How Toxic Is A Memory Foam Mattress To Sleep On?

Memory foam mattresses emit a mixture of low-level gases. Because these gases are so low, scientists cannot study their effects. However, some people do experience symptoms when sleeping on memory foam. These symptoms may be an allergic reaction, but it is not clear which ones. So, how toxic is a memory foam mattress to sleep on? Here’s what you need to know. And read on to find out how much you should be concerned.

Diisocyanates

Memory foam mattresses contain diisocyanates, a group of potentially toxic chemicals used in manufacturing flexible foam that is often a part of sofas, chairs, and furniture cushions. Diisocyanates are known carcinogens, and they have been linked to respiratory irritation and skin problems. Many consumers are concerned about the effects of diisocyanates, but the good news is that the majority of diisocyanates found in modern mattresses are harmless and stable.

Diisocyanates are used in polyurethane foam to increase its fire resistance, but they can also be harmful to your health, particularly if you’re sensitive to them. Fortunately, they’re the least toxic organic isocyanate on the market, so they’re safe for your sleep. They react with polyols to create memory foam, which is the common name for polyurethane foam. Most materials undergo an off-gassing process, which is when the toxic compounds begin to affect your health.

Polyols and diisocyanates are two main ingredients in memory foam. Both substances contain more than one alcohol chemical group. Polyols are typically found in plastic or sugar. Toluene is the main diisocyanate found in memory foam. This chemical reacts with the polyols in polyurethane foam to produce a viscous, foamy material.

Polyurethane foam

You may have read in the news about a tariff on polyurethane foam. The move could have an impact on the growth of the mattress industry, but it is unlikely to have anything to do with environmental concerns. Although polyurethane foam can be recycled, it is hard to do so once it is used in a mattress. This is because it is produced through a process that consumes energy and involves the use of chemicals that are toxic to humans.

The problem with polyurethane foam is that it contains volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These chemicals are slowly released into the air, and when you sleep, you breathe in these chemicals. These compounds can cause health problems, and while the amount is minute, they are dangerous to humans. However, these chemicals are common in many household products, including the air you breathe. Therefore, it is important to read the label of your mattress before buying.

Luckily, polyurethane foam isn’t the only chemical that’s dangerous. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants that have been linked to hormone changes, decreased fertility, lower birth weight, and IQ in children. Then, there’s PFOS, a chemical that can affect the immune, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Whether it’s formaldehyde or PFOS, polyurethane foam is toxic to sleep on.

Synthetic latex

The question of whether synthetic latex is toxic in memory foam mattresses to slumber on has arisen from a growing body of evidence. Most of the research has focused on off-gassing, when chemicals released from a latex mattress begin to cause health issues. Even 100% natural latex does not emit any measurable levels of toxicity, so the “100% natural” label is misleading.

Another reason to avoid synthetic latex is the fact that it is flammable. Synthetic latex is composed of petroleum-based chemicals. These chemicals are released when a new memory foam mattress is manufactured. The chemicals are then sprayed onto the surface of the mattress, resulting in an odor and fumes. This dust can be inhaled and causes health problems. Hence, many people choose natural latex mattresses to sleep on.

In addition to odor, memory foam mattresses emit VOCS. VOCs are highly unstable and can turn into gas at room temperature. These compounds can not only produce unpleasant odors, but can also cause respiratory issues and dust mites to flourish. This makes them a poor choice for anyone concerned with their health. But there is hope! All-natural latex mattresses release much less VOCs than their synthetic counterparts.

Acetone

Many people are concerned about the toxic chemicals in memory foam mattresses, but you should be more aware of the chemicals present in the mattresses before you invest in one. According to the nonprofit group People for Clean Beds, 61 different chemicals are found in memory foam mattresses, including acetone. Some of these compounds are even carcinogens, and are known to cause respiratory and skin damage. According to Bader, toxic chemicals in mattresses are more dangerous than car accidents. Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect consumers.

Some of the chemicals found in mattresses can be dangerous to your health, including naphthalene, which has been linked to autoimmune problems and reduced thyroid function. Other chemicals, such as chlorinated tris, can lead to reproductive and developmental issues and increase the risk of cancer. While these chemicals are generally stable in finished products, they can still be present in mattresses under certain conditions. You can tell if a mattress contains these chemicals by the smell it gives off.

The toxic ingredients in memory foam are closely guarded trade secrets. Many manufacturers do not disclose the ingredients in memory foam mattresses, which is a good thing. Although some chemicals have been banned or severely restricted in the past, the ingredients used in memory foam mattresses remain the same. Even the lower quality foam mattresses still contain toxic ingredients like acetone. The chemicals are present in very small amounts, but they are harmful to human health over time. Fortunately, the Federal Trade Commission has taken action against companies that make false claims about the safety of their products.

Methyl benzene

A memory foam mattress may be the perfect solution to your troubled sleep, but there’s a downside. It may contain dangerous chemicals such as benzene, which is found in many types of polyurethane foams. The substance is released in the air through an off-gassing process, which is highly harmful for your body. You may experience symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and a weak immune system.

Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from this potential threat. For starters, you can read reviews to find a memory foam mattress free of methyl benzene. You can also ask retailers about the chemicals in the mattress you’re considering. Knowing the ingredients you’re sleeping on can also help you select a safe memory foam mattress for your bedroom. David Klose is a sleep health advocate who personally tested hundreds of mattresses.

Luckily, many mattress companies have taken steps to reduce the risk of cancer and other health problems caused by methyl benzene. A new mattress may smell strong during the first day. This is a common reaction, which fades over time. After the first day, the mattress should emit minimal amounts of VOCs. The amount of time this takes depends on the materials and delivery method used.

Pentabde

There’s no need to worry about Pentabde when you buy a new memory foam mattress to sleep on. But, do you know how much this chemical has impacted the health of Americans? If your mattress was made before 2004, the answer may be a surprise to you. Pentabde is a member of the polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) family of fireproofing chemicals and is highly toxic to your liver, thyroid and nervous system. That’s why you should only purchase a new mattress that does not contain pentabde.

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations require mattresses to be flame-resistant for 30 minutes. Manufacturers can use various chemicals to achieve this. PentaBDE is one of the worst offenders and was phased out of mattresses in the United States in 2004. The rest of the mattress’ chemicals include methylene chloride and formaldehyde, which are carcinogenic and may cause irritation of the skin and eyes. While most people are unlikely to experience adverse reactions from sleeping on a foam mattress, even short-term exposure can cause coughing, nausea and burning of the eyes.

Although the EPA has certified memory foam as safe for use, a few companies still use these chemicals in their manufacturing processes. Always look for organic mattresses or mattress brands that are certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. You should also check the certification of the manufacturer to make sure it’s legit. And if you can’t afford the full price of a memory foam mattress, you can opt for a used one and save a ton of money.

PBDE

In the past, mattresses were filled with toxins such as PBDEs, a flame retardant used in many fabrics. These chemicals can cause serious health problems and are banned in many countries. But what are you supposed to do if you find out that your mattress contains PBDEs? First of all, it’s not safe for you to sleep on a memory foam mattress with PBDEs.

While many manufacturers have removed PBDE from their memory foam mattresses, some still use it as an ingredient in the manufacturing process. You can usually find higher levels of it in low-quality memory foam mattresses. Be especially cautious if you plan to buy a used mattress because they can be suspect. You can check the mattress’s certification to find out whether or not it contains PBDE or not. In addition, a memory foam mattress that is not certified by the CertiPUR-US organization will not have acetone in it.

Polyurethane foam can emit methylene chloride, which is harmful to our health. The Environmental Protection Agency has expressed concerns about polyurethane foam emissions, which include PBDEs. Other options are vinyl and polyurethane.