Vicky Sanderson Aptly-named sleep store Resthouse celebrated a tenth anniversary last May, a milestone that would not normally make me take much notice. But because the bed category is both so very competitive and growing so quickly, it seemed worth asking how founder Chris Manley expanded a small brand from Vancouver Island into a flagship location in Victoria, B.C. and a warehouse/showroom operating out of Duncan, B.C. that ships bed/bath linen, pillows, and mattresses across Canada and the U.S.
After talking to Manley, I’ve decided the not so secret ingredient is his passion for healthy and sustainable bedding, deep insight into the benefits of customizable products for sleep, and a fine eye for colour and texture.
Healthy sleep supports overall health
We talked about the many variables that affect sleep, how major health issues like lower immunity, impaired mood and cognition, and vascular problems are linked to poor sleep, and the steps we can take to ensure that we rest well. In my case, we talked about my insistence on breathable, lightweight bedding and what I might do to reduce some of the little pains I seem to wake to more frequently as I age.
Manley pointed out that bodies of every age need support as they sleep, and when I added that I’m a side sleeper, he recommended I try using a pillow in front of me – possibly even a body pillow – that would stop my shoulder from rolling forward and putting pressure on it and my neck.
Body support is key to healthy sleep
To achieve healthy sleep, Manley specifically suggested the customizable Kakun Organic Latex Pillow, which he said would make me more comfortable by offering proper head support and neutral neck alignment. Made with premium GOLS-certified organic shredded latex, it’s a best seller, in part because it works for any kind of sleeper. Derived from the sap of rubber trees, the fill is free from harmful chemicals and toxins that aren’t good for you, or the planet.
Resthouse sent me one of these pillows to try, and I will say that I am feeling less strain on my shoulders and neck, especially after I adjusted the pillow by removing some of the fill to better suit my body. I even took it on vacation with me.
Lovely linens in soothing neutrals
I also tested Organic Cotton Crinkled Percale Sheet Set, a soft relaxed percale that’s breathable, comfortable, and super simple to maintain. There are seven colours, Alpine White, Ginger, Hazel Chambray, Pewter, Steel Blue (shown below, it’s the one I chose and it’s a exactly as beautiful as I thought it would be), as well as an undyed option that I would love to see layered in with other neutral pieces from the Resthouse offering, and with their textural honeycomb, matelasse and diamond-stitched quilts in earthy tones, as well as a wool herringbone throw that looks perfect for the cooler days and longer nights we’ll soon face in this part of the world.
Thoughtfully chosen, well designed bed frames, foundations, and headboards are also part of the healthy sleep mix. I’ll have a separate piece on beds coming up soon.
The Kakun line of pillows (shown below) comes with GOTS certified cotton pillow protectors. For those who do a lot of travelling, there’s a highly portable travel size.
