What is memory foam? Is memory foam toxic? Yo probably wondering about those things before buying memory foam products.
As memory foam is also known as viscoelastic foam, this term belies its basic properties: it becomes viscous and elastic when heat or weight is applied to it. That makes it ideal for relieving pressure on sensitive parts of the body such as the back, shoulders, hips, and spine.
Components of Memory Foam The basic components of memory foam can be used to determine its safety. A memory foam mattress contains polyurethane foam, which consists of three different chemical components: polyols, diisocyanates, and a carbon-based blowing agent. A chemical reaction occurs when these three ingredients are combined, resulting in a liquid. As the liquid cools, it hardens and becomes foam.
Is Memory Foam Toxic?
In the past, memory foam could contain a variety of potentially toxic chemicals. As an example, diisocyanates can irritate the mouth, nose, and eyes, and TDI in particular may cause cancer. During the manufacturing process, other substances could also be used. Despite this, as new research sheds light on the harmful effects of chemicals, more and more manufacturers are moving away from using them. Mattresses are generally considered harmless today, and chemicals used during the manufacturing process are usually fairly stable by the time they reach your home.
Many companies are reluctant to disclose what ingredients they use in the making of memory foam because they consider these blends to be a trade secret. Although not all harmful chemicals are banned, most mattress companies voluntarily submit their foams to third-party organizations that test them for the most common harmful chemicals. In recent years, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has cracked down on companies that make non-toxic claims without being able to back them up.
Can a Mattress Really Be Bad For You?
It makes sense that we would be concerned about potentially harmful chemicals in mattresses since we spend approximately a third of our lives in bed. Although memory foam is a relatively new technology, it still feels risky and untested to many consumers. Since memory foam is made up of natural latex substances as well as chemicals.
Currently, conventional memory foam material is manufactured using three main components. Here are the three elements listed for your convenience.
- Polyols: A petroleum oil-based ingredient that serves as a binder or bulking agent in latex mattresses.
- The blowing agent introduces carbon into the material to create foam.
- Polyurethane foam is created by reacting diisocyanates with polyols and blowing agents.
In your opinion, which of these three components is causing all of this concern? Sadly, there isn’t a simple answer. In the past, memory foam mattresses have been found to contain a few potentially harmful substances. Memory foam contains several well-known harmful substances, including:
- Acetone: High toxicity threshold, limited impact at low levels
- Toxin from adhesives known as formaldehyde
- Methylene aniline (MDA): Potential carcinogen
- Dimethylformamide: A suspected carcinogen
Although the chemical names above might sound frightening, the United States and international regulators have drastically reduced or eliminated these substances from memory foam latex mattresses. The majority of memory foam mattresses on the market today are non-toxic and pose no health risks. If you need best memory foam kitchen mat recommendation, we have a list you can check.
Do Memory Foam Mattresses Cause Health Problems ?
Mattresses and toppers made of lower-quality memory foam can cause health problems if not treated. Several substances can cause health problems in older or cheaply made memory foam mattresses, such as acetone, benzene, and methylene chloride. However, eco-friendly memory foam mattresses usually don’t contain these harmful ingredients.
Memory foam mattresses have gained momentum in recent years due to the “bed in a box” phenomenon, making quality mattresses readily available to anyone with an internet connection. Memory foam is one of the most popular types of bed-in-a-box mattresses because it is easy to compress and roll up.
As a result, memory foam is a favorite material for mattresses because it conforms closely to the body and relieves pressure points, making it a popular choice for those who suffer from chronic pain. In addition, it is virtually noiseless, and thanks to its responsive structure, it isolates motion better than traditional innerspring beds.
Despite memory foam’s versatility, some people skip buying it due to concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals. These days, most mattress companies manufacture their memory foam using natural manufacturing processes, and their foams are certified by various organizations as “clean.” This article will explain how memory foam is made, how it is manufactured, and what to look for in non-toxic memory foam mattresses.
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