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Most people are surprised to learn about all the ways mattresses today have the potential to cause harm to themselves or the family they love.
That’s why it’s so important to make informed decisions about any mattress you purchase. These are just a few of the ways your mattress could be toxic.
6 Ways Your Mattress Could be Toxic
1) Bacteria
Unfortunately, there’s more than one strain of bacteria commonly found in mattresses. Many mattresses are ideal breeding grounds for these bacteria to grow and thrive. Among the most common are:
Bacillus
Enterococcus
Micrococcus
Pseudomonads
Staphylococcus
2) Flame Retardants
All mattresses sold in the U.S. must be flame retardant. The most commonly used flame retardant materials though, contain:
Polybrominated Diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) – which are highly toxic.
Boric acid – often used to kill roaches.
Antimony – this metalloid may be more toxic than formaldehyde or mercury.
None of these things are required to be disclosed, which means you may not even know they’re being used in the mattresses you buy for your family.
3) Formaldehyde
While most commonly associated with embalming fluid, formaldehyde is actually found in many bonding agents, solvents, foams, shampoos, and more.
It is also generally found in particle boards, paneling, and pressed wood used in furniture and home construction as well as in many mattresses.
Aside from the strong odor of formaldehyde and the headaches associated with the odor, it has also been identified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and is associated with certain types of cancer.
4) Polyurethane
People with asthma and allergies in particular should be wary of mattresses made with polyurethane foam. Polyurethane is not limited to respiratory problems though.
It is also a common culprit when it comes to skin irritation too. It is a petroleum-based medium used to make many memory foam mattresses (as well as to pad coils in traditional mattresses) that emits VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) that contribute to significant off-gassing.
5) Dust Mites
These microscopic creatures lurk in traditional mattresses in teams of thousands if not millions, contributing to respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and a complete and total “ick” factor. Due to the design of most mattresses, it’s a perfect place for these dust mites to lay down a doormat and call the mattress home.
6) Mold and Mildew
The same dark moisture that makes mattresses an attractive location for dust mites is responsible for encouraging the growth of mold and mildew deep inside the foam and fabric of your mattress.
Unchecked inhalation of mold or mildew night after night can cause a wide range of negative health conditions for yourself or your children – especially if anyone in your family is susceptible to allergies or asthma.
Alternatives to Toxic Mattresses
The big question, though, is what you can you do about it? The toxic nature of traditional mattresses may seem too big to overcome, but really it’s quite simple.
Instead, look for mattresses made of breathable, natural ingredients, that are hypoallergenic, dust mite resistant, antimicrobial, and don’t contain a chemical-laden fire barrier.
Natural latex mattresses like those from PlushBeds eliminate the toxins mentioned above and many more from your radar of concern, allowing you to rest easy once and for all.
This is a sponsored post that I was compensated for publishing. While I did not write this post, I make it a policy to only publish articles that are in compatible with the purpose of this blog. Sponsored post may contain links.
