Many household items, including mattresses, have retardants to reduce the spread of flames if a fire occurs. While chemical retardants can be effective, their presence in beds can be problematic to sleepers’ health. The guide below explores the potential dangers of non-natural materials and the health benefits of choosing an eco-friendly mattress instead.
Why Do Mattresses Have Flame Retardants?
Most modern mattresses and upholstered furniture contain chemical components to reduce flammability. Since 2007, bed manufacturers have a legal obligation to ensure that their products can pass an open flame test. Some brands use chemical fire retardants specifically to meet safety standards. However, many of the chemicals are toxic.
What Is the Problem With Chemical Flame Retardants?
Though mattresses must pass a flame test before retailers can sell them, the chemical retardant industry creates its own regulations. As a result, they don’t have to disclose their retardants’ individual components. Companies responsible for treating materials may use the same chemical combination for various products, including mattresses and foam cushions for sofas.
Because people spend hours each day sleeping in beds, independent tests were conducted to uncover the ingredients of fire retardants. These can include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), chlorinated tris (TDCPP), bromine, and formaldehyde, which all have adverse health effects. When inhaled, chemical fire retardants have links to cancer, developmental brain disorders, and obesity.
What Are the Alternatives?
Some brands design eco-friendly mattresses that can safely pass the fire test without the inclusion of harmful chemicals. Instead, they often utilize natural materials like organic wool combined with innovative designs to keep your family safe.
For an eco-friendly mattress completely free of chemicals, turn to Mango Mattress. The brand offers a wide selection of natural mattresses with wood pulp-based rayon fire barriers to ensure that you have a good night’s rest in a safe environment. Call 1-844-MyMango (1-844-696-2646) or visit their website to learn more about their selections, all of which can be ordered online and delivered straight to your door. They provide all buyers with a 100 Night Sleep Trial, 25-year warranty, and affordable financing.