Safer, Greener, Healthier Mattresses: Naturepedic!

Get ready to lose sleep. You might have heard that conventional mattresses give off a slew of toxic chemicals. Flame retardants chemicals, PBDEs, phthalates (which have been recently banned for use in children's products), PVC/vinyl, polyurethane foam, boric acid, and others are in conventional mattresses, including crib mattresses.  These chemicals have been associated with numerous health conditions, and our most vulnerable population, children, spend the most time on them.

In fact, an article in the Washington Post from 2008 outlined some of the potential risks to adults:

"A 2006 Consumer Product Safety Commission study estimated that the average adult sleeping on a conventional mattress will be exposed to 0.802 milligrams of antimony and 0.081 milligrams of boric acid -- which is commonly used to kill cockroaches -- every night. The report deems these amounts safe for those older than 5, but numerous studies have linked both substances to a host of adverse health effects at various doses, and the cumulative effect of daily exposure is unknown."

That's it, what folks are missing is the culmulative effects of these chemicals on little growing bodies.  If you read the results of the body burden study I participated in, you'll remember that I had the highest amount of a flame retardant chemical called Deca.  Where did that exposure come from?  Likely, the cumulative effects of exposure to my chemically laden mattress, electronics, old furniture, and the toxic dust that I don't vacuum as much as I should.  Now consider how much time children spend on the floor-- on their hands and knees.  It become clear that lessening the amount of PDBEs and other chemicals in our homes is wise and protective.  Entirely limiting it is not possible, but if you are in the market for a new mattress, it makes sense to consider a safer one.

According to Healthy Child, Healthy World, conventional mattresses:

"A typical mattress is stuffed with polyurethane foam and other materials that may have been treated with flame retardants and covered with material treated with water, stain- and wrinkle-resistant chemicals. These, along with chemicals emitted from polyurethane foam, such as toluene, can contribute to indoor air pollution (not to mention how many you’re inhaling as you sleep on it every night)."

Since manufacturers aren't required to list what chemicals they use, there could be just about any chemical cocktail present in mattresses. It is up to parents to do their research.

In steps Naturepedic.  This company was founded by parents, grandparents and scientists. They understand the potential harm that can come from toxic chemicals and is committed to providing safer and healthier mattresses for our children.  You can feel good that their mattresses meet the standards for a Greenguard indoor air quality certification, and contain no harmful chemicals.  These mattresses are made in the U.S.A., feature U.S. grown organic cotton, offer food grade waterproofing and non-toxic flame retardancy.  That is quite a list!

And we have one.  I have an Organic Twin Ultra for my 5 year old daughter.  She was just recently night potty trained, and has had lots of accidents on the matrress.  No trouble, no soaking in.  I just peeled off the sheets, wiped it down and let it air dry-- the wetness was truly only on the surface.  It is firm, comfortable, and lovely.  My daughter loves it, and I love that she is sleeping soundly without more chemical exposures.  I'll soon be getting another one for my 3 year old daughter.  I'm sad to say she's still sleeping on an old conventional crib mattress, and I wish I had known about Naturepedic's sweet crib mattresses sooner.

You can find Naturepedic mattresses right here at MightNest.  Now get some sleep!

*full disclosure:  Naturepedic advertises on my this blog.  I support this company and the safer mattresses they sell, and am happy to feature their ad.  However, this post reflects my independent opinion about safer mattresses and my experience with Naturepedic.