Certified Organic

Making sure our many sleeping hours are spent in close contact with a truly non-toxic mattress is a huge priority for many of us who are trying to reduce our risk of developing cancer through exposure to innumerable toxic chemicals present in everyday products. But shopping for a new mattress can be an intimidating experience. It seems like there are so many mattress brands to choose from, and it can be dizzying to find the one that's right for you.

Before you head out the door to start your shopping adventure, let's talk about why most mattresses on the market these days are toxic. Did you know that most mattresses are full of lots of toxic chemicals?

6 Toxic Chemicals You Won't Find in an Organic Mattress

1) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Many mattresses – even some that are labeled as “green” or “natural” – are made from high-density polyurethane foam.

Polyurethane foam is petroleum-based and contains toxic VOCs like toluene diisocyanate, formaldehyde and benzene that can enter the body through inhalation. The Minnesota Department of Health describes the side effects of exposure to these volatile organic compounds as including headaches, nausea and worsening of asthma symptoms, as well as damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. VOCs are also carcinogenic in nature.

According to Harvard’s Fact Sheet, polystyrene contains the bio-accumulative chemicals styrene and benzene which are both suspected carcinogens and neurotoxins. When exposed to styrene, people can experience symptoms including irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, fatigue and irritation and even cancer.

2) Mold

Popular memory foam beds, like the Tempur-Pedic brand, often cause mold issues. Read Happy Mothering's experience with mold and a Tempur-Pedic mattress.

3) Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is often found in the the adhesives that holds mattresses together. Formaldehyde has been linked to asthma, allergies, and lung, nose and throat cancers, and can also cause fatigue, skin rashes and severe allergic reactions.

4) Flame Retardants

To meet a Federal Law that requires mattresses to put themselves out after having 39 lit cigarettes and blow torches held to the top and side for 30 seconds, many mattress makers use chemical flame retardants. Flame retardants have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems and impaired fetal brain development.

5) Boric Acid

Many mattress manufacturers use boric acid – a pesticide often used as a roach killer – in the lining of their mattresses. Acute boric acid exposure can lead to skin blistering, convulsions and even coma. Long-term exposure has been linked to neurological and developmental problems, and inhalation could cause upper respiratory tract damage.

6) Pesticides

According to the Organic Consumers Association, 25% of all the pesticides used in the US are used to grow cotton. Many of these pesticides are known to be carcinogenic and cause reproductive problems in animals. Residues from these pesticides remain in your mattress and other bedding after they're made and delivered to your home.

Fortunately, there are ways you can avoid all of these toxic chemicals in your bedroom.

Why You Should Choose a Naturepedic EOS Organic Mattress

If you're looking for a new mattress, consider the Naturepedic EOS organic mattress line. Naturepedic mattresses don't contain any of the harmful ingredients found in conventional mattresses.

Certified Organic

It's not only non-toxic, but organic too. Unlike other companies who may use some organic ingredients, the entire EOS mattress is certified organic to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Additionally, all latex is certified to the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS).

Naturally Flame Retardant

In addition, the Naturepedic EOS organic mattress doesn't contain any toxic flame retardant chemicals or flame retardant barriers. That doesn’t mean it’s flammable though! It naturally meets and exceeds all federal and state flammability standards. Naturepedic does this by using a design that does not use any petrochemical foams.

Customizable

One of the unique qualities of the Naturepedic EOS organic mattress series is that it's customizable. You get to choose the firmness level for each side of the bed. There are four levels of firmness: plush, cushion firm, firm and extra firm. Cushion firm is the most popular level.

If you choose the wrong level, you have 90 days to exchange the comfort inserts for free (and only pay for shipping). Even if you change your mind after 90 days, you can still order new layers and change the support or comfort of your mattress without having to replace the entire mattress.

Shipped to Your Home

The mattress will arrive packed in boxes – the California King, for example, comes in four boxes. It's so much easier than going store to store, shopping for a mattress, then trying to get it home. Now you can go on the Naturepedic website and order your mattress, and it will come right to your door.