In this guide:
- The importance of creating a safe, non-toxic bedroom
- Our recommendations on the best organic cotton mattresses
We spend a third of our lives in our bedrooms everyday. Young children spend nearly half of their day sleeping in the bedroom. Dr. Neil B. Kavey, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City explains, "Sleep is the time when the body does most of its repair work; muscle tissue is rebuilt and restored. We know, for example, that a growth hormone is secreted during sleep. This hormone is important for growth in children, but is also important throughout adulthood in rebuilding tissues."
To create a safe, non-toxic haven for your body to rejuvenate and heal every night, environmental health physicians recommend that your bedroom be free of as many synthetic chemicals as possible. One of the largest sources of chemicals? Your mattress.
What’s wrong with conventional mattresses?
Most conventional mattresses are made with polyurethane foam (a petroleum-based material), polyester, and vinyl (PVC). According to the EPA this off-gassing foam emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been linked to respiratory problems and skin irritation among other health problems. Most mattresses are also treated with chemical fire retardants. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin and can accumulate in the body for years. Some examples of these commonly found chemical offenders include:
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Boric Acid (used as a pesticide) → reproductive and developmental toxin
- Antimony (heavy metal similar to arsenic) → heart and lung damage, carcinogen
- Decabromodiphenyl Oxide → hair and memory loss, carcinogen
- Formaldehyde → asthma, allergies, carcinogen
- Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs used as a fire retardant) → liver toxicity, thyroid dysfunction,neurodevelopmental and reproductive issues
Flame retardants found in bedding and mattresses are SVOCs (semi-volatile organic compounds) that are odorless and ride on dust. These seemingly non-existent SVOCs continue to emanate from the mattress for the life of the bed and contaminate the dust in the bedroom.
The solution? An organic cotton mattress
Organic cotton mattresses are made without the use of synthetic chemicals including chemical flame retardants, heavy metals or vinyl. At MightyNest we promise to help you wade through the research and simplify making decisions on what healthy products to bring into your home. As such we've vetted several organic mattresses and have chosen to carry only the best, most comfortable organic mattresses and bedding. No chemical flame retardants, heavy metals or PVC here!
We have chosen to carry organic mattresses by Naturepedic. Naturepedic is a certified organic processor of fiber, textiles and latex, and is certified to manufacture organic mattresses and bedding under the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). Naturepedic organic mattresses and bedding are also certified by Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO) and Control Union (CU).
Our Guide to the best organic cotton mattresses
Mattresses should always stay dry. When mattresses get wet, it can produce an environment for mold and mildew to grow, which is a health hazard. For the little ones we recommend selecting the crib mattress that's right for you + a waterproof mattress pad to safeguard against accidents as well as provide an additional dust mite barrier.
Naturepedic Ultra - Organic Cotton Crib Mattress
Take a step up in comfort and construction quality while getting the same great benefits of the Classic.
$359
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Naturepedic Quilted Deluxe - Organic Cotton Mattress
Easily transitions from baby to a comfortable toddler mattress. Not waterproof so definitely consider a waterproof mattress pad.
$399
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Naturepedic Quilted Side & Water Proof Side - Organic Cotton Mattress
Combines the benefits of the Ultra and Quilted mattresses into one mattress. When baby is young use the ultra waterproof side. When comfort grows in priority (and accidents decline) flip to the quilted side.
$399
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Twin and Full Mattresses with Waterproof Protection
Naturepedic Quilted Side & Water Proof Side - Organic Cotton Mattress
Water proof on one side and quilted for comfort on the other. A great transition bed for little ones who are ready to move out of the crib but not quite done with nightime accidents. Start out on the waterproof side and flip to the comfortable side when ready.
Twin Size Mattress: $749 to $1,148 (w/foundation)
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Full Size Mattress: $999 to $1,498 (w/foundation)
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Twin, Full and Queen Mattresses without Waterproof Protection
MightyTip: If you’re not in the market for a new mattress just yet or are saving up to make this change, using a mattress pad made from organic cotton and wool over your mattress will help. Another option is to use a mattress cover made of a tightly woven barrier cloth with a high thread count to help protect you from the chemicals in an unhealthy mattress.
As always, we’ll give 15% of every purchase at MightyNest back to your school. Upgrade your mattress to create a safe sleeping environment, and we’ll give a sizable donation back to your local school! Create a safe, healthy home and your school benefits. Now that’s a sound decision.
