Bedding Detox
Photo: Parachute Home
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Quality sleep is fundamental to our physical, mental and spiritual wellness. When we get the recommended 8 hours of sleep, that accounts for a third of our time! And if we’re spending so much time in bed, it’s worth considering what exactly we’re laying with.
Comfort is key, but so is educating yourself on what was used to arrive at the product you’re exposing your skin to. Some mass-market bedding contains not-so-cozy chemicals like carcinogenic formaldehyde to reduce wrinkles in linen [1] and toxic insecticides like aldicarb and parathion in conventional cotton [2,3]. Mattresses can be equally problematic: from the flame retardant chemicals linked to hormonal, developmental and neurological disorders [4,5,6] to phthalates, a toxin linked to endocrine disruptions which can affect fertility [7]. By seeking brands that create bedding and mattresses that use natural materials, we’re able to rest easier knowing our toxin exposure is at bay. Here we’ve compiled our favorite safe bedding essentials for better, healthier sleep.
Bedtime Checklist
AVOCADO MATTRESS
The Avocado Green Mattress uses natural and organic materials, which means you’ll enjoy a cozy night’s sleep without exposing your body to synthetic materials or toxic flame retardant chemicals.
ETTITUDE BAMBOO SHEETS
Woven from 100% pure bamboo, Ettitude’s super soft sheet sets are as sustainable as they are luxurious. Being one of the most resource efficient plants on earth, bamboo needs far less water to thrive than traditional plants used to harvest fibers, making this the go to option for the conservationist.
COYUCHI 300 COUNT ORGANIC COTTON SHEETS
Sheets are similar to clothing in that we all have our favorite fabrications to cosy up too. For the classic cotton lover, go for Coyuchi’s 300 or 500 count Percale Sheet Set. Coyuchi’s pure & 100% organic fibers are minimally processed without any toxic dyes or materials. They’re soft and breathable and every night will be reminiscent of the deep slumber you experience while staying at your favorite hotel.
HAWKINS NY
Stonewashed Linen Bedding
For the linen loyalist, look no further than cult brand Hawkins New York. Their stonewashed 100% Belgian linen sheets come in a range of earthy hues, perfectly blending style, texture and softness for a carefree, perfectly rumpled look.
PARACHUTE HOME
Cloud Cotton Quilt
Parachute’s airy Cloud Cotton Quilt is made of the finest 100% long-staple Turkish cotton. This luxurious bedding topper is super soft and fluffy to regulate temperature.
THE BUFFY CLOUD COMFORTER
Buffy’s original Cloud comforter is made from eucalyptus that’s grown using less water than cotton and is filled with recycled plastic bottles out of landfills. Don’t let the recycled bottle fill scare you, this comforter is supremely comfortable.
SLIPSILK SLEEP MASK
Consider the Slip Sleep Mask the cherry on top of superior bedding. Made from mulberry silk using non-toxic dyes, this mask will have you dreaming well after sunrise.
BOLL & BRANCH DOWN PILLOW
Boll & Branch says “better ethics mean sweeter dreams” and we couldn’t agree more. These made-in-USA pillows use organic materials and are built to keep their structure over time. They’re available in an array of densities, so whether you have an affinity for firm pillows or prefer a light and airy option, Boll & Branch has you covered.
MORROW CLAUDE COTTON throw blanket
Morrow blankets are made of raw cotton and are hand woven by local artisans in Mexico, resulting in an ethical and comfortable throw to add a splash of style to any bedroom.
The citizenry THROW pillows
Perfectly on trend despite using age old artisan techniques, The Citizenry pillows are handcrafted by master weavers in a fair-trade environment. Their pillows come from all over the globe such as India, Japan and Mexico.
MORE CLEAN BEDDING
SOURCES
[4] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2019). Facts About Formaldehyde. Retrieved March 18, 2020, from https://www.epa.gov/formaldehyde/facts-about-formaldehyde#whatare
[2] Moser, V. C. (2014). Aldicarb. 3rd, Chapter 95, Wexler, P. (ed.), Encyclopedia of Toxicology. Elsevier Science, New York, NY, 1:123-125. Retrieved March 18, 2020, from https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_record_report.cfm?Lab=NHEERL&dirEntryId=237945
[3] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2000). Parathion. Retrieved March 18, 2020, from https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/parathion.pdf
[3] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2010). Dyes Derived from Benzidine and Its Congeners. Retrieved March 18, 2020, from https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/dcb_action_plan_06232010.noheader.pdf
[4] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs). America’s Children and the Environment (3rd Ed.). Retrieved March 18, 2020, from https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-11/documents/biomonitoring-pbdes.pdf
[5] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs). Retrieved March 18, 2020, from https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/polybrominated-diphenyl-ethers-pbdes
[6] Betts, K. S. (2008). New thinking on flame retardants. Environmental Health Perspectives, 116, A210-A213. doi: https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.116-a210
[7] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). Phthalates. America’s Children and the Environment (3rd Ed.). Retrieved March 12, 2020, from https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-08/documents/phthalates_updates_live_file_508_0.pdf