BY Sharon Gittleman
ROYAL OAK – You pay close attention to the quality of the organic fruits and vegetables that your family eats. You choose cleansers that don't contain toxic chemicals. Think you've done everything you can to ensure your loved ones continued good health? Think again.
There's one item we come in contact with every day that seems to slip our minds when we think about living well.
Our mattress.
Why choose organic bedding?
"People have allergies, asthma or other problems from chemicals," said Tarik Dinha, manager of Mattress & Beyond. "This is nice and clean."
Check that "do not remove" tag on your mattress and you'll probably get a surprise. Oluene-diisocynate, olyols, amines, n-hexanal, styrene, limonene, siloxanes, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, trimethylbenzene, menthadien, isopropylbenzene and other chemicals are likely listed as an integral part of your non-organic mattress.
Right now, you're probably sleeping on a mattress treated with fire retardants, glues and dyes, and chemical pesticide residues, some of which might contain carcinogens.
"Organic mattresses are made from 100 percent cotton," said Dinha. "The cottonseed has no chemical, preservative or fertilizer, nothing artificial."
Mattress & Beyond is the only shop that sells organic mattresses outside of Ann Arbor, said Dinha.
"We decided to make a specialty store, where you can't find things at other mattress places," he said.
SleepLogic is another unique brand you'll find at Mattress & Beyond, he said.
"They make the only product endorsed, recommended and designed by the International Chiropractors Association," he said. "This product is designed for people who have back problems or want heavy support and comfort."
SleepLogic mattresses are made in union shops and offer a 20 year warranty, he said.
They don't only have sturdy springs, they're constructed from hypoallergenic materials, said Dinha.
Another rare mattress choice carried by the store is the Lady Americana brand, manufactured in Grand Rapids.
"They specialize in supplying the finest hotels in Michigan with heavy duty mattresses. They are made to last for life," he said.
If luxury is your fondest wish and price is no object, have a look at the Hypnos line. For the past 100 years, British aristocrats, including Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mum, have selected Hypnos mattresses for their bedding.
Don't expect to find it at the next estate sale you'll visit. Hypnos mattresses sell for $14,000, said Dinha.
"It's the most comfortable bed in the world," he said. "It's handmade. It has ten times more spring in it. It's got a cashmere and silk top."
Plunk yourself down on one and you'll be living like a certain cigar-loving former president, a notorious financier and a TV star/talk show maven, he said.
"All these people have them," he said. "The list goes on and on."
Whether you're concerned with improving your family's health or you want to sleep like a queen, you'll find your heart's desire at Mattress & Beyond. The store is located at 32470 Woodward in Royal Oak. Hours are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon. – Fri.; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sat. and noon – 5 p.m. on Sun.
