Organic Wool Bedding

Organic Wool Bedding as Allergy Relief

If you suffer from environmental allergies, you probably already know that your bedroom is a haven for the evil dust mite. Dust will make your allergies much worse, so you want your sleep environment to be as clean as possible.

Wool is a natural dust repellent. This makes it ideal for bedding, particularly when it is organic and thus hasn’t been treated with any chemicals that may interfere with its inherent healthfulness. Even if your allergies are fairly minor, it’s still useful to take all the proscribed steps to secure your bed from dust mites. Therefore, you should buy:

• Mattress and box spring encasings
• A dust-mite repellent mattress pad
• A dust-mite duvet or comforter cover
• A dust-mite repellent pillow
• Pillow encasings

You can now buy all of these things in organic wool. While this will certainly not be a small investment, it’s better to think of the benefits to your long-term health. Furthermore, when properly cared for, organic wool bedding will last many years longer than cheaper bedding. Combined with the pleasanter sleep you’re guaranteed, the bedding becomes a bargain.

Wool Bedding? In Summer?

While in winter, the idea of snuggling down to sleep atop a wool mattress pad and under a wool comforter is enchanting, wool bedding in summer seems downright torturous. However, organic wool bedding is both warm in winter and cool in summer.

Wool is “nature’s air conditioner,” wicking away moisture so you won’t wake up drowning in sweat. It breathes better than any other fiber, allowing the body to get to a comfortable sleeping temperature faster and maintain that level of comfort longer. This in turn allows for a deeper, more restful sleep.

Some Sources for Wool Bedding

Unless you’re lucky to live near a shop that specializes in organic products for the home, you’re probably going to have to buy your wool bedding online. Fortunately, there are a number of excellent sources. If you’re not sure about the comfort or quality, ask if they will send you a sample before you commit to purchasing.

• Rawganique: Based in Canada, Rawganique carries a wide range of organic wool bedding and will ship anywhere. Their standard shipping fee, no matter what you order, is $5.
• EcoChoices: EcoChoices is an extensive natural living shop offering everything you can think of and a lot you can’t for an organic home, including clothing and housewares. Their EcoBedroom offers a wide range of bedding from everything you need for baby, to eye pillows in assorted colors and animal shapes.
• A Happy Planet: Servicing the US and Canada, A Happy Planet offers a nice range of bedding and is particularly friendly to its online customers, featuring a 5% discount on any non-sale item. Many of the listed prices are inclusive of shipping, so you know right away what you’ll be spending.

Caring for Your Wool Bedding

Wool bedding can last a lifetime if well-cared for. Many sellers recommend you buy a pillow encasing to use in conjunction with a pillow, and always use a comforter cover.

Wool needs to be aired on a regular basis. Every few months, run your bedding through the dryer on air or the coolest setting available to fluff it out. If you can, air your bedding in the sun once a month or so. This will remove any moisture that may be retained and infuse the bedding with a natural freshness.

If you’re having an odor problem that air does not eliminate, a little baking soda should take care of the issue. Most organic wool bedding cannot be washed. However, you can spot clean using a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to three parts water.

The Endless Wonders of Wool

Naturally soothing, fire retardant, and dust-mite resistant, organic wool is an investment worth making for the entire family. Doing well for yourself and the planet will help you sleep even better, and the guaranteed comfort means you’ll never have to count sheep again.