hammock would give you restful sleep, it might be worth the effort to solve the other problems. If it was the answer for blissful sleep, you could hook it up in a hallway or whatever, for the night, and roll it up for the day. Not that I'm convinced that a hammock would be the answer; just that the problems of where to put it don't seem all that hard compared to finding the perfect mattress.

I know that when my brainfog is bad, even little problems seem insurmountable. If that's the problem, ask someone else if they can think of a way to mount a hammock as an experiment.

 

[Float]

Stick new unpacked mattress out in air and sun for a day or two and it will be fine.
Non toxic mattress will only help if you have an allergy to mattresses which you may not.
Get what you liked before.
Unless you have money to burn of course.
Yes I tried them and no help at all. Nice environmental gesture though.
Do what you feel is right.

 

[lenora]

Thanks, Float, it's good to hear the experiences of others. No, the "new" mattresses don't seem to do it for me. I so want the exact old mattress that I had, but the company went out of business and it was custom made. I now have to go to a regular mattress store and try the assortment found. I can at least ask for medium-soft or soft...we'll see where that goes. I won't be up to that until sometime later this summer.

I agree, we did let the mattress from the Internet Co. air out for a few days before it went on the bed. I didn't have any problems with the smell of it.

No, as most of you I don't have money to burn and, even if I did, I wouldn't. Let me know if you've found anywhere that offers just plain old-fashioned pillows. Thanks for your response. Yours, Lenora.

 

[Wishful]

Let me know if you've found anywhere that offers just plain old-fashioned pillows.

Ahhh, a proper down pillow. I had one once, and it was wonderful, and lasted many years. They seem too expensive to gamble on now. I saw a cheap 'down' pillow locally, but then realized that it was a standard synthetic fibre pillow with some feathers stuck in it so that they could put 'down' on the label. Maybe I should try a memory foam pillow...

 

[lenora]

Hi, Wishful, if you try the memory foam pillow, let me know what you think. We did buy down pillows many years ago, but we were both allergic to them!! Who knows what they were filled with?

I've wondered about the memory foam ones, but I've also heard that it can be a hot material and I definitely can't take that. In the meantime, we have these teensy, flat things that we call pillows and won't let them out of our sight for anything. Oh, thinking about it, this may interest you....I bought a silk ( the cheap polyester "satin ones" are awful) pillowcase about 2 years ago and while I don't know if it made a difference to my hairstyle, I will say that it's nice and cool, especially if you keep turning it over. Let me know about the memory foam....anyone else with info on either a mattress or pillow filled with it? Thanks for the info, it saves me from mistakes. Yours, Lenora.

 

[Judee]

We bought our mattresses through a place called Verlo that makes them locally. We are also chemical sensitive so tend to hold onto our mattresses for a long time and these hold up wonderfully. Plus, for a delivery fee they will take the mattress back to make adjustments if need be.

Since they're only in 6 states, that probably won't be too helpful to you but I just now entered "local mattress factories" in my search engine and it brings up a bunch of local manufacturers around the US. You could try something like that. They might not be "green" necessarily but who knows some of them might offer that option (I saw a company in MA that does) or you could at least work with them for less chemical options. For us we had to ask them not to use the memory foam which contains latex which we cannot have. There was still some off gassing but not as much as we expected.

Anyway, just an idea. I do agree with @AnnieT that getting one with a return policy that allows you to change your mind or at least have them make adjustments on the mattress you purchased like Verlo does is very important.

Also another idea might be to maybe wear a long coat or something over your clothes when you try out mattresses at the store and then stuff that in a bag to wash at home when you are done. I know when I tried the memory foam one in the store the chemical worked it's way into my clothes. They were just saturated by the latex and I only lay down on it for a few minutes. Ugh.

 

[lenora]

Hi Judee,....The latex mattresses sound terribly uninviting. That's a good idea to wear a lot coat over clothing before trying a mattress. I'll tuck that away and use it.

I haven't put in the name Verlo yet, but will do so. I really should get along with getting a new mattress, my recovery may go a big faster and I may end up keeping my lower back intact. Of course not falling would also help in that dept. Speaking of which, did any of you know that coming off steroids can leave you feeling ultra-weak and falling is easier? No one bothered to tell me that and I've had at least 10 falls since January. Since they leave you feeling like Supergirl it's a bit of a shock to not even be able to sit up alone. It does go away, though.

Thanks again, Judee, I'll definitely check into Verlo and, yes, we'll take advantage of an exchange program (and I know they cost extra, but are definitely a great idea). Yours, Lenora

 

[lenora]

Hi Wishful....I haven't forgotten you, but still haven't had the energy to go mattress hunting. When I do I can count on that setting me back another few weeks.

As to the pillow thing....we also need new pillows, and they're all the same. You're head never sinks into them. I can't use down any longer b/c of allergies so that means something else. I'm planning on checking Amazon, although I have a stack of pillows in the corner (and that's with returning many of them) and don't need to add one more to a ridiculous number. I've shopped everywhere from Target to top places (online, of course) and that's one of the reasons there's such a pile of them. The one place I haven't checked is Amazon, but if I find anything I promise to let you know. You've tried so hard to be helpful, I thank you. Also, I have a column called "Chatting with Lenora".....don't ask me why I'm letting you know, perhaps you've already seen it, or perhaps you don't care. I do tend to write a lot, but it's my way and isn't going to change at this stage. I've tried, believe me, but somehow it seems that half the information is missing.

I believe you live in N. CA. I have a daughter on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge in a small town called Larkspur. They rented for a number of years, but the rentals were insane....over $100,000/yr. I can't imagine what they are now with the advent of people flocking out of the city. We're hoping to go at Thanksgiving...and I'll be so disappointed if I can't. I'll insist that my husband go, as he needs a break from me. Take good care & if I find some decent pillows, I'll be sure to let you know. Yours, Lenora.

 

[Wishful]

Whenever my pillow feels uncomfortable, I think that I should make an effort to look for a new one, including more research on the memory foam chip type. Of course, having ME means little energy for such things. I haven't checked whether Covid has put pillows in the category of 'things not available at present' for online ordering. Riding mower tires and inner tubes are, and they're sort of pillow-like, right?

I believe you live in N. CA.

Nope, central Alberta, near the 54th parallel. I had frost less than 2 weeks ago.

 

[Wishful]

Hi, Wishful, if you try the memory foam pillow, let me know what you think.

I bought one ($37 on Amazon) a couple of weeks ago. I slept well on it the first night, and it's even more comfortable with at least half the stuffing removed; I may remove more. I find it more comfortable than the standard fibre pillows. I'm happy with the purchase so far.

BTW, I noticed only a faint scent when I first removed it from its bag, but I'm in no way overly sensitive to chemicals, so YMMV.

 

[Centime Tara]

We bought a Satvaa (sp?) mattress—all natural latex and organic cotton. It’s fabulous. One side is medium, and the other one softer. Both my husband and I think it‘s the best one we’ve ever had. Expensive, but totally worth it!

 

[lenora]

@Wisfhful....thanks! KInd of you to get back to me. I have a couple of things we need from Amazon, so I may just include the pillow in the order. Good price, one can't complain. Yes, everyone says that half the stuffing needs to be removed....and I'll do that. My husband took a regular pillow that was too large for him, opened it up and there was a roll of foam in it. He then took scissors to it and removed 3 of the wraps so that it was as hard, blown-up....whatever you'd like to call it. We generally like the same type of pillow so I think I'll give it a try before ordering....early this evening for example.

Also, for those interested in mattresses, I've been too involved with specialists, tests and more to go hunting for one. We did buy one on the internet, I used it....no go, and it was sent back when the time limit expired. So, it's obvious that looking in person and trying the mattress is the only way to go (for us). I can't take any pressure whatsoever, and have taken to falling asleep while sitting in my chair and using the computer. This isn't good, either, so I'll have to force myself to stay in bed.

Again, thanks for getting back to me (us) as a lot of people find mattress and pillow hunting a nightmare. I'll remember the $37 one and will read the comments. Very kind of you. Yours Lenora.

We bought a Satvaa (sp?) mattress—all natural latex and organic cotton. It’s fabulous. One side is medium, and the other one softer. Both my husband and I think it‘s the best one we’ve ever had. Expensive, but totally worth it!

Centime Tara.....Thanks for your input, we'll look into the Satvaa brand and read what the comments are on that. I have to have surgery, so it may be awhile before I'm able to be recovered enough to get out and about. On the other hand, with this surgery I may be out and about the day after....we'll hope for the latter and we'll see. You've all been so helpful and I hope I can return the favor to each of you one day. Yours, Lenora.

 

[Wishful]

I'll remember the $37 one and will read the comments.

It was: "Mastery Mart Shredded Memory Foam Bed Pillow, Fully Adjustable Fill with Inner Zipper Case and Super Soft Removable Washable Bamboo Cover Case (Queen". ~$37 from Amazon.ca. I doubt that there's much difference between that type of pillow in that price range.

 

[lenora]

It was: "Mastery Mart Shredded Memory Foam Bed Pillow, Fully Adjustable Fill with Inner Zipper Case and Super Soft Removable Washable Bamboo Cover Case (Queen". ~$37 from Amazon.ca. I doubt that there's much difference between that type of pillow in that price range.

Thanks Wishful, I made note of the name and will be sure to check it out soon. I like the way it says "fully Adjustable Fill ." Very sweet of you to let me know. Yours truly, Lenora.

 

[YellowStranger]

Many modern mattress companies have a 100 day free trial ... so a good idea to look out for.

It's true, so you can understand whether you like it or not and not be afraid to buy it.
We also chemical sensitive and it's hard to make the right choice because the average mattress contains a cocktail of chemicals and flame retardants. Look carefully at the composition there should be only natural latex, organic cotton, wool, and bamboo.
Avocado mattresses are perfect but to my mind, they got too expensive. If you haven’t made a choice you can always look at Amazon or quality and price rating websites like this. We live in terrible times so it is necessary to save money.

It was: "Mastery Mart Shredded Memory Foam Bed Pillow, Fully Adjustable Fill with Inner Zipper Case and Super Soft Removable Washable Bamboo Cover Case (Queen". ~$37 from Amazon.ca. I doubt that there's much difference between that type of pillow in that price range.

Agree, I think it's a good pillow according to photos and description.

 

[Wishful]

and bamboo

Note that 'bamboo textiles' can include those where the 'organically grown bamboo' is processed with toxic chemicals to make rayon or other synthetic fibres.