Lauren Taylor despite her young look is the third generation of local family business, Holder Mattress. Shes been managing their Kokomo factory and two retail locations on a daily basis for the last six years. Holder Mattress was started by Laurens grandfather in 1947, and has been manufacturing and selling high quality hand-made mattresses locally ever since. Relentless focus on product quality has been one of the main reasons for the stellar success of the company throughout the years.
The number one thing that sets us apart is the highest material quality and durability of our mattresses, says Lauren. Indeed, Holder Mattresses, such as bob o pedic, are two-sided, made with natural material and coil springs that will last without deforming over 15 years. The company recycles over 95% of the scrap from mattress production.
In July 2007, the Federal government issued a regulation that had set very stringent standards for flame retardant qualities of mattress fabrics. The mattress manufacturers were required to use various chemicals, or flame retardant fabrics in order to comply with the regulation. The least expensive method and most common in the industry was to spray the mattresses with boric acid and antimony trioxide. Boric Acid is a poisonous pesticide that effectively kills roaches, silverfish, ants, fleas, palmetto bugs and water bugs (1). Antimony trioxide is known carcinogen (2) Holder Mattress decided not to utilize the least expensive way, but to retain their high quality standards that were in line with the family social values. It is my guys in the factory that are going to be handling those chemicals. They are my family. I do not want them to be exposed to something that is so dangerous nor do I want my customers to be exposed to that the same danger, say Lauren. Instead, Holder Mattresses are built of non-toxic natural materials such as wool and latex fibers. These materials are inherently flame retardant, hypoallergenic and do not collect dust mites.
To make sure your mattress is safe, check the label for the treated cotton mark (1) EPA Boric Acid Review, June 2004, Conclusions: have identified the developing fetus and the testes as the two most sensitive targets of boron toxicity high prenatal mortality, reduced fetal body weight and malformations and variations of the eyes, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and axial skeleton The testicular effects that have been reported include reduced organ weight and organ: body weight ratio, atrophy, reduced fertility and sterility [source] (2) Antimony Trioxide MSDS: Potential Health Effects: May cause heart to beat irregularly or stop. Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated exposure may damage the liver and the heart muscle. Prolonged skin contact may cause irritation, dermatitis, itching, and pimple eruptions. There is an association between antimony trioxide production and an increased incidence of lung cancer. [source]
