• Mattress: The Love and Sleep Mattress by Nest Bedding is one of the most affordable non-toxic mattresses (a queen-sized mattress costs about $600). The mattresses are handmade in the USA and ship quickly.
• Comforter/Duvet: 100% Yak Wool Duvet by Healthline. Yak wool is ultrawarm & hypoallergenic. See this article for more details.
• Comforter Cover: 300 Threadcount Organic Cotton Sateen Duvet Cover by Coyuchi
• Sheets: 300 Treadcount Organic Sateen Sheet Set by Coyuchi or Magnolia Organic Cotton Sheets
• Pillow: 100% Natural Latex Pillow by OrganicTextiles
• Mattress Topper: Serenia Natural 100% Natural Latex Topper or Pure Green 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper by Sleep On Latex
• Mattress Topper Cover: Sleep On Organic Mattress Topper (80% Organic Cotton, 20% Polyester)

All of these bedding items are non-toxic, and hypoallergenic (meaning they won’t trigger allergies).

The blankets and sheets are also thermal regulating (meaning they help your body at an optimum temperature).

I have all of the products in my bedroom and have enjoyed them over the years.

Why Choose Non-Toxic Bedding?

We spend about one-third of our lives in bed. So choosing the right bedding is quite important. Our body also regenerates itself during sleep, and we absorb substances through our skin and our lungs during this process.

To create a non-toxic bed we must ensure that the mattress, pillows, and sheets are free of toxins. Specifically, the aim here is to avoid:

• Fire-retardant chemicals (PBDEs)
• Formaldehyde
• Boric acid
• Toxic dyes
• Bleaches
• Pesticides & herbicides

Most conventional bedding contains many of these contaminants. Unfortunately, some chemicals are even deliberately introduced, such as the fire-retardant chemical PBDE (or “Polybrominated Diphenal Ether”). To buy a mattress in the U.S. that is free of the PDBE, you need permission from a doctor. This is even though PBDE has been banned by Europe, Canada, California, and the state of Washington.

It’s also a good idea to avoid synthetic materials. Natural fibers allow for changes in body temperature, because they do not reflect heat and because they can absorb moisture.

More Information

The rationale for choosing chemical-free, organic bedding can be found in the book Sleep Safe In A Toxic World (this book is a great source of information).

See also the activist website People For Clean Beds.

The post The Best Natural & Non-Toxic Bedding appeared first on Reactual.

Also available is the junior version, which is smaller and less expensive.

Another reliable budget choice is the Winix 5500-2 — this inexpensive filter is designed for odor removal.

Most air purifiers are designed to remove particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander from your home. However, the technology that makes for a good allergy machine is not similar to what you’ll need to remove odor.

Odors are gas molecules smaller than 0.3 microns, and many are as small as 0.001 microns. This means that particle filters (HEPA filters) will not trap the gas molecules because they are too small.

So basically, almost all the air filters on the market will remove little or no odor from the air.

These are the products that eliminate odors:

• An air filter that contains a lot of activated carbon, which is very good at adsorbing odors
• An air filter with zeolite, which is a natural mineral that is very good at adsorbing things
• For very problematic odors, you can use an ozone generator — ozone is active oxygen that breaks up odors quickly — but ozone is dangerous to inhale — so this generator should only be used in vacant homes when necessary

Other filtration methods work more gradually:

• You can put bowls or satchels of activated carbon, zeolite, or binchotan in a room — these raw materials will slowly absorb odors over time
• You can grow indoor plants in a room — they will clean the air gradually — see the book How To Grow Fresh Air for more information

But, if you want to remove odors quickly, these are my filter recommendations:

The Most Effective Odor Filter: Healthmate HM-400

I recommend the Healthmate HM-400 as the most effective filter for removing indoor odors. This filter uses 15 pounds of activated carbon and zeolite to remove odors and gases. It also includes another HEPA filter certified to remove 99.97% of all particles in the air over 0.3 microns.

Many filters remove particles from the air but are ineffective at odor removal. The Healthmate HM-400 is designed to remove odors, chemicals, and gases from the air. It incorporates 15 pounds of activated carbon and zeolite into the filter media. The sheer size of this material allows this filter to remove odors from the air quickly.

The Healthmate is also one of the cheapest to run in the long term because the replaceable filter is designed to last five years (most air filters require annual filter media replacement).

These filters are made in Buffalo, New York, and come with a 5-year mechanical warranty.

I’ve tested the Healthmate HM-400 in my home using a TES Air Quality monitor. This monitor measures VOCs or “Volatile Organic Compounds”. Put simply — VOCs are all the odor-producing chemicals suspended in the air. In my few informal tests, I found that the Healthmate could remove all traces of smoke odors from a room in about 45 minutes. I will be conducting further tests in the coming months.

The Best Budget Air Filter For Odors

If you need a budget air filter, consider these reliable filters that you can find for under $300:

• Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier: this filter contains carbon granules for odor removal and also produces ions for odor reduction — Winix is a reliable filter brand that has been in business since 1973 — the filter costs about $180
• Winix NK105: A WiFi-enabled filter from Winix that also contains a carbon-filter element — costs about $220

Best For Removing Embedded Odors

If you need to remove stubborn odors such as deeply embedded cigarette odors, I recommend using an Ozone Generator. These generators produce ozone gas which permeates everything in a room and effectively eliminates any odors present.

These devices sell for about $70. Important note — an ozone generator should not be used as a general air filter. Ozone will damage your lungs. They should only be used for odor “emergencies” and when a house is vacant.

Link: Ozone Generator

The post Three Air Filters That Remove Odors In The Home appeared first on Reactual.

In terms of heat retention and the ability to be used as filling, these are the warmest fibers by weight:

• Qiviut [Musk Ox Wool]
• Yak Wool
• Alpaca Wool
• Camel Wool
• Sheep’s Wool

For more details, see my article explaining why these wools are ultrawarm.

After testing duvets filled with Camel, Alpaca, and Merino wool, I found that Camel wool is indeed the warmest inside a comforter.

All of these wools contain no lanolin so they are hypoallergenic and odorless.

They have good moisture “wicking” properties. This means that moisture is absorbed by the fiber. This keeps sweat away from being released to the outside of the duvet.

This is the duvet I found to be the warmest:

The absolute warmest duvet on the market is the Qiviut duvet:

Alpaca Duvet

This Alpaca duvet I have tested and it is also very warm:

• Ave Maria 400 GSM Alpaca Wool Duvet/Comforter

The post The Warmest Wool Duvets (Qiviut, Alpaca and Camel Wool) appeared first on Reactual.

I have focused on blankets that are made of ultrawarm fibers like yak and cashmere. I’ve only listed blankets that contain at least 50% ultrawarm fibers.

See this article for a discussion about the advantages of these fibers — there’s also a summary at the end of the article.

Cashmere Throw Blankets

• 75% Cashmere & 25% Merino Throw Blanket by Cuddle Dreams – 73″ by 50″ – 470 GSM – $169
• 100% Cashmere Throw by State Cashmere – 100% pure Inner Mongolian cashmere – 60″ by 50″ — $200
• 100% Cashmere Travel Wrap by Love Cashmere – 65″ by 35″ (88cm by 165cm) – $259

Baby Alpaca Wool Throw Blankets

• 100% Baby Alpaca Wool Two-Sided Throw Blanket by Inca Fashions – 70″ by 51″ – $230
• 100% Baby Alpaca Blanket by Maloca Alpaca – 71″ by 51″ – $195
• 100% Baby Alpaca Throw Blanket by Inca Fashions – 71″ by 51″ – $180
• 100% Superfine Alpaca Blanket by Alpaca Warehouse – 90″ by 80″ – $150

Mohair Throw Blankets

• 100% Mohair Blanket by Brun De Vian-Tiran – 55″ by 71″ – $338
• 100% Mohair Blanket by Alpaca Blankets Co. – Queen – 102″ by 102″ – $435

Merino Wool Throw Blankets

• 100% Merino Wool Throw Blanket by Spencer and Whitney – $72

The post The Warmest 100% Wool Throw Blankets appeared first on Reactual.

Wool is a natural material that includes a crimp, which helps to hold in more heat than a material with an open weave. It also provides natural insulation.

They way in which a fabric holds moisture is also important. Natural fibers like wool, silk and cotton will all absorb water, whereas synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon do not.

Absorbent fabrics will tend to keep you quite comfortable, wicking moisture away from the skin and leaving a layer of warm, dry air.

These are the warmest 100% wool blankets available on the market:

Wool Blankets

• 100% Wool Blanket by Poyet Motte (France) – 33 microns/350 gsm (grams per square meter) – $146 (king size)
• Eco-Wise Washable Wool Blanket by Pendelton (USA) – $248 (king size)
• Princess Summer Weight 100% Merino Heirloom Blanket by John Atkinson (UK) – 90″ by 109″ – $258 (king size)
• Aristocrat Blanket, Cashmere and Lambs Wool Heirloom by John Atkinson (UK), King, 100″ by 109″ – 15% cashmere and 85% pure merino lambswool – $391 (king size)
• Baron Blanket, 100% Merino Wool Heirloom by John Atkinson (UK), King, 100″ by 109″ – $434 (king size)

Cashmere Blankets

• 100% Cashmere Blanket by Cashmere Boutique – 4 ply “A-grade” cashmere – 108″ x 90″ (king size) — $749
• 100% Cashmere Blanket by Himalayan Trading Company – 100% twill weave 2-ply Cashmere – 90″ x 108″ Size – $440

Camel Wool Blankets

• The Ispahan Blanket by Brun De Vian-Tiran – 100% camel wool, 530 g/m², king size (240cm by 260 cm), $1665
• The Khokan Blanket by Brun De Vian-Tiran – 100% camel wool, 390 g/m², king size (240 cm by 260 cm), $864
• 100% Baby Camel Hair Blanket by CashmereWool It – 400 g/m² – King Size – 108″ x 88″ – $1037

The post The Warmest 100% Wool Blankets For The Bed appeared first on Reactual.

The pillows don’t require cleaning or fluffing like feather pillows. Latex also has natural antimicrobial properties — it resists dust mites, mold, and mildew.

Natural latex is mostly harvested in South East Asia. Trees are tapped for latex by cutting a groove in the bark of the tree. It is a renewable process — each tree can produce latex for 20 years.

Here are some 100% organic latex pillows:

100% Natural Talalay Latex Pillow by Juvea

100% Natural Talalay Latex Pillow by Juvea.

Juvea pillows are manufactured in Shelton, Connecticut. 100% natural latex is OEKO-TEX Class 1 Baby Safe.

“Product Class I” is the strictest of all four classes in the OEKO-TEX® certification process, testing products for children up to the age of three for harmful substances. The additional requirement for saliva resistance means that colors and prints should not bleed or stain when babies suck on them.

Check out their Big Daddy pillow.

100% Natural Latex Pillow by Organic Textiles

100% Natural Latex Pillow by OrganicTextiles — 100% organic cotton cover, GOTS certified, handmade in Southern California.

GOTS is a textile production certification that limits the use of toxic bleaches, dyes, and other chemical inputs during the production process of textiles. It is internationally recognized as the toughest organic textile standard because it goes far beyond verifying the organic farming process to include every step of manufacturing. To obtain the GOTS “organic” label, a product must:

1. Contain at least 95% organic fiber
2. Not be treated with bleach, formaldehyde, or any other toxic substances
3. Be colored with nontoxic dyes
4. Be produced in a mill that enforces strict social and environmental standards

Natural Latex Side Sleeper Pillow by Sleep Artisan

Side Sleeper Pillow by Sleep Artisan — Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified — made in California — all parts made in the USA.

Natural Latex Body Pillow by Sleep Artisan

Sleep Artisan Body Pillow by Sleep Artisan — handmade in California — all parts sourced in the USA — produces near-zero waste and follows green manufacturing processes.

Natural Latex Body Pillow by The Right Pillow

Natural Latex Body Pillow by The Right Pillow. This pillow is made with 100% organic latex crumbles, and 100% organic cotton cover. Created and designed in the USA.

Double-Sided Natural Latex Body Pillow by Yana

Double-Sided Body Pillow by Yana — organic bamboo cotton cover, natural latex fill — washable

Organic Latex Pillow by Naturepedic

Organic Serenity Latex Pillow by Naturepedic

This a flippable pillow — there’s a quilted side for a smoother, less “sinking” feel — stretchy side for more depth — washable.

See also the Dream Pillow by Naturepedic. It’s flatter and firmer than the Serenity pillow.

Natural Latex Low Pillow by LuxLine

Natural Latex Low Pillow by LuxLine — a combination of firm support & low profile pillow.

Slim Sleeper Thin Latex Pillow by Elite Rest

Slim Sleeper Thin Latex Pillow by Elite Rest — a low profile natural latex pillow — 100% latex covered in 100% organic cotton cover.

100% Organic Knobby Massage Contour Latex Pillow

100% Organic Knobby Latex Pillow by OrganicTextiles— organic cotton cover — certified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) Certified — made in India

The post 100% Organic Latex Bed Pillows — GOTS and GOL Certified appeared first on Reactual.

100% Organic Wool Comforter by Delara

This 100% Organic Wool Comforter by Delara

This comforter is filled with New Zealand wool. It is GOTS-certified in the USA and OEKO-TEX-certified. This comforter comes with a 100% organic cotton sateen cover.

Link: Delara Website

100% Natural Wool Comforter by Sleep and Beyond

This Natural Wool Comforter by Sleep and Beyond is filled with 100% Shropshire wool. Shropshire wool is known to be light, elastic, and fine to the touch.

The wool undergoes a sustainable “biowash” treatment that makes the fiber washable and not shrinkable. The comforter is encased in an unbleached cotton percale cover.

Sleep and Beyond say they use “only 100% organic merino wool, 100% natural Shropshire wool, organic and natural cotton, and natural latex”. The company raises its merino sheep in the Kyrgyz Republic. They are a fair trade employer.

100% Alpaca Wool Comforter by Ave Maria

This is a 100% Peruvian Alpaca Wool Comforter by Ave Maria.

Alpaca wool is one of the warmest fibers that can be used to fill comforters.

Ave Maria is based in Lima, Peru, and gets their wool from alpacas naturally grazing in the ranges of the Andes Mountains in Peru, at altitudes of 3000 meters or higher above sea level.

The company says “no pesticides, chemicals, dyes, or bleaches are used, and the naturally dry and clean fill prevents dust mites and other allergens from settling in.”

The comforters come with a 100% organic cotton cover.

The wool also contains no lanolin so they are hypoallergenic and odorless. They have excellent moisture “wicking” properties. Body moisture is absorbed by the fiber, keeping sweat away to be released to the outside of the comforter.

Alpacas are kept in herds that graze in the mountains of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile.

Link: Ave Maria website.

The post Comforters Filled With 100% Organic Wool appeared first on Reactual.

• Ave Maria 400 GSM (grams per square meter) alpaca wool
• Inca Fashion: 450 GSM alpaca wool
• Pacific Alpacas: 400 GSM alpaca wool (ships from New Zealand)

Alpaca wool is one of the warmest fibers that can be used to fill comforters.

The wool also contains no lanolin so they are hypoallergenic and odorless. They have excellent moisture “wicking” properties. Body moisture is absorbed by the fiber, keeping sweat away to be released to the outside of the comforter.

Alpacas are kept in herds that graze in the mountains of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile.

Here are more details on alpaca wool comforters I’ve found:

Ave Maria Alpaca Comforters (Peru): 400 Grams Wool Per Square Meter

Ave Maria is based in Lima, Peru and get their wool from alpacas naturally grazing in the ranges of the Andes Mountains in Peru, at altitudes of 3000 meters or higher above sea level.

The company says “no pesticides, chemicals, dyes, or bleaches are used, and the naturally dry and clean fill prevents dust mites and other allergens from settling in.”

The comforters come with a 100% organic cotton cover.

Alpaca wool weight: 400 GSM (grams per square meter)

Sizes and prices:

• King — 104″ x 92″ (234 x 264 cm) — $345
• Queen — 88 “ x 92″ (224 x 234 cm) — $330
• Twin —  68 “x 88” (173 x 224 cm) — $280

The comforter are available here on Amazon.

Link: Ave Maria

Inca Fashions Alpaca Comforters (USA): 450 Grams Wool Per Square Meter

Inca Fashions makes comforters in the USA from imported fibers. They are a licensed provider of alpaca garments by the International Alpaca Association (IAA).

The company says “We use the warmest super fine alpaca instead of baby or royal baby alpaca, which can ball up or felt upon washing,”

Inca Fashions offers the heaviest alpaca comforters of the three listed here. Their Heavyweight Comforter offers 450 grams of fiber per square meter.

The comforters come with a 100% pima cotton sateen woven fabric (588 threads per inch) which is free of bleach, dyes and pesticides.

Size and prices:

• Heavyweight King (450 GSM) — 98.5 inches X 90 inches  (250cm x 228 cm) – $530
• Heavyweight Double/Queen (450 GSM)– 90.5 inches X 90 inches – $480
  
• Regular Weight King (350 GSM) — 98.5 inches X 90 inches  (250cm x 228 cm) – $480
• Regular Weight Double/Queen (350 GSM)– 90.5 inches X 90 inches – $450
• Standard Weight King (250 GSM) — 98.5 inches X 90 inches  (250cm x 228 cm) – $370
• Standard Weight Double/Queen (250 GSM)– 90.5 inches X 90 inches – $285

These comforters available on Amazon.

Pacific Alpaca Comforters (New Zealand): 400 Grams Wool Per Square Meter

A company called Pacific Alpacas makes comforters in Central Otago, New Zealand. The company sources  alpaca fiber from New Zealand breeders. The inner part of their duvets are made with 100% New Zealand alpaca fiber encased in a 400 thread count sateen cotton cover. The duvet ships with a “Certificate of Authenticity” and a cotton storage bag.

Of the three brands I recommend, these are the least expensive alpaca comforters by weight and size. However, the comforters must be shipped from New Zealand.

Alpaca wool weight: 400 GSM (grams per square meter)

Available sizes:

• NZ Super King (265 x 210cm) – $258 USD ($395 NZD)
• NZ King (245 x 210 cm) – $245 ISD ($375 NZD)
• NZ Queen (210 x 210 cm) -$225 USD ($345 NZD)
• NZ Single (140 x 210 cm) – $163 USD ($250 NZD)

A couple of these comforters are available on Amazon.

To order the comforters from New Zealand, I recommend this company: Good Creations

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