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Pillow Talkin’ at T.Y. Fine Furniture
Even before Doris Day and Rock Hudson made pillow talk the rage, people have found comfort and enjoyment from pillows of all shapes, sizes and textures. Pillows are also an easy and relatively inexpensive way to spruce up a décor, introduce pop and color into an area or just be sure there’s somewhere cozy and comfortable for people to prop their head.
With all of that in mind, T.Y. Fine Furniture’s pillow inventory has expanded dramatically. For example, we now offer over a dozen organic pillow options in various sizes. We’ve also increased our offerings to include pillows whose covers are made from wool, kapok, cotton, shredded latex, solid latex and even Verona Blends made from a mixture of these ingredients.
Colors and shapes vary, too, so you needn’t worry you’ll be going home with a ho-hum square pillow. Because we know that sometimes pillows get dirty, we made
sure to offer only pillows whose covers are removable and machine-washable.
Our pillows range in price from $79 to $169 , so their cost is as soft and welcoming as they are.
Come on in to experience the comfort of these amazingly welcoming pillows.
You’ll feel like your head is sleeping on cotton.
Bring us your tired, achy and stiff muscles
T.Y. Fine Furniture is putting out the call for anyone whose muscles are tired, sore, stiff or achy.
No, no, we haven’t open a yoga studio nor do we stock gluten-free treats (although Bake Me Happy, a gluten-free bakery, is located right next door). Instead, we are proud to announce the addition of DreamWave, the world’s most luxurious and magical massage chair on the market today.
The DreamWave massage chair is manufactured in Japan by Inada, a company known for its exhaustive product research and development process. The DreamWave appeals to the discriminating buyer seeking to enhance natural healing and wellness through the wondrous powers of shiatsu massage. Incredibly, the DreamWave delivers a full-body massage, which is proven to maximize relief from muscular aches and stiffness while removing tension from nerves and limbs frayed by life’s everyday challenges. The luxurious chair features mind-blowing shiatsu point detection technology that begins with a body scan. Yes! A body scan! The momentary examination then instructs the DreamWave where to massage its inhabitant, ensuring the person seated in the chair is treated to an incredibly relaxing deep tissue massage personalized to their body’s needs.
Not only does the DreamWave offer incomparable comfort, they’re good-looking, too. Manufactured from the finest leathers, the DreamWave is available in five colors, including black, red and cream.
Have you ever owned a chair backed by technical support technicians? If you buy a DreamWave by Inada, that’s exactly what you will get. If an issue with a DreamWave chair ever arises, a simple call to the company’s Chair Doctor will provide the necessary antidote, even if the chair is out of warranty.
So bring us your tired, achy and stiff muscles. No visit to T.Y. Fine Furniture is complete before you relax in our DreamWave massage chair.
You may never want to leave.
What is a Gel Mattress?
The hottest (or coolest) trend in memory foam these days is what marketers call “gel-infused foam” or “cooling foam” or foam with “cooling chemicals.” Basically, this type of foam is standard memory foam blended with a gel or gel beads made with “phase change materials.”
Drawing a blank? So are many concerned shoppers, as full disclosures of the chemicals in memory foams and gels are hard to come by. Synthetic foam manufacturers guard their formulas closely, so general descriptions are all consumers have to rely on.
Chemical gazpacho
Phase change materials could be any of a host of chemicals. They are used to make mattress foams feel cooler because they have properties that transfer heat from the sleeper down into the mattress core. The effect doesn’t last all night long, but can make initial hours of sleep less sweaty. (We’ll get to more effective alternatives below.)
These materials haven’t been tested or reviewed over a long period of time, so not only the content but the long-term performance of gel-infused mattresses or toppers is unknown. And although their odor is less caustic than the notorious off-gassing of conventional memory foam, a chemical smell is still noticeable.
Better ways to keep your cool
One of the best materials known to help the human body regulate temperature is wool. Everyone associates wool with warmth—after all, what’s a snuggly wool sweater for? Wool is a wonderful material for outerwear or winter blankets. But lightweight wool is comfortable in summer, too. (Hence, the finest men’s summer suits are made of wool.)
The secret to wool fiber’s amazing performance is that each strand is covered with microscopic “hooks” which overlap and grip adjacent ones. This forms countless tiny air pockets between the strands. And voila, insulation—from cold OR excess heat.
Wool is also highly absorbent. When the air is cool and damp, wool absorbs moisture and keeps a layer of dry insulating air next to the skin. Likewise, beneath a “hot sleeper,” wool also absorbs moisture and traps insulating dry air. This helps the body’s own cooling system work more effectively. Even if an unusually high metabolism or hot flashes are adding to the flames, wool beneath you can help cool things down.
Choosing a “cool” mattress or topper
If you’re concerned about unnecessary chemicals polluting your home’s air or creating toxic dust, a natural mattress that uses wool for flame resistance and insulating comfort is an ideal choice. And a lot less risky than mystery-chemical gels.
Savvy Rest’s natural latex mattresses contain organic wool batting quilted within the mattress casing (made of organic cotton). Natural latex, particularly natural Talalay, is more porous and breathable than any synthetic foam or gel. And the use of wool allows Savvy Rest mattresses both to meet federal fire safety requirements without chemical flame retardants, and provide a cooler, drier sleep environment.
Naturally cooler sleep
If you’re excited about wool’s potential for a temperature-adaptable bed, you might also consider a wool-filled mattress topper, such as the Savvy Woolsy. Its fluffy, organic wool fiber within an organic cotton, duvet-style casing makes a comfortable, wonderfully insulating surface for your mattress.
Or if you’re really crazy about wool you can choose the wool-filled, hand-tufted organic Pastoral mattress, even topping it with a Savvy Woolsy. Worried it’ll feel itchy? No need. Your skin won’t be in direct contact with wool on either product—it’s inside an organic cotton casing and, of course, also will be topped with your bedding.
So stay away from those chemical gels. With a Savvy Rest you won’t be counting sheep, but you’ll certainly be thanking them. You can sleep well and keep your cool, on top of wonderful wool!
This article was written by Laura, September 8, 2015, Savvyrest.com
Brain Feel Dirty? Get some Sleep!
Sleep is often seen as simple, but the more science reveals about rest the more complex it appears. One recent study found that as we sleep, our brains actually undergo cleaning to remove buildup and clear the way for the next day. These findings may give new insight into the phenomenon of sleep-deprived brain fog and into the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Read on to learn about this new research and healthy sleep.
Study Finds Sleep Works to Clean Brain
In a study published October 2013 in Science Magazine, researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center sought to see how sleep relates to the brain’s natural cleansing system. Previous studies recently discovered that while the brain is hard at work during the day, neurological by-products build up as a result of normal functions, and that the brain has a system which supports the removal of this waste. Similar to how the body’s lymphatic system removes wastes and toxins, the brain has a “glymphatic” system that serves a similar function.
URMC researchers discovered that during sleep, this glymphatic system goes into overdrive to remove waste, upping its performance by 10 times compared to waking hours in mice, whose brains operate similarly to humans. This increased action, along with an increase in space between brain cells that occurs during sleep, allows the cerebrospinal fluid to accelerate its cleanup service and flush waste products out of the brain and to the liver for removal.
Researchers speculate that the cleaning activity takes place during sleep because it would require too much brain power to perform while we are awake. It is also speculated that this process may be to blame for some sleep deprivation side effects such as staying awake for extended periods of time.
This discovery is important because the brain “waste” being removed include toxins responsible for some neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases including amyloid-beta proteins, which are believed to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are hopeful that this information may contribute to finding cures for and preventing neurodegenerative diseases in the future. Since the CDC estimates that one-third of Americans are sleep deprived, this could have significant implications for many people.
Health and Sleep
There are many complex and not well understood processes taking place while we sleep. While we may not know all of the whys and hows of sleep, we do know that getting sufficient, quality rest is important for many aspects of health. In addition to cleansing the brain on a cellular level, rest also appears to play a role in obesity, diabetes, heart health, muscle recovery, mental health, skin aging and other vital functions. Other research has also shown that sleep deprivation is a leading cause of accidents, and can cause impairment on par with alcohol intoxication.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
With all of this at stake, it’s clear that getting rest should be a top health priority for everyone, right alongside nutrition and exercise. However while many may be aware of sleep’s necessity, many of us have difficulty optimizing habits and schedules for rest. If you find that you are drowsy during the day or aren’t getting enough rest, the following sleep hygiene tips may be helpful:
- Allow yourself adequate time for rest every day. The average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Teens and young adults may need 8-10 hours.
- Try to stick to a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking at the same time every day (including the weekends) helps keep your hormonal system regular and may actually be associated with healthier body weight.
- Keep your bedroom clean. Allergies and breathing difficulties can disrupt sleep, and dust mites (a leading allergen) thrive in bedding. Wash sheets and pillows often and consider using an allergen resistant mattress cover. A cluttered environment can also make it hard to relax and rest.
- Make sure your bedroom is comfortable. Studies have shown that a dark room is important for melatonin regulation, and that cooler rooms are better for deep sleep. Make sure distractions and disturbances are minimized, and that your mattress is supportive and in good condition.
- Avoid dietary sleep stealers. Certain foods and beverages like caffeine and some fats may keep you up at night, while other vitamin and mineral-rich foods can actually support rest. Read our article on sleep and diet for more on this.
- Establish a rest routine. If you have difficulty winding down at the end of the day, a relaxing routine may help your mind and body get ready to sleep. Try a warm bath, light music, reading or other calming activity and see what works for you.
- Exercise regularly. In addition to the numerous physical benefits of exercise, regular moderate exercise during the day can actually contribute to better sleep over time. To multitask, you could take a walk outside during the day as sunlight can also help regulate sleep hormone cycles.
- Advances in technology and increasing interest in the science of sleep continue to show that rest is an essential and vital part of health. While it can be at odds with the demands of modern life, making enough time for rest can provide a host of long-term benefits, many of which are still yet to discovered, while there is clear evidence that skipping sleep has negative consequences. Keep your brain clean and your body healthy by making sleep a priority!
The Best Bedroom Air Cleaners
Ever think how contradictory it might be to use electric air purifiers to go “pure and natural” at home?
Many people who choose natural mattresses want the bedroom to be an oasis from pollutants of all sorts. Outstanding plan! However, especially in newer houses, dangerous off-gassing chemicals come from many sources.
Plywood and laminates, fabric treatments, synthetic carpets and foams, flame retardants, glues, cleaners and paints are just a few sources of toxic vapors you don’t want to be breathing. Indoor air quality is often worse than air quality outdoors, even in polluted cities.
In the late 80’s, NASA was tackling the problem of how to keep the air in space stations pure. They found that certain houseplants can clean the air as effectively as air-purifying machines. They’re quieter, too, last time we checked. Though ultimately the astro-plants stayed home, the list of plants NASA produced is a great resource for selecting green buddies for your bedroom—or all around the house.
Super-heroes in Pots
There are many other plant options, too, so if you’re fond of favorites such as spider plants, peace lilies, chrysanthemums or aloe (all excellent air cleaners), just mix up your choices to cover a spectrum of nasty gases. Formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, for example—these odorless gases are carcinogenic and also contribute to respiratory problems.
It takes at least one air-filtering plant per 100 square feet of space to do its job efficiently. While busy looking beautiful, increasing your connection to nature and uplifting your mood, these silent allies are seriously supporting your health.
One is good but more is better, because different plants are effective at eliminating different chemicals. (And small groupings look great.)
Picking and Placement
Some popular plants are toxic to children and pets, so be sure to read up on your choices before heading to your local garden center. Or consider some alternative placements. Golden pothos trails beautifully, for example, so you might display it in a planter hung from the ceiling in a corner. It’s happy in low light. Just trim it regularly to keep it out of reach.
The purest air possible will ease your breathing and your sleep. And pollution-fighting plants are perfect companions for your dreams.
Written by Laura, February 6, 2015 www.savvyrest.com
The Benefits of Organic Cotton
To convey the benefits of some eco-friendly solutions can require bales of education. Most people care about the planet and their own health. But not everyone has the time to learn all there is to know about industrial processes. For every organic spinach patch, there’s a counter-argument about distribution, convenience, or cost.
Organic cotton, fortunately, is easier to explain. There are two primary reasons to choose organically-grown cotton whenever you can. The first is your own health; the other is the health of the earth. And they’re inseparable.
Hidden Dangers
Those silky sheets or satiny mattress cover? The number of chemicals that can be used to produce a conventional textile’s luxurious look or feel is staggering. Many are known skin irritants; some are carcinogenic. Pesticides are also endocrine disruptors, which subtly alter the body’s hormone balance. There is new debate about the consequences of chronic exposure to low levels of these compounds. Among concerns scientists have identified are increased risks for obesity, infertility, developmental brain disorders, and cancer.
When you choose bedding and a natural mattress made with organic cotton, you eliminate an important source of chemical exposure in your home. Because you sleep in close contact with your bedding materials -- and for years -- organic cotton may be among the most health-protective choices you make. Some experts believe that organic cotton is as significant for health as organic food. Organically grown and processed cotton will not expose you to herbicides, fungicides, or other chemical residues. For the highest quality, also look for the GOTS seal. Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification represents the most rigorous organic standards worldwide.
Then there’s the health of the planet. The environmental consequences of conventional cotton production are horrendous. Conventional cotton uses more pesticides than any crop on earth -- and more of the most toxic kinds. These chemicals poison the soil and wildlife, drift into waterways, contaminate livestock even when applied to fields miles away, and wind up in human tissue. They also destroy entire ecosystems. For example, the fourth-largest body of water on earth, the Aral Sea -- once a thriving food resource, is now too polluted from cotton agriculture to support fish.
Turning the Corner
Like our environment, human beings suffer from conventional cotton production at every step of the cycle. Agricultural laborers’ children sprayed while playing near cotton fields, factory workers exposed to a slew of toxins, and consumers who wear or sleep on fabrics that carry chemical residues -- all could testify that non-organic cotton is NOT “the fabric of our lives.” Ready for a hopeful note? More people are turning toward organic cotton. Global output has exploded, increasing over 500% in a recent four-year period.
So when you choose your natural mattress, make it an organic one. A mattress casing of pure organic cotton not only is better for your health, but the unbleached color is beautiful. It’s a natural reminder that simpler materials are safer ones for you, for those you love, and for the earth we live on together.
Written by Laura, November 24, 2012 www.savvyrest.com
Is Your Bedroom Keeping You Awake?
Here is another great article by our friends at Savvy Rest.
Are you into the decluttering craze inspired by Marie Kondo? This space-wizard from Tokyo has ignited a trend of becoming hyper-conscious about possessions and getting rid of those that don’t serve your life...joyfully, she says. (Or ruthlessly, according to packrats.)
Or maybe you don’t have a Zen-bone in your body, and every time you hear someone say “Kondo” you grit your teeth and mutter, “I am not going to thank my shoes. I’m just not.”
Consider this anyway-—if you’re insomniac and also messy, your clutter might be keeping you awake. It turns out there’s wisdom behind the notion that an over-stuffed, neglected bedroom can impact your sleep. Sleep itself literally declutters a stressed-out brain. But a chaotic bedroom triggers subtle anxiety and distracted thoughts that make falling asleep more difficult.
Think once your eyes close you’re primed to sleep? Maybe so, but it’s less likely if your eyes first take in in piles of clothing, jumbled dressers, a crowded nightstand or spilling closet when you come into the room. You may believe you’re tired enough to screen it all out, but on some level, your bedroom is yelling at you.
Thank-you and goodnight
Let’s play Kondo for a moment. One of her most endearing approaches (or challenging, depending on your point of view), which is understood and honored in Japanese culture, is to anthropomorphize objects. That means she considers and addresses them as though they have meaning, and even have lives. That’s where the thanking the object you’re now donating or discarding, a ritual she’s become famous for, comes in.
It may sound unusual, but even if you skip the role-play, it’s not too hard to imagine what your bedroom clutter might be saying if it could talk. Kondo wouldn’t approve of snark, but:
Clothing. Fold me nicely, I’m so sick of being dumped.
Dresser. You never wear this accessory anyway. Who’re you trying to impress?
Nightstand. Wow, it takes a lot of implements to be you. I feel exposed.
Closet. You think YOU feel uncomfortable? I’m about to explode here.
Books. Read me now or place me on a pleasant shelf, please.
Floor. Achoo! Dust much? This can’t be good for us.
Keep it simple, Sleepy
Convinced? Simplicity, serenity, and a soothing decor can have surprising benefits for your sleep. And you can create them in a room of any size. If you’re ready to give it a try, here are a few more principles for creating the bedroom of your dreams.
Allow surfaces to “speak.” Not everything horizontal needs to be holding something up. (That is an important line to ponder.) Clear off dressers except for essentials that also happen to be beautiful. On nightstands, lidded baskets can shield unappealing things like tweezers and eyedrop bottles from view.
Under-decorate. A few pieces of art with pleasant themes or happy photos (again, just a few) of loved ones will go a long way. Resist the urge to clutter every wall. A calming, soft wall color in a matte finish gives your eyes simple space and gentle shadows to contemplate before you drift off.
Go organic. Not only with a natural mattress that’s free of nasty chemicals, but with the most organic things of all—living, growing ones. A few select plants help to clean the air you breathe all night and bring nature’s peace into your retreat.
Edit and enjoy. Whether you go full-Kondo or simply recommit to keeping the bedroom tidy, you’ll find that a serene, uncluttered space helps you relax. Don’t de-clutter out of guilt, but out of a kindly sense that you’re caring for yourself by caring for your space.
Getting used to the idea? Great! Feeling welcome and relaxed is the very best way to prepare for sleep. And if you believe objects and spaces have a life of their own, just listen—your newly decluttered bedroom is humming you a lullaby.
Written by Laura, May 22, 2015 - 3:27pm www.savvyrest.com
