Understanding the Harmful Chemicals Lurking in Your Bedding Materials and how to Protect Your Health with Safer Alternatives
FUN FACTS:
- Traditional bedding is often treated with harmful chemicals and compounds that can cause serious health problems.
- Organic cotton and bamboo bedding are safer, healthier, and more sustainable than traditional bedding.
- Look for certified organic products to ensure making safe and sustainable bedding choices, free of harmful chemicals and pesticides. Choose brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable production practices.
When you slip into bed at night, do you know what hazards may be waiting for you between the sheets? Imagine going to bed every night feeling comfortable in your own home, only to learn that your bedding could be a potential source of danger to you and your loved ones.
The problem lies in using traditional bedding. Traditional bedding is typically made from synthetic materials like polyester, cotton, and nylon, all of which are frequently treated with chemicals and compounds that can have serious effects on human health. Traditional bedding has been linked to various health problems, from allergies and asthma to cancer and other deadly diseases.
In addition, traditional bedding is one of the leading causes of pollution and destruction of the natural world. The manufacturing process for these products requires a lot of resources (including water, electricity, and chemicals) and results in an enormous amount of trash. It’s bad for the environment and bad for your health.
Keep reading to learn the facts about conventional bedding and about the safe alternatives available to protect your family’s health. Discover some viable options to conventional bedding, as well as how to minimize your impact on the environment without sacrificing comfort and sound sleep.
What’s Lurking in your Sleep Environment?
Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Common mattresses, pillows, and other bedding pose health risks.
Standard bed linens are widely made from materials like polyester, cotton, and wool; and all three of these textiles require synthetic chemicals and colors.
Additionally, these materials are often treated with harmful chemicals that may lead to unwanted health consequences for you and your loved ones. From formaldehyde and flame retardants to pesticides and heavy metals, traditional bedding can be a cocktail of toxic substances that can affect your health and well-being.[1]
Starting with formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that is often used in conventional bedding to prevent wrinkles. Formaldehyde has been related to cancer and has been shown to worsen asthma and other respiratory problems.[2]
Traditional bedding also often contains flame retardants, another chemical with questionable health effects, including cancer[3], birth defects, learning deficits, and hormone disruption.[4] [5]
Cotton is one of the world’s most commonly treated crops. Therefore, we shouldn’t overlook the pesticides used on it. In some cases, these pesticides may remain on the cotton fibers and cause health problems. Other harmful chemicals in cotton include ammonia, chlorine, formaldehyde, and petroleum-based products.[6]
But that’s not all, traditional bedding also harms the ecosystem. The manufacturing process for these products requires many resources (including water, electricity, and chemicals) and results in an enormous amount of trash.
It is vital to be aware of the risks associated with conventional bedding, as exposure to these chemicals and compounds can have long-term impacts on your health and well-being. Alternatives that are safer, healthier, and more sustainably produced exist, and you deserve them. Read on to find out about some viable options to conventional bedding, as well as how to minimize your impact on the environment without sacrificing your comfort.
Alternative Materials: Protect Your Health With Organic Bedding
If want to avoid the toxic chemicals that fill conventional mattresses and blankets, it’s time to change. Switch to better, healthier options for you and the environment. By changing to organic bedding, you can provide a more wholesome and environmentally friendly place to sleep.
Here is a rundown of several viable replacements, as well as some pointers on what to do to keep an eye out for while purchasing organic bed linens. Find the most comfortable organic bedding and give your body the rested needs.
Organic Cotton. Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful chemicals like pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Chemicals like formaldehyde and flame retardants are not present in organic cotton bedding.[7] Those with allergies or sensitive skin will also benefit from organic cotton because it is hypoallergenic by design. In addition to being a safe and environmentally friendly option, it is also breathable, soft, and comfy, allowing you to get a good night’s rest.
Bamboo. The use of bamboo is an environmentally responsible choice. For people with sensitive skin allergies, bamboo is an excellent choice because it is hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and moisture-wicking.[8] In addition to being soft and comfortable, bamboo bedding is also a perfect choice for those who need breathable and temperature-regulating material.
Linen. Linen is a fabric crafted from flax plant fibers. It’s all-natural, lightweight, and strong. Those with sensitive skin or allergies may appreciate its hypoallergenic,[9] moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating properties.
Hemp. In addition to being hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and moisture-wicking by design, hemp is a sustainable and environmentally friendly material. It’s a long-lasting and sturdy material that won’t rot or collect bacteria and mildew.[10]
Tencel. Tencel is a specific form of rayon that is produced utilizing a closed-loop method and has a smaller carbon footprint than conventional rayon. Tencel is hypoallergenic and a good choice for folks with sensitive skin because it’s lightweight and doesn’t trap moisture against the skin.[11]
Silk. Silk is a high-end fabric that is light and airy, as well as hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking.[12] It also has the ability to moderate temperatures, making it useful both in the summer and winter.
Wool. Wool is a hypoallergenic and sustainable material that wicks away moisture and maintains a comfortable temperature.[13] It also has a natural resistance to flame, making it a more secure alternative to conventional bedding that has been chemically treated to prevent fires.
These are just a few alternatives to conventional bedding, but note, you do want them to all be organic, or at least untreated with any pesticides or fire retardants. Find certified organic products when shopping for alternatives to conventional bedding. Certifications such as the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Organic label, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and the Organic Content Standard (OCS) are your best bet for buying organic products prepared in a socially and environmentally conscious manner.
Are you ready to take action and make a safe and sustainable choice for your bed? Choosing safe bedding is important for your health, well-being, and the planet, but it can be difficult to know where to start. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through the process and give you the tools you need to make a wise choice.
Choose the Best Organic Products for Your Sleep Environment
First and foremost, when looking for safe bedding, look for certified organic products. Look for certifications such as USDA Organic, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and Organic Content Standard (OCS). They are your best bet for buying organic products prepared in a socially and environmentally conscious manner. These certificates guarantee that no toxic chemicals or pesticides were used in the making of the product and that it was made sustainably.
Another tip is to read the labels and product information carefully. Look for keywords such as “organic,” “natural,” “hypoallergenic,” and “non-toxic.” Again, it is critical to avoid products that have been treated with flame retardants, contain heavy metals, or contain formaldehyde to avoid ongoing exposure to these toxins.
Think about the manufacturing process and the company’s dedication to sustainability when you’re on the hunt for new bedding. Pick companies whose manufacturing methods minimize their environmental impact, such as those who rely on renewable energy, cut down on water usage, and employ eco-friendly packaging.
Consider the product’s expected lifespan and select materials with a long service life to lessen its influence on the environment over time.
Using these guidelines, you may pick a mattress that is both comfortable and environmentally friendly. The solutions accessible to you are better for you, your loved ones, and the earth as a whole, and you deserve better. Don’t put off making a change for a better, more sustainable future any longer than you have to.
At The Swell Score, we offer a complete array of Naturepedic bedding products for safe and healthy bedding options that includes mattresses for adults and children as well as pillows and sheets. You can also enjoy the cooling effects of bamboo bedding from our collection of sheets from Simply Organic Bamboo.
FAQs
Q: What are the risks associated with traditional bedding?
A: Traditional bedding is often treated with harmful chemicals and compounds that can have severe health consequences, including allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues, and even lead to cancer and other serious health problems.
Q: What are the alternatives to traditional bedding?
A: Alternatives to traditional bedding include organic versions of cotton, bamboo, linen, hemp, Tencel, silk, and wool. These are safer, healthier, and more sustainable options than traditional bedding.
Q: How can I ensure that I make a safe and sustainable choice for my bed?
A: To ensure you make a safe and sustainable choice for your bed, look for certified organic products and choose brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable production practices. Certifications such as USDA Organic, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and Organic Content Standard (OCS) provide assurance that the products are free of harmful chemicals and pesticides and are produced in an environmentally friendly way.
Q: How do I know if a bedding product is organic or not?
A: Look for certifications such as USDA Organic, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and Organic Content Standard (OCS), which ensures that the products are made with organic materials and are produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Also, you can read the labels and product information carefully and look for keywords such as “organic,” “natural,” “hypoallergenic,” and “non-toxic.”
Q: What are the benefits of organic cotton bedding?
A: Organic cotton bedding is free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and flame retardants, and it’s also naturally hypoallergenic, making it a great option for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Plus, it’s breathable, soft, and comfortable.
Q: Is organic cotton bedding more expensive than traditional bedding?
A: Organic cotton bedding may be more expensive than traditional bedding, but it’s worth the investment for the health benefits and environmental sustainability. Additionally, some organic cotton bedding can be found at a similar price point as traditional bedding.
The Bottom Line
Safe bedding is vital for your health, well-being, and the planet, but it can be daunting to choose. Safe bedding starts with certified organic goods. These certificates guarantee that the items are pesticide-free and eco-friendly. Carefully read labels and product information. Look for terms like “organic,” “natural,” “hypoallergenic,” and “non-toxic.” Avoid formaldehyde, flame retardants, and heavy metals.
Consider the company’s sustainability and manufacturing process, choosing brands that use renewable energy, water conservation, and eco-friendly packaging. For a lower environmental impact, select long-lasting materials. Act now for a healthier, more sustainable future.
[1] https://theroundup.org/can-bedsheets-be-toxic/
[2] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110610164633.htm
[3] https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/materials/flame_retardants_508.pdf
[4] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120216134328.htm
[5] https://www.saferstates.org/toxic-chemicals/toxic-flame-retardants/#:~:text=Flame%20Retardants%20have%20been%20shown,levels%20of%20these%20toxic%20chemicals.
[6] https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/earth-talk-the-green-nursery/
[7] https://www.ghp-news.com/the-positive-effects-of-organic-cotton-bedding-on-sleep/
[8] https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/bamboo-pillows-health-benefits
[9] https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-about-hemp-fabric
[10] https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-about-hemp-fabric
[11] https://www.mckinsey.com.br/~/media/mckinsey/industries/private%20equity%20and%20principal%20investors/our%20insights/investing%20in%20the%20growing%20sleep%20health%20economy/investing-in-the-growing-sleep-health-economy.pdf
[12] https://www.natlallergy.com/allergy-bedding-1/pillows-covers?gclid=Cj0KCQiA_bieBhDSARIsADU4zLf7FWyyifSwowBwgAyQc7Hvgdmzg-vljalkoVtoTwkQqXXIuBYKdJ8aApwBEALw_wcB
[13] https://iwto.org/the-amazing-benefits-of-sleeping-in-wool/
