It is choice that makes us adopt a lifestyle of wellness. Most people start with their diet and then move to swapping out beauty and cleaning products for safer versions, but one of the top factors of leading a healthier life is removing toxic chemicals from the bedroom. People spend one-third of their lives in the bedroom, so ensuring a safe environment by creating an organic oasis in which to rest and relax makes sense.

When making healthy changes to the bedroom, there are several areas that can be cleaner and greener. Whether changing step-by-step or doing a complete overhaul, there are many organic selections to enhance a natural atmosphere. A simple way to start is to replace bed sheets with those made from organic fibers.

Traditional sheets are often treated with chemical flame retardants or stain-protection chemicals. Some companies offer more organic choices for consumers due to increased awareness of the hazards associated with chemicals.

Another great way to decrease the toxin load in the bedroom is to get rid of the carpet. Carpeting is a breeding ground for dust mites and can be even more harmful to allergy sufferers. Choose a wood floor and area rugs made of natural fibers.

Fabric curtains are another place where bacteria and dust mites can live. A great option for windows is to invest in untreated wood blinds or fabric made from organic materials.

It’s also important to use a nontoxic paint. Those that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can emit toxins that are inhaled long after the paint has dried. Some traditional paint manufacturers have created safer alternative paint lines to choose from.

The biggest change to create a healthier bedroom is to get rid of an old mattress and invest in an organic model. Most mattresses are made with flame-retardant and stain-resistant chemicals that can be detrimental to health over time. Foam cushioning contains petrochemicals that can give off gas, potentially leading to numerous health problems in both adults and children.

Dave Spittal, owner of Healthy Choice Organic Mattress, in Ridgewood, says he is committed to selling comfortable, chemical-free and sustainable mattresses. Healthy Choice mattresses are made with high-quality natural and organic materials, organic wool, organic cotton and 98-percent-pure natural rubber (the other 2 percent is fatty acids and soaps, no chemicals).

“Our latex doesn’t give off harmful gas compounds that may be present in memory foam,” he says.

He believes that beds manufactured using polyurethane foam may soon be a distant memory, as people discover how latex mattresses outlast and outperform memory foam. A mattress made of natural latex material is “not only environmentally friendly and nontoxic, but it also is extraordinarily durable,” he says.

In addition to a variety of organic mattress selections, Healthy Choice offers a wide assortment of organic bedding products. Organic pillows, sheets and wool comforters are available for customers looking for a complete healthy bedroom overhaul.

Organic mattresses are a good start for creating a bedroom oasis, Spitall says. For people who want to focus on wellness, he says, an organic bedroom can be the first step to a healthier, more natural lifestyle.

Healthy Choice Organic Mattress is located at 544 Main St., in Beacon, and 681 E. Main St. in Mt. Kisco. For more information, call 914.241.2467 or visit HCMattress.com.

Brielle Bleeker is a contributing writer for Natural Awakenings magazine.