Non-Toxic Living: Bedroom Essentials—Mattress, Sheets, Furniture, & More
One of the reasons you wake up sluggish may have less to do with stress or that late night snack. Our bedrooms can harbor hidden toxins lurking in mattresses, sheets, pillows, and even the air we breathe.
A global study, reported by the EcoWaste Coalition, has revealed the presence of harmful environmental toxins in household dust, as highlighted in the report "Home Sweet Home: Dusty Surprises Under the Bed." The study analyzed bedroom dust samples from various countries. Results showed alarming levels of toxic substances such as alkylphenols, bisphenol A, flame retardants, perfluorinated chemicals, phthalates, and heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury, raising concerns about human exposure even during sleep.
These chemicals can disrupt sleep, irritate allergies, and even impact long-term health. Fortunately, creating a non-toxic sleep sanctuary is easier than you think.
The Non-Toxic Bedroom
Bed
When look for a mattress, prioritize materials such as certified organic cotton, natural latex, or wool, known for their breathability and reduced likelihood of containing harmful chemicals. Look for certifications like GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) or Oeko-Tex Standard 100 for added assurance. Conversely, steer clear of mattresses treated with harsh flame retardants or featuring synthetic materials like polyurethane foam, as they emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that impact indoor air quality.
Top Picks:
My Green Mattress (GOTS and GOLS certified, GreenGuard Gold certified by UL Labs and MadeSafe® certified)
Avocado Green Mattress (GOLS-certified organic latex). Kids options also available.
Kiwi Organic Green Mattress (GOTS and GOLS certified,. GreenGuard Gold certified by UL Labs and MadeSafe® certified)
Birch (GOTS certified, GREENGUARD Gold Certified by UL Environment, eco-INSTITUT Certified). Kids options also available.
Topper: Green Mattress Organic Latex Topper (GOTS certified). Organic mattresses can be expensive so consider a more affordable option with a topper.
Pillows
In your search for pillows, prioritize options made from certified organic materials like cotton or hypoallergenic alternatives such as buckwheat or kapok. These choices offer breathable and comfortable properties, especially suitable for allergy-prone individuals. Avoid pillows with synthetic fills or chemical flame retardants.
Top Picks:
My Green Mattress Charcoal Infused Latex Pillow (GOTS certified)
Happsy (GOTS and GOLS certified)
Organic Textiles (GOTS, GOLS, and OEKO-TEX certified)
Sheets
Consider opting for sheets crafted from organic cotton or linen, as these natural fibers offer breathability and are gentle on the skin. Conversely, steer clear of sheets containing synthetic materials like polyester.
Top Picks:
My Green Mattress (GOTS certified)
Avocado Green (GOTS certified organic cotton)
Tissaj Organic Bedding (GOTS and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified)
Furniture
When looking for new furniture, prioritize solid wood pieces certified as sustainable or crafted from recycled materials, coupled with low-VOC paints and finishes for a healthier indoor environment. Steer clear of pressed wood furniture, as it may contain formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Top Picks:
West Elm (CARB Phase II compliant): West Elm offers a wide range of bedroom furniture, from dressers and nightstands to beds and bookshelves. They prioritize using sustainable materials like reclaimed wood and recycled metals, and their furniture is CARB Phase II compliant for low-VOC emissions.
Floyd (FSC-certified beechwood, low-emission glues and finishes): Floyd's minimalist and modern furniture is crafted with sustainability in mind. Their platform beds and dressers are made from FSC-certified beechwood and use low-emission glues and finishes.
Saatva (Greenguard Gold certified): Saatva offers a variety of bedroom furniture pieces, including beds, dressers, and nightstands. Their furniture is Greenguard Gold certified to meet strict chemical emission standards.
Thuma (CARB Phase II compliant, FSC-certified wood): Thuma's handcrafted furniture is built from solid wood and finished with natural oils and waxes. Their furniture is CARB Phase II compliant and FSC-certified.
Air Purifier
You’re (hopefully) spending about a third of your life in this room so the quality of the air at this time is important. Pollutants in the home can be 2-5 times more concentrated than outside the home. Research shows that this can decrease sleep by 30 minutes or more and one study found an association between indoor air pollutants and reduced sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and blood saturation levels, especially in the summertime.
If your neighborhood has minimal air pollution (check Airnow.gov) then open the windows. When you can’t do this (due to the air or the weather) then choose an air purifier. Find a HEPA filter air purifier designed to cover the space it is used in. We use the Alen FIT50 and the Alen BreatheSmart 75i air purifiers because they are quiet, look nice, and they’re some of the most affordable HEPA filters on the market.
Top Picks:
Learn More
To learn more about toxins, check out The Non-Toxic Living Guidebook: Hacks, Strategies, & Natural Products for Better Health. I wrote this comprehensive guide as a way to break down the complexity of toxins into a simple, easy-to-read format with practical tips and clickable links to the least toxic products I could find. Get your copy today and use the code MBD20 at checkout for a 20% discount. You can also get a paperback or hardcopy on Amazon.
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