Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding

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Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #30 on: February 22, 2009, 09:53:48 PM » by mommie

that is crazy!!! I bet they were thrilled to just give you new air chambers and be done...if I were you...I would have an air qulity test done in the room...when you removed the pad it could have spread...not to scare you...just a thought if things continue and if it was the black mold,,,thank God to your answered prayer though...crazxy ho he answerslike that!!! Cheesy

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Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #31 on: February 22, 2009, 10:02:27 PM » by herbalmom

Melie- Be sure to thoroughly wash all blankets, etc & REPLACE your pillows, etc. There WILL be mold spores in them & in something like a pillow you CAN'T wash it all out. HTH Blessings ~herbalmom

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Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #32 on: February 23, 2009, 02:08:24 AM » by WellTellMommy

Melie, Praise God He showed you the answer! I pray he'll show you exactly how and where to clean to keep the spores at bay,and that he'll provide just the right help to do it at this time in you're pregnancy. Kiss

Herbalmom, RB, or anyone else, how would I go about cheaply making a buckwheat hull futon or would that still be expensive?
This is the cheapest latex I've found...
4"latex
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O2ED0C?ie=UTF8&tag=metaefficient-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000O2ED0Cmetaefficient-20

Complete mattress
http://www.mattresses.net/quhelama.html

Would 4" latex be enough to use for a mattress or is that more like a topper?

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DD 5yo---Mom, I think we should take a camera with us when we go to Heaven, it'll be so beautiful up there.

Sherri

Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #33 on: February 23, 2009, 02:31:36 AM » by WellTellMommy

Some notes on the production of buckwheat hulls.
Buckwheat is harvested while the plant is still green. If the crop is not handled properly, there is the possibility of mold spores on the hulls. That is likely to be a problem if it is used as a pillow stuffing. The miller should be consulted so that appropriate lots of buckwheat are selected when keeping hulls for pillows.

Another potential concern is the dust from hulls and remnant flower parts. The airborne dust can be a significant allergen, also a concern with pillows. Again, consulting with the miller in advance is wise to assure that the hulls obtained are sufficiently separated from the dust. One manufacturer describes their process as "an exclusive hull cleaning process that uses screen sifting and vacuum cleaning to remove any buckwheat flour residue from the hulls." Another told me that a special beater to dislodge the dust from the hulls is needed in combination with the blower system.

Link to more information on cleaning hulls and on the potential allergic reaction.
Updated November 29, 2007

Thomas Björkman
Department of Horticultural Sciences
Cornell University
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/hort/faculty/bjorkman/buck/Buckhulls.html

Unless I found a pretty reliable source for supper cheap I would really question the mold / dust now that I've read this, I think I'll go with Latex unless anyone else has reason to still consider Buckwheat.
I would'nt even know how many lbs. to use if I tried to make one anyway.

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DD 5yo---Mom, I think we should take a camera with us when we go to Heaven, it'll be so beautiful up there.

Sherri

Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #34 on: February 23, 2009, 02:52:05 AM » by herbalmom

I have one DS that's allergic to latex & only developed the allergy in his teens & it was unexpected. Also, I got sick (I am chemically sensitive) off the outgassing from the latex mattress pads in the store when I tried taking one out of the package to check it out. THE FUMES FROM LATEX ARE STRONG WHEN IT"S NEW. Tongue

Personally, I WOULDN'T use one. Just my .02 about it. Blessings ~herbalmom

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Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #35 on: February 23, 2009, 02:56:27 AM » by herbalmom

Thanks for the info about buckwheat. I get mine from the HFS- I have to check into the cleaning process.

As far as mold (& I've heard that microscopic insects can be a problem as well) I've thought about treating it with ess oils, I just haven't decided which ones.

As far as how much buckwheat, if I remember correctly, it take 3-5 lbs to make a bed pillow.

Blessings ~herbalmom

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Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #36 on: February 23, 2009, 03:38:41 AM » by WellTellMommy

How would I figure how many lbs for a mattress,& Where would be the best place to get them?
I thought Latex was supposed to be allergy free, & non out gassing?

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DD 5yo---Mom, I think we should take a camera with us when we go to Heaven, it'll be so beautiful up there.

Sherri

Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #37 on: February 23, 2009, 08:07:00 AM » by healthyinOhio

Quote from: WellTellMommy on February 23, 2009, 02:31:36 AM

I think I'll go with Latex unless anyone else has reason to still consider Buckwheat.

Buckwheat, in my opinion, is TERRIBLY uncomfortable! I had bought buckwheat pillows and they were awful.
In the book: Is this your Child? by Doris Rapp, she recommends that those who have allergies to dust, molds, and chemicals should have mattresses that are 100% cotton and untreated. Or a 100% cotton mattress cover or one that is entirely encased in aluminum foil(that just sounds noisy!!).
100% cotton pillows or pillow cases stuffed with, you guessed it, 100% cotton towels.
Not sure if this helps or not.

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Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #38 on: February 23, 2009, 10:26:58 AM » by mhoward1999

Quote from: WellTellMommy on February 20, 2009, 05:40:31 PM

Quote from: mhoward1999 on February 20, 2009, 03:59:54 PM

The only thing I can offer about a buckwheat hull futon is that I think it would be exceptionally HEAVY! I had a pillow, and i bet the thing weighed at least three pounds.

How does it conform, does it alleviate any pains.

It conformed quite well if I rooted around on it.

I don't remember it relieving any pains. It was quite hard, which I did not like, and it conformed well enough to discourage changing positions. I would be stiff when I woke up. I don't think this is the fault of the pillow so much as my need to move a lot during the night.

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Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #39 on: February 23, 2009, 01:21:07 PM » by IMPersuadd

Quote from: herbalmom on February 23, 2009, 02:52:05 AM

Personally, I WOULDN'T use one. Just my .02 about it. Blessings ~herbalmom

I don't intend to dispute this personal experience, but all of my research has shown that a situation like this is highly unlikely and would be the exception rather than the norm. :-) The "latex" allergy is usually to a synthetic latex rather than a pure all natural latex. And most "latex" pads in a store are synthetic or even not really latex at all but some type of foam. True all natural latex is straight from the tree, not processed with any chemicals and outgassing and allergies are ALMOST nonexistent. Personally I have not found an actual mattress store that sells REAL latex other than specialty shops. The name brands all "say" they have a latex matttress but read the fine print and ask lots of questions - they are synthetic or foam or at best a foam core with a thin layer of latex on top.

There is a fair amount of decent research and info on the web if you google latex mattress that will tell you what to look for and how the different products are made. :-) We don't have the money yet for a mattress but I have switched all of our pillows and there was NO odor. We like them. If we can't afford to get a complete latex mattress, we are going to at least get toppers for all the beds. I figure better than nothing. :-)

« Last Edit: February 23, 2009, 01:32:12 PM by IMPersuadd »
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Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #40 on: February 23, 2009, 03:01:38 PM » by herbalmom

Quote from: IMPersuadd on February 23, 2009, 01:21:07 PM

Quote from: herbalmom on February 23, 2009, 02:52:05 AM

Personally, I WOULDN'T use one. Just my .02 about it. Blessings ~herbalmom

It is entirely possible that the "latex" pad I checked was part/all synthetic. It was at Target, not a place known for high end stuff. It was also several years ago so it may have changed by now. It smelled of latex though, not synthetic foam, etc- I do know the difference between the smells.

That being said, I have a very sensitive sense of smell (it goes with being chemically sensitive- one of the common symptoms is a heightened sense of smell) & many times I can smell something but the average person can't smell it. That has happened again & again over the years. It may be that a 100% PURE later topper or mattress wouldn't be a problem, I don't know. I can tell you that to me, all latex items I have come across- latex containing paint, latex gloves, etc- ALL have a strong odor & it's all the same basic smell so the latex is probably one of the things I'm smelling, not just the other things with it. Most people will do what I did though- check out the "latex" toppers at their local store thinking that since this thread recommended latex that what is being talked about.

As far as my DS's latex allergy, it developed when he was about 14 y/o (he's 23 now) what has been an issue is bandages, etc; the neck stabilization collar that was put on him when he slipped on ice a few years ago gave him hives everywhere it had touched & it contained latex; that type of thing. Bandages that are latex free don't bother him. Latex containing bandages SEVERELY irritate his skin any place the bandage touches even if it's just for a few minutes.

He's not severely allergic- the bandages don't send him into shock like latex does for some people & latex containing foods (apples, oranges & other foods I think) don't bother him- some people are so allergic to latex that even latex containing foods are life threatening, I'm thankful his isn't that bad. We don't want the allergy to get worse since a latex allergy can easily develop into a life threatening one so we don't take chances. Blessings ~herbalmom

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Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #41 on: February 23, 2009, 10:04:13 PM » by mommie

well, from personal experience and going to the store the 100% natural Green latex mattress from mattresses.net seems to be the real thing. It does have a strong smell at first, but i think that is just the latex, not from chemicals like a memory foam. I told him my concern for chemicals and he didn't not glue the fire retardant sock on...it has to be on legally. But I removed it. So now I have a 100% natural latex bed. it is 8" though and I don't think a 4" would be enough. I don't know your size, but I'm a tiny one weighing in at about 100lbs and I have the 8" and its plenty but I think the 4" would be pushing it for me. So if you and/or hubby are bigger i would highly recommend the 8" ... I have heard of folks haveing a reaction to the latex beds (allergies) but I have yet to have one of them actually talk to me about and me find out if its was a 100% latex, no fillers, foams or fire retardant chemicals.
mattresses.net does seem to have the best prices!

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Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #42 on: February 23, 2009, 10:12:33 PM » by mommie

O.kay so I'm getting ready to make a play pen mattress for my babies play pen ... so, I picked up 100% organic cotton. (it says its bonded...and it also says perfect for quilting-not sure if either of those imply chemicals?)

I also got 50% naturally antibacterial bamboo fiber and 50% organic cotton

I also got 100% PLA fiber (made from corn) batting

any ideas on safety issues of these for my baby?!

thanks

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Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #43 on: February 24, 2009, 02:14:37 AM » by WellTellMommy

What is Latex Allergy?

The protein in rubber can cause an allergic reaction in some people. The thin, stretchy latex rubber in gloves, condoms and balloons is high in this protein. It causes more allergic reactions than products made of hard rubber (like tires). Also, because some latex gloves are coated with cornstarch powder, the latex protein particles stick to the cornstarch and fly into the air when the gloves are taken off. In places where gloves are being put on and removed frequently, the air may contain many latex particles. These items are all produced using the "cold-dipped" method.

Non-skin contact products, such as mattresses and pillows, that may contain some natural rubber latex, undergo a five stage washing process which removes reaction-causing proteins while enhancing the over quality of the product. The openness of latex foam cells, allows for thorough washing. In addition, latex mattresses, toppers and pillows are manufactured by super heating the mold which vulcanizes the latex inside. These proteins cannot survive the high heat.

Complaints for allergic reactions to natural rubber latex are monitored by the FDA. To our knowledge, there has never been a single complaint over our more than 28 years of experience stemming from the natural rubber found in our mattresses and pillows. Our products have been tested by outside facilities and are shown to be inherently hypoallergenic for sufferers of mold, mildew or bacterial allergies. In addition, our mattress and pillows are resistant to dust mites and are naturally resistant to mold and mildew which are contributors to asthma and pulmonary function allergies.

http://www.mattresses.net/laalandlafom.html

I had someone tell me "one of the main reasons for SIDS is mold" which could be mattress mold. Huh

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DD 5yo---Mom, I think we should take a camera with us when we go to Heaven, it'll be so beautiful up there.

Sherri

Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #44 on: February 24, 2009, 10:06:23 PM » by mommie

So I feel like this has been discussed already somewhere, but I can't find it Huh

I think I'm gonna make my own organic "futon" for my kids. This seems to be the best and most natural ... Nearseanaturals.com they have organic "futon" stuffing for like $6/lb...NOT BAD I don't think! I currently have a question out to another company to try to get an idea for how much I would need. But those of you with organic futons...how much do they weigh you think? They also have organic cotton batting which I will use for my play pen mattresses. My hubby is gonna cut me pieces of thin wood for the backing so i can use it just like my regular fold up pack and play mattress!! They also have natural wool you could use as the fire retardant although I personally am not comfortable at all with wool. Just a thought

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Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #45 on: February 26, 2009, 07:50:06 AM » by mhoward1999

Quote from: mommie on February 24, 2009, 10:06:23 PM

... They also have natural wool you could use as the fire retardant although I personally am not comfortable at all with wool.

Why are you uncomforatble with wool, may I ask?

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Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #46 on: February 26, 2009, 08:41:55 AM » by hi_itsgwen

Quote from: mommie on February 24, 2009, 10:06:23 PM

My hubby is gonna cut me pieces of thin wood for the backing so i can use it just like my regular fold up pack and play mattress!!

You may want to research on the plywood/particle board. They use adhesives and chemicals to bond the wood together I think.

You may want to consider 1x2 untreated wood slats as a base. You could hold them together with cotton webbing stapled to each one. If you leave a bit of space between the slats, it could be rolled up for storage and moving.

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Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #47 on: February 26, 2009, 10:21:57 AM » by mommie

Quote from: mhoward1999 on February 26, 2009, 07:50:06 AM

Quote from: mommie on February 24, 2009, 10:06:23 PM

... They also have natural wool you could use as the fire retardant although I personally am not comfortable at all with wool.

Why are you uncomforatble with wool, may I ask?

All the chemicals they spray on the sheep are supposedly bad for the baby. Of course there is organic wool, but I just don't know if I trust the companies.

But I decided to go ahead and use it. Cause its either use some wool that is organic and not suppose to have those chemicals or use something that definately has those chemicals! Roll Eyes

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Re: Healthy [Non-Toxic] Mattresses & Bedding
« Reply #48 on: February 26, 2009, 10:39:07 AM » by mhoward1999

Quote from: mommie on February 26, 2009, 10:21:57 AM

Quote from: mhoward1999 on February 26, 2009, 07:50:06 AM

Quote from: mommie on February 24, 2009, 10:06:23 PM

... They also have natural wool you could use as the fire retardant although I personally am not comfortable at all with wool.

Why are you uncomforatble with wool, may I ask?

All the chemicals they spray on the sheep are supposedly bad for the baby. Of course there is organic wool, but I just don't know if I trust the companies.

But I decided to go ahead and use it. Cause its either use some wool that is organic and not suppose to have those chemicals or use something that definately has those chemicals! Roll Eyes

Okay. Thanks! I have never even thought about that aspect. More stuff to avoid. Goody. LOL!

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