Do you often wake up with back pain or feeling less rested than you would if you’d slept on the couch? Well, your problem may very well be your mattress. how old is your bed? If it’s older than eight years, then you should consider shopping for a new one. But if your mattress is fairly new, then the issue may be in the quality of it. A super hard bed could potentially cause problem if your body is meant for a plusher consistency. So what are your options? Have you given any thought to a memory foam mattress? They have lots to offer in the way of proper back support. The real important question is, are memory foam mattresses safe for sleeping? The short answer is yes, but let’s take a look at some of the concerns. The Skinny On Memory Foam What Are The Key Dangers People Are Talking About 1) They’re Full of Chemicals 2) They Give Off Horrible Emissions 3) They Irritate the Skin So, Why Use Chemicals at All? How To Choose A Memory Foam Bed That’s Right For You
So what’s the deal with them, anyways? When they first came on the market, everyone praised them for their ability to provide a better night’s sleep. But nowadays, there are ideas floating around that they could be dangers. What Are The Key Dangers People Are talking About? So, Why Use Chemicals At All? There are a few reasons why the memory foam manufacturers use certain substances in their products and it’s all with one goal in mind; to produce a material that retains its original form and provides support to the body. Here are the factors broken down. Almost all memory foam is created with a flame retardant coating to prevent the cause or spread of fires. The one thing that makes a memory foam bed, well, just that, is its ability for memory retention. This is when you lay on it all night long, feeling it conform to your body and supporting the right areas, and then the bed assuming its original form after you remove yourself. No worn out springs or lumpy beds here!
These types of beds actually work with the heat of your body to provide an even better sleeping experience. Activated by your body heat, it targets those areas to even out and make your more comfortable. So, with all of this in mind, just remember that companies like these are always listening to their consumers and constantly bettering their products. They’d have to in order to stay in business. So, over time, these beds have improved and upgraded to cut down and even eliminate some of these harmful chemicals. Here’s what to look for when choosing a mattress for yourself. 1) Look for beds that are made from plant based materials like this AmeriSleep Mattress. These produce far less VOCs than that of one made from petroleum. 2) Find out if the material is made with MDI or TDI. MDI is much safer than the latter. 3) Learn where it was made. In the US and UK, there are stricter rules and regulations in regards to the use of chemicals in products. 4) If you can’t find a memory foam mattress to your liking then consider a hybrid product using latex.
They compare well on a lot of levels but sometimes offer more in the way of reduced chemicals and emissions. So remember, if you’re concerned about the dangers of these beds, think of the following: -plant based materials are better -find out where it’s made. US and UK are better -Consider hybrid latex options with less chemicals. Overall, the answer is yes. Memory foam mattresses are safe to sleep on…if you choose one wisely. Do your research, don’t be afraid to call the manufacturer and ask for clarification. Like any new product, when these came onto the scene, companies didn’t expect there to be such an issue with consumers and chemicals. But it’s clear that they listen, because there are tons of great alternatives and new memory foam products that are much better for you. Personally, I like the AmeriSleep. It hits all the right points when looking for a safer bed and it’s got great customer reviews. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to share your favorite memory foam mattress, feel free to comment below!
Air out a memory-foam mattress to reduce its odor. Some new memory foam, also known as visco-elastic polyurethane foam, emits odors that may be bothersome at night when your face is so near the mattress, pillow or mattress topper made from the foam. Some memory foam products, such as mattresses and mattress toppers, are treated with flame-retardants to comply with federal standards regarding mattress flammability. These chemicals, also known as volatile organic compounds, "off gas" or escape from the foam, causing odor that dissipates over time. Employ a few tactics to help the odor disappear more quickly. Air It Out Remove new memory foam from the outer plastic packaging surrounding it. If possible, place the foam outdoors for at least a few hours on a dry, non-humid day. A porch will suffice if you'd rather not leave it out in the open. If you're unable to take the foam mattress, pillow or topper outdoors, prop it up in a room against a chair or wall so it ventilates from all sides. Open the windows and turn on a window fan drawing air out of the room.
The longer the foam product airs out, the less noticeable the odor will be. Baking Soda Solution Baking soda -- the same type used to deodorize a refrigerator -- also helps de-fume memory foam. After airing out the memory foam, sprinkle baking soda all over the mattress, topper or pillow and allow it to sit for an hour or so. Vacuum away the baking soda with an upholstery brush attachment. Apply the baking soda directly on the foam object, rather than on a sheet or pillowcase, for best results. Room Refresher A brand new memory foam mattress may make the entire room smell for a few days. Place a bowl of white vinegar in the room to help remove the odor from the air; as the mattress off-gases, airborne odors will be absorbed. If you don't care for the smell of vinegar, place the vinegar in the room and leave it out all day while you're away, then dump the vinegar down the drain before bedtime. Vinegar also helps deodorize drains. Keep It Fresh Mattresses, pillows and bedding absorb sweat simply from sleeping on them;