Category Archives: Industry

Aww Sheet

Posted on May 9, 2013 by omigianna

As I threw my sheets in the washing machine last night, I caught myself wondering if I wash my sheets enough. At once every two weeks it already feels like I am always changing my bedding, but I did a little research anyway on the recommended time between washing sheets anyway, to see what the world has to say on the subject.

You wouldn’t think it would be a very hot topic, but everybody seems to have very different and (strong) views on washing sheets. Some people are religious about washing them every week, while others don’t see the point in changing out bedding but once a month. There are the fanatics out there that change their sheets several times a week, and studies have even found Western cultures in which changing the sheets only three times a year is the norm.

If you only wash your sheets once a month and you sleep an average of eight hours a night for 30 nights, that’s 240 hours on your sheets every month, or the equivalent of wearing the same clothes for 10 days straight (with fewer mustard stains, I would guess).

Your body, even straight out of the shower, will slough off dead skin cells (which attract dustmites), hair, dirt, oil, and sweat. And when it comes off of you, that means it’s staying in your bed. (Just writing that out makes me rethink my every-two-weeks sheet-changing regime. A change to once a week is definitely in order!)

On mornings when you don’t change your sheets, pull your covers back when you get up and let your bed air out while you shower or eat breakfast. And even though it may feel like just another thing to do in the morning, taking a couple of minutes to make your bed will make it that much sweeter to climb back into it at night, plus it will help keep dust and pet hair out.

I keep extra sheet sets in my linen closet to make for an easier change on sheet day. I can pull the old sheets off and put the new ones on right away, so if I don’t get to laundry that day, it’s not a big deal. Avoid storing sheets in plastic containers, which can trap moisture and help with the growth of mildew.

Frequent washing will break down even the highest quality sheets. Replace them when you see obvious signs of aging, such as stains, faded patterns or fraying hems.

When you decide it is time for a new pair of sheets, check out the new set that OMI has added to our bedding collection! The Pearl Organic Sheet Set is a 300-thread-count beautiful sateen weave in GOTS-certified organic cotton. They come in a creamy ivory color, and all sets include pillowcase(s), one fitted sheet and one flat sheet. (Twin and Twin XL include one standard pillowcase, Full and Queen sizes receive two standard/queen pillowcases, and Eastern and California King sets include two king-size pillowcases.) Check out our previous blog Introducing the Pearl Organic Sheet Set, and for more information on how to purchase a set of our beautiful sheets find your nearest retailer HERE.

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Posted in bedding, bedding accessories, Cleaning, cleanliness, comfort, GOTS, Health, Industry, luxury, organic, Organic Cotton, organic sheet collection, organic sheets, sheets, Sleep, spring cleaning, treat yourself. Bookmark the permalink.

DCA Considers New California Fire Retardant Regulations

Posted on May 3, 2013 by omimattress

SACRAMENTO – California Department of Consumer Affairs Advisory Board Member Walt Bader, President of Organic Mattresses Inc. (OMI), reviews public comments on proposed new upholstered furniture flammability standard.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs held hearings on their proposed California Technical Bulletin 117- 2013 on March 26, 2013, and the DCA Advisory Board reviewed all public comments in late April.

Among the comments made by Board Member Bader was a suggestion that there be an exclusion written into the new legislation allowing a consumer to opt out of having to purchase any products incorporating flammability treatments by providing a medical exception.

Bureau Chief Tonya Blood advised the board that they had decided to include this language in the new regulations. Bader provided significant input regarding the 54 individual public comments that were suggested, and the legislation will go forward with the recommendations and comments of the board.

Bader stated that he felt it was a good standard and one that was created with excellent input from industry stakeholders.

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Posted in Chemicals, Department of Consumer Affairs, Flame Retardant, Flammability Standard, in the news, Industry, News, organic, Walt Bader. Bookmark the permalink.

OTA Reports 8 in 10 U.S. Parents Purchase Organic Products

Posted on April 9, 2013 by omimattress

Check out this article from the Organic Trade Association:

“U.S. families are increasingly embracing organic products in a wide range of categories, with 81 percent now reporting they purchase organic at least sometimes. This finding is one of many contained in the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA’s) newly released 2013 U.S. Families’ Organic Attitudes and Beliefs Study, conducted Jan. 18-24, 2013.

“More and more parents choose organic foods primarily because of their desire to provide healthful options for their children,” said Christine Bushway, OTA’s CEO and Executive Director.

Not only are more consumers choosing organic products at least sometimes, but the majority of those buying organic foods are purchasing more items than a year earlier. New entrants to buying organic now represent 41 percent of all families – demonstrating interest in the benefits of organic food and farming is on the rise. Produce continues to be the leading category of organic purchases, with 97 percent of organic buyers saying they had purchased organic fruits or vegetables in the past six months. Breads and grains, dairy and packaged foods were also frequently cited (all scoring above 85 percent) among those who purchase organic. Families choosing organic foods are increasingly important to retailers of all types, with organic buyers reporting spending more per shopping trip, and shopping more frequently than those who never purchase organic food.

Consistent with findings from previous studies, nearly half (48 percent) of those who purchase organic foods said they do so because they are “healthier for me and my children.” Additionally, parents’ desire to avoid toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers (30 percent), antibiotics and growth hormones (29 percent), and genetically modified organisms (22 percent) ranked high among the reasons cited for buying organic products.

Awareness of the USDA Organic seal has also grown, with more consumers more likely to look for the seal when shopping for organic products. Moreover, over four in ten parents (42 percent) say their trust in organic products has increased, versus 32 percent who indicated this point of view a year ago. In fact, younger, new-to-organic parents are significantly more likely to report improved levels of trust in organic products.”

It is great to see the industry growing and more people becoming aware of the importance of organics.

The Organic Trade Association (OTA), which is the membership-based business association for the organic industry in North America. The OTA represents over 6,500 organic businesses across 49 states and has become the leading voice for organic trade in the United States. For more news, articles and insight into the organics industry, visit the Organic Trade Association website HERE.

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Posted in bedding, certifications, Chemicals, Clothing, Eco-friendly, Family, Farms, Food, Health, in the news, Industry, Natural Solutions, News, organic, organic food, Organic Statistics, Organic Trade Association. Bookmark the permalink.

Mattress Protection: The OMI Mattress Pad Line

Posted on April 5, 2013 by omiclaire

With so many great OMI mattress accessories available, how can you be sure you’re getting what’s right for you?

Here’s an overview of the mattress pads we offer here at OMI to help you choose the right product(s) for any situation.

Organic Cotton Flannel Mattress Pad

Our certified organic Flannel Mattress Pad makes a great first line of defense when protecting your mattress. Our flannel pad protects the mattress surface from perspiration and staining, keeping it pristine for years. It’s made of two layers of 8.5-oz. certified organic cotton flannel, quilted together and finished by hand with a certified organic cotton tape edge and natural-rubber elastic corner straps (crib size is fitted). It’s seamless and machine washable, making it the perfect complement for any organic mattress.

Starting at $175

Premium Eco-Wool™ Moisture Pad

Our Eco-Wool™ Moisture Pad offers powerful moisture protection, preventing soiling due to heavy night sweats, incontinence, or other moisture-related concerns. It’s made from certified wool, which is naturally moisture resistant and easy to clean – simply rinse with warm water and air dry – along with natural-rubber elastic corner straps to hold it in place. An absolute must-have for anyone concerned about keeping a mattress dry and healthful.

Starting at $65

Premium Eco-Wool™ Underbed Pad

Place our Eco-Wool™ Underbed Pad under your mattress to protect it from airborne dust or premature wear-and-tear caused by the mattress rubbing against wooden bed slats. Made from dense, needle-punched certified wool, it’s supremely breathable.

Starting at $119

Certified Organic Cotton Bed-Bug and Dust-Mite Mattress Barrier Cover

Our mattress barrier covers are great for protecting your mattress from bed bugs and dust mites. They’re also the best way to protect the surface of your mattress from staining, and ultimately to extend the life of your mattress. Our barrier covers are made from tightly woven 100% organic cotton, and close with a heavy-duty brass zipper.

Starting at $220

To learn how these accessories should be placed on your mattress, check out the OMI Blog “How Does Your Mattress Stack Up.” For more information about the pure accessories we have available, click HERE

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Posted in bedding, bedding accessories, certifications, cleanliness, comfort, Eco-friendly, Health, Industry, mattresses, organic, Organic Cotton, Organic Wool, Sleep, tips, treat yourself, Wool. Bookmark the permalink.

Our 100% Organic Factory

Posted on April 2, 2013 by omigianna

As the customer service rep here at OMI, I receive many calls in regards to our organic factory.

We created our dedicated 100%-organic factory (the first large-scale organic factory in North America) long before many of the current certifications were even available. As certifications come along, we make sure to grab them at the first opportunity so that we can continue to provide the purest product available. Being the first to have an entire factory GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified, the first to have a mattress Greenguard certified, and the first to have our latex GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certified show just this. We take our certifications very seriously. Our GOTS certification ensures that everything going in or out of the factory is certified organic, from the raw materials to the finished products. If there were any types of synthetics or added chemicals, we would lose our certifications, and we will not allow that to happen.

When it comes to the cleanliness of our factory, we go above and beyond. An OrganicPedic mattress never touches the floor unless it’s covered in our food-grade plastic, hermetically sealed and ready to be shipped. Employees don’t wear perfume, smoke, or even use fabric softeners. We instituted a clean room sewing environment in the sewing room. Shoe booties are required so dirt and contaminants are not tracked in. We make sure it is “so clean if you dropped a peanut butter sandwich on the floor, you could still eat it.” Anything that could potentially contaminate mattresses, top-of-bed items, or raw materials is kept out so that your mattress is left just in the state you are buying it in: ORGANIC.

OMI also goes a step further to ensure the purity of each and every product by ozone sanitizing our raw materials. We developed a method of ozone sanitization to naturally purify and prevent contamination of yeasts, molds, and bacteria. No chemicals or harsh bleaching treatments needed!

Little waste is produced at our factory. Latex scraps are turned into shredded rubber to make pillows and organic cotton pieces are put back into the quilting of our fabrics, etc. There are no trash cans on the factory floor. Everything is reused!

The OMI factory is one of the most impressive places I have personally ever seen, from the cleanliness to the certifications to the ozone sanitizing and recycling habits. This is just a small idea of what goes on in our factory. For more certification answers, check back in the future for a blog on “understanding our certifications.”

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Posted in bedding, certifications, Chemicals, Cleaning, cleanliness, Eco-friendly, facility, global organic, GOLS, GOTS, Industry, manufacturer, mattresses, Natural Rubber, Natural Solutions, organic, recycling. Bookmark the permalink.

Introducing the Pearl Organic Sheet Set

Posted on March 20, 2013 by omigianna

OMI is proud to announce the newest member of our mattress accessory line: the Pearl Organic Sheet collection.

What better way to celebrate the spring equinox than with a fresh pair of sheets? Whether it’s for your brand-new OrganicPedic mattress or you are simply looking for a luxurious organic sheet set, OMI’s sheets are the perfect fit. Pearl Organic Sheet Sets are made of 300-thread-count, GOTS-certified organic cotton sateen in creamy ivory, and come in sizes from Twin to California King! (Starting at $165)

For other amazing OMI bedding accessories, check out our past blog “How Does Your Mattress Stack Up?”

Contact your local retailer for more information about purchasing your next favorite set of sheets! Click HERE to find a store near you.

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Posted in bedding, bedding accessories, comfort, Debuting, Industry, luxury, mattresses, new item, organic, Organic Cotton, Organic Mattresses Inc, organic sheet collection, organic sheets, rest, sheet, sheets, Sleep, treat yourself. Bookmark the permalink.

10 Eco-Friendly Solutions to Start Your Spring Cleaning

Posted on March 12, 2013 by omiclaire

It’s that time of year again when we all get out the cleaning supplies and start our spring cleaning. Rather than using harsh chemical cleaners, here are some more eco-friendly options that I use for my deep spring clean.

1. Make Your Own Surface Cleaner

Surface cleaner comes in handy all around the house, and is super easy to make. Combine 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 cup water, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar in a spray bottle. This natural all-purpose cleaner quickly kills germs and evaporates, making for a clean and clear finish.

2. Lift Stains with Lemons

Getting that tomato sauce stain off your countertop or cabinet is easier than you think. Simply wet the stain with lemon juice, let sit for 30 minutes or so, and then sprinkle baking soda on the abrasive side of an all-purpose kitchen sponge and scrub the discolored area. Most stains will vanish, and your kitchen will smell fresher.

3. Clean Your Kitchen Drains Without Harsh Chemicals

Not all drain cleaners need to be made of toxic chemicals. The chemistry between baking soda and vinegar is so powerful that this combo can flush grease out of kitchen drains. Just pour ½ cup baking soda into a clogged drain and follow it with ½ cup white vinegar. Cover the drain for a few minutes as the chemical reaction dissolves the grease — then flush the drain with warm water.

4. Clean Windows Without Leaving Streaks

To make those windows and mirrors shine without awful streaks, use newspaper! The paper leaves behind virtually zero lint. Just spray the glass with a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar, rub the glass with a dry cloth, then go over the surface with a piece of newspaper.

5. Freshen Up the Air Naturally

Even the worst odors can be eliminated with fresh lemons. To get rid of strong odors such as garlic, fish and other tough smells use half a cut lemon or some fresh-squeezed lemon juice. To freshen indoor air, simmer lemon peel on the stovetop, adding water as needed.

6. Eliminate Smells in Your Fridge

There are many different and unexpected uses for coffee, but one of my favorites is to absorb odors in the refrigerator. If you have some stale coffee grounds just place them in a bowl in the fridge for a day or so.

7. Clean Your Oven Without Killing Your Arms

Ovens can be the worst mess to clean, but with this trick you can clean your oven without having to scrub until your arms feel like they’re going to fall off! Baking soda makes it as easy as it gets, and your next batch of cookies won’t taste like chemical cleaners. Sprinkle it liberally all over the floor of the oven, spray it with water until it’s well dampened, and leave it for a few hours. Then just wipe out the mess and use vinegar to remove the film of baking-soda residue left behind.

8. Use a Little Lemon and Water to Clean the Microwave

Microwaves can be a pain to clean with all the stuck-on food residue, but the citric acid in lemon juice can loosen even the crustiest food. Place lemon wedges in a small bowl of water and microwave for two to three minutes. Leave the door closed and let sit for approximately 10 minutes, then wipe out the inside. If there are any odors or food residue left behind, use a paste of baking soda and water to scrub it right out.

9. Polish Your Wood with Olive Oil

Add a teaspoon of olive oil to a quarter cup of lemon juice for a non-toxic, gentle furniture polish that will remove dust and bring wood surfaces to a brilliant shine. Due to its natural ingredients, this furniture polish will not build up a dull finish.

10. Turn Your Mismatched Socks and Old Towels Into Rags

If you lose the battle of the socks to your dryer like I do, then you probably have a few unmatched socks gathering. There’s no need to throw them away these socks can be used for cleaning! Put one over your hand like a glove and use it to dust surfaces around the house. If you don’t have any mismatched socks, towels that are no longer soft can provide you with a dozen or more new, totally free cleaning rags. Just cut the towels up and you’ll have a whole new supply. This is a far better option for the planet than using disposable paper towels.

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Posted in Budget, Chemicals, Cleaning, DIY, Eco-friendly, Family, Health, how to, Industry, natural all purpose cleaner, Natural Solutions, Nature, organic, tips. Bookmark the permalink.

Companies to Watch

Posted on March 6, 2013 by omigianna

Sleep Retailers’ BEDROOM Magazine has released an issue of 2013 Companies to Watch, and OMI made the cut! A list of 20 companies in the industry was released after Las Vegas Market, where we introduced our new GOLS certification and enlarged showroom. The article is available to view online HERE.

“OMI / California-based Organic Mattresses, Inc (OMI)’s impressive large-scale Organic Mattress Eco-Factory™ further substantiates its commitment to maintaining a smoke-free, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free environment. As the first US mattress manufacturer to receive GOLS certification on a mattress, OMI solidified its position as a luxury mattress manufacturer with an entire line of certified-organic latex and innerspring mattresses and sleep accessories. Visit www.omimattress.com or call 800.951.9196.”

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Posted in Industry, luxury, Magazine, News, organic, Organic Mattresses Inc, review, Sleep, Sleep Study. Bookmark the permalink.

This Bed is JUST Right!

Posted on March 1, 2013 by omigianna

Did you know that several destination hotels and resorts feature luxurious OrganicPedic mattresses in their guestrooms? Many locations across the country have put their guest comfort and the purity of their space first by featuring OrganicPedic mattresses. These inns provide their guests with fun activities, impeccable hospitality, and of course, a great night’s sleep.

Just like Goldilocks, we are all searching for the mattress that is “just right.” If you are still on the fence about which OrganicPedic mattress to buy and need a little extra time to feel a mattress before you purchase, staying at one of these exclusive resorts can help you find your perfect mattress.

In partnership with Houston retailer New Living. Modern B & B is featuring an OrganicPedic Terra mattress in their Treehouse room.

New Living is offering a promotion to try out the Terra (at a discounted rate); If you decide to purchase an OrganicPedic mattress from New Living, your stay at Modern B & B is 100% applicable to your purchase! Call Molly at New Living for more information: (713) 521-1921. Click HERE for more information.

Modern B &B rates and information:

(832) 279-6367

4003 Hazard St, Houston, TX

www.modernbb.com

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The Blue Pearl in Laguna Beach, is a yoga, hiking, and cleansing retreat center featuring an OrganicPedic mattress in every room. Either the Terra or the Lago will welcome you to a wonderful night of peaceful, safe sleep.

For rates and information:

(949) 715-1674

21095 Raquel Rd, Laguna Beach, CA

www.thepearllaguna.com

Park Lane Guest House is one of the best-kept secrets in Austin, TX. They have a Terra in their Garden Cottage, and plan on bringing OMI mattresses into every room of their guest house in the future. The innkeepers even sleep on the Terra, and are the biggest testament to its comfort and luxury!

For rates and information:

(512) 447-7460

221 Park Ln, Austin, TX

www.parklaneguesthouse.com

Grace Grove Center is a healing center for digestive aid. They feature either the Terra or the Midori in every room. And our Matons can be found in the living room.

For rates and information:

(928) 649-0456

1280 E. Willow Point Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325

www.gracegrove.com

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Topia Inn is an award-winning inn that features OMI mattresses in four of their beautifully designed rooms. The Greek and Iroquis Rooms have Duo mattresses, the French Room has the Midori, and the African Room has the Classic Innerspring.

For rates and information:

(413) 743-9600

10 Pleasant St, Adams, MA 01220 

www.topiainn.com

Green Gate Guest House is Northern Minnesota’s premier sustainable lodging. With the feel of a vacation rental, they feature an OMI Lago in their Sunrise Room.

For rates and information:

(218) 290-2607

5748 Country Rd 138, Biwabik, MN, 55708

www.greengateguesthouse.com

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Posted in blue pearl, comfort, comfort test, Family, getaway, grace grove, green gate guest house, hotels, Industry, inn, luxury, mattresses, modern b & b, Natural Rubber, organic, Organic Mattresses Inc, park lane guest house, planning, resort, rest, Sleep, topia inn, treat yourself, trip advisory, vacation rental. Bookmark the permalink.

7 Natural Remedies to Fight the Flu and Seasonal Colds

Posted on February 21, 2013 by omiclaire

This year I have seen my share of germs and viruses attack our house, the majority of which are courtesy of my 5-year-old and her adventures at school. So with all these colds and flu viruses flying around all over the place, I have gathered quite a list of great home remedies that help pull my family through the sick patches. Here are some of the best that I have found, and I want to share them with you!

Homemade Cough Syrup

Take a red onion; cut into quarter inch slices and restack with a dollop of raw local honey in between each layer. (The local honey will also help prevent allergies in springtime.) Allow to sit overnight. In the morning you will have a syrup that not only helps get rid of the tickle in your throat but also helps you rest easy about not adding chemicals and medications into your system that you don’t need.

Garlic Tea

Cloves of garlic have been used for YEARS to help alleviate cold and flu systems. Garlic is naturally antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial. Simply cut 2-3 cloves of garlic, place into boiling water, and allow to steep for 10 minutes. For added taste use lemon juice, raw honey or ginger. Ginger is also a great way to naturally help soothe tummy aches and digestive issues.

Onion Juice Earache Relief

One of the most effective remedies I have found for an earache is onions. Take an onion and bake for about 15 minutes at 425° F (be sure to leave the skin on the onion, as it helps keep the juices inside while cooking.) Let the onion sit until cool enough to touch then crush it in a bowl to extract the juice. Using an eyedropper, place the warm juice in the ear. This will usually help relieve the pain within a few minutes.

Warm Salt Water

Add a generous amount of salt to lukewarm water and mix well. Gargle with the lukewarm salt-water mixture to help soothe your sore throat and promote healing.

Hot Washcloths/Ice Packs

If you have sinus congestion, a great solution is to apply either hot or cold around the congested sinuses. Take a damp washcloth and heat it for about 50 seconds in the microwave (be sure to test it first too make sure it is not to hot). For a cold pack, you can use frozen vegetables/fruits or place a damp washcloth in the freezer for approximately 20 minutes. Chose hot or cold, whichever feels more comfortable.

Water, Water, Water

Drink it, steam it, and soak in it! Keeping the fluids in is the best way to flush out toxins when you are sick. A comfortable way to help clean out your head is to run a hot shower, since the steam will help moisten the air around you, especially good for dry coughs. Lastly, when you are feeling body aches or muscle pain from the flu, try a nice hot bath to soothe aches and pains. Try throwing in some oils like tea tree or eucalyptus, to help speed up the healing process.

SLEEP!

Sometimes the thing that best helps beat the flu is time and rest. Allow your body time to rejuvenate and bring itself back to its usual healthy, energetic state.

Stay healthy this germy season!

Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, just a mom, so be sure to check with your healthcare provider before using any of these remedies.

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Posted in allergies, Budget, Chemicals, DIY, Family, Health, how to, Industry, organic, recipes, Sleep, tips. Bookmark the permalink.

OrganicPedic by OMI

Category Archives: Industry

Aww Sheet

DCA Considers New California Fire Retardant Regulations

OTA Reports 8 in 10 U.S. Parents Purchase Organic Products

Mattress Protection: The OMI Mattress Pad Line

Our 100% Organic Factory

Introducing the Pearl Organic Sheet Set

10 Eco-Friendly Solutions to Start Your Spring Cleaning

Companies to Watch

This Bed is JUST Right!

7 Natural Remedies to Fight the Flu and Seasonal Colds

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