Vision Performance Optometric Center

ADVANTAGES OF SHREDDED LATEX PILLOWS

Have you ever heard about shredded latex pillows? There have been more searches for shredded latex pillows recently, which we will be more than happy to answer.

?hat is shredded latex? What are the advantages of shredded latex pillows?

In some stores these pillows are called micro cushion pillows.

Generally latex and shredded latex can be all natural latex or a blend with synthetics. However we at Organic Textiles LLC dedicate our products to be completely natural with no synthetic blends. We believe our products can work just as well as non-organic shredded latex, if not better.

Shredded latex pillows are made by shredding latex slabs into small pieces (about 0.5-1.5 inches long). The cut pieces are flexible and resilient in order to conform to body contours. The versatility offers varying degrees of support and pressure point relief. This enables comfortable, deep sleep.

Standard Latex pillows are usually made as a slab of latex. These pillows are made by utilizing a unique pin-core design to allow these pinholes in the pillow to deliver superior air flows, preventing heat build up.

The natural latex pillows are classified into single zone and dual-zones. The single zone pillows have the same sized pinholes, which spread from the edges to the center of the pillow. Dual-zone pillows has two areas zones, which consist of smaller pinholes and bigger pinholes.  This variation in pin hole size alters the density where as in dual zone pillows offer firmer edges and softer mid section.

Retailers such as Well Living Shop and My Organic Sleep offer shredded latex pillows, available in standard size, queen size or king size.

What is the same? What is the different?

	Latex Pillows	Shredded Latex Pillows
Adjustable	No.   It will be in its original shape for at least 5 years. The standard latex pillow has a thickness of 5 – 6 inches.	Yes. Usually made with the zippered covers for easy adjustment.If it is too thick, you can get some micro cushions out to and use them later. The cushions inside are movable and can be adjusted to support body contours whereby a greater degree of support and comfort.
Weight(Standard size)	3 pounds	6 pounds
Supportive	Yes	Yes
	Both Latex Pillows and Shredded Pillows are made with natural latex and are usually covered by a 100% organic cotton cover.No synthetic latex and other toxic additives are added to these pillows. They are more expensive than big stores pillows because they do not loose their thickness (and shape) within few months of use, where as big brands do. Will keep you cool and dry throughout the night. Offers resilient, responsive support, and have the added benefit of being naturally hypoallergenic and anti-microbial, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria

COMMON SLEEPING POSITION

If you are one of those people who think they change sleeping positions, that’s not likely to really be the case. Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, said research reveals that most people stay in the same position all night and only 5% lay differently every night. Also an interesting study showed only one tenth people cover their bodies entirely with a blanket, with most people exposing an arm, leg, or both feet.

Fetus position (or fetal position)

Curling up in a ball when sleeping. Over half of people in the study literally curl up into the fetal position when they hit the sheets. However this is a common position among the women. These people tend to have a tough exterior but are still sensitive and may appear to be shy but warm up quickly. During waking hours they are very conscientious and like to over think their task and daily lives.

Log position

Sleeping straight in vertical line with both arms down. Around 15% people sleep in this way. It is considered as side sleeper. They are easy-going person who is trusting, sometimes to the point of being gullible. You like social works.

Yearner position

Sleeping by the sides but both arms out in front of the body. Around 13% sleepers sleep like this way. They are also side sleepers. They are open-minded and cynical suspicious, and stubborn about sticking to decisions once they are made.

Soldier position

Soldier position sleepers lie on their backs with arms down and kept close to the body. Soldier sleepers have a higher likelihood for snoring due to the flat-back position. Study about this, 8% result show that the soldier position tend to be reserved, quiet, without fuss, and hold themselves and others to a high standard.

Starfish position

Back sleeper. Sleepers lie on their backs with arms up near their head or the pillow. These people are good listeners, helpful, and uncomfortable being the center of attention.

Freefall position

Stomach sleeper. Those people who lie on their bellies with arms under or wrapped around a pillow with head turned to the side (right or left). According to some studies, there is around 7% of the population sleep like that. They are brash, outgoing, and very uncomfortable with criticism.

WHAT IS GOOD IN NATURAL WOOL COMFORTER?

Wool’s Characteristics

Wool is the textile fiber obtained from sheep and certain other animals (Wikipedia). It is natural– wool is grown from sheep, since every year sheep have new fleece, so wool is renewable every year. Wool has high Natural Flame resistant since it has a higher ignition threshold than many other fibers and is flame retardant up to 600º C. Also, wool has a naturally high UV protection. It is very efficient absorber of potentially harmful UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Wool is eko-environment fiber. It takes a few years to decompose into the soil and can act as fertilizer with a high nitrogen content. It also acclimatizes to its surroundings. Wool is eko-friendly fiber. First it is non allergenic and does not create the growth of bacteria. Also, wool will able to keep your body warm in the winter and cool in summer since its natural structure make it possible to absorb and release water vapor into the atmosphere.  According to Wool Studies and Resources, wool fiber can be bent 20,000 times without breaking and still strong to recover into the natural shape. So it is very durable and elastic. Besides, wool is easy care since it can be machine – washed.

Benefits of a Natural Wool Comforter

1. Regulates body temperature. It attains body temperature quickly and maintains it at comfort level. It does not have the cooling shock of polyester or synthetic.
2. Preserves natural warmth by conserving body heat. This allows you to warm quickly in cold weather and retain warmth.
3. It is naturally hypoallergenic. Resists dust mites, mold and mill dew. This is a big plus over celluloses based comforters.
4. Naturally flame retardant. Does not need the chemical laden fire retardant that is sprayed on most of polyester comforters.
5. Good for all season use. Best to just double up in severe winter and use one year long.

Washable Eco Wool from Organic Textiles LLC
In addition to the great benefits offered by regular comforter, washable wool is a step ahead as new development with these benefits.

1. This wool is washable in cold water cycle or hand wash with delicate low temperature drying or hang drying. This eliminates the need for a costly dry cleaning process plus more importantly, avoids the risks associated with dry cleaning solvent (carbon tetra chloride is frequently used in dry cleaning, though lower toxicity alternatives have been developed lately). This is a big plus because toxic dry cleaning solvent residue in wool is much higher than in light weight garments.
2. Washable wool is processed in a eco friendly process using natural enzymes instead of harsh chemicals associated with traditional wool processing. It helps you and the environment.
3. This wool is free of “sheep smell” associated with traditional wool comforters.
4. This comforter is softer than traditional wool comforters because the process softens the wool fiber.

NATURAL AND ORGANIC LATEX: DUNLOP VERSUS TALALAY

We love organic and natural latex–there are too many benefits for us to pass up.

Natural latex is breathable, hypoallergenic**, durable, supportive, temperature control, and most importantly, it is more chemically safe than polyurethane and memory foam. (1)

Latex is made through extracting a milky liquid from a rubber tree. It is then produced into latex foam using two main methods: Dunlop versus Talalay.

One is not inherently better than the other, as some articles may suggest–but is highly dependent on individual preferences.

They both can be quite durable depending on care and use. Do you use a cover? Do you sleep in one place? How often do you wash your sheets?

So, what is the difference between Dunlop versus Talalay method?

Here, we’ve provided a chart on our research, and our experiences with our own products at Organic Textiles LLC.

Dunlop Latex

Talalay Latex

General History	1929 (E.A. Murphy UK) Named after the findings at Dunlop Tyre and Rubber Company, a research scientist accidentally discovered that mixing together after heating soap, liquid latex, and gelling agents created latex foam. (3) Since this method has been in the business longer, it has been more time-tested for reliability.	1935 (Russia) Named after Ansil Talalay, he with his brothers, Leon and Joseph reinvented latex rubber products. (3) The new engineering has improved and created a process to create a more consistent texture.
Engineering	Dunlop tends to be a simpler and less expensive method to manufacture. The rubber liquid is extracted, whipped and frothed, placed in a mold and baked steam.	Talalay is a method that requires fewer raw materials during manufacturing. It uses a vacuum and deep freeze method that results in a more consistent cell structure foam structure. (2)
Texture	During the baking process, sediments in the mixture “settle” towards the bottom, making the final product much more firm on the bottom. (2) Because of this, Dunlop latex tends to feel dense due to the firmer bottom layer. However, Dunlop has a softer texture upon first touch because it’s not as porous.	Talalay has a more consistent cell structure, making it more soft and fluffy. Because of the more consistent texture of the latex, it may feel plushy when compressed. Talalay latex also has higher tensile strength, meaning it can elongate more.
Buoyancy/Springy	Customers say Dunlop is more bouncy and buoyant since it doesn’t quite sink like Talalay does. Reports say it feels like “floating” when used.	Customers often say Talalay is much springier, because of its consistency. It is able to bounce back easily when folded or compressed. It also feels lighter and softer to sink into.
Air Circulation	Dense foam tends to have less air circulation within latex—however the convenient larger pinholes balance air circulation.	Talalay tends to be breathable, making an excellent choice for those who sleeps  “hot.”
Support	Because of the “settling” effects of Dunlop creating a firm layer on the bottom,there is a higher, desirable quality of support factor. (2)	Comparing Talalay with the same density and size of the Dunlop, Talaly is much softer and springier. However, our firmer Talalay can also provide support when needed.
Sleeping Positions	Because of the engineering, the top part of a Dunlop latex is soft enough to release pressure point on the body. The firmer bottom part of the latex provides more support. Some of customers say they prefer this mattress if they are a side sleeper, as it’s easier to switch positions and will not feel like it’s “sinking.” Again, it depends on preference.	This tends to be the most preferred comfort layer of a mattress. It’s consistently soft texture will feel plushy and completely conform to the body, making it ideal for a cloud-nine experience. It provides complete relief from pressure point associated with firmer beds, and it is ideal for back sleepers. The firmer version can also be made into a support layer as well.

In the end, we love them both. We want to provide both options to accommodate to customer preferences and requirements—whatever will make our customers happy.

IMPORTANCE OF DUVET COVER

Duvet cover is used to cover the duvet, which is a bag filled with down, feathers, wool or other natural or man made stuffing to create a warm bed covering that takes the place of quilts, comforters & bedspreads. Normally, the duvet cannot be washed because the water will ruin the stuffing. That’s why the duvet needs a cover. So, a duvet cover likes a very large pillowcase for a duvet.

Similarity to a duvet is a comforter. The question is what is different between them? Duvet and comforter are forms of blankets or quilts. People use it to protect them from the cold. The differences between a comforter and a duvet lie in the material they are made of and their usage. A comforter is a thick and quilted, fluffy blanket intended to keep the user warm. It is usually filled with synthetic fiber filler. A Duvet is a type of bedding – a soft flat bag traditionally filled with down or feathers, or a combination of both and used on a bed as a blanket. A comforter can be washed but a duvet can’t. A comforter usually has a size bigger than the bed size, a duvet size normally equals to bed size. A duvet should be with a cover while a comforter can be by itself.

Generally people use a duvet cover for many reasons:

To protect the expensive down duvet. Of course the people don’t want to wash the luxury duvet. They don’t want the great duvet get it soiled, snagged or possibly a whole lot worse.

There is a lot of work to do when cleaning a duvet. There are not many people enjoy washing a huge duvet.

Normally, people will get more energy, more excited when their bedrooms are fresh and renewed more often. What can we do? Changing a sheet set then changing the duvet? Yes, it is easy to replace a sheet set to different colors, but it costs a lot to change a duvet or comforter. Every one knows about that. The best solution is a duvet cover. We can change the feel of the room without having to completely redecorate. In the market, also we purchase as part of a bedding set, along with sheets, pillowcases and a bed skirt, all in coordinating patter. We can change the duvet cover by season or whenever time we want. We can keep your luxury sheets and still make over your bed to match the seasons or our mood by simply purchasing a duvet cover.

Making organic to the duvet. For any reason, one has a Natural but non- organic duvet, it is possible for she or he to organic it by covering the duvet with an organic cotton duvet cover, which many stores are offering.

We are spending one third of our life to sleep. It is no doubt to spend more time to decorate the bedrooms and spend a little much money to change bed to be a luxurious and comfortable place to sleep.

THE BENEFITS OF ORGANIC COTTON

Cotton plays an important role in the world of fiber.  However, a large portion of it is grown with toxic chemicals.

“Fabric of our lives” – That is the name cotton is often called. Many of items that we use everyday are made from cotton. The clothes we wear, the sheets we sleep on, the diapers we put on our baby. But growing cotton in a conventional way requires a large amount of pesticides, which has a huge impact on the environment and potentially cause health risks for those working around it. It may cost less to manufacture and buy conventional cotton, but it’s better for the land, the farm workers and your well-being to choose organic whenever possible.

What Is Organic Cotton?

Organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic pesticides or fertilizers. Methods such as beneficial insect releases, strip cutting of alfalfa and new weeding machinery help reduce the environmental impact of cotton crops. Third-party organizations certify that organic cotton farms use only these approved methods and do not spray toxic chemicals on their crops. In 2004, 6,814 bales of organic cotton were harvested in the United States, which is about 3.2 million pounds. That is compared to this year’s estimate of total U.S. cotton production of 19.2 million bales — over 9 trillion pounds. Globally, it is estimated that 120.5 million bales of cotton will be harvested.

Cotton and the Environment

Estimate about 25 percent of the world’s insecticide use and about 10 percent of the world’s pesticide go to cotton crops.  According to a research in 2003, 55 million pounds of pesticides are being sprayed on 12.8 million acres of cotton.  Many of these chemical are considered to be the most toxic chemicals in the world.  The effects of pesticide exposure including birth defects, reproductive disorders and weaker immune systems.

Cotton is still hand-picked in many countries and therefore working in these areas may be exposed to the toxic chemicals.  The toxic chemicals also affect the community through water as they seeped into the water supply.  Because there so many products that are made from cotton, we are all have the exposure to the toxic chemicals at some points.

Water use is another issue with conventional cotton production. Crops use intensive irrigation and some estimates say cotton crops are the largest water user among agricultural crops.

Go Organic

Besides helping the environment, there are plenty benefits from using organic cotton products. The working environments become better for those farmers save their money by not having to buy large amount of pesticides. Consumers benefit too because the organic cotton products are softer and easier on your skin. Recent awareness of these benefits has increased demand of organic cotton and thus, lowered its cost.