Buyer's Guide

Milari Organics uses 100% natural Dunlop latex sourced from tree-tapped and sustainable sources in Asia. Certified material by our manufacturer, our Dunlop latex is naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, cooler than memory foam, and more durable than Talalay latex. Dunlop latex is also more eco-friendly and energy-efficient to produce than Talalay, and as a result, a healthier choice.

Other brands may use Talalay latex, which can start out natural and organic, but requires the addition of six non-natural chemicals: acrylate resins, diphenyl diisocyanate, phenol-melamine resins, phenol-urea, polyvinyl acetate and styrene-butadiene copolymer. That’s why Talalay latex shouldn’t be considered natural or organic. (Talalay latex pieces wider than 40” are also typically seamed with a chemical adhesive.) They may use blended and synthetic latex, or perhaps something mysterious, usually with the words “bio-” or “green-” appended to the name.

Milari Organics uses 100% natural Dunlop latex. We do not use blends or synthetic latex.
Blended means that the foam contains both natural and synthetic latex, which varies by manufacturer. The usual blend is 80% synthetic, 20% natural. Synthetic and blended latex are much less expensive to produce, but aren’t as durable, do not breathe as well, and are more apt to develop body impressions over time. Note that some manufacturers can legally claim that their product is “natural latex”, even if their foam contains only 30% natural latex. Unless they say “100% natural latex”, it may be a blend. Be sure to ask.

Many brands rely heavily on petroleum-based polyurethane foams. (Memory/viscoelastic foam is also polyurethane foam, just with more chemicals added to make it “slow to respond.”) But the reality is: prolonged exposure to petroleum-based polyurethane foams may affect the nervous and immune system and cause cancer, neurological disorders, autoimmune weakness, asthma, allergies and child behavior disorders. Because it off-gasses, some companies add industrial-strength perfumes to mask the chemical odor!
Also, be cautions with “bio-based” or “plant-based” foams that some companies market as being eco-friendly and green. Often, the percentage of their memory foam that is bio-based is very low. So don’t be afraid to ask what percentage of their foam is bio-based and what percentage is based on petroleum.
Milari Organics Green Mattress is 99% free of polyurethane foams. Our mattresses are designed to be as non-toxic as possible, using natural and organic materials like 100% natural latex, 100% Organic Australian wool, and certified organic cotton.

When coils are used, the most beneficial materials are placed inside plastic-wrapped cores. Rigid innersprings and toxic poly-fiber, wrapped in plastic that eliminates what little airflow there is cannot be truly breathable or organic.

Background: According to the EPA
About Electric and Magnetic Fields
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are a combination of electric and magnetic fields of energy that surround any electrical device that is plugged in and turned on.
• Scientific experiments have not clearly shown whether or not exposure to EMF increases cancer risk. Scientists continue to conduct research on the issue.
• The strength of electromagnetic fields fades with distance from the source. Limiting the amount of time spent around a source and increasing the distance from a source reduces exposure.

Electromagnetic radiation consists of waves of electric and magnetic energy moving together through space. Electric fields are produced by electric charges and magnetic fields are produced by the flow of current through wires or electrical devices.
EMFs are found near power lines and other electronic devices such as smart meters. Electric and magnetic fields become weaker as you move further away from them. The fields from power lines and electrical devices have a much lower frequency than other types of EMF, such as microwaves or radio waves. EMF from power lines is considered to be extremely low frequency. Scientific studies have not clearly shown whether exposure to EMF increases cancer risk. Scientists continue to conduct research on the issue.

For some years there has been suggestion that metal innerspring mattresses act as an antenna to attract and amplify EMFs. This could potentially turn an ordinary innerspring mattress into a hotbed of EMF activity.
The Backstory
An article posted on the Scientific American:registered: website in 2010 has caused some concern on the Internet that there may be a link between mattresses that contain innersprings and cancer caused from exposure to high EMFs (electric and magnetic fields).
Further videos on YouTube can be found here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2o-g-GMPag&t=29s  and here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl_Ticwzvi0 

showing a person holding EMF meter (electromagnetic radiation detector) while measuring the results over a traditional innerspring mattress. The innersprings shown in these videos are continuous coil innersprings — which means the coils are inter-connected with a tightly coiled wire called a helical. (Yes, helical wires are sometimes used in antenna.)
Please note: We do not use coils (or open coils) in any Milari Green Mattresses. Instead, we use 100% Organic Coconut Coir which prevents baby’s bed from potentially becoming a hot lava to sleep on and greatly reduces overheating.

Milari Green Mattress rates as an 8, which is firm, and ideal for back and stomach sleepers, as well as growing children.

Finding the best mattress for your baby doesn’t have to be difficult. However, babies have different sleep habits, require firmer levels of support and have unique health considerations that should be carefully examined. Quality sleep is important for the development of their bodies and their minds. So it should come as no surprise that the low-cost option may not be the best choice. As with all things, parents should be informed and educated consumers. After all, the most comfortable mattress is peace of mind.

Children need more rest than adults. From birth to age 3 they require at least 11-13 hours of sleep according to pediatricians. Supporting this premise, studies have shown children that perform poorly in school get less quality sleep than those children that perform well. Furthermore, sleep-deprived children often have difficulty concentrating in school, behave poorly, display symptoms of ADHD, exhibit poor social skills and tend to doze off in class.

Babies are more susceptible to pollutants and harmful chemicals in their environment than adults because they’re growing, their immune and neurological systems are rapidly adapting and developing, and they breathe in proportionately more air than adults. Furthermore, babies have higher heart rates than adults and tend to breathe through their mouths (more so than do adults), which increases the risk of pulmonary exposure to particulates and fibers and increases the speed at which these can be absorbed into the body. This means indoor pollutants, such as certain chemicals, particles and allergens, can cause more severe health effects in children. Unfortunately, indoor air quality is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to UL Environment.
The solution: keep non-natural materials and harmful chemicals out of your child’s mattress.

Polyurethane foams (e.g. poly foams, conventional foams or viscoelastic foams) are petrochemical products. They’re inexpensive to produce (and profitable), so they’re commonly found in mattresses marketed for children and teens. They come in a wide variety of petrochemical mixes, colors and brand names — and are sometimes infused with teas, corn oil, soy or other organic materials to make them appear more “eco-friendly” and “natural.” As advocates for green living, we believe poly foams should be avoided in favor of natural alternatives. Not because petrochemicals are inherently harmful to human health, but because petrochemical foams are commonly paired, due to legal necessity and financial incentives, with harmful chemical adhesives and toxic chemical flame retardants. These are widely associated with off-gassing — the release of chemical odors and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) over the life of the mattress — and harmful levels of indoor air pollution.

Polyurethane foams are inherently flammable. Thus, chemical flame retardants are added to meet these requirements. The problem is: these chemical flame retardants are alarmingly toxic, and known to end up in the environment and be absorbed into our bodies. They often do more harm than good. The solution is, therefore, to meet flammability safety requirements without the use of harmful chemical flame retardants.

Natural Dunlop latex is made from tree-tapped and sustainably harvested rubber trees. 100% natural Dunlop latex is made with only natural ingredients. (Talalay latex also starts as natural latex, but requires additional chemicals and carbon dioxide gas in its production. As a result, we believe it is a less healthy and less eco-friendly choice.) Natural latex is an eco-friendly, high-performance material, offering resilience, durability, and temperature control that far exceeds synthetic, blended or petroleum-based polyurethane foams.

25% of the world’s pesticides are used in association with conventional cotton production. It is one of the world’s most unhealthy crops. Steer clear of it. Organic cotton, however, is the complete opposite. Certified organic cotton is one of the softest, most breathable and comfortable textiles made possible by Mother Nature. Look for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification.

Proper support is essential for your child’s bone and spinal development, and to recharge their growing bodies and minds from their active days. It also lowers the risk of SIDS. SIDS association recommends natural latex for babies due to firmness. Avoid soft and plushy sleep surfaces.

With kids, life happens. So ALWAYS use a mattress protector that is not treated with a moisture repellent chemicals.  Of course, we prefer mattress protectors made with natural and organic materials.

You can wipe away the liquid spills with a damp cloth, and sprinkle with bi-carbonate soda then scrap it off gently, repeat if required and then blow dry or air out in the sun.

If soiled, sprinkle bi-carbonate soda on the moisture, scrape off with a knife, repeat if required, spray with a ratio of  1/4 vinegar and 3/4 water solution, use a damp cloth to press it in, then dry with a hair dryer on both sides. Always ensure that the mattress is completely dry both top and bottom before using sheets or additional mattress protector or before turning over. If the mattress needs to be used, cover with sheets and then pull the sheets back again as soon as possible after the sleep to allow more air and to help drying. Repeat until the mattress is fully dried. Air the mattress regularly to minimise dust.

Our pebble cover is washable at 30c degrees.

• Wash dark colours separately – Maximum 40 C with a gentle and natural washing powder. Do not use chlorine bleach.
• Note: most town water contains chlorine, do not leave to soak. Do not chemically clean. Do not leave to stand wet. Dry in shade as much as possible.
• May be tumble dried on warm setting. Careful some dryers operate too hot. Iron on cotton setting; slightly damp condition.