Issues with Mass Production Mattresses
Today our world is awash in chemicals. Daily exposure to chemicals takes many forms; pesticides in our food, pharmaceuticals in our water, VOC’s from plastics and synthetics in the home – even the interior fittings of our car. Homes are so well sealed that while we save money on heating and air conditioning, we also seal in all of the VOC’s released by synthetic materials as they off-gas. Acute reactions to these chemicals include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea/vomiting and asthma. Chronic exposure can increase risks of cancer, endocrine disruption, liver damage and chronic inflammation just to name a few. So, while we can’t eliminate exposure to these chemicals all the time, making smart choices inside our home can limit how much our bodies absorb.
Read about the ways your mattress could be harming your family’s health and what to do about it.
Derived from petroleum, polyurethane is a foam commonly used in conventional, mass-produced mattresses. Polyurethane foam is a blanket term that includes any foam that is synthesized using polyol and diisocyanate. These include but are not limited to: memory foam, high resilience foam, and high-density foam. Since polyurethane foam can contain additives, a manufacturer that comes up with a new formula can name the new foam whatever they like. This synthetic blend has a tendency to off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is the primary cause of the unpleasant smell of new mattresses. VOCs can also irritate individuals with respiratory conditions, like asthma, or chemical sensitivities.
Another common chemical is the mattress adhesives which are used to hold together the various components and layers. These chemicals are usually acetone-based, n-Propyl bromine-based and methylene chloride-based.
Acetone is a type of solvent used in adhesives. When used in high concentrations, it can cause health effects such as headaches, a lack of energy, unconsciousness, and respiratory problems. It can also result in mild behavioural effects, abdominal pain, and nausea when used at lower concentrations. N-Propyl bromide can also cause problems if people are exposed to it for a long time in high concentrations. Symptoms related to overexposure include dizziness, slurred speech, and confusion, along with headaches, unusual fatigue, muscle twitches, and visual disturbances. Methylene chloride irritates the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. These effects can be caused either by dermal exposure or through inhalation. Prolonged contact with the skin can also result in chemical burns. Additionally, one product of metabolized methylene chloride is carbon monoxide which can lead to delayed toxic effects.
Most mattress companies also add flame retardants to their products as it’s a cost-effective way to meet federal flammability standards. Unfortunately, many don’t disclose specifically which type they use in their products, making them all the more dangerous. Chemicals like boric acid, antimony and halogenated flame retardants (HRFs) has been linked to numerous health problems. Since these chemicals don’t bind to the mattress, they often release into the bedroom over time.
Antimony is a heavy metal toxin that can result in problems with the lungs, heart and eyes. Boric acid, also commonly called boric powder, is known to cause respiratory and eye irritation. HRFs are considered the worst and linked to health-related issues that can affect subsequent generations. These include neurobehavioral changes and delayed puberty. The chemical is also known to harm nerve and brain function.
With a Sunshine Organic Latex mattress, you can reduce your daily chemical exposure by 1/3.
Our mattresses have no synthetic fibers or synthetic latex, so you are assured of a safe, chemical free sleep. We use organic wool as our fire retardant so there are no worries about any mysterious proprietary formulas. There is another concern with traditional coil mattresses. Evidence is starting to accumulate regarding potential negative impacts on health resulting from exposure to unusual magnetic fields generated by “dirty electricity” in traditional coil mattresses. Being pure latex, that is never a concern.
No chemicals, no coils, and unparalleled comfort together in one mattress. A Sunshine Mattress will give you the best, safest night of sleep you have ever had.