Choosing Safer Products: Mattresses and Changing Pads

 

PRODUCT TYPE:
Crib & Child Mattresses	Safest: wool, cotton, or natural latex mattresses or futons without vinyl covers or stain-resistant coatings (Teflon chemicals).  Examples include: Naturepedic Twin and Crib Mattresses A Natural Home Simply Affordable Organic Baby Crib Mattress Look for mattresses without vinyl covers or stain-resistant coatings (these may be more difficult to find in crib sizes).	Polyurethane foam mattresses treated with toxic flame retardants. As of January 1, 2008, mattresses treated with PBDEs are banned in Washington state! Mattresses with vinyl covers or stain-resistant coatings (Teflon chemicals).
Mattress Pads & Puddle Pads	Wool, rubberized cotton, or polyester pads without vinyl or stain-resistant coatings (Teflon chemicals). Examples include: Naturepedic No-Compromise Organic Waterproof Pad Happy Tushies Bed Pads Pure Wool Puddle Pad Wool pads have the additional benefit of being naturally water-resistant.	Polyurethane foam pads, such as eggshell pads.   Pads with vinyl or stain-resistant coatings (Teflon chemicals)
Changing Pads	Wool pads or portable fabric pads without vinyl or stain-resistant coatings (Teflon chemicals). Examples include: Holy Lamb Organics Wool Changing Pad Mommy's Touch Changing Pad Healthy Child's Organic Cotton Changing Pad Serta's Organic Contour Pad has a vinyl cover but is free of phthalates and polyurethane foam. IKEA's Gullunge Changing Pad is vinyl free and contains PBDE-free polyurethane foam.	Pads that contain vinyl, polyurethane foam, or stain-resistant coatings (Teflon chemicals).

Healthy Tips!

• If you already own an item containing polyurethane foam, ask the manufacturer if it is treated with PBDEs. If so, consider replacing it with one of the healthier options above. If the item is a mattress and you choose not to replace it, cover it with an encasing to reduce the amount of dust released from the mattress.

• Mattresses can contain various types of flame retardants. PBDEs, which may be used in polyurethane foam mattresses, are the most toxic and should be avoided. Wool is naturally flame-resistant, and some polyurethane foam mattresses use chemical-free barriers to meet fire safety standards.

• Confused about finishes or coatings on fabrics?  There are many types, but the most important ones to avoid are vinyl/PVC and stain-resistance treatments (such as Crypton, Teflon, and Gore^TM) Polyurethane laminate is a better choice than vinyl/PVC.
  

Learn more:

• Pollution in People: Toxic Flame Retardants (PBDEs)

• PVC FAQs

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