Conventional Crib Mattress vs. Organic Latex Mattress

Fact: Conventional crib mattresses can contain a toxic mix of chemicals as well as synthetic unnatural fibers like polyester(plastic). 

Here at Sleeping Organic, we manufacture and provide organic latex mattresses, organic latex toppers and latex pillows. We made organic latex crib mattresses for years and wanted to create a short post to give a little insight and our crib mattress recommendations.

Conventional Crib Mattresses

Parents everywhere go to great lengths to buy safe strollers, car seats, cribs and clothing to protect their babies but seldom consider the dangers associated with exposing their infant to toxic chemicals commonly found in crib mattresses.

Most conventional crib mattresses are waterproofed with PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), which is considered to be the most toxic of all plastics by the FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Phthalates, which make up roughly 30% of PVC, are toxins which are not bound to the plastic and consequently leech out from it. DEHP is the most common phthalate used in baby mattresses. Phthalates have already been banned across Europe in many other consumer products. The PVC surfaces of conventional baby mattresses are also treated with toxic fire-retardant chemicals.

Recent studies have also found that xenoestrogens are found to be abundant in plastics. These plastics are found everywhere these days. Clothing, food packaging, water bottles and more. These xenoestrogens are known endocrine and hormonal blockers and disrupters. By choosing plastic alternatives for everyday items, you can decrease your child and yourself to this exposure.

Conventional mattress sources use chemical additives that include formaldehyde and other known toxic chemicals such as Organotin compounds. Another predominant material found in baby and adult mattresses is Polyurethane foam.

Because Polyurethane foam is extremely flammable, conventional mattresses must be treated with a fire retardant such as pentaBDE, a toxin associated with hyperactivity and neuro-behavioral alterations. PentaBDE, much like Phthalates, is not bound to the foam, and leaches out into the air (also known as off-gassing). PentaBDE has recently been banned by the state of California and in Europe.

These chemicals are neurotoxins, yet they are used in so many products we depend on daily. Children are far more vulnerable to toxic chemicals than adults are, especially in the first few years of brain development and physical growth. Studies show there is a strong correlation between these neuro-toxic chemicals and the causes of a host of illnesses including ADHD, Childhood Wheeze, Asthma and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDs).

Considering infants and toddlers spend so much of their time nestled in bed at night and at naptime, choosing a crib mattress that does not contain harmful chemicals is one of the wisest choices parents can make to protect their children.