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Certified Organic Cotton, Wool and Natural Rubber Pillows

Conventionally Grown Cotton

Conventionally grown cotton is a very chemically intensive crop and consumes approximately 25% of the insecticides and 10% of the pesticides used for agriculture. Producing enough cotton for one T-shirt requires about a 1/3 to 1/4 of a pound of pesticides and fertilizers. According to the US Department of Agriculture, fifty-five million pounds of pesticides were sprayed on conventional cotton grown in the U.S. in 2003 and over 2.03 billion pounds of synthetic fertilizers were applied to conventional cotton in 2000. Synthetic chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticide use increases the likelihood of human exposure even if there is no direct contact with these substances. These chemicals leach into the groundwater and contaminate our drinking water and end up in our food supply. Their production requires use of non-renewable petroleum based ingredients and the manufacturing process, storage and transportation produces more potential pollution.  

The US Environmental Protection Agency considers seven of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton in 2000 in the United States as "possible," "likely," "probable," or "known" human carcinogens. The US General Accounting Office has said "Exposure to pesticides can cause a range of ill effects in humans, from relatively mild effects such as headaches, fatigue, and nausea, to more serious effects such as cancer and neurological disorders. In 1999, EPA estimated that nationwide there were at least 10,000 to 20,000 physician-diagnosed pesticide illnesses and injuries per year in farm work. Environmental effects are evident in the findings of the U.S. Geological Survey, which reported in 1999 that more than 90 percent of water and fish samples from streams and about 50 percent of all sampled wells contained one or more pesticides. The concern about pesticides in water is especially acute in agricultural areas, where most pesticides are used."

Conventionally Grown Wool

When thinking of wool, we think of the sheep where wool comes from. In the US alone, over 14,000 pounds of insecticides were applied directly to sheep in year 2,000 to help control mites, lice, flies and other pests. The application of toxic pesticides to sheep is not only dangerous to the health of the sheep, but to humans and the environment as well. Pesticides used for sheep pose serious health consequences to farm workers with impacts ranging from depression and anxiety to central nervous system damage and reduced bone formation. These pesticides are also toxic to fish and wildlife through transfer from the application site via irrigation and stormwater run-off. Antibiotics are also used on conventionally raised sheep to facilitate growth and compensate for overcrowding and unhealthy living conditions. These antibiotic feed additives can contaminate surface and ground waters through animal waste and can make their way into the human food chain where they can impact the ability of medicines to overcome bacteria resistance to antibiotics in humans.

Synthetic Flexible Foam and Synthetic Latex

Over 1.7 billion pounds of synthetic flexible foam is produced annually in the US for all types of consumer goods. The bedding industry uses synthetic flexible foam products extensively in products such as mattresses and pillows. Flexible Polyurethane Foam (FPF) is produced from primary polyol (50%), polyisocyanurates (40%) and water (10%). Various other chemicals such as catalysts, blowing agents, surfactants, fillers, flame retardants, colorants, antistatic and antibacterial additives are selected to give the foam the specific desired properties. When these chemicals combine, a foam reaction occurs that creates the final material to be shaped and cut.

The most notable flexible foam product in recent years is viscoelastic foam, also known as "Memory Foam" or "Temper Foam". It is recognized for its slow recovery after compression and advertised for its ability to conform to a body's shape. Many viscoelastic products react to temperature from the ambient air and from body temperature. These products soften with heat to become more pliable and conforming.

Synthetic Latex Foam Rubber is not the same as Flexible Polyurethane Foam and contains no Polyurethane. Manufacturers of synthetic latex foam use similar equipment as natural latex foam rubber manufacturers, the difference being the use of synthetic chemicals to approximate natural latex rubber properties. Synthetic foam rubber can be 100% synthetic or a combination of synthetic and natural ingredients. Manufacturers will label their synthetic and natural latex blended products as natural latex or natural rubber because there is some natural component, so be sure to find out what is in the product.

Issues with Synthetic Flexible Foam and Synthetic Latex Foam products

• Chemical Exposure - synthetic foam products are produced from synthetic chemicals. The type, quantity and toxicity of these chemicals can vary in different products. Sleeping on top of these products for 8 hours per day, separated only by a layer of fabric, significantly exposes you to the volatile chemical vapors released from these products increasing your chemical exposure level. Many of these chemicals pose a health risk, such formaldehyde, styrene, and the foam flame retardant PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), which has been banned in several states in the US and the European Union. PBDE is a relative of PCB's and significant levels have been found in women's breast milk. Animal testing of the health effects of PBDE have shown it to cause cognitive and behavior changes during development, lowered intelligence, higher cancer rates, nervous system damage and reproductive development and immune system problems.

• Comfort - a lot of claims are being made about the comfort and conforming nature of viscoelastic foams. There is great variability as to the quality, density, composition, compression recovery and temperature sensitivity of these products, so buyer beware as not all "memory foam" products offer the same characteristics. Temperature and humidity both affect the performance of viscoelastic foam. Changing room temperature and humidity will change the way these products perform, so what feels great one day, may not feel the same the next. Body temperature will soften the foam to make it more pliable and conforming. This is advertised as a benefit to the consumer when actually it is not a benefit. Viscoelastic foam has slow recovery and poor "springback" after compression. As the body sinks into this material, a crater or "sink hole" is created as it conforms to the body. This makes it difficult to roll over or move from that position as the foam material next to this "crater" is not compressed or affected by body temperature and the viscoelastic material provides no spring support, so you are virtually moving out of a hole to change sleeping positions. Additionally, the changes in viscoelastic products are slow, so it takes several seconds for the material to adjust to your change in position. Viscoelastic material may be comfortable when stationary, but no one sleeps without constant movement. If you are not instantly comfortable when you adjust your position on a mattress or pillow or it becomes difficult to move during sleep, how can this be beneficial to sound uninterrupted sleep?

• Environmental - a completely synthetic petroleum based product that depletes non-renewal resources and contributes to environmental pollution through the exploration, transportation, manufacturing and disposal of it's ingredients.

Organic Cotton, Wool and Natural Latex Foam Rubber

The National Organic Standards Board of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines organic agriculture as "An ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony." Certified Organic means a verification process was performed by an independent state or private organization to ensure that the strict organic standards were followed in the crop or product's production. Organic standards regulate the farm production of the raw material, but in Organic Cotton production, the finished materials can be treated with synthetic chemicals and toxic dyes and still be labeled Organic. Certified Organic Wool fiber production is different as it has stringent requirements in fiber processing. When choosing Organic products, it is important to know if the product was made from "Certified Organic" base materials and any potentially harmful finishing processes used to produce the final end product. Making a shift toward organic production will have a major beneficial impact on all of us by reducing toxic chemical human exposure and pollution to our air, water, food and land.

Organic Cotton

• Provides a comfortable, soft feel.
• Is a durable and strong material that resists abrasion.
• Can absorb up to 27 times its weight in moisture making it great for bath products.
• Helps regulate body temperature and provides protection in both cold and warm conditions. Cotton will absorb perspiration from the skin and release it to the drier air to help keep you cool.
• No synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, irradiation, sewage sludge or genetic engineering were used for the previous three years.
• Farmers use beneficial insects that are natural predators to pests, improve the soil through the use of organic compost and crop rotation and pull weeds mechanically or physically.
• Reduced soil erosion, retention of soil nutrients and no contamination from toxic pesticide use that can remain persistent in our environment.

Organic Wool

• A natural flame retardant and is used in place of toxic synthetic chemical flame retardant products to meet federal standards.
• Resistant to compression and springs back to shape to provide long life durability. A wool fiber can be bent up to 20,000 times without breaking compared to 3,200 times for cotton.
• Helps regulate body temperature and provides protection in both cold and warm conditions. Wool works to balance moisture conditions and will absorb perspiration from the skin and release it to the drier air to help keep you cool. In humid environments, wool provides a layer of dry air next to the body. Can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet.
• Produced in accordance with federal standards for Organic livestock production
• Genetic engineering and hormones are prohibited.
• No synthetic pesticides can be used in feed, externally or on pasture land. Sheep can not be dipped in pesticides to control pests and grazing land must be free of synthetic chemicals for at least three years.
• Animal feed must be organic from the last third of gestation period.
• Livestock health is maintained through good management practices.
• Fiber processing restricts chemical use and requires separation of organic and non-organic fibers.

Natural Latex Foam Rubber

The Cost of Organic Cotton, Wool and Natural Rubber Latex

There are several factors that impact the cost of Organic and Natural Rubber products. At the present time, Organic textile products cost more than a comparable conventionally grown textile product. As demand for Organic products increase, the growing, manufacturing and distribution costs will decrease to a point closer to conventionally grown products. Buying Organic and Natural Rubber products also helps to create a market transformation in which higher demand reduces costs and provides finished goods through more mainstream sources. Natural Latex Rubber Foam products are manufactured from raw material that is harvested from regions far away and are not based on less expensive synthetic chemical ingredients. Only 4 lbs. of natural dry crude rubber can be harvested by a Rubber Tree annually. However, 100% natural latex Rubber products are priced competitively with many comparable conventional synthetic products. Here are a few reasons why Organic and Natural Rubber Latex are more expensive.

• Economies of Scale - conventional product sales substantially exceed Organic and Natural Rubber Latex product sales. The costs associated with the growing/harvesting, manufacturing and distribution are higher due to the smaller quantities.

• Organic Farming is more Labor Intensive - because Organic farming uses mechanical and human intervention rather than pesticides for crop maintenance, growing costs can be higher.

There are two costs associated when purchasing Organic and Natural Rubber products:

1. The Purchase Cost - this is the cost you pay for your product at the retail outlet.

2. The Environmental Cost - this is the cost you don't see when purchasing the product. There is a real financial cost and a personal cost associated with the use and exposure to toxic chemicals. The financial impacts may be through increased health care costs or through toxic waste cleanup and treatment of our air, water and land. Personal costs are more devastating such as those from disease, birth defects and changes to our wildlife.

Pure Rest Organic Cotton, Wool and Natural Rubber Pillows

Organic Cotton Filled Pillows
	Just the right amount of organic cotton fill for a pillow that offers support, breathability and comfort. Elegant Certified Organic Cotton European Damask fabric on the outside to insure the inside fill remains inside. Made in the USA. 3 Year Warranty against manufacturer defects. Choose fill weight for your comfort level: Lightweight. Standard - 25 oz. Regular weight. Standard - 29 oz. Queen - 35 oz. King - 43 oz.
--- All Sizes/Weights Out of Stock from Manufacturer --- Light Weight Cotton Fill Pillow Standard Price: $57.95 Quantity: Regular Weight Cotton Fill Pillow Boudoir Price: $36.95 Standard Price: $59.45 Queen Price: $70.45 King Price: $83.45 Boudoir Organic Cotton Fill PillowStandard Organic Cotton Fill PillowQueen Organic Cotton Fill PillowKing Organic Cotton Fill Pillow Quantity:

Organic Wool Filled Pillows
	Just the right amount of natural wool for a pillow that offers support, breathability and comfort. Natural lanolin is retained in the wool to inhibit dust mites. Wool is carded in-house at the manufacturer to prevent the polyester fibers from other mills from getting into the wool. Elegant Certified Organic Cotton European Damask fabric on the outside to insure the inside fill remains inside. The wool fill comes from healthy organically raised living sheep that enjoy a stress-free life of organic food, clean environments, and good health. The resulting fleeces are sorted, and washed with only hot water and vegetable-based soaps (no detergents, chemicals, or chlorine bleach) resulting in wool fibers that are strong and springy. Made in the USA. 3 Year Warranty against manufacturer defects. Choose fill weight for your comfort level: Lightweight. Standard - 20 oz. Queen - 26 oz. King - 32 oz. Regular weight. Standard - 24 oz. Queen - 32 oz. King - 38 oz. Heavy weight. Standard - 29 oz. Queen - 38 oz. King - 44 oz.
Light Weight Wool Fill Pillow Standard Price: $70.45 Queen Price: $76.95 King Price: $81.95 Standard Organic Wool Lite Fill PillowQueen Organic Wool Lite Fill PillowKing Organic Wool Lite Fill Pillow Quantity: Regular Weight Wool Fill Pillow Throw Price: $31.95 Euro Price: $105.95 Standard Price: $76.95 Queen Price: $84.95 King Price: $92.95 Throw Organic Wool Regular Fill PillowEuro Organic Wool Regular Fill PillowStandard Organic Wool Regular Fill PillowQueen Organic Wool Regular Fill PillowKing Organic Wool Regular Fill Pillow Quantity: Heavy Weight Wool Fill Pillow Standard Price: $83.45 Queen Price: $86.45 King Price: $94.45 Standard Organic Wool Heavy Fill PillowQueen Organic Wool Heavy Fill PillowKing Organic Wool Heavy Fill Pillow Quantity:

Organic Kapok Filled Pillows
	Kapok is a fiber that comes from the seeds of the Java Kapok tree also called the "Silk Cotton" tree. It is a soft, water resistant material and makes great pillow fill. A resilient, buoyant and light fiber, it is commonly used to replace down (bird feathers) in bedding products. Just the right amount of pillow fill offers support, breathability and comfort. Elegant Certified Organic Cotton European Damask fabric on the outside to insure the inside fill remains inside. Made in the USA. 3 Year Warranty against manufacturer defects. Choose fill weight for your comfort level: Regular weight. Standard - 29 oz. Queen - 35 oz. King - 43 oz. Heavy weight. Standard - 32 oz.
Regular Weight Kapok Fill Pillow Boudoir Price: $23.95 Standard Price: $35.45 Queen Price: $43.45 King Price: $54.45 Boudoir Organic Kapok Fill PillowStandard Organic Kapok Fill PillowQueen Organic Kapok Fill PillowKing Organic Kapok Fill Pillow Quantity: Heavy Weight Kapok Fill Pillow Standard Price: $38.45 Quantity:

Shredded Natural Rubber Latex Pillows
	Naturally resilient and conforming to the head and neck area. Natural Rubber Ingredients - 90-95% of 100% Natural Latex with 2-3% Zinc Oxide, 1-2% Vegetable Fatty Acid Soap, 1-2% Sulfur and 1-2% Sodium needed for manufacturing. No synthetic latex, chemicals, foams or residues. The loft is fully adjustable without taking the pillow apart. Simply move the shredded rubber around to accommodate your position and comfort. Natural rubber is resistant to mold, mildew and dustmites. Available with either the traditional elegant Certified Organic Cotton European Damask fabric on the outside or Organic Cotton stretchy knit for a softer fabric surface. Completely machine washable and dryable. When soiled, simply throw in the washer and dryer. Made in the USA. 3 Year Warranty against manufacturer defects. Includes Body size which provides support to the head and neck at the top and to the knees and legs lower down. This type of pillow can be especially useful in providing support for those who sleep on their sides and for pregnant women.
Shredded Rubber Fill Pillow with European Damask Fabric Boudoir Price: $22.45 Throw Price: $60.95 Euro Price: $71.95 Body Price: $134.45 Standard Price: $46.45 Queen Price: $52.95 King Price: $59.45 Boudoir Natural Shredded Rubber PillowTravel/Throw Natural Shredded Rubber PillowEuro Natural Shredded Rubber PillowBody Natural Shredded Rubber PillowStandard Natural Shredded Rubber PillowQueen Natural Shredded Rubber PillowKing Natural Shredded Rubber Pillow Quantity: Shredded Rubber Fill Pillow with Stretchy Knit Fabric Standard Price: $44.95 Queen Price: $49.95 King Price: $57.95 Standard Natural Shredded Rubber Pillow Knit OuterQueen Natural Shredded Rubber Pillow Knit OuterKing Natural Shredded Rubber Pillow Knit Outer Quantity:

Molded Natural Rubber Latex Pillows
	Naturally resilient and conforming to the head and neck area. Natural Rubber Ingredients - 90-95% of 100% Natural Latex with 2-3% Zinc Oxide, 1-2% Vegetable Fatty Acid Soap, 1-2% Sulfur and 1-2% Sodium needed for manufacturing. No synthetic latex, chemicals, foams or residues. One piece molded construction conforms to your neck and head for superior comfort. Pillow breathes and ventilates to stay cool and dry to the head unlike synthetic foam products that can be hot and clammy. Natural rubber is resistant to mold, mildew and dustmites. Rating of 22 Internal Latex Density (ILD), which is a soft firmness. Pillow loft height is 5". Available with either the traditional elegant Certified Organic Cotton European Damask fabric on the outside or Organic Cotton stretchy knit for a softer fabric surface. Made in the USA. 3 Year Warranty against manufacturer defects.
Molded Rubber Fill Pillow with European Damask Fabric Standard Price: $67.45 Queen Price: $75.45 King Price: $84.95 Standard Natural Molded Rubber PillowQueen Natural Molded Rubber PillowKing Natural Molded Rubber Pillow Quantity: Molded Rubber Fill Pillow with Stretchy Knit Fabric Standard Price: $63.95 Queen Price: $71.95 King Price: $81.95 Standard Natural Molded Rubber Pillow Knit OutQueen Natural Molded Rubber Pillow Knit OutKing Natural Molded Rubber Pillow Knit Out Quantity:

Shredded Natural Rubber Latex Pet/Child Pillows
	A great pet bed or fun pillow. Children of all ages love to sit around on these. Natural Rubber Ingredients - 90-95% of 100% Natural Latex with 2-3% Zinc Oxide, 1-2% Vegetable Fatty Acid Soap, 1-2% Sulfur and 1-2% Sodium needed for manufacturing. No synthetic latex, chemicals, foams or residues. Naturally resilient and conforming to the body of your pet or child. The loft is fully adjustable without taking the pillow apart. Simply move the shredded rubber around to accommodate position and comfort. Natural rubber is resistant to mold, mildew and dustmites. Completely machine washable and dryable. When soiled, simply throw in the washer and dryer. Comes apart for easy care. Zip off cover of Organic Cotton and removable shredded natural rubber internal pillow. Two internal pillows on larger sizes. Made in the USA.
Shredded Rubber Fill Pet/Child Pillow 19" Round Price: $127.95 35" Round Price: $175.95 18" x 24" Rectangular Price: $127.95 34" x 45" Rectangular Price: $175.95 19" Round Natural Shredded Rubber Pet Bed35" Round Natural Shredded Rubber Pet Bed18" x 24" Natural Shredded Rubber Pet Bed34" x 45" Natural Shredded Rubber Pet Bed Quantity: