Mattress pads are too often an afterthought when folks shop for a new mattress. I always tell people that they’re just as important as the mattress itself. Here’s why. Continue reading ‘Mattress Pads: A Smart Combination of Protection And Comfort’
Archive for the 'Furniture' Category
You’ve seen the headlines. New York City’s infested. They’re coming this way! Actually, they’re already in California. Here’s a bit about bed bugs that you should know. Continue reading ‘Beat Back Bed Bugs! An Update From Scheuer Linens’
Emissions from some substances used to build furniture can provoke immediate, acute reactions in some people with chemical sensitivities, but even emissions that go unnoticed can present chronic risks from long-term exposure, according to an article by Susan Fornoff in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Here’s a partial list of chemicals in furniture that can make you sick:
Upholstery – Might use formaldehyde and perfluorooctanoic acid, considered a like human carcinogen by the EPA.
Couch legs or arms – Could be finished in a lacquer that releases volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that the American Lung Association reports can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs and cause headaches, nausea, and even liver or kidney damage.
Corners of the couch – Could be glued with a product containing ethylene oxide, a probable carcinogen that can also cause brain and nerve malfunctions.
Upholstery dye – Might contain chemicals including benzidine, a known carcinogen, or hydrazine, a probably carcinogen with a range of adverse health effect.
Couch cushions – Might be filled with polyurethane foam made before 2006 that contains flame-retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers, which are now banned in California for their potential health effects. Scheuer Linens uses latex in their Royal-Pedic mattress sets but polyurethane is still used in most mattresses being sold today.
Couch frame – Could be made pressed wood emitting formaldehyde fumes. These can cause cancer “and other adverse health effects,” according to the California Air Resources Board.
Check Greenguard and Green Seal, two independent and impartial nonprofit testers, for lists of the kind of furniture you’re looking for. You can also learn more at: Sustainable Furniture Council, and Royal-Pedic.
So Many Options
The number of choices and manufacturers in mattresses available today is overwhelming. There are new constructions and materials: natural latex foam (like the Royal-Pedic we carry at the Scheuer Linens store), air chamber mattresses (such as Select Comfort), and visco-elastic foam (commonly called memory foam). Add to that the various thicknesses and pillow tops that are available and it’s no wonder it’s so tough to decide.
Try Before you Buy
There really is no substitute for actually physically trying a mattress. Most sleep experts say that you should test a mattress for 15-20 minutes each. If you experience any uncomfortable pressure points, consider another mattress.
Keep in mind that older bodies tolerate less pressure as they age. Try to use the same position that you normally sleep in and use a pillow that is similar to the one you use. You might even consider bringing your own pillow. If you are a side sleeper, like most of us are, be sure to spend time on each side. We might also recommend testing mattresses when the store opens so you won’t feel as self-conscious about testing a bed in a store for 15-20 minutes. Continue reading ‘How Long Does It Take To Buy A Mattress?’