Question from MW
Hi Debra,
Thank you very much for your terrific site! I am in the process of setting up a bed for my daughter who just graduated from a crib and want to make sure I am getting things right:
First, we purchased a natural latex mattress for her from the Clean Bedroom, it is the Naturally Organic Little Sprout Mattress (which I understand is manufactured by Sleeptek of Canada). I expected it to have a latex odor when it arrived but it does not. Should I be concerned that it is not natural latex inside? Or is it possible that some latex would not have an odor?
Second, I am looking for barrier pillow protectors for her pillows. At Target I found an Organic Cotton Pillow Encasement by Allerease. This is a much cheaper protector than I have found elsewhere. The package says that it is “made with 100% organic cotton that is naturally finished and chemical free.” I am not sure what “naturally finished” means. Does this mean that there is some type of coating on the fabric that they regard as “natural.”? I would love to be able to use these but don’t want to if they have anything on the surface. I would appreciate any insight you might have here!
Thank you very much,
MW
Debra’s Answer
It’s possible that some latex might not have an odor.
About the pillow protectors, yes, that would mean there is some kind of finish on the fabric that is made from natural ingredients. Often fabrics have some kind of finish on them that washes right out. If you have a concern, call the company for more information.