But there’s a third key fabric characteristic. Conscious consumers who’ve learned about the health risks of toxic chemicals in furniture also demand fabric safety. There’s just no good reason the fabric on a new sofa or armchair should undermine your health.

Sofas without toxic chemicals

What’s even more important than the pop of color fabric brings into your home is what it does not bring. You can’t see the carcinogenic mordants used in toxic dyes, or the sprayed-on flame retardants or nanoparticle treatments that coat most upholstery—but in tiny daily doses over years of use, they migrate from furniture into your body. Medical researchers say that the accumulation of these chemicals in body tissues poses real health dangers over the long term. Cancer, obesity, infertility, thyroid disorders and developmental brain disorders such as autism and ADHD are among the increased risks identified so far.

Organic fabrics make sense

To be sure a fabric you’re considering is nontoxic and safe for your family’s health, look for certified organic fabric. That’s not a fabric merely described as “organic,” but one that is also legally certified by an independent, third-party agency. Examples of widely-recognized, reputable certifications for organic textiles are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and USDA Organic (National Organic Program). Some fabrics may also have been tested for harmful substances by Germany’s Eco Institut or Oeko-Tec. These seals ensure that organic fabrics have met stringent requirements throughout their production—including growing, processing and finishing.

Best fabric choices

Among the most appropriate organic fabrics for upholstery use are hemp and cotton (or a blend of the two). Although you could choose a delicate linen or silk, for all but the most controlled environments, organic hemp or organic cotton will perform most reliably over many years of use.

Organic Hemp

Tough as rope (its original use) and as sturdy as any manufactured synthetic, hemp fibers can be woven into a premium, long-staple textile that is very strong and even puncture resistant. Not surprisingly, this makes hemp a popular choice for couches that are frequently challenged by pet claws or jumping children. For sofas in family rooms or any high-activity area where decorum may not hold, hemp is a strong and reliable option. Its texture isn’t velvety but it’s perfectly suited for high-energy families.

Organic Cotton

Softer than hemp, organic cotton is another excellent upholstery choice. Cotton duck is made with a stronger weave than the cotton fabrics used in clothing and curtains, for example. It’s a form of fine canvas that tailors exceptionally well, and is available in a wide spectrum of decor-friendly colors.

Organic Hemp-Cotton Blend

Offering the best features of both fibers, a blend of hemp and cotton gives reliable strength plus greater comfort to the touch. Not as puncture-resistant as pure hemp and not as soft as pure cotton, the hemp-cotton blend is a fine middle ground for multi-use upholstery. This is an excellent selection for furniture you’ll use both for guests and for casual daily use.

The post Sofa Upholstery: The Fabric appeared first on Savvy Rest.

The meaning of working for a B Corp

What does it mean to you that Savvy Rest is a certified B Corp?
A B Corporation must prove it’s creating benefits for workers, the environment, and communities—not just profits. We stand by our employees and make sure that everyone is in a good position in life, not just at work. It means a lot to me that we have taken that step—it isn’t just handed out. You have to earn it.

In your work with the nonprofit you and Shawna created, the Banks Collage Basketball Association, what are some community benefits?
We bring the community together and unite people from all different walks. For example, in our league we have doctors, high school coaches from different schools, along with normal everyday citizens. Different cultures come together for good, just watching some basketball or the BCBA dance teams.

What kind of effects can these activities have?
Say you have a doctor playing and they get to know the people who’re coming out to the games. When you come to the hospital next time, the doctor is more likely to think, I know that you don’t have a lot of resources but I know you. And I care about what happens to you. It has a really positive ripple effect.

In 2009, Damien and his wife Shawna noticed their community in Charlottesville, Virginia, was becoming an unfriendly place and their local park—once home to a vibrant basketball culture—was all but abandoned. In an effort to make a positive change, Damien founded the Banks Collage Basketball Association (BCBA) hoping to bring the community together in a positive way. As the years passed, the league grew and today games now serve as a community gathering place for all to enjoy.

How it feels to be an employee owner

How is working in an employee-owned company different than other places?
You actually have an end goal when you work. You want the company to be doing well when you’re not able to or don’t want to work any more. If the company is doing well, that’s going to be to your benefit in the end.

Does it change how you feel about your work?
Your work has your name on it. It’s your company and who you represent. At another place, say if I worked at McDonald’s, I might not honestly care how much cheese I put on your burger.

How does employee ownership change your future?
It brings a lot of clarity to your end goal. At Savvy Rest, we have people who help you to understand it all, set you up with a 401K plan and so forth. We will teach you about it and train you to be good at managing your money. There are a lot of companies that don’t push the learning the way Savvy Rest does. Our team has regular meetings about it.

Originally created to give community members a safe and family-friendly outlet, the BCBA has expanded to charitable endeavors, with school supplies and winter coat drives to benefit those in need.

Now for the adventure

How’d you like your first airplane flight?
It was fun! It changed my perspective on travel. Before, I hated driving so I didn’t like going to faraway places. Any time I have a motor sound near me I get very sleepy. In the barber chair when I hear the clippers, I get sleepy! But now that I liked the airplane, I want to travel a lot.

Where did you go?
We flew to Miami, then cruised to San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. We returned to Miami after seven days on the ship.

How did you sleep?
I slept a lot because the ship rocks so much, you feel like a baby being rocked to sleep. I took two naps a day.

What else did you do on the boat?
We ate a lot. People from the TV show Top Chef cooked for us. There was some raw flounder—and beef tartare. I didn’t realize that tartare meant “raw!” But the rest of the food was great.

Did life in the ports seem different?
I felt in a way like I was in Miami the whole time, but there was a different look to it. Most of the cars were banged up from accidents, and there weren’t many stop lights. Plus, they drove on the other side of road in St. Thomas. That was different. People at the beaches were very laid back, but we didn’t see many large groups. Over here, there’ll be lots of people out together at once but there it was the middle of the week.

What was the most relaxing thing you and Shawna did?
Going to the beach in St. Thomas. It was the first time we’d ever seen water that clear. The view was relaxing, too.

Did you talk to people on the ship?
There were about 60 award winners among a couple thousand people, and we wore these Community Celebrity stoles the whole time. So we got to meet a lot of people. Everyone would ask, who are you, who do you work for, what’s your company like, and so on. I told everyone about organic mattresses, which a lot of people hadn’t heard of. I talked about Savvy Rest everywhere we went.

What was the most fun for you of the entire trip?
Being able to go to this buffet every night for ice cream at 1:30 in the morning. And the constant activity. By the time we got to our room at night we were really sleepy.

Any interesting animals?
It’s funny, but I did not see one fish the entire trip. Iguanas though—they’re like squirrels over there, in St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Those lizards were huge.

If you could bring home a message to family and friends, what would it be?
Go on a cruise at least once in your life. It’s so relaxing. The boat is nice—everything is just set out for you and all you have to do is be there. I definitely look forward to going again. We’re planning and we’re going to save up.

And this was my first flight. I was nervous at first but at one point we were flying above a storm and looking down on the clouds, and it was just amazing. I can’t wait to fly again.

The post A Surprise B-Corp Benefit appeared first on Savvy Rest.

Most elements of sofa construction are not visible to the consumer, but they can make the difference between a piece that will last a few years and one you can hand down with pride.

Any factory can assemble cheap woods, particle board, cardboard and veneers with loads of glue, and when you first try it out, that lightweight sofa might feel sturdy enough. But with use, sags and squeaks develop and in some cases even the entire frame will develop an unwelcome wobble. It’s not only played-out cushions that destin sofas and other upholstered furniture for the landfill—it’s poorly-built frames.

The Best Wood for Sofa Frames

Just as your bones hold up the rest of you, a sofa’s frame supports the entire construction—plus the weight of all the people who sit, play or rest on it for years of use. The best, strongest wood is regionally-grown, sustainably harvested hardwood, not softwood such as pine. Kiln-dried hardwood is the most reliable choice for durable sofa frames and feet.

Sofa Joints Built to Last

Traditional standards are nearly unheard-of today for most sofas and couches, which are built with far more staples than actual carpentry. But if you want a connection built to hold, nothing beats the traditional mortise-and-tenon joint that has been in use for 7,000 years. Simple, strong, and extremely reliable, the mortise-and-tenon is trusted for enduring strength not just by skilled carpenters, but even blacksmiths and stonemasons.

A high-quality sofa will rely less on staples and more on old-school joinery at all key stress points. Strong, natural jute webbing will increase the integrity and performance of the frames.

A Word About Furniture Glue

Glue is vastly overused in modern furniture construction. It’s cheap and fast for manufacturers, but relying on it too much or in too many areas sets a low standard for long-term durability. More importantly, high-formaldehyde glues and adhesives are one of the biggest sources of chemical off-gassing from furniture—and they’re toxic to your body.

Where an adhesive is required, a low-VOC, water-based emulsion will not endanger your health with off-gassing fumes. The best furniture glue options will be certified by GreenGuard, the best-known independent testing and certifying authority. Products that are certified GreenGuard GOLD meet the most restrictive standard for low chemical emissions.

The post Sofa Construction: The Frame appeared first on Savvy Rest.

What is a gel mattress?

A gel mattress is typically standard memory foam blended with a gel or gel beads made with “phase change materials.” This mattress is specifically designed for those who “sleep hot” and is marketed as having “cooling foam” or foam with “cooling chemicals.”

However, it’s hard to know exactly what’s in these gels. Synthetic foam manufacturers guard their formulas closely, so general descriptions are all consumers have to rely on.

Gel’s cooling chemicals

Phase change materials can include a host of chemicals. They are used to make mattress foams feel cooler because they have properties that transfer heat from the sleeper down into the mattress core. The effect doesn’t last all night long, but can make initial hours of sleep less sweaty. 

Although their odor is not as intense as off-gassing memory foam, a chemical smell is sometimes still noticeable with gel mattresses.

Luckily, there is a natural alternative that works even better than gel.

A healthy alternative

One of the best materials known to help the human body regulate temperature is wool. Everyone associates wool with warmth—after all, what’s a snuggly wool sweater for? Wool is a wonderful material for outerwear or winter blankets but it’s also comfortable in summer, too. (Hence, the finest men’s summer suits are made of wool.)

The secret to wool fiber’s amazing performance is that each strand is covered with microscopic “hooks” which overlap and grip adjacent ones. This forms countless tiny air pockets between the strands. And voila, a breathable material that keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Choosing a mattress or topper

If you’d like to stay away from a gel bed and are concerned about unnecessary chemicals polluting your home’s air or creating toxic dust, a natural mattress that uses wool for flame resistance and insulating comfort is a healthy, comfortable option.

Savvy Rest natural latex mattresses include an organic casing made of certified organic cotton and certified organic wool batting, which acts as a natural flame barrier.

Also, natural latex, particularly natural Talalay, is more porous and breathable than any synthetic foam or gel.

Naturally cooler sleep

If you’re excited about wool’s potential for a temperature-adaptable bed, you might also consider a wool-filled mattress topper, such as the Savvy Woolsy. Its fluffy wool fiber within an organic cotton, duvet-style casing makes a cozy addition to your mattress that won’t cause you to feel overheated.

Or if you’re really crazy about wool you can choose the wool-filled, hand-tufted organic Pastoral mattress, even topping it with a Savvy Woolsy.

Worried it’ll feel itchy? No need. Your skin won’t be in direct contact with wool on either product—it’s inside an organic cotton casing and, of course, also will be topped with your bedding.

So stay away from those chemical gels. With a Savvy Rest, you won’t be counting sheep, but you’ll certainly be thanking them. You can sleep well and keep your cool, on top of wonderful wool!

Explore our best-selling layered mattress options

Tranquility

The Tranquility is made just like the Serenity organic mattress, but with two 3″ layers of natural, organic latex.

Unity Pillowtop

The Unity Pillowtop has four 3″ layers: it is simply the 3-layer Serenity organic mattress with the Harmony latex topper on top.

Serenity

Our flagship organic mattress. Customizable for any body type with personalized combinations of Soft, Medium and/or Firm.

The post What’s in a Gel Mattress? appeared first on Savvy Rest.

They contain phthalates, a class of chemicals used to soften plastics and make them flexible. Today’s textile manufacturers can make vinyls and other plastics look and feel remarkably like fabrics by adding the right mix of chemicals, including phthalates. But the convenience of this kind of mattress protection isn’t worth its cost to your health.

Phthalates raise the risk of cancer, reproductive disorders and developmental issues. They’ve been implicated as one cause of asthma and allergies. And they’re also believed to be endocrine disruptors, according to the National Institutes of Health. That means as they off-gas or degrade into your home environment, they alter your body’s delicate natural balance of hormones. This leaves you more vulnerable to a variety of diseases over the long term.

Rubber duckies

Phthalates are risky for anyone, but this danger is especially troubling because plastic and vinyl covers or protectors are used on most crib and toddler mattresses, to which children are directly exposed to for 10 to 12 hours per day.

Because of their small size, rapid growth, and the much greater volume of air they breathe, infants and young children are much more vulnerable to the effects of household chemicals than adults are. And the earlier they’re exposed, the more years they have ahead to develop health problems.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission has outlawed the use of phthalates in infant pacifiers, soft rattles and teethers. Unfortunately, however, they’re still prevalent in most soft plastic toys and many other household items—including mattresses.

Heating up the risk

A new worry is that chemical researchers have recently discovered that higher temperatures increase the emissions of phthalates from vinyl mattress covers. Although the study focused on crib mattresses, it’s smart to assume that the same would be true for any mattress—child’s or adult’s—with this type of cover.

In hot weather or in non-air-conditioned spaces, these emissions can soar well above a common (and unhealthful) level of indoor air pollution to very unsafe levels, the researchers say. A phthalate-infused casing or cover may be convenient or cheap, but there’s much more than convenience at stake.

Better choices

If you need a moisture pad for a baby’s crib, this natural wool crib mattress pad is the best way to go. Although it’s not absolutely moisture-proof in the way plastics and vinyls are, when a wool textile is correctly woven for this purpose, moisture will bead up on its surface and not sink through. (You’d have to ignore a puddle for a very long time before it could; in normal circumstances a damp pad would have long since been changed or cleaned.)

The pad is as soft as a favorite blanket and more importantly, it’s phthalate free. Bear in mind that you can avoid other unwelcome chemicals in your baby’s bed by choosing a natural crib mattress such as the Savvy Baby.

For older children’s and adult’s beds also, natural wool mattress pads make great protectors. Wool is breathable, which adds to the comfort of any bed. Some people leave wool pads in place to protect mattresses from dust or damp, and top them with machine-washable organic cotton pads for regular laundering. Others choose either the wool or cotton pad alone. Some shrinkage must be expected if wool pads are machine washed, but with most machines, it’s not enough to compromise the pad’s function or comfort. (Most people don’t sleep on the outer inch or two of a mattress.) Still, take note of product care instructions before making your choice.

Even without kids in the house, a sloshed cup of coffee or aging pet on the bed might at some point mean an unfortunate accident. But when there’s little risk of moisture, an organic cotton pad could be all you’ll need.

You can sleep comfortably and protect your mattress investment—without exposure to phthalates.

The post Phthalates In Your Bed? appeared first on Savvy Rest.

Here are six reasons platform beds have become such a popular trend.

1. No “spacer” needed

No boxspring or foundation is needed to support a mattress on a platform bed. Strong, closely-spaced slats support the mattress, or in some cases a solid platform. Many design-minded people also appreciate the sleeker, less bulky profile these beds offer. Note that slatted designs provide better air circulation for mattresses than solid platforms do.

2. The height you like

Many (but not all) platform beds are closer to the floor than traditional styles. This increases the perceived height of the ceiling and can make a bedroom feel more spacious. But don’t worry—if you still want regular bed height to ease getting in and out, or just prefer it for your decor, you can find many platform models designed to standard height. (Also see A Note on Bed Height, below.)

3. A natural look

The simplicity of a lower bed is reminiscent of Asian decor, and for many people it conjures up a more grounded, elemental atmosphere for sleep. Something about rolling to your feet from a low platform bed makes heading for the yoga mat or into your morning stretch routine feel right. Many platform bed designers incorporate natural materials and nontoxic finishes that enhance a natural bedroom theme.

Learn more about our natural platform beds

4. Simple storage

Some platform beds are available with optional or built-in drawers or shelves under the bed. These maximize storage and help you reduce bedroom clutter—an important measure for sounder, more restful sleep. You might even use underbed drawers instead of a separate dresser, whether because you like a minimalist aesthetic or simply want to increase floor space in a small bedroom.

5. Strength and durability

Unlike a boxspring, which will sag in time as its coils lose strength, a well-built platform bed will last indefinitely and support generations of sleepers. It’s important that the slats be thick enough to support the combined weight of mattress and people, and that the frame’s connectors be strong. Avoid glue and staple construction, which often develops squeaks. Choose high-quality materials and construction and your platform bed should last for many, many years.

6. Adaptable to your budget

Depending on the manufacturer, materials and design, platform beds can be inexpensive or high-end. Their simple function makes them a versatile opportunity for furniture designers. There are countless styles available, from basic models with or without headboards to dazzling concepts for a contemporary home. What’s most important is to choose a brand that is well made from beautiful, reliable materials.

That’s your platform bed primer. Enjoy your new bed, and remember, too—a platform bed is a perfect support for a natural latex mattress. That’s the very best “foundation” for a good night’s sleep!

A Note on Bed Height: Do you love your non-platform bed or frame but just wish you could change the height? You can! A Savvy Rest foundation can be customized to any height between three and 12 inches. (Five- or 9-inch foundations are standard.) Or, if you’re enjoying the comfort of a new mattress topper but not the inches it adds, a custom foundation can create or restore the exact bed height you need.

The post 6 Reasons to Love a Platform Bed appeared first on Savvy Rest.

For some people, lying down to go to sleep might as well be setting off on a brisk midnight hike. Feet will kick, legs will “crawl,” or the whole body may suddenly jerk. Sometimes even the arms are affected.

If it’s mild and occasional and doesn’t impede your sleep, a little bedtime body restlessness is nothing to worry about. But for many people, symptoms such as these can be frustrating.

Depending on cause and degree, they may also carry real health risks—heart problems from increased blood pressure, not to mention insomnia, frequent awakenings and restless sleep.

So if you’re regularly troubled by creepy-crawly limbs or strange body movements at night, it’s important to check with your doctor. A correct diagnosis matters, and there are treatments and lifestyle changes that can help.

Here’s a quick overview of some—but not all—possible causes.

1. Restless Legs Syndrome

An occasional urge to move your legs is normal. But if you feel a repeated, intolerable sensation in your legs of creeping, crawling, tingling or burning that is only—and only temporarily—relieved by moving them, that might be Restless Legs Syndrome, or RLS.

The incidence of RLS is as hard to pin down as those twitchy legs. A recent study found the syndrome in about two percent of subjects, but noted that people who take estrogen or have obstructive lung disease have greater risk. Many people who had “growing pains”—nighttime aching of the legs—in childhood have RLS as adults.

2. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

A companion to RLS in 80% of RLS cases, periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) refers to involuntary movements—often described by bed partners as jerking—of the limbs during sleep.

The sleeper may be unaware that legs or arms are flailing, but will awaken frequently during the night and seldom feel rested or restored in the morning.

Daytime fatigue or sleepiness are common effects of PLMD, which also occurs in over 35% of people aged 65 and older.

3. Myoclonus

Myoclonus, or myoclonic jerk, is the term for brief, involuntary twitches of a muscle or group of muscles. It’s called a “hypnic jerk” when it happens as you fall asleep.

What’s distinct about this kind of movement is that not only is the sudden jerk involuntary, but it’s often followed by a disturbing sensation of free-falling through space. Some scientists speculate that in evolutionary terms, it might be related to when early humans slept in trees to be safe from predators—the jerk would awaken them in time to avoid falling.

Another form is the ordinary hiccup. Myoclonic jerks are often normal, but in some cases may be cues to certain neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or multiple sclerosis (MS). They can also result from some kinds of injury to the spine.

4. Iron deficiency anemia

When iron levels become too low, often RLS symptoms will appear. It’s critical not to just start popping iron supplements, however—too much iron is dangerous. Iron overload can increase your risks of heart disease and cancer.

A healthy range of iron, or serum ferritin, lies between 20 and 80 ng/ml (nanograms per milliliter). Below 20, you are iron deficient, and above 80, you have an iron surplus. The only way to know is to ask your doctor to test your blood for serum ferritin levels, and follow recommendations carefully.

It’s not a DIY

Because sometimes they’re simple and sometimes complex, finding out what issues underlie your nighttime movements should not be an occasion for self-diagnosis.

See your doctor and describe the symptoms you have in as much detail as you can. Keeping a sleep log for a week or two before your appointment can be helpful, too—take it along to give your doctor the clearest picture possible.

A range of solutions

Your doctor may recommend a sleep study for a detailed analysis of what’s happening in your body and your brain. (You spend the night in the study facility and sleep with some electrodes taped to your head and an oxygen sensor on a fingertip.)

Bear in mind that in some cases, lifestyle solutions might reduce your symptoms enough that medication or more complicated treatments won’t be necessary.

Exercising regularly, losing excess weight, avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the evening, and reducing stress are among the choices you can make to sleep more soundly—and hopefully, do the hiking in your dreams.

While you’re at it, consider whether a customized natural mattress might also be a valuable good-sleep aid. Sometimes the perfect level of support or cushioning—or both—can make a big difference in the quality of your sleep. It won’t cure medical problems, but being truly comfortable is always a bonus for your rest.

The post 4 Possible Causes of Thrashing & Twitching In Your Sleep appeared first on Savvy Rest.

People who sleep on mattresses and pillows made with memory foam or other synthetic foams may suffer mysterious morning headaches or migraines for years, going from doctor to doctor for help. In some cases, what they—and the doctors—may overlook is that what they’re sleeping on might be causing the problem. So if you often wake up with a headache, read on.

Embalming, anyone?

What’s in common mattress foams? Good question. Most synthetic foam formulas are proprietary (i.e., secret) and it’s hard for the ordinary consumer to understand the risks involved with various chemical ingredients, even when some are disclosed.

Some foam chemicals are well known, however, with no confusion about their dangers. Formaldehyde, for example. A carcinogen, formaldehyde is responsible for much of the acrid chemical smell that comes off new mattresses–including memory foam products. It continues to off-gas even after the initial odor is gone. And according to the CDC, “Exposure to formaldehyde might increase the chance of getting cancer even at levels too low to cause symptoms.” It’s best known for respiratory and eye irritation, but headache is also a common reported symptom.

If the fact that it causes cancer isn’t off-putting enough, perhaps pondering that formaldehyde is used to embalm dead bodies might provide a clue. This is not something you want to be close to for the years you’ll be sleeping—and breathing—atop your mattress!

More chemical culprits

Another dangerous chemical in many mattress foams is diisocyanates. The MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheet) for these compounds describes them as having a sweet aromatic smell known to cause eye and throat irritation and, you guessed it—headaches. They are also described as highly toxic.

Need more? Well, it may make your noggin hurt, but you could also think about methylene chloride, which makes up over 98 percent of the total HAP (Hazardous Air Pollutant) emissions from the foam industry. In addition to causing short-term nose and throat irritation, this compound affects industry workers long term. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, and memory loss are known effects, and studies indicate that inhaled methylene chloride affects the liver, kidney, and cardiovascular system. As a person sleeping on a mattress, you’re not inhaling the same amounts as a foam factory worker, of course, but you are exposed to small amounts that can have cumulative effects in time.

Relieve a headache, relieve your mind?

You might wait until all the slow-as-molasses research is done and tied with a bow, proving either that synthetic foams are safe for you to sleep on and breathe near, or…oops…that they’re not. Many consumers, however, once they realize that sleeping for years on a mattress means long-term, low-level exposure to whatever chemicals it’s made of, are deciding that’s a worry they’d rather sleep without.

A better choice is to consider a mattress made with natural materials—such as natural latex foam, organic cotton and organic wool—and without those risky chemicals.

Everyone is different and there are many possible causes of headache. So bear in mind there’s no guarantee that a new organic mattress and pillows will cure your throbbing head. Chances are very strong, though, that they will increase your peace of mind.

The post Morning Headache from a Mattress? appeared first on Savvy Rest.

Toppers for Hip Pain

If you wake up with stiff, sore hips—your mattress is most likely too firm. You might also be a side sleeper or tend to stay in one position for most of the night.

When your body is under constant pressure from a too-hard surface, circulation is compromised as the tiny veins called capillaries collapse. That often creates hip soreness and aches, with discomfort at its worst in the mornings. Underlying problems such as arthritis of the hip, of course, may compound the misery.

A soft, natural latex mattress topper can make your bed feel new and your hips much more comfortable. Customizable toppers allow you to choose the type of latex or even the degree of softness you’d like; others add casings made of stretchy, knitted fabric for a luxurious, embracing feel.

Toppers for Shoulder Pain

When you’re on your side, the greatest amount of torso weight is borne by your shoulders. When a mattress has a shallow memory foam or cold gel surface, or features “perimeter support” (extra-stiff foam around the edges)—side sleeping can become very uncomfortable. Broad-shouldered people often experience soreness, stiffness and tingling. And they miss out on how comfortable a sleep surface can be when it accommodates the widest parts of the body.

A mattress topper in soft natural latex allows shoulders (and hips) to sink in just enough to relieve the pressure while still keeping the spine aligned. If a topper is too thick, however, back support may be compromised. A 3″ to 4″ natural latex topper provides enough cushioning to make side sleeping comfortable again without destabilizing the spine.

If you prefer moderate softness, a duvet-style topper can add deluxe cushioning without the uber-pillowy feel. Wool-filled toppers offer dense but breathable comfort that feels quite different from foams.

Learn more about our organic mattress toppers

Natural Savvy Woolsy

Add pillowy softness to your mattress with three inches of domestically-sourced, natural wool.

Vitality

The luxurious Vitality is one 3” layer of Soft natural Talalay latex in a certified organic cotton knit casing.

Harmony

The Harmony is one 3” layer of Soft natural latex in the Savvy Rest organic casing. (Added to the Serenity, it creates the Unity Pillowtop.)

Toppers for Back Pain

Many people who have had “slipped” (herniated) disks or other nerve injuries to the back will endure very hard mattresses in order to keep their spines stable during the night. It makes sense, as the electric pain of sciatica can be acute. But there are better solutions.

Generally, a very deep or ultra-soft mattress topper, while it may feel wonderful for a few minutes in a showroom, is a risky choice for people with severe back pain. After a few nights or weeks, the pain may flare up again. Pain that results from injury or disk problems can be re-triggered by toppers that allow a back sleeper to “sink in” too far.

But even people with these back issues can enjoy a more comfortable mattress, with a fiber-filled topper that’s not too thick. A 3″ wool-filled topper will gently cushion the mattress, improve air circulation and reduce heat build-up beneath the sleeper. These toppers won’t compromise spinal support.

Simple pressure point areas in the back, such as over the tailbone, can be relieved by almost any topper. You can choose whichever style appeals, and any depth that feels comfortable.

A Note on Memory Foam Toppers

The contouring reaction of this synthetic foam occurs when your body heat sets off a chemical reaction within the foam. It’s a molding, almost clasping feel that some users compare to sleeping in damp sand. If you’ve never encountered memory foam before, the novelty of the sensation can feel exhilarating—at first.

Apart from the toxic chemicals, another downside of memory foam toppers is that the foam not only requires trapped body heat to create its close-fitting feel—but also to maintain it. This means that every time you shift or adjust position during the night, your body has to re-heat the foam to make it feel good again. The full response can take up to 15 minutes, so many people find that despite its gadget-y appeal, memory foam makes sleep more restless.

Natural latex is more supple, more breathable, and safer for your health than memory foam, hybrid foams or gels.

You might also enjoy…

The Right Mattress Firmness For You

One of the questions we always make sure to ask our customers is whether they sleep on their back, stomach or side. This is one of the most important factors when trying to determine the right mattress feel for you. There is nothing more uncomfortable than sinking into a mattress when you want a firmer feel or feeling like you’re sleeping on a rock when you want a mattress that will gently hug you. Here’s what you can do.

The post Choosing a Mattress Topper appeared first on Savvy Rest.

Pillows for children

Small children, most experts say, shouldn’t really be using a pillow at all. Their skeletons are still forming and their necks are delicate. An over-stuffed or too-high pillow could affect proper development. That said, there’s no harm in some moderate support if your child prefers a pillow.

Look for a low, slim pillow made of sturdy but breathable material. And choose the smallest size, regardless of bed size.

Savvy Rest customizable pillows are an excellent option since you can remove as much of the pillow fill as you’d like. Available in organic kapok, shredded latex, wool, and a wool-latex blend.

Pillows for neck pain

Because neck length, shoulder width, weight and many other variables affect neck pain, this search requires patience. You may have a few disappointments, but these tips will help you find the right neck pillow sooner.

If you’re drawn to a contoured neck pillow (with a rolled edge and head-cradling hollow), be aware that different manufacturers make these in different shapes. If you can, purchase one from a store that will allow you first to try it out while lying down. Linger long enough to relax as deeply as you can, so you’ll sense whether your neck pain is easing or is aggravated.

Another option is a customizable loose-fill pillow that you can adjust to create the exact volume that feels most comfortable. A shredded latex pillow may be a good fit.

Pillows for back sleepers

Most back sleepers need fairly solid support, and some need considerable pillow height.

For most, a formed foam pillow just thick enough to keep your neck evenly aligned with the rest of your spine is a great option.

Pillows for side sleepers

Many side sleepers get so comfortable in this position that they move very little during the night. For most, a fairly thick pillow that fills the neck-to-shoulder area without overextending the neck will be the most comfortable. Depending on the length of your neck and width of your shoulders, your just-right height will vary.

Consider also adding a body pillow to drape an arm and leg over. The extra support can help tight back muscles relax.

Pillows for stomach sleepers

Tsk, tsk. Most sleep experts (and chiropractors, too) advise determined stomach sleepers to avoid a pillow, period. Or at least, use the lowest pillow possible. When you’re face-down on your stomach, your chin tilts your head back, which strains the neck. Even with your head turned to the side, stomach sleeping puts extra stress on cervical vertebrae.

If you just can’t relax without burrowing into a pillow, the best approach is either to choose a soft, very low pillow, or a customizable loose-fill style that you’ve emptied of a good deal of its contents. This will help your neck remain more aligned with the bed’s surface, reducing neck and shoulder strain.

Pillow perfection is a passion for Savvy Rest, and pillow selection is, too. Check out these formed and customizable styles, to see which might be right for you.

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