Last Updated on December 31, 2022
Did you know that the typical mattress cover could contain chemicals that might not be safe for everyone? Even if most people do not find these mattresses dangerous to health, they might be harmful to babies and children. So you need a suitable mattress cover that is equipped to prevent off-gassing.
Most industrial mattresses contain petroleum-based chemicals and synthetic fabrics. They also contain toxic foam and certain chemicals that are dangerous to health. These harmful chemicals can off-gas. This then exposes you and your household to a certain level of toxins during sleep.
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Off-Gassing In Mattress
You have to understand that some organic mattresses still have toxic materials. So, you must find suitable mattresses to prevent this. Make sure to know what to look for during purchase. It might be difficult to tell the off-gassing of a single bed.
It largely depends on what is embedded in the mattress off-gassing cover. And this varies. This is because the different brands make theirs with different materials. As a buyer, you can easily tell the off-gassing of your mattress. This is because some have noticeable chemical odors. However, a mattress can even be off-gas as old as ten years, even with no chemical smell.
Most organic mattresses are safe and healthy for the household. But what if you cannot afford an organic mattress? Or how do you prevent off-gassing for a typical toxic one? The simple answer to this question is that you have to prioritize buying a safe and healthy mattress.
Most people have the assumption that an organic mattress cover will prevent off-gassing. This is very untrue. You have to ensure that you buy organic cotton fabric. One that is chemical-free as well. Keep in mind that this material might not block off-gases. This is because it is made of fabric. Wool, latex, or cotton might not be so efficient as well. Plastic seems to be the only material renowned for mattress wrapping to prevent off-gassing.
Polythene Is A Safe Option
To block heavy metals and toxins isn’t so simple. Plastic will do the trick. Still, the plastic needs to be very thick so that it wouldn’t allow the gasses to penetrate. The kind of plastic used is essential. This is because lots of plastic will create more chemical off-gassing.
For example, you wouldn’t want to be using a vinyl-based cover. This is because vinyl will provide more chemical exposure. An excellent option is low-density food-grade polythene. This is very safe and healthy and non-toxic.
Harlow’s Earth Crib Mattress Cover- Waterproof -Safe Sleep Protection from Mattress Off-Gassing
Low-density polyethylene has a molecular structure. So, it does not need toxic chemical additives, such as unsafe plasticizers.
There are a few crib mattress brands made with specially formed polyethylene. This polythene has been tested and trusted to prevent off-gassing. So, make sure to discuss this with your provider. Ensure you shop from a reputable provider. One that is reliable and trustworthy to provide you with the type of bed you need.
Is Mattress Off-gassing Harmful To Health?
Off-gassing provides an unpleasant new bed smell. Is this smell harmful or toxic to people who breathe it in? Mattress off-gassing is known to be dangerous to health. Most of the standard memory foam beds are certified. This tells us that they have an acceptable VOC emission level.
For a memory foam bed to pass the certification, it must be created without some heavy metals. It must be formed without mercury lead, formaldehyde, TDCPP, or PBDEs. It must also possess very low VOC emissions for acceptable indoor air quality.
Still, certain bed chemicals are toxic, so they can be harmful to health. Exposure to VOC releases during the off-gassing process can cause a few complications. Research tells us that your body heat during sleep can increase the VOC emission level from your bed.
So, the chemicals you breathe in though they might not be life-threatening can cause serious side effects. Also, the VOCs will later settle into the corners of the home. It eventually mixes with dust and debris on the ground. Little kids and babies that crawl on the ground might likely get in contact with them. They might even ingest them.
When choosing your mattress, make sure to consider certification. This is because certified beds have low VOCs. They are less likely to cause serious side effects as well.
What Are The Potential Symptoms Of Off-gassing?
If you are exposed to toxins during sleep, you could experience the following symptoms:
Difficulty Breathing
Asthmatic people shouldn’t breathe in toxins and heavy metals. This is because the chemical smell will prompt breathing difficulties. It can even trigger an asthma attack.
Headaches
Inhaling heavy metals and strong chemicals can trigger severe headaches. This might be especially so for people who are sensitive to them.
Sore Throat
VOC exposure can cause irritations in the throat. At this time, severe coughing can occur.
Allergies
Allergic people are most times hypersensitive to strong smells. In this case, a toxic odor will likely cause allergies.
Nausea and Vomiting
Being exposed to a new bed smell can sometimes cause light-headedness. This can trigger nausea and vomiting. It is unwise to be exposed to this smell for a long time.
How Do I Let My Mattress Off-gas Properly?
A new bed smell isn’t something to hold on to. You have to ensure you’re protecting your indoor air quality. You also ensure that harmful chemicals are eradicated properly.
So, it would help if you let your new bed air out properly. Do so in a well-ventilated room. This can help limit hypoallergic symptoms like tissue papers made to eliminate toxins when you wipe.
Some manufacturers advise letting your new bed air out outside. A balcony or covered porch might be a convenient place as well. Other manufacturers recommend consumers use their new bed as soon as it is out of the box. But, if you perceive a chemical odor, use your discretion to take the necessary step. Air it out for a lengthy period before sleeping on it.
Note that you should not sleep on a mattress while it’s still off-gassing.
How Often Should You Wash Mattress Topper?
Generally speaking, most experts agree that you should wash the mattress topper two to three times per year, or on an as-needed basis, depending on whether anything has happened between the two washes. Furthermore, it is important to note that the frequency, on the other hand, may vary depending on several things, including the sort of topper you have, your personal preferences, and levels of use and wear and tear it experiences.
If you have any kind of allergies or sensitivities, for instance, you should wash your topper more regularly to keep it free of dust, allergens, and other irritants. Furthermore, in case you tend to sweat a lot at night or have any other health conditions that might influence the cleanliness of your topper, you will have to wash it more frequently than other people.
Is Serta a Good Mattress Topper?
In a nutshell, Serta is a well-known and reputable brand that produces a wide range of mattress toppers. Based on the experiences of satisfied customers, it can be confirmed that their products have gained popularity because they are comfortable, supportive, and of good quality.
This company offers several types of mattress toppers, among which the most commonly sold are memory foam, gel-infused memory foam, and fiberfill. Memory foam toppers are among the best-selling models for their ability to adjust to your body’s shape and give pressure point relief, whilst gel-infused memory foam toppers for their ability to regulate temperature and keep you cool while sleeping. Additionally, fiberfill toppers are typically made from synthetic or natural materials and can add a layer of softness and comfort to your bed, and isn’t that something we all need these days?
So to conclude, if you are looking for a high-quality mattress topper that is comfortable, supportive, and durable, look no further than Serta. It should meet all your needs and expectations.
What is The Best Cooling Mattress Topper For Night Sweats?
A cooling mattress topper can be one of the smartest choices for people who experience night sweats or have a tendency to sleep hot for various reasons. If you are thinking about buying one, some of the best ones include:
Gel-infused memory foam toppers
These toppers are comprised of memory foam filled with gel particles. The gel regulates temperature and keeps you cool, while memory foam, on the other hand, literally contours your body and relieves pressure points.
Latex toppers
Latex is a natural material widely appreciated for its breathability and ability to dissipate heat, something everyone would like to have during the night. This type of cooling mattress topper will surely keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep.
Bamboo toppers
Bamboo is a natural, renewable material recognized for its moisture-wicking characteristics, and can keep you dry and cool while you sleep, even on the hottest summer nights.
Wool toppers
Wool is a natural, breathable material that can aid in body temperature regulation. Are you wondering why experts often recommend it to all those who experience night sweats or have a tendency to sleep hot? It’s very simple, it can keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, what else could you want?
What is a Bamboo Mattress Pad?
To cut a long story short, a bamboo mattress pad is a type of mattress topper that is made from bamboo fibers and is intended to be used on top of a mattress to give additional padding and support.
As we mentioned earlier, it is made of natural material that is known for its breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and hypoallergenic nature, the combination of these features makes it an outstanding choice for a mattress pad. To increase its durability and comfort, this type of mattress topper is usually made from a combination of bamboo fibers and other common materials such as polyester or cotton.
Do you know what’s best of all? They are machine washable and can be used to protect mattresses from stains, spills and general wear and tear, so it should come as no surprise that bamboo mattress pads are one of the best sellers in the world. They are an ideal choice for all of us, but especially for those who want to afford an additional layer of comfort to their mattress without sacrificing the hardness or support of the mattress underneath.
Bottom Line – Mattress Cover To Prevent Off Gassing
Many suitable mattress covers help to prevent off-gassing. A polyethylene mattress cover is a safe option, as it is non-toxic. Still, you have to make sure it is low-density food-grade. These have a molecular structure that requires no chemical additives.
If you cannot get a non-toxic bed, make sure to air out any you purchase correctly before using it. This way, you rid of the heavy chemical smell that can endanger your your health.
Barbara is an environmental activist and sustainability advocate who loves living green and sustainable. She firmly believes in reducing her carbon footprint and has been making great strides towards achieving this goal. Barbara is a vegan and avid recycler and has been actively involved in community gardens and other green initiatives. She is passionate about spreading awareness about the importance of living in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. Barbara is always looking for ways to make a difference in her community and beyond. She is a huge advocate for preserving nature and the planet for future generations.