Choosing Safer Products: Mattresses and Changing Pads
| PRODUCT TYPE: | CHOOSE | AVOID |
| Crib & Child Mattresses |
Wool, cotton, or natural latex mattresses or futons. Examples include: |
Polyurethane foam mattresses treated with toxic flame retardants.
Mattresses with vinyl covers, antibacterial or stain-resistant coatings. |
| Mattress Pads & Puddle Pads |
Wool, cotton, or polyester pads. Wool pads have the additional benefit of being naturally water-resistant. Safer waterproofing materials include polyethylene or polyurethane laminate. Examples include: |
Polyurethane foam pads, such as eggshell pads.
Pads with vinyl, antibacterial or stain-resistant coatings. |
| Changing Pads |
Wool or cotton filled contour pads, or portable fabric pads. Safer waterproofing materials include polyethylene or polyurethane laminate.
Examples include: |
Pads that contain vinyl, polyurethane foam, or stain-resistant coatings. |
Healthy Tips!
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If you already own an item containing polyurethane foam, ask the manufacturer if it is treated with toxic flame retardants. If so, consider replacing it with one of the healthier options above.
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Mattresses can contain various types of flame retardants. Wool is naturally flame-resistant, and some polyurethane foam mattresses use chemical-free barriers to meet fire safety standards.
- Confused about finishes or coatings on fabrics? There are many types, but the most important ones to avoid are vinyl/PVC and stain-resistance treatments (such as Crypton, Teflon, and GoreTM) Polyurethane laminate (PUL) and polyethylene are better waterproofing choices than vinyl/PVC.