David Perry -- Furniture Today, April 3, 2011

AT THE MARKET - Mattress producers showing here say they have raised prices or are considering price hikes as they respond to rising raw material costs.

"We are anticipating that the bedding industry will see inflation on material costs during 2011 similar to other industries," said Jodi Allen, chief marketing officer at Sealy. "The bedding industry will be forced to deal with these higher costs and at this stage, a price increase has to be part of the consideration."

Gold Bond President Bob Naboicheck says the industry is in a time of turbulence. The cause, he says, is that "we're in the highest inflationary period for raw materials our industry has seen in decades."

"We are seeing price increases on most all fronts," said Kurt Ling, CEO of a supplier of latex beds. "All increases are significant with some extraordinary. The largest price increases we are seeing are the price of latex (natural formulation and even more so the all natural formulation) and freight. Some are as much as 20%, where other materials are up more in the 7% range."

 

A latex mattress is an investment in the quality of life for you and your family and it is not unusual for a quality latex mattress to outlast even two or three conventional innerspring mattresses.  The value of the sleep comfort associated with latex mattresses extends into all your waking hours in the form of revitalized energy for work, play and relationships.  The quality of the latex utilized in your mattress, whether it is a latex blend or all natural latex, determines the quality of your investment.

 

When you begin the process of purchasing a latex mattress, first determine the origins of the latex and its composition.  You will probably already have decided if you are looking for an all natural latex mattress, usually with an organic cover, or a mattress using blended latex.  Both offer the excellent weight distribution and relief of pressure points that have made latex such a popular sleeping surface.  If you are making your purchase online, make certain that you have the opportunity to discuss the details of the latex with a knowledgeable salesperson.

 

The proximity of harsh or toxic chemicals while you are sleeping is best to avoid. Pollution, in all its forms, has become a justifiable concern in our modern life. Studies have shown that our indoor air is often 3-5 times more polluted in than the air outside. Often it is the very chemicals we use to clean that contribute to air quality problems inside the home.

 

The popularity of the latex mattress, using natural materials in the cover instead of chemical fire-retardants, should come as no surprise. Most bedding and mattresses are treated with a variety of chemicals and fire-retardants.  Formaldehyde is commonly used to create wrinkle free sheets, and most conventional inner-spring mattresses make heavy use of chemical fire-retardants.   When we consider that a full third of our life is spent in the bedroom, it makes sense to choose the most careful approach in creating a safe refuge that is as chemical and toxin free as possible.

The other important components for safe sleeping are chemical free sheets, blankets and pillows.  The best materials are free of synthetic dyes, bleaches and wrinkle proofing treatments. Organic cotton and wool are great choices, and can easily found on-line.  Natural pillows filled with buckwheat, natural latex and cotton or wool provide safe sleep comfort free of chemical and dust mites.