safe matress/futon shopping on a budget, help!

[Magelet]

So I need a new futon. We are moving into a tiny studio so I think a futon is better than a matress. I really want a natural latex unsprayed one, but I just don't think I can afford it. We really need one now, we can't wait until we've saved the money for a better one. I don't want one that is going to give me headaches from the off-gassing along with G-d know what health problems. I also don't want a petro-chemical one that is harmful to make, and then in a couple years will start breaking down into toxic chemicals. Whats the point of paying a couple hundred for something that will break down in a few years and be dangerous?

On the other hand, I can't pay 500 dollars for a futon, (though there is a possibility of getting one as a gift, which might be able to go up to or over 500 dollars, I don't know, but I suppose its worth asking), much less the 1000 that a full size natural latex and wool futon seems to cost.

It looks like I can get either petrochemical foam or "soy foam" futons in my price range. Is there a difference? What would you do? What is the best futon I can get for very little money? (2-300)

[thixle]

I *just* placed an order for 2 beds + wool toppers from here:
http://www.northernnaturals.com/
Though not organic, I have not seen a better price anywhere. Here is what the co says-

our Foam does not release volatile chemicals into the air and won't break down or disintegrate when exposed to air.

We also do not use any toxic fire retardants in our cotton, there are many approved toxic chemicals that can be used for treating bedding and futons. We only use clean Pure Cotton with a small amount of natural boric acid added as a environmentally friendly very safe, effective and approved fire retardant.

HTH, and I'll be back to let you know how they are in a couple weeks!

[freestyler]

Personally, I just never worried at ALL about the "toxicity" of our mattresses. I think it's a lot of hype, but that's just my opinion. I think indoor air quality, for example, is a lot more worth worrying about if you're going to be concerned about something. Just my two cents. There was an article lately in the NYTimes about the false claims surrounding "natural" mattresses. The bottom line was: not worth the money and not proven to make any difference at all. But again, to each their own, right? You gotta go with your comfort level. I would certainly not spend limited funds on the natural mattresses, personally.

[Magelet]

thixle, those are AMAZING prices. Thank you for that!

yeah, its probably for the most part not a huge deal, but I do worry about these things. I've also become somewhat sensitive to chemicals since I've stopped using them, and even really watered down bleach gives me a headache. I don't want my mattress to be off-gassing and giving me a headache.

[talia rose]

I would never say the chemicals our babies are born with in their blood and we feed to them in our breastmilk can be labeled "a lot of hype". This is serious stuff. And these chemicals come partly from conventional mattresses, so it is very good to be concerned.
While not perfect - the northern naturals mattresses are better than a standard petro-chemical foam mattress and would be a good option for you given your budget.