Many people do not think of their mattresses, sheets, or pillows when they think of items in the home that are frequently responsible for making them sick. In fact, most of us would never think to use the term “toxic bedding” at all. Could the beds that we sleep in every night really be dangerous to our health?

Magnified Photograph of a Dust Mite

While many of us associate paint, household cleaners, and even some personal care products as potential hazards to our health, but we tend to think less of toxins being present in our bedrooms. Toxic bedding, however, is a very real threat to our health and something we should all take action on.

If you or your children suffer from any type of chronic illness or allergies, this article may be of particular interest to you because the intent is to alert you to the health hazards that you may be sleeping on every night.

Organic vs. Traditional Bedding

Of course, most of us realize that organic is best; not only when it comes to choosing the foods that we eat, but also in choosing what we sleep on. Organic mattresses can be found from a variety of different vendors, and the health benefits that these mattresses have to offer might just surprise you.

For example, traditional mattresses contain a variety of harmful chemicals that can create health problems in both adults and children. Organic mattresses, even though they may look exactly like traditional ones, are made up of one of the following products:

• Organic wool
• Organic cotton
• Natural latex rubber

Organic wool allows moisture to be moved away from the body during sleep, and then evaporated after you have gotten up for the day. Traditional mattresses hold moisture in, which is very bad for your body, and contributes to the development of toxic bedding.

Even though most people think of wool as being a material that holds in a great amount of warmth, the truth is that wool actually helps us to maintain a regulated body temperature. This is great not only for those of you who tend to get hot while you sleep, it is also great for those of you who get cold.

Organic cotton functions in much the same way as organic wool. It offers the same healthful properties without exposing you to the dangerous chemicals that are found in traditional mattresses.

Natural latex rubber has a number of benefits for your health that traditional mattresses cannot offer:

• Prevents Dust Mites and Pet Dander buildup
• Holds up for longer than traditional mattresses
• Completely free of dangerous chemicals

Facts about Traditional (Synthetic) Mattresses & Toxic Bedding

The mattresses that are widely sold to an unsuspecting public actually contain a host of chemicals that are hazardous to our health. While it might make you wonder why mattress manufacturers are allowed to get away with this activity, the fact is that the government requires the use of some of these chemicals, such as fire retardants. The following list provides you with the names of chemicals that you should try to avoid:

• DEHP – a phthalate that has been banned in European countries for a number of years
• Antimony
• Boric Acid
• Pesticides
• Polyurethane Foam – a chemically treated substance that is used as a flame retardant. It emits noxious gases when ignited
• pentaBDE – a toxic fire retardant that is associated with behavioral disorders. It has been banned in European countries, and in the state of California since 2006 ² ³

Choosing Organic Bedding

While chemicals in mattresses pose one of our biggest health threats, it is important for you to know that there are also dangerous chemicals present in synthetic sheets, pillows, mattress pads, and everything else that you might choose for your bed.

Comfy Nap or Pet Dander Contamination? 

Synthetic materials are treated with the types of hazardous chemicals that are listed above. They not only contribute to the development of health problems, they also invite dust mites, pet dander, mold and mildew into your bedding. All of these can be categorized as toxic bedding, and something we should all make an effort to avoid.

Below are some tips and resources for converting a toxic bed to “GREEN” bed:

• Keep your bed strictly “pet free”. This will help reduce the amount of pet dander that accumulates on your bed
• Use a high-quality air purification system that employs a HEPA filter, UV & negative ion technologies. This will help reduce your family’s exposure to pet dander.
• Put impermeable organic covers on all of your mattresses and pillows
• Bathe your pet(s) as often as you can, preferably at least once a week, with an all-natural dust mite killing shampoo.
• Move litter boxes away from the main air supply or bedroom of your home.
• Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner.
• Never sweep or “dust” floors or hard surfaces. This will merely circulate the dust throughout the house. Instead use damp cloths that will attract and hold the dust you’re collecting.
• To minimize pet dander, run a wet cloth over your pet as often as you can, especially after they come in from outside. Another good way to contain loose hair is to brush fur in both directions and then follow with a damp cloth.
• Keep your home humidity levels low. Use a dehumidifier to keep your air below 50% humidity. Dust mites have a hard time surviving in dry air.
• Wash bedding weekly and use water at about 130° F, to kill any dust mites that may be on your sheets. I would recommend that you use natural laundry detergent (I use Soap Nuts). Dry your bedding on high heat as well.

Resources For Organic Bedding:

• MITE-T-FAST™ – Dust Mite Home Testing Kit
• EcoChoices Natural Matresses & Bedding
• The Clean Bedroom – Organic & All Natural Bedding
• Natural Bed Store – Exciting Organic Sleep Products
• Green Culture – Eco-Friendly Household Items