More About Organic Sofas and Non Toxic Couches

Is an organic couch worth it?

Yes! Sofas are materially complicated, and a high-touch surface, making a healthy one important. They’re arguably the most important part of a non toxic living room, since you’re likely spending time in direct contact with it every day. Read about each layer by clicking on the symbols below each brand above. This way, even if you don’t choose the absolute healthiest option (which can be quite an investment) you’ll be thoroughly informed about your decision.

What is an organic couch made of?

Typically, natural couches are made of solid wood frames and legs, screws and non-toxic glue that holds it together, springs, organic rubber latex wrapped in wool to act as a natural flame retardant, and an organic cotton or linen upholstery.

What is natural latex?

Natural latex is the same thing as natural rubber. It comes from the Hevea brasiliensis tree. It is a milky white liquid that can be baked to form a springy, foam-like substance. There are two types, depending on how it is processed— Dunlop and Talalay. Read about the difference here. FYI, natural rubber latex is often confused with synthetic (human-made) latex, which is made of the chemical mixture styrene-butadiene— but they’re obviously very different!

What is in regular polyurethane foam?

The vast majority of couches are made of polyurethane, which is made of 6 main chemicals. The first two, diisocyanates and polyols, combine to make the basic structure of foam. Then, a blowing agent is added to make it fluffier. Finally, surfactants and curatives are added to keep it stable. Catalysis are the sixth class of chemical used, and they are helpful in timing the above reactions. Read this very detailed explanation here.

Theoretically, polyols and isocyanates are mixed together in a perfect ratio so they become chemically cured. This means they stop reacting together, and the final product is an inert piece of polyurethane foam. If it were truly inert, it would be considered safe to humans because no off-gassing or further reacting is happening. However, this ratio is not always achieved, and the EPA is concerned that foam products being sold to consumers are not fully cured. Read about it here. 

Beyond just the 2 main building blocks, many chemicals are mixed into polyurethane foam to change its reaction speed, density, smell, fire resistance, or other properties. One such chemical is stannous octoate, a catalyst, that is a Reprotoxic 1B chemical that may damage unborn children (fetuses). This can also include antimicrobials and flame retardants, which are endocrine disruptors. Finally, sometimes synthetic fragrances or formaldehyde scavengers are added to mask any off-gassing smells.

Does latex last as long as foam?

It lasts longer! Polyurethane foam is typically rated to last 8-10 years before it breaks down and needs replacing, whereas latex lasts 10-12 years.

Is CertiPUR foam safe?

CertiPUR foam still has many toxic substances in it. For example, until late 2023, stannous octoate (which can harm unborn children) was still permitted in CertiPUR foams. While it’s undeniably a good thing they’re not approving foam made with it anymore, this still shows that their stance on health is conservative and reactionary, rather than health-centered and forward-thinking. I would much rather see a long list of what is IN their foam, rather than a short list of what’s NOT in it. 

This is in part because CertiPUR is not a third-party certification. It is a second-party certification, meaning the synthetic foam industry itself created the standards and chose a lab to test its products for them. It prohibits the use of formaldehyde, heavy metals, some (but not all) phthalates, and some (but not all) flame retardants.  Protecting the foam industry is in their best interest (valued at $43.7 billion in 2023) and consumers demanding healthier alternatives are a major threat. 

I get a little riled up about it becuase it is a perfect example of healthwashing— people buying products that appear healthier than they actually are.

Is soy foam non toxic? 

Unfortunately, no. This is still polyurethane foam, with a small amount of soybean mixed in to give the illusion of a healthier product.

What should I do if I can’t afford a non-toxic couch?

Lots of things: dusting, mopping, and vacuuming weekly can pick up any sVOCs (like Flame Retardants) that come from couches invisibly shedding over time. You can ventilate by opening windows daily to help release any VOCs off-gassing from foam. And, you can consider an organic couch cover which may help protect you from anything nasty underneath.