If we took the time to break down the materials present in all of the household items we use each day, we would undoubtedly be shocked by the number of toxins hiding beneath our sheets. In this case, literally under your sheet may be a mattress made from toxic chemicals that are off gassing, causing harmful side effects that you may not even be aware of. The same goes for pillows.
It’s a sad reality to discover that the one place where we hope to find the most peace and comfort at night is actually a major cause for concern. Luckily, there are products out there that emit minimal amounts, if any, of the toxic chemicals found in your standard sleep brands. I was lucky enough to receive an Essentia Comfort Pillow to try and, honestly I’m so impressed.
Pillows are such a personal thing, but generally speaking you want something that contours to your head, and provides a soft cushion, without being too soft or too firm. The Essentia pillow does just that. It’s got lots of body without being over stuffed and is soft enough that it moves when you move.
Essentia unlike other pillows on the market, however, offers consumers something more.
- Every Essentia Product is made in Canada
- As one of only two latex foaming companies in North America, Essentia has complete control over every component and each ingredient in their products
- The environmental impacts of this process and of natural foaming are significant
- Instead of importing latex foam components from Europe or Asia, Essentia imports the rubber tree sap to make their natural memory foam.
- This takes close to 80% less space than importing finished latex foam. It also significantly cuts down on fuel consumption in transportation, which allows for better prices and supports the North American economy.
If you’re still skeptical and you don’t totally understand what off gases are and how they’re emitted from your average mattress or pillow, you might want to check out Essentia’s website or this article for more information, but to give you the gist:
Since the mid- to late ’60s, most mattresses have been made of polyurethane foam, a petroleum-based material that emits volatile organic compounds that can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation. Formaldehyde, which is used to make one of the adhesives that hold mattresses together, has been linked to asthma, allergies, and lung, nose, and throat cancers. And then there are cotton pesticides and flame-retardant chemicals, which can cause cancer and nervous-system disorders.
It’s often the case that we know certain things like BPA are bad for us, but we don’t exactly know why or even know what they are. Equally important is that, as consumers, when we see a claim like BPA free, we have to then ask ourselves what the replacement material is and if it’s completely harm free.
Essentia is a refreshing company for that reason. It clearly lists not only all of its quality tests and certifications, but also explains with great transparency how they’ve earned these accolades and how their product stands out on the market.
I will definitely be purchasing a second pillow to make a set, and be looking into a crib mattress for my son.
