Do organic mattress topper pads protect you from the regular foam mattresses underneath?

Likely, yes. While it is true that a vapor-proof encasement is the only way to seal VOCs inside of a foam mattress as they off-gas, a pad may help in two ways: 

1. Reducing mattress foam breakdown by reducing the amount of friction on the foam. Foam degradation releases semi-volatile organic compounds (sVOCs), which are relatively heavy molecules, meaning they don’t vaporize or off-gas into the air. An example of sVOCs are Flame Retardants, a very common foam additive in mattresses, which settle into dust. Having an organic and safe mattress pad between your body’s movements and the mattress containing sVOCs may help. 

2. Decreasing body heat in contact with the foam. Body heat in contact with mattresses is known to speed up off-gassing of VOCs. A mattress pad should reduce the amount of heat transfer between your body and the polyurethane foam.

Are organic mattress toppers worth it?  

Yes. The vast majority of mattresses 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 are added to mask any off-gassing smells.

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. One exception is 100% plant based foam in White Lotus mattresses (listed above).

Are there alternatives to chemical flame retardants?

Flame retardants are required in mattresses sold in the US. Chemical Flame Retardants, which are endocrine disruptors and carcinogens, have been the standard for decades. Luckily, the natural and organic mattress industry has replaced these with wool or graphite powder. You can also obtain a doctor’s note to get a mattress made without any flame retardants, even wool, from certain companies.