Modern mattresses are a health hazard hiding in plain sight. Many people don't realize that mattresses contain flame retardants and other materials that can constantly release gases into the air, potentially harming one's health. Thankfully, organic mattresses offer a safe, healthy alternative.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Natural Latex Mattress
A pivotal issue of mattress toxicity revolves around volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They're incredibly common, but for regulatory purposes, the term is generally applied to compounds that vaporize under normal conditions, entering the air and potentially harming human health. Unbeknownst to consumers, many everyday items produce VOCs. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to certain VOCs increases the relative risk of some cancers. In the short-term, VOCs can irritate the eyes and respiratory system; they're especially irritating to those with respiratory conditions like asthmatics as well as those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency link VOCs to respiratory irritation, along with several other health issues. As larger numbers of Americans are trying to limit their exposure to chemicals, they may overlook one particularly important source of such VOCs: their mattress.
Mattresses Deconstructed
Modern mattresses are typically made from metal springs nestled between polyurethane foam or simply the foam itself. What most people don't realize is that polyurethane foam is made from petroleum, which off-gases - it evaporates at normal temperatures over long periods of time, continually releasing chemicals into the air. Memory foam, which has become very popular in recent years, is a high-density type of polyurethane foam; it, too, is made from petroleum. Mattresses made from foam can emit the very VOCs people are seeking to eliminate in other areas of their lives. And since so much of one's life is spent asleep, it's not an insignificant issue. While the Polyurethane Foam Association may insist the foam is safe for consumers, other researchers note that mattresses eventually end up in landfills, presenting environmental concerns, as well.
Flame Retardants in Mattresses
In the 1970s, flame retardants became widely used in mattresses in order to reduce the risks from cigarettes. At the time, polyurethane foam was believed to be an effective fire retardant because cigarettes can't ignite the foam. Thus, it began to be commonly used. When open flames became the primary concern - for example, children playing with matches - that's when polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were developed. Since then, researchers have found concentrations of PDBEs everywhere from seal blubber to breast milk. After some animal studies indicated that PDBEs impaired the reproductive and nervous system's development, PDBE manufacturers voluntarily stopped making them for inclusion in mattresses. Since then, new flame retardants have been developed, using synthetic fibers to block fire. Unfortunately, people don't know what those synthetic fibers are comprised of because their make-up is proprietary; manufacturers don't need to disclose them.
Mattress Covers
The cover of a mattress is called its ticking; it may also be a source of dangerous chemicals. Children's mattresses are often covered with vinyl. In producing vinyl, manufacturers take a hard plastic and treat it with other chemicals in order to make it malleable. Often, manufacturers use phthalates to soften the plastic; this presents problems given studies have shown concentrations of phthalates in human tissue and have linked phthalates to health problems. On January 1, 2009, California became the first state to enact a ban on the use of phthalates in children's mattresses. In February of the same year, a federal law went into effect, banning three varieties of phthalates in children's products, mattresses included. In all of these areas - mattress composition, flame retardants, and covers - potentially-hazardous chemicals are used with little warning.
Alternatives
There is an alternative to these chemical-laden, unhealthy mattresses. Due to the health concerns presented by the many toxic chemicals, organic mattresses and mattress covers have become more widely available, like those offered by Royal-Pedic. These are made from all-natural ingredients, such as organic cotton, organic lamb's wool, and organic latex. They don't use the harsh chemicals or problematic foam in their construction, so there is no concern about petroleum offgassing. They even satisfy fire safety regulations by using a wool wrap as a natural flame retardant. Some companies offer orthopedic versions or even organic pillows to match.
Chemical exposure is a constant concern in today's world. Consumers seeking to limit their exposure to toxic chemicals should consider purchasing an organic mattress, both for peace of mind and for better sleep.
Black Friday Invigo Fresh Natural Latex 8-Inch Mattress White With Exclusive Invigo Fresh Benefits, Queen 2011 Deals
Nov 21, 2011 06:18:17
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Black Friday Invigo Fresh Natural Latex 8-Inch Mattress White With Exclusive Invigo Fresh Benefits, Queen Feature
- Protected by the new and exclusive Invigo Fresh benefits; Always Fresh Odor-Eliminator: Works nonstop to capture and destroy common household odors - from pets, body odor, dirty laundry and more
- Always Clean Stain Guard: Built in stain guard makes it harder for spills to penetrate fibers so clean up is easy
- Always Pure: Naturally hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, mold, mildew and fungus resistant makes this topper perfect for the sensitive sleeper
- Constructed with 2-inches of natural latex and 5-inches of premium foam; Removable 1-inch soft double knit cover protected with the new and exclusive Invigo Fresh? benefits
- Queen size measures 60 by 80 Inch and 8-Inch thick; Convenient and easy shipping; Made in the USA
Black Friday Invigo Fresh Natural Latex 8-Inch Mattress White With Exclusive Invigo Fresh Benefits, Queen Overview
Invigo Fresh™ Mattress: Natural Latex and Foam Queen Size 8” Mattress—Recover from Today – Invigorate for Tomorrow. Meet our Invigo Fresh™ Mattress, it refreshes both you and your sleeping environment. This is no ordinary mattress! The Invigo Fresh Mattress is the first mattress developed for today’s active families. Our Invigo Fresh™ Technology keeps your mattress fresh and clean, thanks to anti-microbial and stain protection combined with an exceptional odor-neutralizer that works nonstop to capture and destroy common odors. It’s a solution for active families who need to wake up energized. The Invigo 8” mattress is constructed with 2” of natural latex, 5” of eco-friendly foam and a 1” thick super soft cover. This combination provides the right comfort and support for those looking for a slightly firmer feel - perfect for kids, teens and active adults. Natural latex is an ecologically sustainable product that is self-ventilating and hypo-allergenic. Since the latex breathes, you'll maintain a more comfortable temperature as you sleep. An Invigo mattress provides all the benefits of natural latex and much more thanks to these combined features of Invigo Fresh™: 1) Odor Eliminator: Our exclusive, salt-based solution works nonstop to capture and destroy common odors (pets, body odor, dirty laundry and more). 2) Stain Resistance: Built in stain protection makes it harder for spills to penetrate so clean up is easy. 3) Anti-microbial protection: Naturally inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew along with the odors and allergens they produce. Invigo Fresh™ queen size mattress measures 60”-by-80” and 8” thick. Ships rolled up in a heavy duty box for convenience and ease of handling. If you’re looking to add an extra layer of comfort here or to extend the life of an existing mattress, 2” and 3” Invigo Fresh™ Mattress Toppers are also available thru Amazon.SAVE NOW on Black Friday offers below!
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Limited Offer Today!! Invigo Fresh Natural Latex 8-Inch Mattress White With Exclusive Invigo Fresh Benefits, Queen Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2011 Deals
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