An organic bedroom
As part of Organic September, we're exploring how to bring an organic lifestyle into every room of your home, starting with a place where we spend about a third of our lives - our bedrooms.
We all strive to make our bedrooms a haven of calm and relaxation. While we may have chosen the perfect soothing shade for our walls and the softest linens for our bedding, there could still be a toxic monster hiding, not under, but in our beds waiting to disrupt our peaceful slumber.
Common materials used in conventional mattresses, such as polyurethane foam, synthetic fabrics, and adhesives, often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and flame retardants. These substances can release harmful chemicals while we sleep, potentially impacting our health with issues ranging from respiratory problems to hormone disruption.
So, how can we ensure a safer, healthier sleep environment? Organic mattresses made from natural materials like wool and cotton offer a solution that prioritises both comfort and well-being. These materials are naturally breathable, hypoallergenic, and free from synthetic chemicals, providing a cleaner sleep experience. For instance, wool is not only resistant to dust mites but also acts as a natural flame retardant, eliminating the need for toxic chemical treatments. Similarly, cotton and natural latex offer supportive comfort without introducing harmful substances.
Enter Naturalmat, a pioneer in the world of organic mattresses. Founded on the belief that everyone deserves a healthy night's sleep, Naturalmat crafts mattresses using sustainable, organic materials sourced with care.
We sat down with Mark Tremlett, the co-founder of Naturalmat to delve into the inspiration behind the company, the benefits of choosing an organic mattress, and how we can all enjoy a healthy night's sleep.
Mark Tremlett (left) and Peter Tindall (right)
Where did the inspiration for Naturalmat come from?
"I grew up on a boatyard, and both my business partner Peter and I were keen sailors. We noticed that while expensive boats had all the mod cons in most departments, the mattresses were woefully inadequate. They were made of cheap, synthetic slabs of polyurethane foam – truly horrible stuff which retained heat & moisture and made for a hot and uncomfortable night’s sleep.
We quickly discovered that the solution was to use natural materials that wick heat and moisture away from the body and create a far healthier sleep environment. After many prototypes, we ditched our day jobs and began handmaking mattresses from natural fibres on my old tennis table!
Not long after, my partner and I were expecting our first child. So, we set out to create the first nursery mattress to pass all British standards with no plastics, synthetics, glues or chemical fire retardants. Within six months, we launched the product!"
Why is it important to use organic materials?
"We’ve always prioritised organic and sustainably sourced materials in everything we make because they are safer, healthier and far more breathable than conventional foam, which usually makes for a hot and uncomfortable night’s sleep. But we’re also big fans of the widespread environmental benefits of organic farming, and the incredible ecosystems they support.Organic farming follows strict guidelines for chemical-free, sustainable farming practices that promote healthy soils, save precious resources like water and restore lost biodiversity. Organic farms uphold the highest standards of animal welfare while also ensuring that workers are paid fairly and treated well.
But that’s not all, using organic materials gives us confidence that when our mattresses and beds reach the end of their life, the organic fibres can be left to naturally biodegrade without the fear of any harmful chemicals seeping into the ground. In fact, we’ve proudly supported and bought all of our organic wool from local farmers in the Southwest since 2008, to further reduce transport emissions and champion sustainable sourcing."
Image: Naturalmat
What should we be looking out for that could be damaging to our health?
"One of the biggest issues in the bed and furniture industry is the rampant use of fire retardant chemicals, especially in the UK to meet the strict fire standards. This means that often when you buy a mattress or bed that’s made with ‘all-natural’ materials, it is generously sprayed with toxic fire retardant chemicals to ensure it complies with the fire standards.
It only takes a quick search to realise how terrible these chemicals are for our health, especially when applied to something we spend a third of our lives sleeping on! They’re known to cause endocrine and thyroid disruption and have many adverse effects on the nervous and reproductive systems - so definitely something to look out for.
We’ve waxed lyrical about natural and organic fibres and their incredible properties, but arguably the most important one is the fact that virtually all of them are naturally fire retardant. Which is why we use inherently fire-retardant and locally sourced organic wool in our beds and mattresses, so we can completely avoid the use of any fire-retardant chemicals, and still pass the stringent British fire regulations."
If people can only afford to make one small organic change to their home, apart from your products, what would you recommend?
"Not technically an organic change but a really good sustainable swap is switching over to non-toxic laundry detergents made with gentle ingredients. Most conventional laundry detergents are filled with harsh chemicals that can be incredibly harmful to marine life and water systems. We usually recommend washing our bed linen on low temperatures, using plant based options such as Kit & Kin’s biodegradable based laundry liquid or Ocean Saver’s eco laundry sheets. These are not only kinder to the planet but also prolong the lifespan of your clothes and linen."
Image: Naturalmat
Do you have any tips for the perfect night's sleep?
"I have a simple routine that helps me unwind and signals my body it’s time to sleep. I switch out my phone and emails for a good book and a cup of herbal tea. We’ve actually been growing and drying our own Lemon Verbena at home to make tea, it’s known for its relaxing and de-stressing properties, so it’s our secret sleep elixir!Having a great pillow goes a long way when drifting off, our organic wool and down pillow is a favourite of mine and strikes the perfect balance between supportive and soft."
Do you have a favourite organic company you'd like to share with us?
"Sleeping on a Naturalmat mattress made with organic fibres and nourishing your body with Eversfield Organic’s fantastic organic produce is a hard pair to beat! But if we had to pick another favourite we’d probably go with Neals Yard Remedies, a organic health and beauty brand. They’re Soil Association organic certified, run their solar powered manufacturing facility in the Southwest on 100% renewable energy (just like us!), and even recycle 20% of the water they use!"To learn more, visit www.naturalmat.co.uk or visit their showrooms.
Image: Naturalmat