Organic Mattress
If an organic mattress is something you’d like to consider, here’s the scoop on what’s in them and why they're so much healthier to sleep on than a standard mattress. First, most standard non-organic mattresses usually contain polyurethane foam and/or polyesters which contain formaldehyde and hydrofluorocarbons from petroleum based products which outgas. They also contain toluene and diisocyanate. These are all known carcinogens, are known to cause lung damage, and are toxic to the immune system. These chemicals are absorbed by us hour after hour as we sleep at night. This includes the memory-foam mattresses which are very popular now. Also, mattresses in the U.S. are required to have chemical fire retardants. Most release bromines which are highly toxic. ONE of the problems they can cause are thyroid illnesses. If it’s an organic mattress, it will most likely contain natural wool or cotton as a flame retardant, which is a far healthier option. These fibers burn slowly and smolder, and do not release highly toxic chemicals like the synthetic materials. Dust mites, molds, yeasts, and bacteria live and thrive in mattresses. Most people perspire about 1 pint of fluid each night while sleeping so this adds to the bacteria that accumulates in the mattress. There are ways to cut down on these problems. KEEPING YOUR MATTRESS CLEAN: Encasing your mattress is a good option, and probably the easiest since it can be washed and used over and over. It keeps the mattress very clean.
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how to clean a mattress.
Airing the mattress in the sun is another way to reduce some of these problems. The ultraviolet light kills many organisms quite effectively-the challenge is just getting that big mattress outside to soak up the sun! If you just want to kill dust mites and some bacteria, the mattress or bedding can be placed outside for several hours in freezing temperatures. Just make sure you are able to thoroughly dry everything before placing it back in the bedroom to prevent mold or mildew. COTTON MATTRESS: An organic mattress made of cotton can be a very healthy choice. I would recommend some kind of washable encasement or an organic wool mattress pad on top to keep it as clean as possible, and to keep dust mites out. The organic mattress should be free of all harmful chemicals, finishers, stain repellents, and toxic fire retardants. Unlike mattresses made from synthetic materials, a cotton mattress allows your body temperature to adjust without excessive perspiration. The natural cotton fibers breathe, allowing for more comfort as your body temperature changes throughout the night, and in different seasons during the year. There are varying degrees of firmness available, and costs can be comparable to other good quality standard non-organic mattresses. It should not have any harmful fire retardants on it or in it. Do check with the manufacturer about this. Also check with the manufacturer about third party testing or certification of products. This insures greater purity and reliability of materials used from start to finish. Some companies start with a good organic product, but use chemicals or other materials which are toxic, to cut costs. Often these are not disclosed. Some companies provide independent third party test results. Reputable companies will be happy to provide this information. WOOL MATTRESS: A wool mattress is possibly even better for an organic mattress choice. In addition to “breathing” and allowing for comfortable temperature regulation at night, it has the added benefits of repelling dust mites, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, and being naturally flame resistant. The wool is able to trap many particles and chemicals. Therefore, it can actually serve to decrease some of the pollens, dusts, molds or other irritants that might be in the bedroom. The challenge may be in cleaning the mattress, but again if one is able to air it out periodically in the sun, this is a good option. LATEX OR RUBBER MATTRESS: A natural all-latex or rubber mattress can be a healthful choice. (Synthetic latex is made from chemicals). Even though there have been no known reported reactions from those who’ve used natural latex mattresses, some advise that you not use this type if you have a latex sensitivity or allergy. As with other exposures, the frequent and repeated contact with this material might bring on a reaction. This can occur at any time, even after many months of no apparent reaction. Some latex reactions can be very severe, so if you have or suspect any sensitivity to latex, I would avoid this as a mattress choice, just to be on the safe side. You might want to obtain allergy testing to see if you are sensitive to latex. However, some companies claim that if natural latex is used, and proper processing is done, people do not react. If you choose genuine latex, it is a completely natural material. Latex is the liquid found in the ducts of rubber plants. It is naturally anti-microbial, and dust-mite resistant. It can be processed organically or with minimal chemicals, which dissipate after processing, so it can be free of harmful chemicals. Those who’ve used this type of mattress report that it is very comfortable. However some report that the mattress tends to sag on the sides after a relatively short period of time. The middle portion of the mattress tends to be firmer than the outer sides and edges. It also can become harder in colder temperatures, and softens in warmer temperatures.
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