I went and unzipped my sleep number bed and there's BLACK MOLD everywhere!!! Right after purchasing this bed five years ago is when I started to get really sick from the Lyme I've managed without intervention from docs for 35 years!!!!
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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TerryK
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posted
OMG six!!!
I'm so glad you found it. Since mold spores are air-borne you will likely need to check your whole house for mold growth. I'm dealing with a mold issue myself and it can be very costly to try to remediate.
Do you know if you have the genetics that make it difficult to get rid of the mycotoxins? Consider using a binder if you aren't already.
So sorry this happened to you but very glad you found out and can deal with it now. Hopefully you will get well much faster now.
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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lymie_in_md
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posted
Six, imagine you didn't discover the mold infestation in the bed. Then had the treatment with Dr. W. and still had symptoms after your return. It makes you think in determining the real cause of symtoms.
What an environment we live in.
So six, what do you do now (both joy and anger feelings)? At least you know where a good number of your symptoms came from.
-------------------- Bob Posts: 2150 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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sixgoofykids
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posted
I seem to detox very well. I am going to start taking the cholestyramine that's in my cupboard.
I live in a 92 year old house and talked to a guy who specializes in mold cleanup. He says that the way this house is constructed makes mold an unlikely problem.
So, it's good news that I most likely won't need to tear out walls, etc., but I will need to look into what I need to do.
I mainly wanted to pass on the info for others here who might have one of these beds!!
Bob, I know I have Lyme. I have had symptoms for 35 years, but it was in almost complete remission for 12 years before I got this bed. So, I still want to go to Germany to eradicate the Lyme.
I'm thrilled though to be getting rid of this source of toxins.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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SForsgren
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posted
You may need to consider moving even. Opening the mattress likely proliferated the mold. I would also get Esoterix testing ASAP for black mold so you have something to show that it was impacting your health. They can do antibody testing for the Stachy.
-------------------- Be well, Scott Posts: 4617 | From San Jose, CA | Registered: Jul 2005
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lymie_in_md
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Six I didn't mean to infer you didn't. Even if you had the lyme removed by Dr. W., hypothetically you could still have had symptoms on your return and not know why.
At least now you know some of the symptoms were mold aggravated by lyme. I also feel bad you lost 5 years due to none other then a bed.
-------------------- Bob Posts: 2150 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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That is horrible but also a blessing that you found it
Hope getting rid of that bed brings you much better health!
-------------------- "We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us" - e.m. forster Posts: 921 | From PA | Registered: Jan 2004
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groovy2
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posted
Hey Six
The mold is likely a huge part of why you are sick-
I pulled ALL of the carpet from my home and it made a Huge difference for me--
I found No visible mold on the carpet tho-
Dont open the mattress any more- just 86 it-
3M number 92 or 95 dust masks should be worn when handling any of this stuff- $5 for 2-
Cheap masks dont work much--Jay--
Posts: 2999 | From Austin tx USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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kelmo
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posted
With that rediculous expense, you should take a picture of it and send it to the television station to do a story on it.
THEN, contact sleepnumber and ask for your money back.
You could threaten to send them your doctor bills.
Posts: 2903 | From AZ | Registered: Feb 2006
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kam
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posted
Hoping to be able to read this when I am doing better.
As I was just trying to figure out how old my mattress is.
i read somewhere that after so many years half of the weight in mattresses is..darn can't recall what they said...I want to say dust bunnies but that was not it.
Those simple organisms that eat dead skin.
I think I purchased my bed in 98. So 10 years old.
Guessing it is time for a new one.
So interested in learning which ones are best if and when I have the funds.
Read that pillows need to be replaced after a certain amount of time too.
Mine are older than the bed I thnk. Down pillows.
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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charlie
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posted
quote: Those simple organisms that eat dead skin.
Dust Mites....
Posts: 2804 | From Texas | Registered: Oct 2000
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Hoosiers51
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posted
Kam,
Instead of buying a new bed, just get one of those matteress pads that zips around the entire mattress. They make them for people that are allergic to dust. That will prevent dust mites from being able to get in or out. It's a cheaper solution!
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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CD57
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posted
Holy S*&t!! I can't believe this!
Posts: 3528 | From US | Registered: Apr 2007
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
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posted
quote:Originally posted by CD57: Holy S*&t!! I can't believe this!
LOL! My thoughts exactly!!!
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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Nal
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posted
Wow, sorry to hear you had such a bad relapse! I have a sleep number bed. I thoroughly checked mine for mold-didn't find any. However the last sleep number i had I did find mold on the egg crate mattress. This one is fine so far.
Im thinking about getting a zippered mattres protector like was suggested and putting the whole mattress in that.
Hope you get to feeling better soon.
Nancy
-------------------- Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond to it!
-Chuck Swindoll Posts: 1594 | From Colorado | Registered: Jan 2005
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groovy2
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posted
Hi Six
I was just saying what I did-
I have not had night sweats since I pulled the carpet out- before that It was nightly sweating my tail off--
When I was doing research I found several labs that will test your house for mold-
I dont remember for sure but I think they send you a test kit- you swab areas in your home and send the swabs to them for testing -
seems like it was $100 for tests-
Also try wearing dust mask in your home if you have any worry about mold-
I did this for a few weeks till I got mold taken care of -- Jay-
Posts: 2999 | From Austin tx USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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sparkle7
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posted
That's horrible. What an inconvenience & a danger.
Sorry to hear about this but it's good you found out, 6!
I have been using a foam mattress with magnets in it for many years. It's still comfortable after over 15 years. I just put a memory foam topper on it & it's very comfy.
Mold, allergens, & dust mites are a serious problem. I live in an old house, too. In some ways they are designed better to take advantage of cross-ventalation. They have larger windows & sometimes the materials used in building are less toxic than materials used in newer homes.
Good luck in getting rid of the mold & with any legal action.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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Angelica
Unregistered
posted
Six sorry you are having to go through this. I hope you get some legal justice.
For anyone worried about dust mites in their pillow I did hear you can freeze your pillow for 24 hours and it will kill the dust mites.
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oxygenbabe
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Goofy get the mold tested. I would say your symptoms are from mold. Maybe bring a vial over and have Dr. W find someone to make a nosode with?
Anyway, as long as its not toxic black poison mold, I wouldn't think you'd have to move.
A good thorough cleaning of the room, wiping down surfaces with a 10-1 (water/bleach) bleach solution, and putting in a dehumidifier if necessary.
You can also do an ERMI test, to see if there is still a high level of spores.
But its likely throwing out the bed is about all that's needed.
Posts: 2276 | From united states | Registered: Jun 2004
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posted
Ugh! What a horrible discovery! Yet I'm sure somewhat of a relief at finding it too.
Ask L about ordering a test for Stachy to see if you've been exposed. She ran one during my differential dx.
-------------------- If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there. - Lewis Carroll Posts: 356 | From Body-PA, Mind-elsewhere | Registered: Dec 2007
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luvs2ride
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posted
If your symptoms began after buying this bed, maybe getting rid of it will improve your symptoms. Odds are you will have to do some mold detoxing too. My doctor currently has me on welchol for this purpose.
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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sixgoofykids
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posted
Hi everyone, thanks for all the comments.
I talked to a guy I know who does mold remediation for a living. He said that he thinks that since we got rid of the source, it shouldn't be a problem.
However, that isn't always the case. He said he'd wait and see how my health responds. If I don't feel better, then he'll test the air in the bedroom, in the living room, and outside. Then they tell by comparing.
There is mold everywhere, so you do a comparison to other places to see if there's a problem in one place over another.
He said that he thinks it was having my face right next to a mold filled mattress that was most likely the problem.
I was glad I had someone I know to ask ..... I could have easily bought into, "You need this $400 test, and you need this $______ mold cleanup."
My house gets good circulation as it's old ..... the newer buildings that are air tight tend to be the ones that get sick building syndrome.
He said that they use HEPA vacuums to get rid of the mold spores, so I used my Oreck with a HEPA bag today to vaccum. Mopping just spreads the mold around.
I also have fans going in here and the windows open.
My room is not humid, so I don't think a dehumidifier is needed.
I always have an air cleaner going. We also use allergy filters in our A/C units.
So, I think it's going to be okay. Except for hurting my back playing racquetball, I feel NORMAL!! I have some seasonal allergies like the rest of the family, but I don't have any Lyme symptoms or babs symptoms at all.
I don't think it's all gone as I herx like clockwork every 24 days, but for the time between the herx, I am totally functional.
I am getting tested by my doctor for mold toxicity.
Now I'm just waiting for my new bed, which should be here any minute!!!
posted
I've been sleeping on black mold too!!!!!!!
Thank you 6 for sharing the information- this may explain a lot.
LLMD swore mold was a factor with my symptoms, but we never could pinpoint a source.
She also was sure some sort of allergy was causing my sleep disturbances. I am taking enough pills at night to keep a horse down and I wake 2-3 times every night and sleep horribly-go figure!!!
Where do I sleep tonight? I'm sure all my bedding is contaminated as well...
lymeHerx001
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posted
I dont know whats worse, sleeping on black mold or choosing the wrong mattress.
Im in hell either way.
Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004
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sixgoofykids
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posted
Well, we took my son's mattress and moved it to our bedroom till our new one came in. He had left for college the day we found the mold .... that day we went to see him, his new room, etc. and while we were there, we looked at organic beds at the link above.
Just so happened that someone had ordered the same bed we wanted but didn't want it for four more weeks, so we got theirs delivered the very next day and the store ordered a new one for them! It all worked out perfectly!
But, yeah, you need to sleep somewhere else tonight. The relief for me was almost immediate. We thought my babesia just wasn't responding to meds ..... I haven't had my usual air hunger for two days.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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lymie_in_md
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6 we're going to expect twice as many posts from you now that you'll be feeling better.
-------------------- Bob Posts: 2150 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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sixgoofykids
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posted
No, expect half as many!
I always post more when I feel bad. I'm too busy when I'm healthy. That's why you haven't seen much of me the past couple days .... I got rid of that stupid bed and feel GREAT now!
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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lymeHerx001
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posted
I hear ya, just look at all my neurotic posting activity. Its because I feel bad and confused not good.
If I were good like GiGi and company then you might not see me for a while, instead I would just offer what worked.
quote:Originally posted by sixgoofykids: No, expect half as many!
I always post more when I feel bad. I'm too busy when I'm healthy. That's why you haven't seen much of me the past couple days .... I got rid of that stupid bed and feel GREAT now!
Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004
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randibear
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posted
what are mold symptoms?
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Some of the most common symptoms from exposure to mold are: Headaches Worsening of allergies Fevers Nasal and sinus congestion Burning and watering eyes Coughing Sore throat Flu-like symptoms Skin rashes/irritation Respiratory problems
sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
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posted
Since mold causes toxicity and Lyme causes toxicity there is a lot of overlap in symptoms. When I Googled mold symptoms many of the lists looked like they could be list of symptoms for Lyme Disease.
I didn't see one particular list that was my favorite.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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sixgoofykids
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Hi all!! I love, love, love my new bed!!!!
I never smelled the mold or had my normal allergic reaction to it (normally mold makes my eyes burn and my nose itch). I also never smelled the numerous chemicals they put in beds ..... however, I smelled the lack of the chemicals and mold as I lay down last night to go to sleep.
I woke up at 6:30 well-rested! What on earth am I going to do with this extra time waking up earlier and refreshed!!!!
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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lymeHerx001
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Six, what kind of bed does your son have?
I hate to bring it around to me again but I just got a cheapo one for $200 and its too hard.
I know that the Simmons have pocketed coils which help alot for circulation. Also they are making beds now with memory foam.
The cheaper ones are just the bonnell springs with a lower coil count. Thas what I have.
Thanks again!
Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004
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sixgoofykids
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posted
Ha, ha, bring it around to you all you want!!!
If anyone has experience detoxing mold, please post that, too!
My son's mattress? It's okay .... actually it a great mattress, we've had houseguests say it was really comfortable compared to theirs. I had my 12 year old go read the tag and he said it's a "United Sleep Products" mattress.
I love my new bed, which is coils with latex foam, which is toxin-free unlike memory foam. The mattress to buy is the one I just bought. Yeah, already on the new bed! They had ordered one exactly how we wanted, and the person didn't want it for a month, so we got theirs, and the store is reordering one for them. Just got lucky to get it so quickly!
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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lymie_in_md
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All right everyone, we'll all meet over at 6's house to test out the new bed.
Keep us up to date on how this new bed works out for you.
-------------------- Bob Posts: 2150 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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sixgoofykids
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posted
ROFL! A bunch of Lymies on my new bed? I'll never get it back! But you'll all love my new mold free room!!
I'm feeling terrific! Even though I had to take a Benadryl because of this cold I got from my daughter, and the Norco and Advil I had to take because I injured my back playing racquetball, I feel better than I've felt in years!!!
Wonder if I'll be able to read the music when I play flute this morning at Mass .....
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
If you want information on black mold, unfortuntatley I have a wealth of it.In 2005 I was introduced to the horrible stuff.
Of course at the time my lyme was in remission for 7 years and you better believe it came roaring back!
I was cleaning out the basement of a rental apt. and came across some sheetrock with black stuff all over. I assumed it was mold, but had no knowledge of what it could actually do.
I became suddenly ill just days after coming into contact.
A few weeks later, we found mold spores in our ac which was sucked up from the basement.
that was the red flag for me... I started researching mold and was astonished by what i read. We had a company come out and test. it was possitive for Stachy, at a high level.
During this time, my wife's asthma went into overdrive.
We were faced with a choice and ultimately we moved and left everything behind. I had such a sensitivity to it that I didn't want to risk taking furniture, cloths, etc with me and infecting out new house. The doctor and department of health also reccomend we move.
After much research, I finally found a toxicoligist who treated me for detox.
I could go on and on, but if you have specific questions let me know. I'd be happy to help.
BTW people in 2005 thought I was crazy and that mold could not do that to a person.
Posts: 5 | From Rhode Island | Registered: Sep 2005
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Angelica
Unregistered
posted
6 which mattress on that website did you order? is it the organic cotton one or the latex one?
Thanks and I am glad you are have a healthy mattress now and you are sleeping better.
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sixgoofykids
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Wow, John! I'll see how I do over the next few days, and I'll ask questions when they come up, thanks!
I got the latex bed ... it's a thicker latex with springs of varying heights. I also got the adjustable wood slats. I love it!
I was comatose last night, never woke up till morning and the covers were hardly messed up at all (hubby was out of town). That is not normal for me.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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heiwalove
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posted
hey six,
do you (or anyone else) know where to get a similar organic/latex mattress and bed in the nyc area? i don't know where to look!
thanks!
also, is the mattress you ordered purely latex, or is it made of cotton and/or wool as well?
oxygenbabe
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posted
Heiwa, if you have the $, ABC carpet has an organic bedding section, with latex beds and I believe organic cotton beds as well.
If that is too expensive, consider White Lotus Futon in New Brunswick if a friend will drive you out there. It's about a 30-60 minute drive from NYC. It's near Rutgers.
You need to try these beds and see what suits you. The latex does have an odor when new if you happen to be sensitive. It also is not all natural, some is made from petroleum, but its safer than normal foam and does not mold.
Cotton futons can mold but not black mold like Sleep # beds. They can get mites tho, and thus fungi, like any mattress with cotton. There are some nice futons at White Lotus with foam cores surrounded by cotton that are pretty safe.
You have to test them tho and see what is comfortable. I personally dislike the smell of organic cotton and could not figure out why I couldn't stand it, even in clothing sometimes, and then I just read that there is some kind of pesticide in organic cotton (natural pesticide) that releases phenols etc. I guess that's what I smell and I don't like it.
Posts: 2276 | From united states | Registered: Jun 2004
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heiwalove
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posted
thanks oxygen. just found another nyc possibility --
sixgoofykids
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posted
Mine has a cotton/wool cover. There are 100% natural latex mattresses that do not have petroleum (that's what mine is and it doesn't have an odor at all).
I just googled organic beds and Cincinnati to find this place. I'm sure you could do the same for NYC. The bed I bought is made in CA, and I plan on looking at the website for them later to look at their blankets, etc.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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lymeHerx001
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Six, unfourtunatelly I think we need specifics.
Make,model everything.
My new bed is TOO HARD!
I just ordered 3" of memory foam with a return policy. Im hoping this would work.
I need a bed with medium firmness and great support.
I just spent $200 on a cheap mattress and $150 on a topper!
I could have got the mattress I needed at first but I just couldnt tell what was the best.
I cant have it too soft
Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004
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sixgoofykids
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This is where I got my bed. I don't know the brand.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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lymeHerx001
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Thanks six!~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004
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lymeHerx001
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posted
six I went to the link and clicked on mattresses and it just went on about their system but didnt say it was latex.
The site didnt havemuch info. Are you sure its latex?
My memory foam arrices later this week. Its supposed to be lower in off gassing. We shal see.
I hope Im in love with it as you yours.
Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004
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oxygenbabe
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posted
Heiwa (btw love your myspace page--looked at it a few months ago and tried to PM you but your box was full...)----that looks good. If you have enough energy, do go try the beds at ABC and the other place. ABC has some latex beds that open up and you can layer them, and smell them. I think it's important. I ended up buying a wool-filled futon from Surroundewe.com. Its luscious. However I don't sleep on it yet because I need to get a frame. I also bought a wool felt from Shepherd's Dream, to put on top. Very wonderful too. Wool is very comforting.
Anyway, goofy, I did a *lot* of research on mattresses as I've written about them. I must tell you most of the latex mattresses advertise themselves as natural but do not use ALL natural latex from the rubber tree. They tend to mix natural with petroleum-based latex. You need to call the company to find out. In fact natural is more likely to have an odor than synthetic. You need to ask some tough questions as it takes some in depth research to get at the truth. I've reviewed their website and FAQ and I don't see them directly claiming it is from the rubber tree. They use the word "natural" but that can be legally used as a descriptor. I'm not a betting gal but if I were I'd bet they are not making mattresses from 100% rubber tree latex.
Synthetic latex foam is oil based just like polyurethane, however it is less toxic for various reasons.
However, the point is that this bed is not likely to mold, from what I understand. Sleep # beds are notorious. That was probably why you were sick these last years.
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