If you’re not looking for a chemistry lesson, just know that polyurethane is an organic plastic that’s highly flexible, which makes it great for mattresses. Kapok is said to be hypoallergenic, mold resistant, water resistant and quick drying. The guidelines above for choosing a safer mattress or non toxic mattress topper can help determine which mattresses are made from natural and non toxic materials instead of those made from chemicals or synthetics. Polyurethane emits toxic fumes or VOC's (volatile organic compounds) which you breathe in while you are sleeping. (4). Ironically, tonight I saw a news report- this man worked in a mattress factory and shed light on toxicity of chemicals on mattresses--it was like boric acid, for fire retardant. However, most “cooling pillows” are using gels, foams and other man-made materials that promise to whisk away heat. Type of Eco Pillow | Memory Foam. Latex foam is the perfect cushion material because it can keep its shape for 20 years. (8) In view of its widespread use, toxicity and volatility, exposure to formaldehyde is a significant consideration for health. VOCs are known for breaking up and forming toxic gases. Shop Other Products. When it comes to long-term effects, VOCs are linked to possible damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system as well as cancer. (5), Fungi in pillows and other locations in the home continue to make headlines as people with compromised immune systems or asthma need to be especially careful. Even some innerspring mattresses contain foam made of propylene oxide and TDI. Shop now! Bamboo Pillow (2-Pack) - Premium Pillows for Sleeping - Shredded Memory Foam Pillow with Washable Pillow Cover - Adjustable Loft - (Queen) 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,224 $59.99 $ 59 . Keep reading to find out. Of course, only a chemical-free pillow should make it into the category of best pillows. (Beware of Hidden Collagen Killer), Leaky Gut Syndrome: 7 Signs You May Have It, Dangers of Bleach + NEVER Mix Bleach with These 3 Cleaning Ingredients, 9 Candida Symptoms and 3 Steps to Treat Them, How to Stop Diarrhea: Causes, Risk Factors and Home Remedies, How to Get Rid of Herpes Symptoms Naturally. But polyurethane is made from petroleum chemicals that can emit VOCs—harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory irritation or … Read on to learn about materials, certifications, and how to avoid “greenwashing.”, Piecing Together the Organic Pillow Puzzle, Kapok Pillows: Everything You Need to Know. If your pillow is off-gassing harmful chemicals from synthetic foam or your skin is coming into contact with chemically-treated materials, you’ll be exposed to this for hours every night. I’m here to tell you that it may be time to reassess your idea of pollution and where it can come from. They can be better than a lot of the synthetic options, but I have some more unique ideas that you may enjoy even more. What is Polyurethane Foam? Some manufacturers of foam pillows use industrial strength perfumes and deodorizers to mask the chemical odors coming from the foam. Now, of course, I know that memory foam is some of the most toxic stuff in our homes and definitely not something you want to press your face against all night. The health concerns are great. MDI and TDI both need to be handled carefully during the manufacturing process. You definitely want to avoid mattresses made with polyurethane foam, but the plastic is a different story. If you’re sleeping on a polyurethane or memory foam pillow, you may want to reevaluate. Wool is also naturally flame and dust mite resistant. Buckwheat pillows are filled with buckwheat hulls and are touted as a hypo-allergic, eco-friendly and therapeutic pillow option. If you see a waterproof mattress protector made with polyurethane plastic, you’ll … However, many human-made ingredients which we used ourselves around the home each day are also classified as toxic. Kapok is also used as stuffing for toys and cushions. Start with your pillow and work your way up to an organic mattress. And of course, I’m about to answer this very important question: What are the best and healthiest pillows? NOTE: We recently found a polyurethane foam breastfeeding pillow we actually feel comfortable recommending! Some say a latex pillow can be a great choice if you struggle with back pain. Millet pillows are recommended as one of the best pillows for neck pain since like buckwheat pillows, they can contour to your head and neck. So what should you buy? I received MYPillow and noticed a strong smell. Breathing the fumes can be dangerous, especially for infants and children and can cause health issues. The problem is that this foam often mainly consists of something called polyurethane. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. (6), As the CDC points out, “Most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without getting sick. Like buckwheat, millet is a gluten-free ancient grain, but putting millet inside of a pillow makes for a different sleeping experience. These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can linger in your home and can be linked to not only pillows but mattresses, furniture, paint, flooring, and more. If pillows are using only natural materials, such as wool, which are known to naturally regulate body temperature, then they wouldn’t be toxic. Sleep position note: This can be a healthy pillow for neck and shoulder tension. In fact, foam is one of the most common synthetic fillings of pillows today. At the university of Manchester, various samples from feather and synthetic pillows were studied. The washable top piece is a plush knit fabric which contains 80% organic cotton and 20% polyester. For example, a very lightly filled organic wool pillow may be your best pillow option if you’re a stomach sleeper (more on why you ideally don’t want to be a stomach sleeper later in this section). Ideally, you should try not to sleep on your stomach since stomach sleeping is known for having such negative affects on the back and entire spine. This fungus may also be responsible for increasing the symptoms of asthma and allergic sinusitis. You may also consider purchasing an allergy encasement for your mattress. Is Thermoset Polyurethane Foam Toxic? ... polyurethane foam pillow; shredded memory foam pillow *See offer details. Both are usually recommended for side and back sleepers. Luckily, you don’t have to rest your head on a toxic pillow. If allergies to natural substances like wool or feathers are a concern, your best pillow option may be one made out of latex. The types of health problems caused by Aspergillus include allergic reactions, lung infections, and infections in other organs.” (7). A popular pillow choice is one filled with foam. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more. It’s known that formaldehyde can cause concerning symptoms including watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, nausea, skin irritation and burning sensations of the eyes, nose or throat. I was disturbed all night thinking I was breathing toxic off gassing. Polyurethane: As mentioned above, the most prominent chemical in memory foam is polyurethane. This substance is not safe for use in the U.S. since 2004 due to health concerns. Another way to detox your bedroom is to simply air your mattress. The simple act of opening your windows wide open to allow fresh air inside can do wonders for your health. PharMeDoc Blue Cooling Memory Foam Pillow Ventilated Hole-Punch Memory Foam Bed Pillow Infused with Cooling Gel - Removable Pillow Case 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,244 $19.95 $ 19 . As such, memory foams have traditionally used polybrominated diphenyl ethers (or PBDEs) for flame retardation. No one ever really thinks of indoor air quality or associates pollution with their comfy pillow, mattresses and bed sheets. (1), Another danger connected to these compounds is the fact that they aren’t biodegradable. Although organic products may be more expensive, they are a worthy investment that will benefit you in the long run. Secret Detox Drink Recipe (A Natural Detox Drink Recipe), How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne (DIY Recipe), How to Get Rid of Bags Under the Eyes: 13 Easy, Natural Ways, The Best Sunscreens, Toxic Ones to Avoid & the State of Sunscreen in America, Brain Detox: Is It Time for a Cleanse? However, people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases are at a higher risk of developing health problems due to Aspergillus. Polyurethane foam mattresses, dubbed “solid gasoline”, can give off toxic fumes that may be linked to short- and long- term health conditions. (12) You can easily find kapok pillows with an organic cotton case. By replacing your foam pillow with one made of polyester fiber or feathers, you can reduce your risk of PBDEs-related health problems. Change your bed linens every week and a half. Instead, you’ll be supporting a company that utilizes the planet’s natural resources to create safe and cozy products. Polyurethane is made when methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) react with polyols. Price | $99.… Pricing, promotions and availability may vary by location and at Target.com. When shopping for a pillow, it’s important to look for organic and natural materials. Keep reading to learn about this comfy fiber you’re sure to love. The only non-toxic memory foam out there is Essentia, which is natural latex-based Polyurethane foam, for example is highly toxic due to additives to make it into a foam. There are plenty of other options that are both safe and comfortable. Buckwheat hull pillows are sometimes suggested for people with osteoarthritis, moderate to severe disc degeneration and spinal stenosis. My guess is that images of factories full of smoke come to mind, or rivers and oceans filled with debris, oil and sludge. 20 Strategies to Fall Asleep Fast! Sleep position note: The best pillow for side sleepers as well as back sleepers may be a buckwheat pillow. As long as you’re not allergic to wool then a pillow made from this organic fiber can be a good option. Your best pillow option depends largely on your personal preference and favorite sleep position. If you want to detox your entire bedroom in addition to your pillow, you can also change your bedding and mattress. I’ve previously shared some healthy and delicious millet recipes, but did you know that millet is also used as a natural, hypoallergenic pillow filling? What is a kapok pillow? Millet pillows are typically fluffier and less firm than buckwheat pillows. (9) In June 10, 2011, the U.S. National Toxicology Program even described formaldehyde as “known to be a human carcinogen.” (10). (11). (14) Is this the best organic pillow for neck pain? Given no testing was conducted only time will tell on how effects of their use impact human health. Organic wool pillows are breathable and can regulate temperature well, making them a good choice year-round. Our Company. Once ignited, flexible polyurethane foam can burn rapidly, generating great heat and dangerous and potentially toxic gases that can be harmful and fatal to people if inhaled in sufficient quantities. What is the best kind of pillow? Is a polyurethane pillow safe? While these rate relatively low on the toxicity scale, they’re very soft thermoplastics that continuously emit minute plastic vapors as the fiber warms against your body. All of the pillows just mentioned are available with an organic cotton cover, but 100 percent organic cotton pillows are organic cotton both inside and out. To manufacture memory foam, chemicals are added to polyurethane to make it … Other Products. Polyurethane foam is used in most mattresses on the market. According to Wikipedia, memory foam is “polyurethane with additional chemicals increasing its viscosity and density.” Memory foam can be found in mattresses, toppers, pillows, and more. We spend about a third of our lives sleeping so the sheets we crawl into every night are just as important as the clothes we slip on in the morning as we get ready to start our day. It’s true! It’s a natural material often described as light and airy. But no matter if you sleep on your back, side or stomach, I hope you will soon be resting your head on a chemical-free pillow if you’re not doing so already. If you’re someone who is particularly sensitive to allergens, we recommend a pillow allergy cover. Unlike natural latex which derives from rubber tree sap, these synthetic foams are man-made and may be off-gassing harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene. A popular pillow choice is one filled with foam. 20 Strategies to Fall Asleep Fast! Kapok is actually the fluffy fiber that surrounds the seeds. Most mattresses now are either entirely memory foam or hybrid mattresses containing memory foam and coils. Read Next: Can’t Sleep? It is made with two separate pieces of fabric that zip together around the bottom edge. Scientists found that the pillows contained a disturbing fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus, which is especially known for causing infection for people with asthma, leukaemia and bone marrow transplant patients. Shop Pillows. Just because a casing is 100% cotton, doesn’t mean the cotton is free of toxins. That said, there are various reports and studies which indicate that memory foam may be somewhat toxic. Finding a non-toxic mattress is super important but also super confusing to work through. We design, manufacture and sell several accessories to complement our core products. Another great chemical free pillow option is one made from organic cotton. They’re the hard outer shells that contain the buckwheat seeds (buckwheat is actually an edible seed that is used as a cereal grain). Are Foam Pillows Toxic? I try to minimize my exposure to these harmful chemicals as best I can. The foam in our natural latex pillow is made through a special manufacturing process and covered with organic cotton. Formaldehyde may be better known for being found in furniture and other wood products, but it can also be found in some pillows! Most memory foam is made of polyurethane and it’s usually more toxic than your standard polyurethane foam, though they are not all the same. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. In high school, I had a memory foam pillow that I loved so much I took it with me when I had a sleepover at a friend’s house. Just make sure it’s a 100 percent natural latex. In fact, foam is one of the most … I just bought a 100% polyurethane foam pillow! Toxic Polyurethane Foam Filling. Organic bedding, whether pillows or blankets, is the natural choice. Most of the cheaper memory mattresses come from polyurethane foam. Or you may be thinking, what is the best pillow for me? This morning I looked at the tag and see it's 100% Shredded Polyurethane Foam. We’ve known about the possibility of fungal contamination of our bedding since the 1930s. What is kapok stuffing? You can learn more about memory foam here. If you’re looking for a cervical pillow, you can find a natural latex version in stores or online. (3), This is why the EWG recommends completely avoiding any foam products manufactured prior to 2005 and if you are going to buy household products that contain foam then opt for ones made after 2014. Some flame retardants use chemicals that have been linked to endocrine disruption, neurological damage and cancer. To buy healthy pillows (and healthy home products in general), it’s so important to thoroughly read labels, conduct some thorough research and don’t hesitate to ask manufactures very specific questions about what’s in their products. 95 Immediate effects of exposure to VOCs can include irritation to your eyes and nose. & detox juicing guide. 99 Even the more expensive brands contain some of the most toxic substances. These are just some of the potential dangers lurking in many pillows and why I strongly suggest switching to a healthier, more natural option. Just don’t be surprised to hear your buckwheat pillow making some crinkling and crunching sounds as it contours around your head and neck. So, I go get my mail tonight and in Health magazine, there is a huge write up on toxicity in our homes. 30 Gluten-Free Recipes (+ 5 Natural Remedies), Benefits of Grandparents (+ How to Stay Connected from Afar), Effects of Negative Thinking + How to Overcome Negativity Bias, Bad News for Your Brain: Artificially Sweetened Drinks Increase Risk of Stroke and Dementia, How Endocrine Disruptors Destroy Your Body + The Dirty Dozen to Avoid, Is It Bad to Whiten Your Teeth? These masking fragrances are designed to be pleasant, but are likely to be composed of dangerous synthetic scents adding another level of hazard to an already toxic pillow. Sadly, that pillow you’re putting your head on every single night could be described as “dangerous” or “health hazardous,” and I’m about to tell you why. 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