Which Type of Mattresses Are Not Toxic?
If you want a mattress that is free of chemicals, you’ve probably heard about organic mattresses. But what about soy-based biofoam? And innerspring? These aren’t the only choices available for organic mattresses. Learn about these different types, plus why they are better for your health. Here’s a look at some of the benefits of each. In addition, we’ll talk about how they differ from one another.
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Organic mattresses
Organic mattresses are produced using natural, renewable materials. These materials are less harmful to the environment, and they have several benefits. Organic mattresses tend to be cooler to the touch and feature better quality materials. Some organic mattresses also contain wool. This natural material gives an organic mattress its plush feel. You should look for third-party certifications before buying an organic mattress. You can check the labels of your mattress for these certifications. Organic mattresses should be free from chemicals and other toxins.
Ensure your mattress is certified as organic by looking for the green label. The most stringent certifications are GREENGUARD Gold and OEKO-TEX. You can also look for other certifications such as CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD. GREENGUARD Gold requires even lower VOC emissions. CertiPUR-US certifies that foam is free of chemicals. Look for the following certifications:
A growing number of mattress brands incorporate organic components into their products to reduce their environmental impact. Many of these mattresses use all-natural materials, including wool, cotton, and latex. These materials are organic and certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Global Organic Textile Standard. Some organic mattresses may even contain a flame-resistant filling. This can create a fire hazard. Another concern is the harmful chemicals that are used in conventional mattresses.
Natural latex
There are many benefits of natural latex mattresses. These mattresses are made from a natural substance known as dunlop latex. They are often covered in a certified organic cotton material to remove volatile organic compounds. Unlike synthetic latex, which is typically made of petroleum-based chemicals, natural latex is made from only natural substances. These mattresses are also free of VOCs. However, if you are allergic to latex, you should talk to your doctor before deciding to buy a natural latex mattress.
Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certification is a good sign that a latex mattress is organic. This means that the trees that were used to produce it were grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. The GOLS certification is particularly important for mattresses made from latex, because it ensures that it is free of harmful chemicals. It is also a good idea to look for a GREENGUARD Gold certification.
Synthetic latex mattresses have been shown to have a moderate off-gassing, but it is not as bad as those made from natural latex. Synthetic latex is created in a laboratory while natural latex is produced using a dunlop or talalay process. The price of natural latex mattresses is higher than that of synthetic ones, but the health benefits outweigh any drawbacks.
Soy-based biofoam mattresses
Soy-based biofoam mattresses claim to be greener than regular polyurethane foam mattresses, but this is simply not true. The soy in these mattresses does not break down, and they still contain approximately 90 percent polyurethane foam. Moreover, soy-based biofoams contain no toxic emissions. This means that your child will sleep on a mattress that is safe for both your health and the environment.
As an alternative to latex, you should also choose a mattress with 100 percent natural latex. The natural latex comes from Hevea-Brasiliensis trees, and the process requires only a small amount of energy. Although this material is more expensive than petroleum-based latex, it is still better for human health and the environment. Dust and mold are legitimate concerns when choosing a new mattress. Dust and mildew are also real problems. Some materials are more prone to these problems, and that can have significant consequences for your health.
In 1975, California passed TB117 legislation. It required manufacturers to treat mattresses to meet government flammability requirements. However, these standards did not specify which types of flame retardants were safe, and manufacturers resorted to dousing everything in PBDEs. The result was a toxic situation for children who were growing up in a household filled with these chemicals. In response, mattress manufacturers adopted California’s standard for all their products.
Innerspring mattresses
The spring coils of an innerspring mattress provide the bed’s support base. Hybrid models use pocketed coils for independent movement and adequate contouring. These springs are covered in fabric to prevent buildup of contaminants. Traditional spring coils have a more open space and are not toxic to human contact. Some companies use recycled metal coils. These products may also be certified organic by third-party agencies. Purchasing an innerspring mattress made of recycled materials is a great choice.
There are two main types of latex, natural and synthetic. Natural latex is made from the sap of rubber trees. Some companies, including Avocado, use NR latex. Hybrid latex may be composed of chemicals, which are used in the manufacturing process. Some hybrid models also use wool or cotton batting as a substitute for latex. Most hybrid coils are made from steel, which is rendered using chemical processes.
Non-toxic innerspring mattresses are made of two kinds of foams. Traditional memory foams contain seven types of harmful chemicals. Traditional memory foam contains poly foam and adhesives between the core and the upper layer. While innerspring mattresses are safer, traditional memory foam mattresses may contain seven or more. These substances can cause organ damage, birth defects, and cancer. In addition, these chemicals can disrupt the hormone balance of the body. They may be a good option for consumers who want to avoid toxins in their innerspring mattress.
All-foam mattresses
While you may be concerned about the potential health risks of latex, all-foam mattresses are not necessarily a problem. They are certified by the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which tests each and every material used to make a mattress, including thread and buttons. Latex is a natural, organic product, which means it doesn’t contain any harmful additives, like formaldehyde.
The construction of foam mattresses uses small cavities that change shape when put under pressure. These cavities spread the force over a large surface area, enabling the mattress to provide support for a person suffering from back pain or injury. However, there are several compounds in foam mattresses that are not suitable for human use, so you should be very careful when buying an all-foam mattress. In particular, you should look for organic cotton or wool as these materials are healthier than synthetics.
Non-toxic mattresses should have layers made of organic cotton instead of polyester or conventional cotton. Organic wool is considered a safe option, because it doesn’t ignite easily and meets federal flammability standards. Organic wool is also used as a flame retardant, and organically certified wool is a natural fiber with good breathability. Other non-toxic options include Eco Foam, a low-VOC foam that’s made with at least 30% soy or corn oil.
Memory foam mattresses
The chemical smell of memory foam mattresses is caused by volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These gases aren’t harmful, but can irritate people with respiratory problems and allergies. These odors will disappear within a few days. Though memory foam mattresses are often made of toxic materials, “green” models don’t. In fact, they are typically made without VOCs. But there are still some concerns.
While there are many health benefits of a memory foam mattress, some manufacturers have decided to avoid using VOCs. To be safe, you should look for a mattress that is made of CertiPUR-US certified foam. The certification process ensures that no toxins are added to the foam. This certification ensures that the foams don’t pose any threat to human health. There are many styles to choose from that will suit a range of budgets.
Non-toxic memory foam mattresses should have certifications. The CertiPUR-US seal ensures that these mattresses are free from harmful chemicals and have a low VOC content. Nonetheless, some memory foam mattresses don’t meet these standards. Because of this, young children should not sleep on memory foam mattresses, as they can suffocate and cause SIDS. Fortunately, there are several safer alternatives available.