It may sound a bit out-of-the-ordinary, but business owner Pam Nardone appreciates when new and repeat customers come to her shop to nap.

In fact, the owner of Hibernate Bedding, which sells chemical-free/organic as well as traditional mattresses and accessories, encourages shoppers to rest for a while before purchasing a new mattress to ensure they have the right fit.

“Once someone makes up their mind that they want a chemical-free mattress they are not going back to anything else.,” explains Nardone. “That’s why it is so important that they lie on them. I will let people take naps in here… but if you start snoring,” she joked, “I will gently bop you on the head to wake you up!”

Twelve years ago, her son started Hibernate Bedding and 10 years ago she transitioned from a successful career in mortgage banking and motherhood to take over the business.

The difference between her offerings and typical mattress stores is that 95 percent of her products are chemical-free/organic. “The goal is that you, your children, and your baby climb into bed at night to sleep well and not breathe in all of those chemicals,” she explains.

“We live in an extremely toxic world; with chemicals in everything from our food to the sky – and most mattresses are made with polyurethane foam from petrochemicals and sprayed with flame retardants, so my feeling is why not make your bedroom a safe haven with mattresses made from natural fibers such as cotton and wool.

The business philosophy from Nardone and Mike Yadvish, the attentive operations manager, is always to provide honest and friendly service and advice.

“We want to give customers the best of ourselves so the experience is easy, fun, and comfortable. Whether you buy from us or not, we will never chase you out the door.” Hibernate Bedding aims to always help, support, and nurture all kinds of sleepers.

Nardone is eager to give her advice to those who require a new mattress. “I believe that people need to try mattresses. You need to come in and spend time. We are not a highway store with a zillion salespeople all over you, instead, we encourage you to narrow it down to one or two and spend time on them. There is no pressure here.”

Her product line that provides “the healthiest sleep” can fit every budget – from inexpensive mattresses to $20,000 for a Vispring from England, (100-year-old company and the founders of the pocketed coil mattress), and she sells 10-12 different manufacturers in her friendly little store, including Millbrook Beds, Naturepedic, Savvy Rest, OMI, Paramount Sleep, and Harvest Green, as well as Stearns & Foster, Sealy, and Bear Mattress.

Customers who come to the Bernardsville, New Jersey shop for the first time are asked if they are interested in an organic or chemical-free mattress. Many of them are; while others stop by because they want to support local businesses.

For Nardone, her business is hard work, but it is also a social outlet. “I love meeting new people. Most of the people who come in here are so amazing,” she explained. “I have made many new friends over the years who started as customers.”

When it comes to typical and organic bedding, Nardone wants consumers to be savvy. Nardone knows that some companies call their mattresses natural, but they still are made with chemicals. A true chemical-free mattress has no petrol chemicals and no fire retardants and is healthy for everyone, especially those with allergies and breathing issues such as asthma.

“People always think they are going to spend more for an organic mattress, but that is not true. It all depends on the customer and their budget.”

Hibernate Bedding offers free delivery and removal for customers who spend at least $899, and a 60-night comfort guarantee, but she said it is her and Mike’s job to make sure they fit the correct mattress to the customer.

In addition to caring for her shop and enjoying pickleball and the beach, Nardone’s other passion is music. She is on the board as Chair of Events of Music in the Somerset Hills, a musical community whose mission is to create musical experiences of the highest quality and provides education, artistry, and community through music.”

She performs in three different choirs, the Chorus of Music in Somerset Hills and the singing and bell choirs of St. Luke’s in Gladstone, and her free time is made up of a lot of choir rehearsals. She is also a worship leader at her church. Recently, she started performing with a new and local opera company, Opera Magnifico in Gladstone.

The Somerset Hills Chorus performed recently with a full baroque orchestra and a 100-person combined community choir. “I am so proud to be part of this organization; it is definitely a stress release,” Nardone said. “Running a business is stressful, but once I am at rehearsals the stress of my day is gone. Music is proven to have healing powers and I can feel it healing my mind and body. Music transports me and takes me to a different place.”

At the end of the day when Nardone hears from a happy customer how much they or a family member love their new bedding, it is truly music to her ears.

“A lovely woman was in the store the other day who has bought a dozen mattresses from us over the years for herself and all of her children, both locally and at their beach house,” she said. “Knowing that she has been satisfied with our customer service and products for such a long time feels awesome!”

Hibernate Bedding is located at 80 Morristown Road in Bernardsville. For more information call 908-766-5450 and visit HibernateBedding.com. See ad, page 7.

Debra Wallace is an award-winning, contributing writer for Natural Awakenings.