A normal mattress is made out of fabric and materials that can contain dangerous chemicals. You will spend at least a third of your life on your mattress—don’t you want it to be as safe and as healthy as the other products in your life? Here are some tips to help you choose a safe mattress:
Look for organic cotton materials. Cotton is one of the most common plants to be treated with pesticides and it is also the most common material in mattresses. In order to avoid buying a mattress that has been made with cotton treated with pesticides, look for mattresses that boast organic materials—especially organic cotton. But beware: many mattresses will have cotton top and backing, but polyester filling. You want a mattress that is made entirely from organic materials.
Be on the lookout for natural latex. Latex foam mattresses are the new favorite amongst those looking for a supportive, yet comfortable mattress. Natural latex is made from the sap of rubber trees, and can be just as comfortable and supportive as synthetic latex, without all of the nasty chemicals added. This material makes durable mattresses that conform to the shape of the body.
Avoid coils and springs. While you can find mattresses that have both organic topping and filling, you might want to avoid mattresses that make use of the spring or coil system. These mattresses boast a lot of open space inside the box of the mattress, where is where mold, dust mites, and bed bugs like to live. A mattress that is completely filled or is latex all the way through is a much healthier choice.
Watch out for formaldehyde, antimony, and polyurethane. All of these chemicals are commonly chosen to act either as fire retardants or as treatments for the materials used in the mattress. All of these can be extremely harmful to those who sleep on the mattress. Remember, you’re going to spend at least a third of everyday directly breathing in the chemicals used to treat your mattress. You want to make sure your mattress is not made with at least these three.
Picking a safe and healthy mattress doesn’t have to be difficult. Use these tips to help you select a mattress that is free of harsh chemicals and still allows you to get a great night’s sleep.
