Polyethylene is an environmentally friendly plastic that is used throughout the food packaging industry for its purity and non-toxic properties. It has a very simple molecular structure that does not require chemical additives (such as vinyl a.k.a. PVC or polyvinylchloride). Its use is recommended by environmental groups all over the world.
It is specially formulated to meet food contact standards, creating the finest non-toxic and waterproof mattress cover available. The only additive used is a food grade pigment (the same pigment used to make icing for baking). It is also easy to clean and will not stain.
Organic cotton is the purest form of cotton, grown without toxins, synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or GMO’s (genetically modified organisms). Organic cotton farmers have developed creative ways to grow cotton without these chemicals. This is accomplished by the use of natural fertilizers, beneficial insects, and innovative weeding techniques.
In crib mattresses, organic cotton is a healthy alternative to foams (which are chemically treated) and latex (which is allergy-prone).
All Naturepedic organic cotton mattresses feature 100% U.S. grown cotton and provide a healthy and comfortable sleep environment.
The organic cotton filling used by Naturepedic is certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture. The certification standard includes:
When it comes to bedroom fires, a moment or two can mean the difference between life and death. Thousands of innocent people are killed or severly injured from bedroom fires each year. Sadly, children comprise the majority of these casualties.
The primary filling material used in nearly all crib mattresses today is polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is highly flammable because it is essentially a petroleum product. In fact, the National Association of State Fire Marshals refers to it as “solid gasoline.”
In order to combat this hazard and pass Federal and State flammability standards, polyurethane foam is typically treated or wrapped with harsh industrial fire retardant chemicals. These chemicals introduce other health and toxicity issues. Some of these chemicals have already been associated with thyroid and liver damage, hyperactivity, and changes in motor behavior and other brain functions. These chemicals typically constitute 10-30% of the foam by weight and can easily become airborne.
At Naturepedic, we take a different approach. Natural and organic cotton is a far superior filling material and is significantly less flammable to begin with.
Our exclusive FlameBreaker™ fire protection system is based on the unique fire retardant properties of baking soda and silica bonded to cellulose fiber. Baking soda is a non-toxic substance with excellent fire retardant properties. Baking soda can be found as a naturally occurring compound, but is generally made from other naturally derived materials. Silica is a natural mineral that comprises about 70% of the earth's crust. Clay, rocks, sand, etc. are all made primarily of silica. It is a major constituent of human tissue, bones, teeth, skin, eyes, glands, organs and is even available as a food supplement. The cellulose fiber used is derived primarily from eucalyptus and poplar trees and has a low carbon footprint. These materials provide the best way to meet fire regulations without the use of dangerous chemicals or allergenic wool.
Naturepedic uses only the very best innersprings available. Our flagship crib innerspring features 252 coils at 15.5 gauge with 9 gauge border wire and additional 9 gauge center reinforcement. This provides ideal support and weight distribution. Our twin, full, and queen size mattresses feature 360, 528. and 650 coils respectively.
How many coils do I want in an innerspring?In general, the lower the gauge, the heavier the steel. However, lower gauge also means larger springs. As the springs become larger, fewer of them can fit in the mattress. Increasing the number of coils while reducing the weight of the steel per coil provides a smoother and overall firmer response from the innerspring since weight is more evenly distributed. This weight distribution is key as it provides improved support at every point. In general, the higher the coil count, the more expensive the innerspring.
NOTE: 252 coils is approximately the maximum number of coils that can physically fit in a crib mattress. Crib mattresses with higher advertised coil counts (such as 500 or 1000) don't actually contain those number of coils. They are based on equivalent larger size innersprings.
What's the difference between the 150 and the 252 coil innersprings in the No-Compromise™ Organic Cotton Classic?The 252 coil innerspring is a bit firmer, but the real advantage lies in the center reinforcement. In addition to more coils, the 252 innerspring features 9 guage cross beams that help prevent sagging in the middle of the mattress. This is only a concern with cribs that don't support the center of the mattress well. Both innerprings feature 9 gauge border wire for strong edge support.
Natural materials, including organic cotton, wool and latex, will not keep dust mites away. (Don’t believe the hype that wool and latex will repel dust mites.) Dust mites are widely believed to be the single greatest source of allergens. Furthermore, it is common for dust mites to live in mattresses.
Any non-waterproof mattress (including the Quilted Organic Baby Crib Mattress) would require an external dust mite barrier encasing to prevent dust mites from penetrating the mattress.
The No-Compromise™ Organic Baby Crib Mattress features a dust mite proof polyethylene waterproof surface that cannot be penetrated by dust-mites. There is no need to purchase any additional dust mite barriers for this model.
On first glance, latex or natural rubber may seem to be an excellent material for use in baby crib mattresses. However, natural latex/rubber has been associated with unusually high allergies, particularly in children. Most allergists recommend that babies and young children steer clear of latex. Ironically, natural latex contains certain proteins that are more allergenic than synthetic latex.
Latex/rubber (whether natural or not) normally contains vulcanization chemicals, including sulfur and ammonia, which can be harmful. Additionally, natural latex/rubber sometimes contains benzene, a hazardous substance as well as a carcinogen. In truth, “natural“ latex/rubber mattresses cannot be made without these chemicals.
Reportedly, there are over one thousand lawsuits currently in the U.S. revolving around latex/rubber allergies, particularly regarding children. Allergies from latex/rubber are obviously widespread.
Naturepedic does not use natural or synthetic latex/rubber in any of its products.
Wool is a natural fire retardant material used in many organic mattresses. It is generally free of added toxic fire retardant chemicals. “Organic” wool, taken from “organically” raised sheep, is especially pure as the sheep are raised on organic feed with special care taken to ensure their humane treatment. However, most wool used by organic mattress manufacturers is actually not organic.
In adult sized mattresses, wool is an excellent, natural, and luxurious fire retardant material. However, its use in baby products is questionable. A precautionary approach should be taken since babies are potentially susceptible to high allergy materials such as wool and other animal hairs.
Wool has long been associated with allergies, particularly in children. For example, wool intrinsically contains lanolin and certain alcohols known to have allergenic properties. Other allergens originate not with the wool itself, but with the chemical treatments applied to it when processed.
Naturepedic products strive to be as non-allergenic as possible and, as such, do not contain any wool.