It’s very possible that  the sleep you get, even if it’s 8 hours and incredibly restorative, could also be leading to you getting sick.

I know, it’s yet another thing to worry about, and I get that it can be exhausting to try and figure out what’s good and what’s bad out in the world today.

But, if you’re struggling with health issues and can’t seem to nail down what’s wrong…there’s a chance that your mattress could be to blame.

The problem is, while most of us think of our bed as a sanctuary — a place for rest and recovery…when we turned them over to mass manufacturing, they began to be made for the lowest price possible, which means there are tons of dangerous chemicals in them.

And so your mattress, as well as the ones your loved ones sleep on, could be introducing harmful chemicals and particles into your home environment.

Over time, these exposures may have an impact on your health in ways you never imagined.

Not good!

What’s in Your Mattress??

1. Off-Gassing from VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Most new mattresses, even the pricier ones, are made from petroleum-based chemicals.

Petroleum is the raw material for a vast array of industrial chemicals, especially in the plastics and synthetic foam industries.

During the production of polyurethane foam, memory foam, adhesives, and flame retardants used in mattresses, manufacturers often use petrochemical derivatives that release VOCs as they break down or cure.

That distinct chemical odor you smell when it’s first unpacked…that comes from VOCs. That smell is one that most modern textiles (car seats, couches, new cars, etc) share in common.

So what’s being released?

• Formaldehyde – A known human carcinogen used in adhesives and textile finishes.

• Toluene & benzene – Petroleum-based solvents that can damage the central nervous system over time.

• Acetone – A solvent found in paints and glues, which can cause dizziness and respiratory irritation in high concentrations.

That’s gross.

The same chemicals we use to preserve dead bodies and strip paint are in your mattress!

Problematically inhaling VOCs has been linked to eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and even long-term neurological damage.

2 – Microplastics in Synthetic Mattress Materials:

The world’s been put on high alert regarding microplastics.

That’s because recent studies estimate that humans may ingest around 5 grams of microplastics per week, roughly the weight of a credit card, through food, water, and air, totaling over 250 grams annually.

Even more concerning, a 2024 study found up to 7 grams of microplastics in human brain tissue, with significantly higher levels in individuals with dementia. These particles have also been detected in lungs, liver, kidneys, blood, and placenta, raising growing concerns about their potential role in inflammation, hormonal disruption, and neurotoxicity.

Many modern mattresses are built using synthetic fabrics (like polyester) and foam layers that break down over time.

As they wear, these materials can shed microplastics—tiny particles that are invisible to the naked eye.

Because they are so small, it’s easy to inhale microplastics, which then can settle in the lungs, triggering chronic inflammation or interfering with immune function.

• These particles can act like chemical sponges, absorbing phthalates and heavy metals that can enter the body.

• Once released into the air or washed into water systems (e.g., during manufacturing), they contribute to environmental pollution and may enter the food chain.

Think about it…

You’re not just eating and drinking plastic; you’re breathing it in every night if you have a mattress made with plastics, and it’s likely accumulating in your home and body over time.

3 –  You’re Absorbing “Forever Chemicals” and Flame Retardants

To meet flammability standards, many mattresses are treated with flame-retardant chemicals, including PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

You know these chemicals as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment or your body.

PFAS exposure has been linked to hormonal imbalances, infertility, immune suppression, and certain cancers (like kidney and testicular).

Halogenated flame retardants (like PBDEs) are associated with developmental delays, neurotoxicity, and endocrine disruption.

Even more problematic is that these chemicals often migrate from the mattress to household dust, making them easily ingestible, especially for children.

Even low levels of PFAS have been shown to cause health effects, and they accumulate over a lifetime. If your mattress contains them, you’re being exposed every single night.

4 –  Toxic Glues, Adhesives, and Dyes:

Recently, mattress prices (and comfort) have improved thanks to multi-layered or hybrid mattresses, which often rely on industrial-strength glues and synthetic dyes to hold everything together.

The issues with these adhesives are that they “off-gas” toxic solvents over time (Meaning as they break down, you breathe in their noxious fumes,) especially with the warmth of your body heat speeding the breakdown.

Three of the most common chemicals to deal with are

• Formaldehyde-based adhesives – Common in cheap foam and synthetic fabrics, with long-term cancer risks.

• Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) – Used in foam production, highly toxic if inhaled or absorbed through skin.

• Phthalates – Plasticizers used to soften materials, known to disrupt hormonal balance and fertility.

These chemicals don’t just pose a risk during production; they continue to emit harmful compounds for years, long after that “new mattress smell” has faded.

5 – Mold and Dust Mite Colonization:

One more problem is that even if your mattress is chemically “clean,” it may still host biological allergens like mold spores and dust mites—especially in humid environments or if it lacks proper ventilation.

While dust mites (which feed on dead skin and thrive in warm, humid bedding) aren’t necessarily incredibly problematic, for some people, their waste is a potent allergen linked to asthma and eczema flare-ups.

Mold and mildew, on the other hand, are quite dangerous. Mold and mildew can easily grow inside foam mattresses that retain moisture, making them a breeding ground for these organisms. Breathing in spores may lead to chronic sinus issues, fatigue, and respiratory irritation.

If either mold or mildew is present, you might think you’re getting rest, but waking up with congestion, sneezing, or itchy skin could be a sign your mattress is harming more than helping.

What You Can Do

If you’re concerned about the health risks tied to traditional mattresses, here are steps you can take to protect your home and family:

• Look for certifications like:

  • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for organic cotton and wool covers.

  • GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) for natural latex cores.

  • OEKO-TEX or GREENGUARD Gold for emissions safety and low VOC levels.

• Choose safer materials:

  • Organic cotton, wool, and natural latex are naturally breathable and flame-resistant without toxic additives.

  • Avoid synthetic foams and plastic fabrics whenever possible.

• Air out new mattresses for at least 3–7 days in a well-ventilated area to reduce off-gassing before use.

• Use an organic mattress protector to minimize skin contact with any residual chemicals.

• Vacuum and rotate your mattress regularly to reduce dust buildup and improve airflow.

Or you can just sleep outside 😉