Shannon Harlow, Sweet Pea Baby Planners Dallas interviews Matt Genova, Nook Sleep System
How is Nook Eco Conscious?
Nook is the only infant bedding system to consider infant health across platforms of breathability, non-toxicity and cleanliness in the creation of all of its products. Every detail from sleep surface to zipper is carefully questioned, analyzed and tested prior to product release.
Independently owned and operated, Nook Sleep Systems operates out of Inglewood, California, just blocks from the ocean. But at Nook, our Made in the USA philosophy extends beyond our office. We source as many local and organic materials and manufacturing processes as possible. Packaging, printing and manufacturing of our mattresses, pillows and sheets all take place around the corner in Southern California. Our certified organic wool comes from family-owned farms in Northern California and Oregon. And our organic cotton comes from deep in the heart of Texas. Yee-haw!
Does Nook utilize any chemicals that off-gas toxins?
Standard infant crib mattresses are composed of synthetic materials and fire retardant chemical sprays that can emit airborne toxins, commonly referred to as off-gasses. Even at miniscule trace levels, toxins can be harmful to developing minds and bodies. Nook uses only non-toxic materials that contribute to both a pure, safe sleep environment and a healthy, responsible production environment. We employ absolutely no harsh chemicals or toxins, not in materials, not in manufacturing, not even in packaging. Rather than rely on cheap and easy-to-come-by synthetics, extensive research and testing has led us to natural fire retardants and microbe-resistant fibers to help protect and comfort infants without compromising health benefits.
Tell me more about the materials used to make Nook and how they impact the Earth.
Eucalyptus
As infants sleep, their bodies release moisture that can irritate and wake them up. Eucalyptus fibers are one of nature’s best moisture absorbers, drawing moisture away from the infant to allow for a continuous and comfortable night’s sleep. Eucalyptus is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as one of the fastest growing renewable resources. Plus, the environmental impact of harvesting eucalyptus is the lowest of any other natural fiber so parents and infants enjoy a more eco-friendly night’s sleep.
100% Natural Latex
Latex is an open-celled material allowing air to flow through the inner core of the Pebble Mattress, making a more oxygen rich environment and increasing breathability, a priority for all Nook products. Unlike standard innerspring mattresses that require a layer of plastic around the springs, the Nook Pebble uses only natural latex at its core. This provides growing infants a greater level of comfort and support in an environmentally friendly way. Natural latex is not only breathable and firm; it’s also naturally hypoallergenic, anti-microbial and anti-mite. Rubber trees are among nature’s most efficient CO2 absorbers. A renewable resource, natural latex can be harvested from these rubber trees without doing harm to the trees. By keeping resources intact, Nook supports a more oxygen-rich and eco-balanced environment.
Zinc
Zinc is one of the most powerful natural, non-toxic microbe resistors available today. All-natural zinc infused into eucalyptus fibers restricts microbes, mites, fungi and mold from adhering to the sleep surface and keeps the mattress surface fresh and clean. Nook’s patented zinc fabric technology clings fast to fibers, allowing for successive washes without loss of potency. Yet, it’s gentle enough to touch delicate infant skin without irritation. Tough and sensitive, zinc is the gentle giant of microbe-resistance. Because zinc occurs in nature, it is environmentally easy to produce. Plus, it is a water-based formula, completely free of toxic solvents or other harsh chemicals making it gentle enough to qualify for the bluesign® certification for safety.
Certified Organic Wool
Sheep know best, wool is an amazingly effective fire retardant with ignition temperatures three times that of cotton or synthetics. Certified organic wool prevents infant overheating by pulling excess heat away from infant skin and into the inner layers of the mattress. Organic wool is nature’s fire retardant, and an efficient one at that. It is the ideal natural alternative because it removes chemicals, synthetic hormones and pesticides from the production process and the nursery. Nook supports the US economy by buying certified organic wool from family-owned farms in Northern California and Oregon. Buying local organic guarantees good grazing practices and sustains the land for future generations.
Certified Organic Cotton
Nook uses only Certified Organic Cotton in all of our textiles. None of our cotton ever touches chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Nook’s organic cotton weave creates a breathable and comfortable sleep surface that keeps infants cool in warm environments and warm in cool environments by naturally regulating temperature and preventing overheating. Unlike synthetics, organic cotton is a naturally durable yet gentle fiber that can be washed successively at high temperatures without compromising its benefits. At Nook, safety and health are the two most critical considerations. Using chemical-free, organic cotton promotes a safer environment for everyone who comes into contact with Nook products. Farmers are healthier. Infants are healthier. Everyone is happier.
PETE
PETE is short for polyethylene teraphthalate, a fancy name for a clean and easily recycled plastic. “Good” PETE is so safe, the FDA approves it for bottling water and considers it a healthy alternative to toxic synthetics. PETE is a uniquely sturdy material used inside the Pebble Mattress to promote airflow by creating open spaces. Thanks to the strength of PETE, these inner airways maintain their integrity even under the weight of an infant or toddler. Unlike plastics- like vinyl or BPA found in many standard mattresses, “good” PETE is both non-toxic and non-leaching, so much so, that it qualifies for the Oeko-Tex® safety certification. Infants breathe cleaner, healthier air for a safer night’s sleep. The “good” PETE in Nook products is easily recycled which means a reduction in unnecessary plastics in our world.
Thank you Nook for all you do to keep our babies sleeping safer and for utilizing products and standards that benefit our Earth. This is great information!
Matt Genova, Senior Vice President of Sales
Matt grew up in his parents’ furniture factory and polished his acquired skills at the University of Southern California. Matt lives in Newport Beach with his wife, their 3 amazing boys, and 2 lazy dogs.
