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Is Polyurethane Toxic In Mattresses

The Dangers Of Polyurethane Foam Mattresses

Toxic Mattress Symptoms

Polyurethane foam mattresses are made of a type of plastic that can release chemicals known as volatile organic compounds . These chemicals can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness, and they have been linked to cancer. Some polyurethane foam mattresses also contain flame retardants, which have been linked to hormone disruptions and developmental problems.

Polyurethane foam, once formed, has no discernible properties. The issue with it is not so much the off-gassing as it is the release of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere. Adults who are allergic to, have asthma, or have other respiratory issues may be required to take extra precautions. When children are exposed to VOCs at an early age, they have higher rates of asthma and allergies. The installation of proper ventilation and air filtration systems in foam plants will reduce the presence of harmful TDI or MDI vapors. Because exposure to isocyanates can cause allergic reactions in people, we typically recommend that people with preexisting conditions such as asthma, allergies, or bronchitis avoid working with it completely.

If you sleep on polyurethane or memory foam pillows, you may need to reconsider. Synthetic foams are man-made and, unlike natural latex, may emit harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene when exposed to sunlight.

Fiberglass And Chemical Flame Retardants

Fiberglass used to be placed in mattresses until it got a bad reputation for coming through the mattress cover and causing rashes and for easily contaminating the entire room when the cover is removed, or the mattress is accidentally torn.

Chemical flame retardants replaced fiberglass, offering a solution to those spiky problems. As it turns out, they even more easily get out of the mattress, and not only do they harm the sleeper, but also kids and pets who spend their time in the same room, or even the same house. These chemicals worsen indoor air quality.

And In Case Of Fire I’ve Heard That The Fumes Produced When The Polyurethane Burns Are Toxic

Inhalation of smoke in case of fire is harmful to health and can even lead to death. However, the toxicity of that smoke will depend on many factors, such as the size of the room we are in, the temperature we reach, the ventilation of the room or how long we are exposed to the smoke. All this regardless of the insulating material present in the building.

In order to contribute to the safety of buildings, PU Europe prepared a report on the behaviour of different insulating materials in the event of fire and the contribution of these materials to the toxicity of the smoke released, in comparison with the contribution of the rest of the elements in the room.

The results of the test with regard to the rate of release of heat, smoke and gas emissions show that the main source of gas emissions comes from the contents of the room, and not from the building materials.

The sharp peak in the concentration of toxic gases occurred significantly before the building envelope and insulation materials were involved in the fire. The contribution of the insulation materials is negligible.

At the end of the tests, when the insulation materials already came into contact with the fire, the levels of toxic gas emissions that were recorded were considerably lower.

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Notes On Natural And Organic Certification

100% organic mattresses do not exist. They will be a combination of organic and natural materials. In order to be truly organic, a product must be comprised of at least 95% organic material and be certified by a third-party organization. For latex, the only entity that truly certifies the material is an agency called Control Union. Mattresses can be labelled natural and eco-friendly, and still only contain a small portion of natural material, since these terms are still unregulated.

In terms of specific certifications look for GOTS Certification, which stands for Global Organic Textile Standard, and GOLS Certification which stands for Global Organic Latex Standard. Oeko-Tex Standard 100 does not mean anything in regards to organic materials, but it does regulate the use of volatile organic compounds and prohibits the use of flame retardants and harmful dyes.

Polyurethane Foam Might Just Be A Toxic Nightmare

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If youve found yourself shopping for a crib mattress or pack and play anytime in the last 70 years, chances are youve found yourself choosing between mattresses made largely from flexible polyurethane foam.

Flexible polyurethane foam thats just plain old foam to the layperson is ubiquitous in the mattress industry. Even if you sleep on a good old fashioned coil-spring mattress, chances are theres still polyurethane foam somewhere inside it.

Add to that, theres probably foam pretty much everywhere else in your house, too.

Polyurethane foam is ubiquitous in our lives, getting us from infancy onwards affordably and comfortably. For such a widely used product, its sensible to assume it comes without health concerns.

Unfortunately, research suggests thats not the case. In fact, infants are exposed to chemical emissions from crib mattresses while they sleep, with polyurethane foam releasing a greater range of Volatile Organic Compounds as compared to polyester foam.

As more research is done, consumers are starting to wonder: is foam safe?

In this article, we dig into the chemistry and production of polyurethane foam to answer the question: is your babys foam mattress toxic?

Also Check: What’s The Best Mattress For Stomach Sleepers

What Types Of Memory Foam Products Are Potentially More Toxic

While many companies have eliminated the more dangerous chemicals in the memory foam manufacturing process, some companies may still use them to cut corners or reduce costs. Low-quality memory foam mattresses offered at prices that seem too good to be true are more likely to contain higher levels of harmful chemicals. Likewise, before jumping at the chance to save a few bucks by buying a used mattress from a friend, consider the fact that older mattresses might still have those harmful chemicals that mattress companies currently avoid.

While it may cost more upfront, your best bet for avoiding toxic chemicals is to buy from a reputable company that is transparent about how it makes its mattresses. Look for third-party certifications, ask what kind of flame retardant the mattress uses, and favor mattresses that were made in North America or Europe, as these places tend to have more stringent regulations.

Vinyl/pvc Avoid It Completely

Vinyl is dangerous on two levels. First PVC is a known human carcinogen. Second, the plasticizers that are used to soften the hard PVC plastic and make it flexible enough to use as mattress protectors or pads are phthalates. Every day we learn more about how toxic phthalates are, especially to babies and childrens small, developing bodies.

Phthalates make up 30%-40% of the weight of the vinyl surface, and have been linked to:

  • reproductive harm
  • kidney and liver damage

Even more alarming, they are weakly bound to the vinyl and leach or off-gas into the surrounding air, to be breathed in.

Recommended Reading: What Are Hybrid Mattresses Made Of

If You Cant Afford A Non

Lets say that youve looked all the way down to our Okay Stuff category, and checked out the coupons , and you simply dont have it in your budget to upgrade to a safe mattress right now. Unfortunately, theres no way to wrap a mattress to protect yourself from VOCs. However, running a robust air filter will go a long way towards purifying your indoor air. This is the one I have in my bedroom, because while I do have a toxin-free mattress, I also have other furniture and rugs that arent as clean. I love knowing that the air filter is mitigating the damage!

Some Polyurethane Foam Is Rife With Flame Retardants

Is your mattress poisoning you while you sleep?

Read more about the most common flame retardant chemicals and how to minimize your familys exposure.

In addition to diisocyanates, polyurethane foam is extremely flammable, leading manufacturers to frequently treat it with flame retardant chemicals.

Americans are often exposed to flame retardant chemicals in their daily lives. The chemicals are widely used in products such as household furniture, textiles, and electronic equipment. Many flame retardant chemicals can persist in the environment, and studies have shown that some may be hazardous to people and animals.

United States Environmental Protection Agency

If you decide a polyurethane foam product is the right choice for your family, look for one thats independently certified not to contain TDCPP by choosing CertiPUR-US® certified foam.Examples of crib mattresses made with this certified foam include the Colgate Eco Classica III, Nook Pebble Air and Nook Pebble Lite.

Read Also: Where To Buy Casper Mattress

Propylene Oxide And Tdi

What Is It?

Propylene oxide and TDI are chemicals used to create polyurethane foam and memory foam, which are popular mattress materials. Unfortunately, they are responsible for a large amount of off-gassing of VOCs, and many people may want to avoid them.

Where Is It Found In a Mattress?

Propylene oxide and TDI are found in polyurethane foam and memory foam, which is present in nearly all mattresses on the market today. Most mattresses now are either entirely memory foam or hybrid mattresses containing memory foam and coils. Even some innerspring mattresses contain foam made of propylene oxide and TDI. If youre looking to avoid these chemicals, youll need to research very carefully.

What Are the Potential Dangers?

The reason we suggest avoiding these chemicals, despite their popularity, is due to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control . The CDC has announced that both propylene oxide and TDI are associated with increased tumor risk in mice and rats. Although these findings have not yet been replicated in humans, the CDC recommends that we limit our exposure to both chemicals. Since we spend so much time on our mattresses, it is not recommended to use a mattress containing these chemicals.

What Effects Does Polyurethane Have On The Health Of Users

Polyurethane is the result of the chemical reaction between a polyol and a diisocyanate. Once the chemical reaction of its components has taken place, the result is a polyurethane foam that is completely inert and harmless to humans.

Contrary to what some people claim, various studies certify that polyurethane does not pose a risk to the health of users.

In fact, polyurethane is present in our lives in hundreds of forms, some directly in contact with skin or other fabrics: seats, shoes,coverings, bags, cushions, mattresses, children’s toys, or even prostheses and other surgical materials.

Recommended Reading: Can Mice Be In Your Mattress

Best Time Of Year To Buy A Mattress

Most mattress companies tend to release new models in June and in order to make room, they need to unload their current inventory, making May the best month to purchase a new mattress. But in general, if you need a new mattress, there is no better time than today. You can also score a great deal during certain holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Presidents Day, Fourth of July, and Black Friday.

Non Toxic Memory Foam Mattress

A Comfortable, AFFORDABLE Non

A non-toxic memory foam mattress is made without the use of harmful chemicals and materials. These mattresses are safe for both you and the environment. They are also free of allergens and dust mites, making them a great choice for those with allergies or sensitivities. Non-toxic memory foam mattresses are available in a variety of firmness levels to suit your needs.

Our mattress shopping guide lists the best non-toxic mattress brands that are safe for the home. Youll discover which organic and natural materials are the best, and which certifications are eco-friendly. You can find the best brands and the most luxurious organic mattresses available on our site. There is no such thing as a mattress you just need to understand the facts. Latex is produced by extracting the liquid from the Hevea-Brasilienis tree, also known as a rubber tree. Natural latex is divided into two types: Talalay and Dunlop. Organic Wool Wool, which is free of flame-retardant chemicals, is used in non-toxic mattresses.

Recommended Reading: How Much Is A Quality Mattress

Tuft And Needle Mattresses Vs Casper Leesa And Purple

One of your best options is Tuft and Needles CertiPur mattress. This was the first complete mattress to be certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® and is also GreenGuard Gold certified and CertiPUR-US® certified as emitting fewer than 0.5 parts per million VOCs. Casper, Leesa, and Purple all sell CertiPur foam mattresses, but none of these have OEKO-TEX® or GreenGuard Gold certification and Tuft and Needles mattresses are less expensive than the competition, ranging from $350 to $750 depending on mattress size. The company also offers a 10-year limited warranty and has a decent return/refund policy as well as a 100-night free trial.

What About Certipur Foam Mattresses

Foam mattresses continue to be popular as they can offer good support regardless of your body size and shape. Unfortunately, even the most expensive foam mattresses are made with polyurethane which, as weve seen, breaks down quickly, is sweaty, and is bad for factory workers, the environment, and for the end user .

Many eco-friendly mattress round-ups feature mattresses made with CertiPur certified foam. CertiPur is a certification dreamt up by manufacturers with a vested interest in trying to greenwash polyurethane foam. Sure, some foam products are less problematic than others, but if youre looking for a truly safe and eco-friendly mattress, avoiding foam is not a decision you need to sleep on. See our top certifications for mattresses here.

The CertiPur-US logo does offer some assurance that the foam component of the pillow is free from some polybrominated diphenyl ethers and some of the most egregious flame retardants, and that levels of formaldehyde and other chemicals including ozone depleting substances, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, and hormone-disrupting phthalates are low. However, foam is still resource-hungry, synthetic, and emits VOCs, so it is best avoided.

Top tip Watch out for companies marketing their foam mattresses as plant-based. These often contain just a tiny amount of plant-derived oils alongside polyurethane foam, making no great difference to the products eco-friendliness.

Also Check: Can A Box Spring Make A Mattress Firmer

Polyurethane In Mattresses Emits Toxic Gases

Along with polyurethane in furniture, manufacturers use PU foam in mattresses. Is this a big deal?

Well, since you spend on average 8 hours a day on your mattress, I think it is a big deal. Definitely, you do not want to breathe in VOCs and carcinogenic TDI while you are sleeping. Indeed, this 2019 study showed that body heat increases emissions from mattresses significantly.

Next, US researchers tested how the emissions of four different types of crib mattresses affected mice. They found that mattresses made of polyfoam and covered with vinyl caused the highest lung irritation in mice . Additionally, this study sampled the air around polyurethane crib mattresses. The results indicated that it had 21 times higher VOCs than the rest of the air in the room.

Thus, polyurethane foam can emit potentially harmful gases, which can negatively impact not only your health, but also your babys. Here is another reason to consider avoiding polyurethane in furniture and mattresses.

What Makes Some Mattresses Toxic

Polyurethane Foam

Some mattresses, especially memory foam mattresses or mattresses made of other synthetic materials, are full of petrochemicals, including harmful toxicants. Examples of commonly found chemicals in non-organic mattresses are formaldehyde, benzene, and chemical flame retardants.

Since these chemicals can off-gas, including during your sleep, your mattress can be a significant source of your toxic exposures.

Recommended Reading: Are Latex Mattress Toppers Toxic

Polyurethane Dangers And Baby Products

The thought of having such a potentially dangerous material filling our furniture or insulating the walls of our homes is not good. But when it comes to having polyurethane foam close to your precious babys skin, these facts seem very alarming. An eye-opening study was completed by the American Chemical Society called the Identification of Flame Retardants in Polyurethane Foam Collected From Baby Products. They found a high amount of damaging additives in many products.

Using a direct and easy to understand quote from the study, it was concluded that:

Flame retardant additives can escape from products over time, accumulate in dust, and are a primary route of exposure to humans. Exposure to children is a particular concern due to their frequent hand to mouth behavior. Exposure to chemical additives in baby products is of even greater concern for infants, who are in intimate contact with these products for long periods of time, at very critical stages of their development.

In a nutshell, the study revealed that the fact that babies innocently put their fingers in their mouth puts them in greater danger. And the toxins they come into contact with can damage their development. It makes compelling reading.

This Story Is Part Of A Group Of Stories Called

Every spring works like a little hand holding your body, a male voice intones from the darkness. That level of relaxation can open up all your small muscles, and particularly that of our hip flexors. In Swedish culture, we know that the root chakra is where we store all those emotions or feelings. So once that is open, we can really be our true self.

Im not used to hearing the words of a yoga goddess in a clipped, professorial Swedish accent. And normally I would laugh at the assertion that belief in chakras is a Swedish thing, but the bedding salesmans lyrical patter has lulled me into a helpless, meditative state as I sink deeper into the $400,000 mattress system.

I sink deeper into the $400,000 mattress system

That is not a typo. In fact, the mattress, mattress topper, and box spring underneath me altogether cost the equivalent of an upper-middle-class home, everything handmade with all-natural materials: cotton, wool, linen, horsehair , Swedish steel, and slow-growing pine from the frigid northern regions.

Its never been touched by electric tools. Some people say they feel that it feels very grounding, explains the Swede, who is slumped against the wall on a childrens mattress like someone who has just finished a glorious blunt, his fur-lined Gucci slides dangling from his feet. Almost every person working in the movie industry sleeps on Hästens.

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