One of the more popular questions I get asked by new patients is what is the best mattress. My answer is always the same: there's not 1 best mattress out there and it really depends on the person. I go on to talk about how we are all different heights, weights and densities and truth is- some surfaces will do better for you than others. So it is a bit of trial and error when it comes to finding the right one. However, there are a few things that EVERYONE should consider when purchasing sleep aids.

A great mattress that properly supports your body is the first step to getting great, restorative sleep. The problem is that over 90% of mattresses contain toxic chemicals!!! Some common chemicals found in mattresses include polybrominated diphenyl ethers, boric acid, formaldehyde, and antimony. This is why I recommend Keetsa Eco Friendly Mattresses and Pillows.

1. Is your bed causing toxic build up? By law, mattresses have to pass certain standards for being flame retardant. As many of the substances used to make regular mattresses are not naturally flame retardant, this means that manufacturers must add chemicals to be able to satisfy the flame retardant requirements (which include it not catching fire when a blow torch is used on it). According to an article taken from Dr. Joseph Mercola,

“Manufacturers are dousing them [mattresses] with highly toxic flame-retardant chemicals like polybrominated diphenyl ether, better known as PBDE, which do NOT have to be disclosed in any way.

PBDEs, which have been banned in Canada, Europe and several states, build up in your body over time, and what you absorb or inhale does not go away. This is concerning not only because of the health problems PBDE is associated with (brain and reproductive damage, decreased sperm quality, thyroid problems and even cancer at high levels), but also because of how pervasive these chemicals have become.”

Considering how much time we spend sleeping, the chemicals in a mattress can be a big source of exposure that ultimately cause allergies, asthma, fertility problems/hormone imbalance and even autism in sensitive individuals.

2. Is your bed radiating you while you sleep?
There's even good solid evidence for the potential dangers of the springs of mattresses amplifying electromagnetic radiation during sleep. (For this reason, and also to reduce inflammation, It's a good idea to sleep on a grounding mat on your bed). Studies show that the springs used to support your mattress can be magnetized, and sleeping on a mattress that has magnetized springs is not a good idea for your health. A simple way to confirm that the mattress you’re purchasing isn’t magnetized is to take a liquid-filled compass and move it over the entire surface of the mattress. If the compass reading for the north pole is not deflected more than 10 degrees, then the likelihood of the springs being magnetized is pretty low.

Even if a mattress isn’t causing these problems, switching to organic/natural options is an easy way to reduce chemical exposure.

So How Should You Shop for a Mattress?

This is not an easy task. Manufacturers are not required to label or disclose which chemicals their mattresses contain. Further, many state that their mattresses are chemical-free, when in reality they are not. One way to find a safe mattress is to have a doctor or your austin chiropractor :) write you a prescription for a chemical-free mattress, and then find a manufacturer to make one for you. You can also search for 100% wool, toxin-free mattresses, Latex/Natural Rubber materials or Organic Cottons.

A second option that seems reliable is finding a mattress that uses a Kevlar, bullet-proof type of material in lieu of chemicals for fire-proofing. These are available in most big stores, and will help you to avoid some of the toxicity.

If cost is an issue then get creative and make your own mattress…
Start by purchasing 100% organic cotton or flannel blankets. Sew them together at the end, put them in cotton berry or a cloth cover and you’ll have a mattress that’s relatively inexpensive

If you already have a mattress at home, putting it into a waterproof mattress cover may also help to reduce your exposure to toxins.

Buy Eco-Friendly and Green Keetsa Mattresses. Shop Now!