HOW TO MAKE A NATURAL DIY MATTRESS for Van or Home | Healthy Vanlife and Natural Living

Learn to make a natural mattress for your van camper or home. Natural mattress made of quality pure materials will improve your sleeping environment and health and it is also biodegradable, sustainable, and great for the planet. Natural mattresses are especially important for babies and children as their bodies are fragile and immune systems are being formed.
WHY MAKE YOUR OWN MATTRESS?
Mattresses often contain a variety of chemicals designed to make the mattress flame resistant, sturdy, durable and look more appealing. These chemicals - flame retardants, formaldehyde, PVC, foam, glues, arsenic, plastics, dyes - off-gas and create VOCs and may make your sleep environment unsafe and unhealthy. As our bodies end up absorbing and processing the chemicals (it’s just what a body is designed to do), our immune system could really struggle to keep up and various inflammatory processes could start.
The benefits of natural and organic mattresses are: chemical free, regulate body temperature, no off-gassing, biodegradable and sustainable, naturally flame resistant, great support and comfort. Make sure that for your mattress you source high quality, pure and minimally processed ingredients.
If you are concerned about your allergies to natural products, do some testing or get samples before investing into buying a mattress because natural doesn’t mean it won’t trigger a reaction from your body. But it is actually rare that pure latex or wool will cause an allergy. Often it is the chemicals or the treatment process is what triggers negative responses in our bodies. You know your body best so listen to your body! Also, do your own research and talk to your doctor if needed.
I am sharing a story of my personal and family experience with natural bedding as well as research I have done and speaking with various experts. I am not a doctor nor a technical expert. I am a human being who wants to live a healthier life and help others achieve the same.
My favorite resource for buying bedding materials is diynaturalbedding.com. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by them and just simply recommend this small family-run business for the high quality products they provide and also for their passion and educating community about better sleep environment. DIY Natural Bedding provided a coupon "gonewiththevan" for 5% off your purchase!
Links to Natural Bedding Materials:
Natural Latex - www.diynaturalbedding.com/pro... (use "gonewiththevan" coupon for 5% off)
Alternatively, you can also find natural latex on Amazon - amzn.to/2QsJY32. I never personally bought this one and can't attest to its quality but you can do your research and see if it is right for you.
Wool Batting - www.diynaturalbedding.com/pro...
(use "gonewiththevan" coupon for 5% off)
Zippers (Make Your Own Zipper Kit) - amzn.to/2QtTHWT
My most favorite sewing clips! - amzn.to/2T9KPHZ
My Sewing machine - amzn.to/2ZYjLfO
♥︎
Hello, I am Yulia! I am a Life & Wellness Coach. I'm converting Sprinter 144 into a non-toxic tiny home on wheels. I spend a lot of time outdoors, hiking, traveling in my van, getting grounded and connected. I also love DIY projects - anything healthy, sustainable, and creative!
Follow me for van life, van conversion, nature inspiration, travel, DIY, natural living, life coach guidance, healthy wellness practices. I love to inspire others to live a healthier and happier life, follow dreams, and connect with nature in a mindful way.
♥︎
GET COACHED BY ME: Book 20 minute free introductory session with me here: yuliaburova.com/schedule
CONNECT WITH ME:
Instagram: / yuliainnature
Life Coaching: yuliaburova.com
LINKS:
Healthy sustainable items I love on Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/yuliainna...
Meditation + nature journal made by me: bloomsfromtheroots.com
I use Musicbed for my videos. Sign up for free account here: bit.ly/3VEi30a
♥︎
Be well and healthy!!
SUBSCRIBE if you are interested in van life, tiny living, wellness practices, nature adventures and travel. You will see videos with beautiful nature destinations, healthy home recommendations, and creative wellness recipes.
/ @yuliainnnature
#sleeping #howto #mattress #sewingtutorial #healthylifestyle

[@manysoulfulmiles]

Fascinating. In the middle of my build, but now I just want to go make a mattress! Great tips, Yulia

[@yuliainnnature]

Yulia, you absolutely should! You will love making it and will love sleeping on it even more! Once you have your bench size finalized, you should be able to get started 😆

[@jaxxon98]

I haven't sewn anything in years but you're making me want to sew again.

[@yuliainnnature]

Please do it!! And natural bedding is a good project to do - so functional and healthy. I haven't sewn for a couple of months... now you are inspiring me!

[@kkvanpelt6768]

oh my gosh this is great info. the mattress and cushions you made are beautiful. Glad you showed the zipper install was wondering how it was done.

[@yuliainnnature]

Thank you so much!! They are really comfortable too :-) There are many ways to install zippers but that's my favorite way... so easy and they always look clean 🥰

[@MadamSavvy]

Thank you so much for posting this- you guys are awesome! When the electric transits come out from ford later this year, that is when the real journey begins and I start making a van :) this will be very important!

[@yuliainnnature]

Sounds like an awesome plan! I love the idea of an electric van! Good luck with your adventures!

[@CherishEaDay]

All true. Enjoyed hearing you and your important message. This was very helpful.

[@yuliainnnature]

Thank you so much, we are very passionate about having a non-toxic environment! We are so happy you found this helpful 😊

[@Victory_n_Jesus]

Thank you so much for this. I have been looking at natural organic mattresses for probably a year now. I have been so concerned about it especially with if I would like the thickness and firmness. Making one is an amazing idea. Thank you for leaving the websites because I have been struggling to find solid websites.

[@yuliainnnature]

I am so glad you found it helpful! And very happy to hear that you might be making your own mattress, you will really enjoy it and feel a big difference in your sleep quality. Good luck with your project!

[@anavidal9473]

I loved the video, congratulations!! Kind regards from Portugal 😊

[@insidedianeslife2456]

That was very interesting. Thanks.

[@shnanti]

You're so cute! Thanks for the enthusiastic video. 🐑

[@yuliainnnature]

Awww Shanti! You just made my day 💕 Thank you so much!

[@AnaGonzalez-lv9fk]

Wow I’ve never seen a video I’ve liked before on KZbin. Thank you for your tips, very helpful! Loved absolutely everything about this video:)

[@yuliainnnature]

Thank you so much Ana! I am so happy you found it to be helpful. Good luck with your project 🙂

[@pacificnorthwestgirl2725]

Very helpful video, thanks!

[@MakeYourOwnMattress]

Yay, thank you for making this video! There are actually no regulations pertaining to organic mattresses, it's all marketing. The way the laws pertaining to mattresses are written, the manufacturer does not even need to disclose what chemical flame retardants are used on their organic mattresses to pass the strict flammability standards. You are so right, the only way to know what is in your mattress is to make it yourself! Especially in a small confined space you want to make sure you are going chemical and petroleum free. My go to materials for DIY mattresses are hemp hulls and shredded natural latex as they can never wear out unevenly like slab foam. I love DIY Natural Bedding too, we work with them here at Open Your Eyes Bedding!

[@AmarisJaneNYC]

I absolutely loved this video! This answered all my questions. Thank you so much! xoxo

[@yuliainnnature]

Thank you so much Amaris! So glad it was helpful :-)

[@AmarisJaneNYC]

@@yuliainnnature Is there any chance you do custom sewing?

[@yuliainnnature]

I do! I saw your email, will respond in a bit:)

[@hannahswann747]

Thank you so much- Flame retardant legislation is still in force in UK and it makes me sick (literally!). I've been looking at making my own mattress for a long time and cane across your video today- such good, accurate info and helpful tips. Appreciate it 🙏

[@yuliainnnature]

You are so welcome Hannah! Enjoy making your own mattress! You will love getting good rest on it. I am the same way, I can't be around fabric with toxic additives. It's terrible that we have a lot of legislation that makes people sick.

[@rengarajan01]

Everything is awesome ! Videos are bit over exposed except this perfect information ! ♥️ Love from India

[@yuliainnnature]

Thank you so much for the love!! Really great you liked the info. We were shooting in a pretty contrasty light... so if was either going to be overexposed or underexposed in places. Went for overexposed! 😇

[@lifehappens1123]

😊 thank you

[@dervaldunford8537]

Fantastic! Thank you (from Ireland) for this info Yulia :)

[@yuliainnnature]

So glad you found it to be useful, Derval! Thank you for watching! Sending a big hug to Ireland... really wishing I was there now!🌿🐑💚

[@dervaldunford8537]

@@yuliainnnature it's a bit DAMP at the mo :) You may be better where you are. Come again in May

[@yuliainnnature]

@@dervaldunford8537 I loooove rain so it doesn't stop me. But yes, you are right, a trip next year would be better for many reasons :-) Thank you for a beautiful email, by the way. I am a little behind on my messages but will respond this week. Thank you for what you do, we all need to learn/remember to breathe and be mindful and loving to our bodies. Looking forward to connecting via email!

[@berndschleicher5907]

Thanks, great video and very good explained.

[@yuliainnnature]

Thank you so much, Bernd! Thank you for watching and always supporting and encouraging us 💕 Happy New Year!

[@berndschleicher5907]

@@yuliainnnature thank you. All the best wishes for you and your projects for 2020. And a lot of happy van days. 🏕🏖🏜🚌

[@Guesswhohaha]

Hi I'm in the uk, can you help me find uk links to online places that sell the latex and batting as I am struggling to find anywhere and desperately want to make my own natural mattress. Thank you

[@DawnFurness]

Really interesting video and beautifully shot!

[@coiorr8370]

Thank you

[@yuliainnnature]

You are welcome and hope you get to make your own mattress!

[@sumukhsonkar3136]

Very nice 👍👍

[@yuliainnnature]

Thank you so much!!

[@alpineamanda]

New suscriber/IG follower! Thank you so much for doing this video!! I would love to do in the future for a new home mattress. Do you have any recommendations/or resources for organic natural brands that would fit a fixed van bed? I am not sure what direction to go or if 3" is enough for a side sleeper? Thanks, Yulia!

[@yuliainnnature]

Hi Amanda! Thank you so much for subscribing and for following the IG account :-) It means a lot! You can use the same supplies for making a fixed bed mattress. 3" is enough for a side sleeper if it is a firm mattress but you like a soft mattress, you might like to go with 5-6". If you shop for an organic natural mattress, just check what materials they use and how those materials are processed. Don't be afraid to ask them questions! :-) Good luck!

[@alpineamanda]

@@yuliainnnature Thank you! Do you have any recommendations for any made in the USA organic cotton or linen sheets? PS: I am from the Peninsula and might relocate back there in the future. Enjoy!!

[@yuliainnnature]

​@@alpineamanda Olympic peninsula is so gorgeous and I am sure you miss it. Hope you come back, especially if it is calling you back 🌿 I usually get organic cotton, linen or bamboo sheets from local shops and I can't think of a specific brand to recommend. Just look for something hopefully GOTS certified or at least with minimal amount of dyes.

[@user-il8ku2xc9z]

Interesting! Latex wrapped in wool batting 3/4 of an inch covered in water proof cotton muslin Durable cotton can is dub can is or wool.

[@Ax4400]

💜💜💜 Your work & 👃for sharing it in this video. In need of a new full size futon & mattress but my budget & common sense has kept me from purchasing the junk being sold at exorbitant prices. Although materials are more than I was able to spend, I will save and purchase to make my own futon, & mattress, this way I can save. Question for 7" thick futon, do I need 2x 3" latex slabs or can I just build it up with wool wrap?😃 again thank you

[@yuliainnnature]

Thank you so much, it really means a lot to hear!! And yes, I always advocate for spending a little more money on quality products that will keep you healthy than buying junk that will make you sick. If you want a 6 or 7 inch mattress, you will definitely need two 3" slabs of natural latex.

[@fstoplive1991]

@@yuliainnnature its for a bifold futon

[@yuliainnnature]

@@fstoplive1991 I never tried making a bifold futon. I can tell you though that latex bends easily and it is resilient so I would imagine even with two slabs you would be ok. But maybe get one slab, try it out and then see if you need another slab? It would be hard to build it up to 7 inch with wool batting though, unless you get a lot of wool.

[@fstoplive1991]

@@yuliainnnature Thank you for setting me on the right track. First the futon & then my new bed mattress👍

[@foreverirish132]

Where in Ireland did you visit? Looks like Wicklow ❤️

[@yuliainnnature]

We covered everything except for northern area. It was amazing!!! It’s definitely our most favorite country we visited. This footage is actually from Gap of Dunloe and a little bit from Dingle peninsula.

[@CherishEaDay]

Wondering the thickness of your latex cushions and whether yours would be considered firm etc. Ty

[@yuliainnnature]

So glad you found the video helpful! Our cushions are 3 inches thick and we went with firm. We like extra firm mattress so it is working for us but if you like softer, go with medium :) Or a combination of firmnesses.

[@vijayashanthi6260]

Nature lover me tooooo 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@yuliainnnature]

🌿❤️😊

[@crystalwolcott4744]

Would you recommend going for a thicker latex for a heavier person? Is there a sort of guideline for that?

[@yuliainnnature]

Hi Crystal! You could get a thicker latex or a more firm latex. If you don't like very firm mattresses, I would go with 3 inch medium/hard latex as a base and put 2 or 3 inch softer latex on top. The idea is not to feel the hard bench underneath when you sit or lay down on the mattress. That could happen when a mattress is too soft or too thin.

[@mtommarello]

Did you cut the latex yourself or get it cut? I noticed the site you recommend can cut custom sizes. Had a bad experience trying to cut to size other cushions which I have now abandoned

[@yuliainnnature]

I cut it myself with an electric knife. It's relatively easy and when you wrap it, wool will smooth out any imperfections. But yes, you can also be safe and ask the company to professionally cut it for you :-)

[@mtommarello]

@@yuliainnnature Thanks Yulia!

[@user-vn1po6jg6r]

I have a cotton filled futon and Its too soft and i want to redo it to make it firm, and ideas?

[@yuliainnnature]

If cotton inside is still good, you could just add more cotton or wool to it. Or take it out, add a firm latex and put your cotton batting/stuffing all around it? If the futon is very old, it might be better to just redo the cushion completely.

[@hajimesbitch6526]

Trying to make my own mattress so it’ll fit in my closet 😏

[@yuliainnnature]

Yaay!! Good luck with your project :-)

[@phillip6083]

Why...just...why!!?

[@nicoleyazdzik704]

Do you have a link for the materials? Thank you! Great video!

[@yuliainnnature]

Hi Nicole! There are links in the description to the video, let me know if you need anything in particular:) Thank you for watching!

[@laurac5451]

Everything you made that matters out of I'm allergic too

[@TheHungryBarbarian]

Where are you based? Did you buy the latex from America and inport to europe?

[@yuliainnnature]

Hello. I am in California. I do not import to Europe. You should be able find natural latex and wool there, look for natural bedding shops or small local businesses. Good luck!

[@user-le9ej2nh5i]

How much does it cost to do a van like the one you did for Christian Schaffer? (Van included)

[@yuliainnnature]

Hello! If you are interested in building a van, you can complete an inquiry form on our website and we will get you a quote. We do not provide a van though, you have to source it yourself. Van prices vary significantly based on the type of van, condition, mileage, etc

[@veganvocalist4782]

Looking for natural ways without the use of wool or materials from animals . They look really good 🌻

[@yuliainnnature]

Cotton, natural latex, bamboo, kapok, millets, and hemp are fantastic. Let me know what you end up using, I'd love to learn from you! 🌸

[@jkelley0827]

How about hemp, as opposed to cotton?

[@yuliainnnature]

I think it’s a great idea! Any natural fibers would be absolutely perfect!!

[@jkelley0827]

@@yuliainnnature thank you!

[@OzMacro]

So with the organic jersey cotton you recommend for the ticking that is coated the "organic" component is lost completely when coated in Polyethylene produced by the cracking of ethane, which in turn is a major constituent of natural gas or can be distilled from petroleum.. Not very organic, Sort of defeats the purpose rally.

[@yuliainnnature]

I understand that this is not the best choice and that's why I keep stressing to use plain organic cotton. In the situations when you really need something to be waterproof though to be able to protect the cushion from lots of moisture and potential mold developing from it, food grade polyethylene that is not made from petrolium seems to be the best option. If you are aware of better options, please share!!! I was searching for one... but had to conclude that this is the best although not the most desirable option.

[@nileshnilesh2920]

How much need wool beading for 6x4 mattresses?

[@RockStudioLive]

Is latex natural?

[@yuliainnnature]

Latex itself is natural (it comes from a tree) but the problem is - when it is processed, other ingredients may be added to it. If you are shopping for latex, always ask about how it was processed and if anything was added to it.

[@membershipmovement]

Hmmmm... natural, organic latex can still be toxic. I have a bed I can't sleep on. Organic non-latex is what worked for me.

[@yuliainnnature]

Organic latex that is processed in a clean and natural way and without any additives is very very unlikely to cause issues. Two things - either you are dealing with a bad quality latex or you likely have deeper root causes that might need healing in your body. In today’s toxic environment most of us do have issues. I would just encourage you to investigate your health, listen to your body and look for answers :) Stay healthy Steve!

[@amycuaresma]

Why but it for $100 when I can spend $300 and do it myself 😜

[@yuliainnnature]

I would be curious to see where you found a natural non-toxic mattress for $100, but if you did, you should definitely buy it instead of making your own. But if you are comparing $100 cheap and highly toxic foam mattress to what I am talking about in this video - they are not even comparable and you are missing the whole point. Your health is priceless.