Natural Mattresses
Our handmade mattresses are made from organic and sustainable sources of raw materials. all of which are biodegradable and comply with fair trade policies. Our 'wool project' means we keep an eye on our carbon footprint by using organic lambswool from local Soil Association farms in the Westcountry.
All our organic wool is washed and processed on the edge of Dartmoor using water from the river dart and we ensure that all water used in washing the wool is recycled into the river with no environmental impact. Even our packaging is eco friendly, made from potato starch and a mixture of recyclable and renewable paper sources from the Forestry Stewardship Council.
Breathability
A breathable mattress is essential for babies as they cannot easily regulate their own body temperature. A poorly ventilated mattress may cause their temperature to go up and down quickly creating discomfort and waking them up. The natural fibres we use are inherently breathable and self ventilating, allowing a constant circulation of air around the mattress. This helps your baby regulate their temperature so they remain cool and comfortable through the night. No waking up and no tears.
Non-allergenic and Anti-Dust Mite
More and more babies suffer from allergies and asthma, which are caused by dust mites. We work hard to protect your baby from them. Our organic lambswool is bathed in a mixture of essential oils of lavender, lemon and eucalyptus, which renders our mattresses anti-dust mite and gives certified allergy protection. Our natural latex foam offers complete protection from dust mites and is 100% hypoallergenic. Dust mites are killed at 57° and as every mattress has a removable pure cotton cover which can be machine washed at 60°, those pesky dust mites don't stand a chance.
Naturally Fire Retardant
We are proud to be the first company in the UK to pass all British Standards, European and USA fire regulations without the use of any chemicals, unnatural treatments or fire retardant additives.
Comfort and Support
Our mattresses have naturally sprung cores which provide a far superior and longer lasting level of support than any other synthetic foam or spring. It is important to us that our mattresses support your child's body and pressure points during the most vital growth and development phases of their lives.
Frequently asked Questions, FAQ
Frequently asked questions:
Do I need a new mattress for each child?
The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) states that each baby should have a new mattress.
Do Natural Mat mattresses pass the British safety standards?
Yes, of course. Safety is of paramount importance to us. We not only pass all the required British safety standards (BS EN597, BS 7177, BS 1877 Part 10) but we are one of the only UK manufacturer to do so without using any chemical fire retardants.
What if my crib, moses basket, pram, cot, bed is an unusual size?
We can make mattresses to any shape and size.
What's the difference between a cot and a cot bed mattress?
A cot takes a mattress that is 60cm x 120cm and a cot bed takes a mattress that is 70cm x 140cm.
Do Natural Mat mattresses have a plastic cover?
No. We cover our mattresses with an unbleached herringbone cotton for maximum breathability and comfort. The outer cover is removable and machine washable at 60°C.
If my baby is sick on the mattress how do I clean it?
If the mattress cover gets dirty then unzip the outer cover and machine wash it at 60°C.
Do I need a mattress protector?
For new borns in cribs and Moses Baskets we recommend one of our flannelette sheets to protect the mattress and then a cotton sheet on top of this. This creates a breathable double layer to protect the mattress and keeps your baby more comfortable.
For 'sickly' babies and toddlers going through potty training we recommend our Organic cotton bed protector, which is both breathable and waterproof.
How do I wash my organic sheets?
Most of our organic cotton sheets are machine washable 60°C. Please refer to washing label. They are made slightly larger than the dimensions indicated to allow for a first wash shrink.
Should I use a sleeping bag or bedding?
This is a matter of personal preference. A sleeping bag is a great alternative to top sheets and blankets. An ideal time to start using a baby sleeping bag is when your baby weighs more than 8 lbs 8oz (0-6 mths size). You can tuck your baby up in a sleeping bag, safe in the knowledge that however much wriggling or kicking they do, they will still be kept warmly covered at night.
It is very important to check that your baby's head cannot pass through the neck-hole when the sleeping bag is fastened for use.
Do Natural Mat mattresses need to be turned?
The mattress fillings are naturally very resilient and durable but it is good practice to turn any mattress every 3 months.
How do I store my Natural Mat mattress?
The best way to store your Natural Mat mattress when you have finished using it is to wrap it in a duvet cover, a cotton sheet or brown paper.
Lambswool in our Mattresses
Lambswool has been used in the nursery industry for centuries and has been used by man since before 10,000 B.C. Lambswool is sheared from lambs up to 7 months old, this usually happens during Spring time. The wool fleece is then put through a process called 'scouring' where the fleece is washed to remove all impurities such as dirt and grease. The wool is combed to straighten the fibres and then it is processed into pads to use in mattresses.
Unique benefits of lambswool:
· Lambswool is one of the most durable and flexible natural fibres.
· Natural disinfectant fibre, it resists development of bacteria.
· Excellent insulator and ventilator. Lambswool keeps you warm during the winter months and cool during the summer as it has the ability to absorb moisture without feeling wet or damp because it allows the air to circulate around the body.
· Lambswool gives good support with out compressing like most synthetic materials.
· It is naturally flame retardant and only smoulders when it comes into contact with a naked flame.
What's natural latex foam?
Natural Latex Foam in our Mattresses
Natural latex foam is produced from the Hevea Brasilienesis rubber tree. It was once commercially produced in the Amazon and now 90% of the total world production of natural latex comes from Asia.
The latex comes of out of the tree as a white cloudy fluid, similar to cow's milk. It is sapped straight from the tree (similar to tapping a syrup from a Maple tree) by cutting a spiral groove into the bark which allows the sap to exude into a container over a period of hours. The latex fluid is then whipped into a frothy liquid to beat the air into it and then placed into an oven to bake into its final state. The end product is 100% natural latex foam.
The benefits of natural latex foam:
o Perfect for Asthma and Eczema sufferers as the foam is naturally anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. Dust mites, the main cause of allergies can not live in latex foam because the conditions in the foam are too dry and mildew free.
o Unlike latex rubber gloves which can cause irritation to the skin, natural latex foam in Natural Mat's mattresses is not in direct contact with the skin as it is sandwiched together with other natural fibres.
o The foam has a superior cell structure as it is filled with lots of little air bubbles. It provides excellent ventilation and insulation, keeping you warm during the winter and cool during the summer.
o Natural Latex foam is very durable and has good elasticity which means it has a long life span.
o The foam conforms to your body shape and pressure, giving you superior orthopaedic support and promotes healthy muscles by alleviating constricting muscles.
o Unlike most standard foams, natural latex foam is environmentally friendly and bio-degradable.
Organic Coir
Where does coir come from?
Coir comes from coconut husks. The husks are soaked for up to six months, the coir fibres are then recovered from the coconut pulp by a beating process which separates the fibres from the pith of the outer skin of the coconut. The fibres are then dried and coated with a natural latex solution to make the coir more supportive and breathable. It is then placed in a heated press which compresses the product to the density and thickness we require for our mattresses.
Unique benefits of coir:
· Natural Mat's coir is certified by Control Union, one of the world's most reputable inspection organizations for organic products.
· Coir has excellent temperature regulating qualities which prevents babies from over heating whilst they sleep.
· Coir is naturally anti-dust mite which means it is perfect for all allergy sufferers.
· It is very breathable and provides good ventilation and insulation.
· Because of its natural springy quality coir is very supportive.
What is Mohair?
Mohair is sheared from Angora goats twice a year, in the spring and in the autumn. It is one of the oldest textile fabrics around and is widely recognised for its lustre, durability and resilience. Angora goats originated in Central Asia and found their way to Turkey in the 12th and 13th centuries and thrived in an area called Ankara, from which their name is derived. In the 16th century they arrived in Spain and France and were later exported to the United States. Mohair's versatile nature means that it can be used in a wide range of different products including upholstery fabrics, furnishings, jumpers, scarves and hats for example.
Unique benefits of Mohair:
· Mohair is naturally flame resistant.
· It is nature's own renewable resource as the hair on the Angora goat grows one inch every month.
· Naturally very soft and sumptuous.
· It is highly durable and resilient.
· A good insulator and ventilator.
Why should you consider an organic crib mattress for your baby?
Why should you consider an organic crib mattress for our baby? After all, as long as it's safe and comfortable, your baby will fine right? Well, maybe.
Many parents-to-be are unaware that conventional mattresses are typically made with synthetic materials that can break down and release harmful chemicals into the air. Babies, with their sensitive immune systems, can be particularly susceptible to inhaling these chemicals or absorbing them through the skin.
Organic mattresses are made from eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, which do not contain the same toxins and chemicals. Thus, the purchase of an organic crib mattress along with natural wood furniture and other eco-friendly products can help you create a healthier nursery that benefits not only your baby, but your family and the environment as well.
Whether you're awaiting the birth of your first child or already have children, you probably already know that newborn babies tend to need a lot of rest. In fact, according to experts, babies can initially spend an average of 16 hours a day asleep!
Given this fact, the sleeping environment you prepare for your baby is especially important. Read on to find out more about the dangers of traditional crib mattresses and why buying a natural crib mattress is a better choice.
Conventional Crib Mattresses
· Many conventional mattresses are filled with polyurethane foam, which contains a variety of chemical additives. In fact, polyurethane, a petroleum product, contains known carcinogens. In addition, it is extremely flammable.
· To address the danger of using polyurethane foam, manufacturers treat mattresses with toxic industrial flame retardants that contain harmful ethers such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). PBDEs can leach out of the mattress and into the air. They have been linked to thyroid problems and other neurobehavioral disruptions.
· Conventional mattresses typically have an outer shell made from vinyl/PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which contains phthalates. Phthalates are animal carcinogens and have been linked to damage of the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to toxins and chemicals, especially during the first years of life so you don't want to expose your baby to these dangers unnecessarily. Let's take a look at some of the benefits of organic crib mattresses.
Organic Crib Mattresses
· Manufactured with eco-friendly materials such as certified organic cotton, which is grown without synthetic pesticides, heavy metals or genetically modified organisms.
· Constructed with non-toxic fire protectants.
· Manufacturing materials and processes are better for the environment.
As you plan your baby's nursery, think about how a particular product will contribute to the environment you are creating for your precious little one. You would never willingly lie your baby down on a pile toxins and carcinogens that you could see. So remember that there are unseen dangers as well. The good news is that you can make healthier choices for your child. An organic crib mattress is a great first step.
We love your ideas and comments!