TRUTHS ABOUT
ORGANIC MATTRESSES
TRUTHS ABOUT
ORGANIC MATTRESSES
Organic mattresses are typically made out of organic cotton, wool, and natural rubber/latex. They are produced naturally. Organic mattresses are required to follow organic standards, thus ensuring their health benefits. Mattresses that fall short of these standards are often categorized as natural products.
Conventional mattresses often use petroleum-based materials like polyurethane foam, which according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), has been linked to various health issues like respiratory problems. Avoiding these synthetic materials and using organic mattresses help prevent the development of these conditions and lessen the toxicity of the place where you let your family sleep.
Organic mattresses are most popular as children's and infants' bedding. This is because young kids are more likely to develop respiratory problems due to inhaling chemicals from their beddings. According to studies, infants who slept in synthetic bedding were two times as likely to develop wheezing as those who slept in natural/organic bedding.
You and your family will spend a lot of time sleeping on your beds—at least 6-9 hours a day or at least 1/3 of your life. In fact,this alone makes it worth thinking about what you are sleeping on.
Conventional polyurethane foam mattresses are highly flammable, as they are made from petroleum based substances. They also need additional flame retardant chemicals such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs. Sadly, PBDEs are proven to accumulate in blood and disrupt thyroid hormones. They have since been banned in Europe and a majority of the states in the US. If you are still using a very old mattress that might still contain PBDEs, consider switching to an organic mattress.
Even newer mattresses still use flame retardants like chlorinated-TRIS, which are known to cause cancer and has in fact been banned in children's sleepwear. Most conventional mattress manufacturers refuse to disclose what chemicals they use as fire retardants, saying that is a ‘trade secret.’ Are you really willing to risk it?
Organic mattresses are healthier because they are made from natural materials like natural latex (from rubber trees). Rubber trees from India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Malaysia. They are infused with layers of wool, which is a natural fire retardant. They do not off-gas harmful chemicals that can cause allergies and serious health issues. If you are serious about protecting the health and overall well-being of you and your family, perhaps it’s time to splurge on an organic mattress.
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