Wanting to buy a gel memory foam mattress for you, family, or just for the guest room? Before choosing one, there are important things you need to know more about gel memory foam and another nitty-gritty side of it.
Excited? Please read on.
Gel memory foam mattresses are increasingly becoming even more popular around the world. However, there are also growing concerns about this product that users should know. These mattresses are synthetically-based, therefore making sure that they are safe for human use must be tackled once and for all. So, is gel memory foam toxic?
Is Gel Memory Foam Toxic or Safe
Choosing a new mattress is one of the most overwhelming tasks because there are so many options available right now. Aside from the choices you have, there is also a lot of factors you need to consider when buying a memory foam mattress – the materials, structure, and features to name a few.
But the most important factor you must consider is the safety of using gel-infused memory foam. There are foam-based products that are made with high-quality materials and environment-friendly manufacturing process. However, if you want to invest in a gel memory foam that is safe to use, do not opt for cheap options.
Generally, cheaper products tend to be harmful especially for babies and old sleepers. Many cheap memory foam mattresses are made of polyurethane foam, a substance that’s not safe due to some health concerns. However, some expensive brands also contain these toxic substances that can cause specific problems such as skin irritation.
Health concerns in using memory foam mattresses are even greater today because there’s no testing given to the products. Only time can tell if there are side effects or risks of sleeping on a gel memory foam.
What is Gel Memory Foam Made Of
Gel memory foams are designed with contouring features just like memory foams to help relieve pressure points. They are infused with gel beads or cooling gels to eliminate heat while your sleep. As a result, you enjoy a good night’s sleep even if it’s the summer weather. More importantly, you can sleep better as a side sleeper if you have chronic pain with a gel mattress.
The main material used in manufacturing memory foams is polyurethane, a compound derived from petroleum. This byproduct is extracted from refining crude oil, which may give you an idea of why it can be toxic to your health. While manufacturing memory foams, polyurethane is mixed with other materials such as polyvinyl chloride, antimony trioxide, boric acid, and other harmful compounds.
What is the Difference between Gel Memory Foam and Memory Foam
The biggest difference between gel mattresses and memory foams is heat retention. Traditional memory foams are made to trap heat due to the density of the foam. If the temperature of the mattress is too high, sleep can be disrupted and lead to sweats when the sleeper has awakened. This is where gel mattresses come in, their cooling gels can improve heat dispersion in the mattress.
When it comes to pricing, gel mattresses are more expensive than memory foams because they require more materials to manufacture. If you’re shopping on a limited budget, there are other options you can choose from. The best alternative would be considering a topper for your mattress.
Is Gel Memory Foam Mattress Good for Health
Gel memory foam mattresses are created by using a method called open-cell structure. This reacts to the weight and heat of the body, therefore allowing the foam to conform and relieve pressure and tensions in the joints and muscles. These mattresses have basic chemical compositions, but the layer thickness and density of the foams are the reason why it has a unique feel.
Some memory foams contain isocyanates that are harmful to your skin. Besides, they can also lead to serious respiratory issues. These compounds can be toxic to your health, especially for long periods of exposure. Toxic compounds create harmful products including gel memory foam. Therefore, you need to be careful when choosing a new mattress for you and your family.
Non-Toxic Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses are not made equal, so the concept of safety varies depending on the brand you are purchasing. If you’ve tried a cheap memory foam or low-quality mattress before, you might have experienced a pungent odor which is technically called off-gassing. This unpleasant smell is caused by the chemicals and materials used in manufacturing memory foam mattresses.
If you’re looking for a non-toxic memory foam mattress, here are some helpful tips for you:
- Choose a mattress that is certified by CertiPUR-US. This is a quality control measure that tests polyurethane foams in memory foam mattresses. It regulates the compounds that are included in manufacturing memory foams such as flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ether, and other substances that may pose a threat to your health.
- USDA Certified Organic. Mattresses are labeled organic if certain components are certified by the United States Department of Agriculture as organic. The stitching, for example, uses organic cotton or other materials that are derived from plants.
- Greenguard. This label is only achieved when mattresses are tested for emission limits, such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds. A memory foam mattress with Greenguard Gold certification means that it has undergone stricter emission testing on VOCs. It also focuses on chemical off-gassing traceability to ensure that the product is non-toxic.
- Organic Content Standard 100. This label means that a certain percentage of the materials are certified organic. However, the contents such as VOCs, dyes, colorants, and flame retardants are not evaluated to say that a memory foam mattress is Organic Content Standard 100 certified.
Bottom Line
Gel memory foam is generally considered to be safe and non-toxic. Memory foam is made from polyurethane, which is a synthetic polymer that is used in a variety of products such as furniture, bedding, and car seats. Memory foam is known for its ability to conform to the shape of the body and provide support, and gel memory foam is a type of memory foam that has gel particles infused into it to help regulate temperature and improve airflow.
While memory foam is not inherently toxic, it is possible for it to off-gas chemicals that can be irritating to some people. This is known as “off-gassing,” and it can occur when the foam is exposed to heat or when it is first removed from its packaging. Off-gassing can cause a temporary, chemical-like odor that can be unpleasant for some people, but it is generally not harmful.
If you are concerned about the safety of gel memory foam, it may be a good idea to look for a mattress that is made from CertiPUR-US certified foam. This certification indicates that the foam has been tested for safety and performance and meets certain standards for emissions, indoor air quality, and environmental sustainability.
