Organic rug pads, underlay pads, carpet pads, and carpet cushions are all names for the same basic item. The pad lies between the floor or subfloor and the carpet; it helps to protect and extend the life of the carpet for many years.
How Carpet Pads Protect Carpets and Rugs
While most people know that pads are essential for carpets, they don't think about them for area rugs. However, it is just as important to keep a quality pad under a rug as it is with a carpet. The pads protect and enhance the rug in a number of ways.
- They reduce the wear and tear on the carpet.
- They keep the rug in place, making it safer.
- They help muffle noise.
- They provide increased air flow, which helps the vacuum pick up more dirt.
- They protect smooth floors, especially softwoods like pine, from being scratched from the movement of the area rugs.
- They make being on the carpet more comfortable.
VOCs from Conventional Rug Pads
Formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are used in the process of making rug and carpet pads. These chemicals can be given off by the pad for months after installation. For the chemically sensitive, VOCs can cause reactions from headaches to breathing difficulties. People who aren't sensitive to the chemicals may not have severe reactions, but the Environmental Protection Agency has linked VOCs to a variety of health problems.
- Cancer
- Central nervous system damage
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Loss of coordination
- Nausea
Organic Pads Are Safe
Organic pads for rugs and carpets are not made with harmful chemicals and therefore do not emit VOCs. When you use these organic pads, the air that you breathe inside your home is clean and healthy. This is especially important for people with breathing disorders such as asthma and emphysema.
The organic rug and carpet pads are made with different materials depending on the company. Some of the materials used include:
- Plant based rubber
- Organic polymer fibers
- Recycled carpet fibers
- Other organic fibers
Where to Buy Organic Rug Pads
Many local home improvement stores are carrying organic pads and carpets. They can also be purchased online at Amazon as well as sites that specialize in carpet and rug products.
If you are buying padding online, make sure that you read all of the information carefully, including shipping charges and other costs that might not be immediately apparent. Ask any questions of the company before you pay for your purchase and always double check the return policies and guarantees.
Addarug
Addarug makes a nonslip organic rug pad in a variety of sizes. These pads are good for thick area rugs like Orientals, but do not work well with thinner rugs. They are also not recommended for damp areas.
Modern Rugs
Modern Rugs carries high quality padding made of 100% organic polymer fibers. They carry two styles of organic padding.
Rug Pad Corner
Rug Pad Corner carries pads in a variety of sizes and styles. The nonslip pads are made of organic polymer fibers and will keep your area rugs from slipping.
Rugs Village
Rugs Village also carries organic padding made from nonslip materials. All the materials are plant based and made in the United States.
Organic Materials Are Safe for Your Family
When you use organic materials in your home, you are protecting your immediate environment from pollutants. This helps keep you and your family healthy and comfortable as well as being easy on the earth.
As more consumers demand organic choices, more companies are making products to fill that need. It is easier than ever before to have a healthy home.
