Wool Bedding

More wool!! We have just received our order of organic wool bedding. We now carry a wool mattress, 3 brands of wool toppers, wool mattress pads, wool comforters, wool dog beds, and various wool pillows. So what's up with wool?

The properties of wool
Wool has a very complex chemical and physical structure, which accounts for its uniqueness and versatility as a textile fiber. The fibers are made up of more than 20 amino acids, which combine to form long chains (polymers) of protein.

It's the internal structure of each woolen fiber — a three-dimensional corkscrew pattern, or helical 'crimp' — that gives wool its elasticity. The coiled springs of these molecular chains, with their permanent built-in 'memory,' makes the woolen fibers themselves coil-shaped and accounts for their enduring resilience.

Wool is superior to all other fibers in its ability to handle body moisture in both warm and cool environments. The porosity of the cells in the outer layers of wool fiber allows them to quickly and efficiently absorb and evaporate moisture. In fact, the fibers can absorb up to 30% of their own weight in moisture — ten times as much as any synthetic fiber — without feeling damp or clammy. The porous structure also explains why wool is such a good thermal insulator, not to mention the mesh of the fibers, which creates millions of air pockets that further help to regulate temperature and humidity.

Wool is a naturally strong fiber. It can bend back on itself 20,000 times without breaking. Compare this to cotton at 3,200 times, silk at 1,800, and rayon at only 75 times.

Due to its unique chemical structure and natural moisture content, wool is naturally fire-resistant. And despite its natural moisture content, wool's dry, porous nature repels mildew and dust mites
.
Did you know?

A wool mattress pad on your bed will eliminate dust mites, which can't survive in the natural lanolin of the wool.
A wool blanket can also help you sleep better. Tests have shown that the heart rate under a wool-filled comforter was always significantly lowered, while the humidity next to the skin was significantly lower 71% of the time.
What are other uses for lanolin?
Because it's an excellent water-repellent, lanolin is used on oil rigs as a corrosion inhibitor (an agent that slows down the rusting process). For the same reason, spare auto parts are sometimes coated in lanolin when they're put into long-term storage. And, of course, because it's chemically similar to many of the oils naturally produced by human skin, it's widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. In fact, when lanolin is mixed with suitable vegetable oils or soft paraffin, it makes a cream so good at penetrating the skin that it has been used as a 'carrier' to deliver pharmaceutical drugs subcutaneously (meaning just below the skin).

Lanolin can also be used as a lubricant and a leather finish and preservative. You'll even find lanolin in some varnishes and paints.

Pillows, Pillows, Pillows-ORGANICALLY

THE best selection of natural and organic sleeping pillows in the Portland Oregon area is right here at Eclectic Home. Wool, Cotton, Natural Rubber, Kapok, Buckwheat, Millet-we have them all in stock and on the beds so that you can test them out. By popular demand we now have a line of premium down pillows made here in the Northwest. Stop by the store to get yourself fitted for the perfect sleeping pillow. You deserve it and it is something that you will enjoy each and every night/day.

New Mattresses on the showroom Floor

We now have more OMI mattresses on the showroom floor. The Terra, a plush pillowtop mattress, is great for side sleepers looking for that luxurious organic feel. The Classic innerspring is a firm organic mattress without natural rubber. The Classic is perfect for people looking for a firm natural mattress without latex. The Classic is the COOL alternative for hot sleepers. And we have the Sierra mattress on the floor. The Sierra is an organic choice at a modest price.

Savvy Rest Of Portland Oregon

We are now the Savvy Rest Dealer for the Portland Oregon area. Savvy rest organic mattresses have the same high standards as our other brands. The Savvy Rest Serenity mattress is easily customizable with a zip open cover. Choose dunlap or talalay layers or a combination of both to create your dream bed. Stop by to see the most extensive selection of natural beds and mattresses in the Pacific Northwest.

Solstice Sellabration;

We have turned the corner-the days will finally start to get longer. As you ponder these long NW winter evenings think about the quality of your sleep. And speaking of quality sleep, organic quality sleep, we now have a huge selection of organic sleeping pillows. Cotton, wool, buckwheat, kapok, shredded rubber, and molded rubber pillows - we can provide you with the right fill and the right pillow loft to help you create sweet dreams. Now through January 4th take 10% off any sleeping pillow. Also during the the Solstice Sellabration get $250 in free sleep accessories with the purchase of any full size or larger mattress.

Eco gifts for the holidays

Gift shopping is not everyone's favorite thing especially when budgets are tight and recipients are, well, special. Buying a gift that someone will actually use is usually the goal-an elusive one at that. Knowing the materials and craft behind your purchase gives meaning to your gift. Buying from a local independent business means your money stays in the community. Buying locally made goods can double your community spirit. Local can mean your neighborhood or surrounding geographic area. This holiday season think about your purchases not as just gifts for friends or relatives, but also as gifts to your community.

New Organic Mattress offering from OMI

OMI our premier organic mattress supplier has just introduced the new Sierra Mattress. "The OrganicPedic® Sierra mattress is a two-sided, 8-inch
mattress. It’s old-world design is hand-tufted to create a
uniquely conforming organic sleep system. Built from 100%
pure virgin Natural Rubber Talalay Latex, the Sierra is encased
in our signature OrganicPedic® wool and cotton fully-quilted
cover." AND besides its comfort the Queen Sierra mattress is only $1595. Stop by the store to see all of the latest organic mattresses as well as organic furnishings.