MetaEfficient Reviews » Pillows

Optimal Material For Mattresses: Natural Latex

Justin — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:58:23 +0000

I’ve come to the conclusion that natural latex is the optimal mattress-making material. I’ve tried all kinds of mattresses: goose down, wool, foam, cotton futons and box spring mattresses. But I have to say that my first few nights sleeping on a latex mattress were the most comfortable I ever experienced.

It’s a natural material which we will probably never fully reproduce synthetically. Latex’s power is that it is yielding, but also highly resilient. Latex mattresses do not require flipping or turning, and last around 15 years.

The “mattress” I am sleeping on is actually a king-sized 2″ natural latex topper, which I purchased from U.S. Memory Foam. This company seems to have the best prices ($209 for a king-sized mattress topper). A 2″ topper seems to work quite well, they do also have 3″ and 4″ toppers. I also have a natural latex pillow.

Latex is the milky sap of the rubber tree. It is mostly harvested in South East Asia, where 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.

Latex is also hypo-allergenic and its anti-microbial properties inhibit the growth of bacteria, mildew, and dust mites.

I like 100% latex mattresses because they are completely biodegradable. Other “Talalay” latex mattresses have a synthetic material added, to increase their durability.

Here are a retailer that sells full, natural latex mattresses (i.e. not just a topper): Natural Lux Mattress by The Form Source.

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Slightly More Efficient: Target Begins Selling Bamboo Sheets and Towels

Justin — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 21:43:13 +0000

Target has begun selling bamboo sheets and towels. They are reasonably priced at $40 for a sheet set, and $20 for two towels. Unfortunately, the bamboo content is not all that high — 60% for the sheets and 40% for the towels, and the rest of the fabric is conventional cotton (which requires large amounts of pesticides to grow). Organic cotton or hemp fiber would have been more efficient.

See more information in this article from the Green Guide.

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Looolo Cushions and Blankets

Justin — Tue, 26 Jul 2005 18:25:45 +0000

Looolo is one of a handful of innovative companies whose production methods are 100% sustainable. Thus the name Looolo is a visual representation of 100%. They create modern cushions and blankets using methods that have zero environmental impact. Here’s how they achieve that: all the materials used in manufacture are organic (organic buckwheat and cotton for example) and these are dyed with water-based, non-toxic dyes.

It took 5 years to develop the dyes used for the Looolo Textile line. The Climatex Lifecycle yarns are free of all toxic chemicals, yet are still available in a full range of colours.

For their printed material they use water-based inks, recycled paper stock and FSC (forestry stuardship council) approved paper products.

The company is a model of sustainability. There’s no excuse to have cushions stuffed with polyurethane foam.

Looolo

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Kapok Pillows

Justin — Thu, 05 May 2005 20:10:53 +0000

Kapok is a silky fiber harvested in the rainforests of the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, tropical America and Africa. After the ripe pods of the tree are harvested, the seeds are removed and the fluffy fiber is meticulously cleaned and dried.

Kapok is an alternative to conventional pillow stuffing. It is soft like down, yet supportive — rivaling buckwheat in its efficiency. It helps preserve rainforests and the indigenous people who harvest it.

Unfortunately, kapok pillows can only be sold as decorative items in the U.S., because they are not treated for flammability. Federal law prohibits the sale of untreated natural fibers for use in products intended for sleeping. We feel this is unnecessary — see our examination of the issue of fire retardant chemicals.

Kapok pillows are available from Amazon.

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New Sustainable Pillows

Justin — Sat, 27 Nov 2004 04:38:11 +0000

Pangaya has justed added a new line of sustainably produced pillows.

Luckystone Living Design™ accent pillows are individually crafted by hand using organic and sustainable materials. The pillows are made from a durable sateen made of 91% organic wool and 9% organic ramie. The pillows are made individually when they are ordered.

Available from: Pangaya ($120)

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Meta-Efficient: Buckwheat Pillows

Justin — Fri, 10 Sep 2004 13:14:29 +0000

The Chinese and Japanese discovered centuries ago that buckwheat hull pillows are light and fully adjustable. The Japanese in particular spent a great deal of time researching pillows, even trying porcelain pillows to achieve a healthy state of body called “Su-Kan-Soku-Netsu” or a balancing of cold and heat.

Eventually they decided that pillows made of buckwheat hulls provide just the right support for any sleeping position. When properly filled, the pillow molds itself around the head, neck, and shoulders.

The hulls make a soft rustling sound. Most people get used to this within a day or two. Due to the structure of the hulls, air circulates, thus keeping the head cool to reduce perspiration.

We recommend buckwheat pillows filled with unfumigated organic hulls and covered with cases manufactured without chemical solvents.

Available from: Northern Natural ($30-50), DreamSoft Bedwear ($42), VitaNet ($14)

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Large Throw Pillow: 100% Natural and Inexpensive

Justin — Fri, 13 Aug 2004 18:48:02 +0000

These large hemp pillows (18″ x 18″) are made by villagers in Thailand for Tribal Fiber under a FairTrade agreement.

Hemp is a durable, mold resistant fabric that softens with use. The pillows are filled with natural kapok – a silky fiber grown Southern Asia. The color comes from dyes made with flowers, leaves, seeds, bark and earth.

Available from: Good Humans ($35)

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