Guest guest Posted January 9, 2011 Report Share Posted January 9, 2011 leaving the moldy house in new orleans, was also leaving behind everything, bed, clothes, books, really all possessions. moved up here to denver, having to start over with little finances. had to buy essentials, like towels, sheets, bed, some clothes. don't have much more. it really adds up, i forgot just what we use on a daily basic. i knew mold could cause other sensitivities, but i was focused more on chemical produces such as bleach, windex, etc. for the life of me i don't know why i didn't think of dyes in fabrics, sheets, pillow(bought one hypo, which is okay, but one memory form, the chemicals from it has almost killed me) glue in beds. i can return the pillow, and sheets or try and wash (with milk and other wonderful and handy tips from here) and buy organic wool or rubber pillow and organic sheet with no dye, coloring, etc. but the bed, is somewhat of a different story. we bought the beds, pillows, sheets, the day we arrived at the rental house, i have had horrible reactions since, burning eyes, nose, throat.(not the head stuff, dizziness, brain fog so don't think it is mold) just thought it was the house. had a mold guy come with dog and the house looks very clean, no mold growth, of course mold spores could be a problem b/c we brought boxes from a storage(never went into mold house, so thought there were safe) and the dog hit on them. discarded boxes, having house cleaned with wiping walls, floors, all items, hepa vacuum everything, have air purifiers coming, about all i can do, to try and provide a safe and chemical free place to live. taking csm as well, helping some, to soon to tell only 1 month of use. i think it may take a year to feel better yet know it is a lifetime battle. but the bed. i am sure i am reacting to it as well. it was expensive but nothing compared to a organic bed produced without dye, glue, etc. but at this time i will use my last dime to get healthy. is there any thing i can do for this new bed i have here, will it eventually off gas (funny a year ago, word like off gas wasn't in my vocabulary) can i air it out everyday from my room? taking sheets off, window open? can i get organic mattress pad(enclosed with zipper) to cover, putting barrier between bed fumes and me? or would that just encapsulate the fumes in the bad and make things worse? or remove bed and try for a chemical, dye free brand? anyone know of a place that is not so expensive for organic bed. my reaction are pretty extreme, and unfortunately i am in bed a lot now trying to recover and the muscle problems i have from all this are bad. any advice, suggestions, so greatly appreciated denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2011 Report Share Posted January 9, 2011 i am going to bump this i really need help thank you ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Danel <denise.danel@...> Sent: Sun, January 9, 2011 9:30:00 AM Subject: questions about a BED leaving the moldy house in new orleans, was also leaving behind everything, bed, clothes, books, really all possessions. moved up here to denver, having to start over with little finances. had to buy essentials, like towels, sheets, bed, some clothes. don't have much more. it really adds up, i forgot just what we use on a daily basic. i knew mold could cause other sensitivities, but i was focused more on chemical produces such as bleach, windex, etc. for the life of me i don't know why i didn't think of dyes in fabrics, sheets, pillow(bought one hypo, which is okay, but one memory form, the chemicals from it has almost killed me) glue in beds. i can return the pillow, and sheets or try and wash (with milk and other wonderful and handy tips from here) and buy organic wool or rubber pillow and organic sheet with no dye, coloring, etc. but the bed, is somewhat of a different story. we bought the beds, pillows, sheets, the day we arrived at the rental house, i have had horrible reactions since, burning eyes, nose, throat.(not the head stuff, dizziness, brain fog so don't think it is mold) just thought it was the house. had a mold guy come with dog and the house looks very clean, no mold growth, of course mold spores could be a problem b/c we brought boxes from a storage(never went into mold house, so thought there were safe) and the dog hit on them. discarded boxes, having house cleaned with wiping walls, floors, all items, hepa vacuum everything, have air purifiers coming, about all i can do, to try and provide a safe and chemical free place to live. taking csm as well, helping some, to soon to tell only 1 month of use. i think it may take a year to feel better yet know it is a lifetime battle. but the bed. i am sure i am reacting to it as well. it was expensive but nothing compared to a organic bed produced without dye, glue, etc. but at this time i will use my last dime to get healthy. is there any thing i can do for this new bed i have here, will it eventually off gas (funny a year ago, word like off gas wasn't in my vocabulary) can i air it out everyday from my room? taking sheets off, window open? can i get organic mattress pad(enclosed with zipper) to cover, putting barrier between bed fumes and me? or would that just encapsulate the fumes in the bad and make things worse? or remove bed and try for a chemical, dye free brand? anyone know of a place that is not so expensive for organic bed. my reaction are pretty extreme, and unfortunately i am in bed a lot now trying to recover and the muscle problems i have from all this are bad. any advice, suggestions, so greatly appreciated denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2011 Report Share Posted January 10, 2011 , What kind of bed? What is the mattress made of? You are most likely reacting to chemical off-gassing rather than mold. The VOCs from mold are the same chemical family as the VOCs from chemical sources so they are often hard to distinguish. As for organic cotton, sometimes the oils are a problem so the type of mattress and other bedding is important to figure out whether it can be saved or not. Carl Grimes Healthy Habitats LLC ----- i am going to bump this i really need help thank you ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Danel <denise.danel@...> Sent: Sun, January 9, 2011 9:30:00 AM Subject: questions about a BED leaving the moldy house in new orleans, was also leaving behind everything, bed, clothes, books, really all possessions. moved up here to denver, having to start over with little finances. had to buy essentials, like towels, sheets, bed, some clothes. don't have much more. it really adds up, i forgot just what we use on a daily basic. i knew mold could cause other sensitivities, but i was focused more on chemical produces such as bleach, windex, etc. for the life of me i don't know why i didn't think of dyes in fabrics, sheets, pillow(bought one hypo, which is okay, but one memory form, the chemicals from it has almost killed me) glue in beds. i can return the pillow, and sheets or try and wash (with milk and other wonderful and handy tips from here) and buy organic wool or rubber pillow and organic sheet with no dye, coloring, etc. but the bed, is somewhat of a different story. we bought the beds, pillows, sheets, the day we arrived at the rental house, i have had horrible reactions since, burning eyes, nose, throat.(not the head stuff, dizziness, brain fog so don't think it is mold) just thought it was the house. had a mold guy come with dog and the house looks very clean, no mold growth, of course mold spores could be a problem b/c we brought boxes from a storage(never went into mold house, so thought there were safe) and the dog hit on them. discarded boxes, having house cleaned with wiping walls, floors, all items, hepa vacuum everything, have air purifiers coming, about all i can do, to try and provide a safe and chemical free place to live. taking csm as well, helping some, to soon to tell only 1 month of use. i think it may take a year to feel better yet know it is a lifetime battle. but the bed. i am sure i am reacting to it as well. it was expensive but nothing compared to a organic bed produced without dye, glue, etc. but at this time i will use my last dime to get healthy. is there any thing i can do for this new bed i have here, will it eventually off gas (funny a year ago, word like off gas wasn't in my vocabulary) can i air it out everyday from my room? taking sheets off, window open? can i get organic mattress pad(enclosed with zipper) to cover, putting barrier between bed fumes and me? or would that just encapsulate the fumes in the bad and make things worse? or remove bed and try for a chemical, dye free brand? anyone know of a place that is not so expensive for organic bed. my reaction are pretty extreme, and unfortunately i am in bed a lot now trying to recover and the muscle problems i have from all this are bad. any advice, suggestions, so greatly appreciated denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2011 Report Share Posted January 10, 2011 , Sorry to hear about the problems with your bed. In my experience, airing out a conventional mattress could take many months, even over a year, and if you're very sensitive it might not even work after that. I do have a suggestion for a cheaper organic mattress. Still pricey, but cheaper than others I looked at. It's an Ohio company, Amish made, and they ship free. www.anaturalhome.com Looks like they're having a sale through Tues. The owner is very kind and just might extend it if you call today or tomw. I have no connection with the company other than being a satisfied customer. We got a 6-inch latex mattress and it's been wonderful. The only issue I had is that our queen size mattress is a couple inches shorter and narrower than our old conventional mattress. I never did follow up with the company about it, too busy and not a big deal for us, but I did want to mention it. We also bought a bed from A Natural Home, the cheapest model they made. The owner told me you can set a latex mattress on the floor for 6 weeks or so, but that you really need to put it up on a slat frame long term, so it can breathe. Short term I know some people have used camping pads and blankets on the floor. Thermarest makes some comfier, thicker ones. Same issue, though, you can't leave it on the floor too long or moisture can build up and feed mold growth. My mattress cover is organic cotton. Carl mentioned organic cotton having oils that could be a problem. I washed ours before putting it on the latex and it's been fine. I'm not super senstive, though. Also A Natural Home ships the cover and latex layers separately, so you need to put the cover on the latex. Not difficult, unless you have mobility or strength issues. I did it myself but it might help to have 2 people. Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2011 Report Share Posted January 10, 2011 I don't know if this has already been suggested but have you tried one of those mattress encasings you can get at National Allergy Supply and other online allergy supply companies. I got the kind that completely encases and zips up. Member here suggested also putting tape over the zipper after you zip it shut. It's to keep a separation betw you and dust mites. Don't know about VOCs or toxins but I would think their plastic versions would be imperious to that. When and if I move, I'm not taking any fabric things including the mattresses but then I never do when I move take furniture...it's cheaper for me to buy new at a discount place. I don't buy expensive furniture in the first place so no use spending lots of money moving it. > > , > > Sorry to hear about the problems with your bed. In my experience, airing out a conventional mattress could take many months, even over a year, and if you're very sensitive it might not even work after that. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2011 Report Share Posted January 10, 2011 My personal opinion is that you get rid of the bed. If you are reacting to it now it can only get worse. I do not think anything exist that can deal with the massive amounts of chemicals in a new mattress. sorry...... it can make you worse    God Bless !! dragonflymcs Mayleen ________________________________ From: Danel <denise.danel@...> Sent: Sun, January 9, 2011 9:53:15 PM Subject: [] Fw: questions about a BED  i am going to bump this i really need help thank you ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Danel <denise.danel@...> Sent: Sun, January 9, 2011 9:30:00 AM Subject: questions about a BED leaving the moldy house in new orleans, was also leaving behind everything, bed, clothes, books, really all possessions. moved up here to denver, having to start over with little finances. had to buy essentials, like towels, sheets, bed, some clothes. don't have much more. it really adds up, i forgot just what we use on a daily basic. i knew mold could cause other sensitivities, but i was focused more on chemical produces such as bleach, windex, etc. for the life of me i don't know why i didn't think of dyes in fabrics, sheets, pillow(bought one hypo, which is okay, but one memory form, the chemicals from it has almost killed me) glue in beds. i can return the pillow, and sheets or try and wash (with milk and other wonderful and handy tips from here) and buy organic wool or rubber pillow and organic sheet with no dye, coloring, etc. but the bed, is somewhat of a different story. we bought the beds, pillows, sheets, the day we arrived at the rental house, i have had horrible reactions since, burning eyes, nose, throat.(not the head stuff, dizziness, brain fog so don't think it is mold) just thought it was the house. had a mold guy come with dog and the Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2011 Report Share Posted January 10, 2011 the bed was bought new, here in denver, did not come from moldy environment. it is a pillow top innerspring mattress with box spring on metal frame. i am sure it is th VOC i am reacting to and probably airborne dry spores. i am a bit confused i though cotton was ok and wool contains oils from the animals. cus if i can't sleep on cotton or wool or react to the VOC in traditional beds, what do we sleep on:))))))))))))))))))))))) i have decided to take it piece by piece. i have changed pillows to natural rubber and 100%cotton(if they don't work i will try wool), and sheets to organic cotton. ordered organic cotton mattress pad that wraps around. trying to keep bed and see if the reactions stop maybe it was just the pillow and sheets. i know that pillow up against my face and the smell of the sheets was horrible. so maybe the bed is okay. or maybe if i cover it it won't be so bad. i have priced the organic beds and the run $2000-3000. just too much. even just cotton futons with platforms and toppers are $1700. i remember way back a kingsize futon was $400 WOW if it is the VOCs on the bed is there anything i can do ? or do you typically just have to get rid of? can they be off gassed? aired out? hopefully it will be enough. thanks denise ________________________________ From: Carl E. Grimes <grimes@...> Sent: Mon, January 10, 2011 1:32:38 AM Subject: Re: [] Fw: questions about a BED , What kind of bed? What is the mattress made of? You are most likely reacting to chemical off-gassing rather than mold. The VOCs from mold are the same chemical family as the VOCs from chemical sources so they are often hard to distinguish. As for organic cotton, sometimes the oils are a problem so the type of mattress and other bedding is important to figure out whether it can be saved or not. Carl Grimes Healthy Habitats LLC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2011 Report Share Posted January 11, 2011 Regular cotton is highly contaminated with pesticides, when they add it to a bed they add other chemicals too. If you buy regular cotton make sure it is not wrinkle free (has formaldehyde) , then wash it several times to remove other chemicals. That is for waering clothes.  For a bed you would need organic bed. Unfortunately they are expensive, or try an organic futon. The mattress willl off gas even if you add the pads, the VOC's are airborne. God Bless !! dragonflymcs Mayleen ________________________________ From: Danel <denise.danel@...> Sent: Tue, January 11, 2011 2:44:09 AM Subject: Re: [] Fw: questions about a BED  the bed was bought new, here in denver, did not come from moldy environment. it is a pillow top innerspring mattress with box spring on metal frame. i am sure it is th VOC i am reacting to and probably airborne dry spores. i am a bit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2011 Report Share Posted January 11, 2011 Sorry I forgot a couple of things. You can try to buy these carbon blankets and see if that works. http://www.nontoxic.com/activatedcarbonblanket/activatedcarbonblanket.htm mattresses are very expensive. Try to wrap the mattess with plastic food wrap , but I affraid that may trap moisture. Aluminum foil between you and matress but breaks up and does not last long either.  Good Luck with ALL God Bless !! dragonflymcs Mayleen ________________________________ From: Danel <denise.danel@...> Sent: Tue, January 11, 2011 2:44:09 AM Subject: Re: [] Fw: questions about a BED  the bed was bought new, here in denver, did not come from moldy environment. it is a pillow top innerspring mattress with box spring on metal frame. i am sure it is th VOC i am reacting to and probably airborne dry spores. i am a bit confused i though cotton was ok and wool contains oils from the animals. cus if i can't sleep on cotton or wool or react to the VOC in traditional beds, what do we sleep on:))))))))))))))))))))))) ....snipped Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2011 Report Share Posted January 11, 2011 Beds are treated with flame retardent by law. I am not sure if this bed was purchased organic or not, but most likely it is treated with these chemicals. D > > the bed was bought new, here in denver, did not come from moldy environment. > it is a pillow top innerspring mattress with box spring on metal frame. > i am sure it is th VOC i am reacting to and probably airborne dry spores. > > i am a bit confused i though cotton was ok and wool contains oils from the > animals. cus if i can't sleep on cotton or wool or react to the VOC in > traditional beds, what do we sleep on:))))))))))))))))))))))) > >...snipped Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2011 Report Share Posted January 11, 2011 I was on a memory foam bed when I got sick and had to dump it. I went for an organic bed from here: http://www.thenaturalbedstore.com/about.asp Because they had a guarantee and would work with you to find a bed that works. it was VERY expensive and I wish i would have looked around more but I was at wits end sleeping on a pile of blankets on the floor. So I got this bed with organic wool and cotton and natural latex. No steel or anything that might set off EMF problems and no chemicals. It weighs a ton too. But it is safe and they did have to trade me mattresses a ocuple times at their expense. What I may suggest is you asking them for samples first, they are great to talk to and will help you decide. Then they also have thin mattresses of latex only that you can get cheaper and you don't get the full set and put it on a platform bed. Wish I had thought of that. It would be cool if they woiuld sell just the single mattresses for us at a discount. They surely could use the business? Meredith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 thank you to all who responded, some good suggestions. i have purchased organic sheets, mattress pad and pillow. i went to the website below and i think are going to try the carbon blankets. the website is good thank you mayleen, the owner had bad poisoning, now in her sevenities and doing great, wonderful to talk to her. if all this does't work i can return the neww bed and blankets and just get a really simple futon and frame in boulder. i had back surgery 5 years ago, so sleeping on a chair is out:((((((( thank you all, some great suggestions and websites denise ________________________________ From: dragonflymcs <dragonflymcs@...> Sent: Tue, January 11, 2011 2:26:27 PM Subject: Re: [] Fw: questions about a BED Sorry I forgot a couple of things. You can try to buy these carbon blankets and see if that works. http://www.nontoxic.com/activatedcarbonblanket/activatedcarbonblanket.htm mattresses are very expensive. Try to wrap the mattess with plastic food wrap , but I affraid that may trap moisture. Aluminum foil between you and matress but breaks up and does not last long either. Good Luck with ALL God Bless !! dragonflymcs Mayleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 My pleasure, glad I was able to give you some info that helped. I have collapsed disk know the back pain part....... sorry   God Bless !! dragonflymcs Mayleen ________________________________ From: Danel <denise.danel@...> Sent: Wed, January 12, 2011 10:09:16 AM Subject: Re: [] Fw: questions about a BED  thank you to all who responded, some good suggestions. i have purchased organic sheets, mattress pad and pillow. i went to the website below and i think are going to try the carbon blankets. the website is good thank you mayleen, the owner had bad poisoning, now in her sevenities and doing great, wonderful to talk to her. if all this does't work i can return the neww bed and blankets and just get a really simple futon and frame in boulder. i had back surgery 5 years ago, so sleeping on a chair is out:((((((( thank you all, some great suggestions and websites denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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