Research on mattress off-gassing

[Steve's Wife]

So I think it's pretty much common sense that a brand new mattress is going to off-gas harmful chemicals. But I am just not convinced that older mattresses are even more dangerous than new ones, and DH even less so. We have a new baby coming in a few weeks, and we'll be cosleeping on the same mattress DD coslept on for 2 years. Our bed is about 9 years old but still very comfortable and not really need of replacing. But I am nervous about what's been said, mostly here, about older ones being even more toxic from the breakdown of chemicals and the mixing of bacteria and body fluids.

I'm also wondering if the vast majority of toxic gasses aren't released within a few weeks of purchase. I am hoping so, as DD is currently sleeping on a twin that's about 10 years old, but only was used briefly and then sat in a guest room unused for the last 9 years at MIL's house.

So does anyone know of any actual research on the topic? So much of what I am reading is either on here or on sites that sell mattresses.

[kcparker]

Our solution was to get a 100% cotton futon custom made at a local futon shop. They are very heavy and moving them is a bit like trying to grab a giant grub, but I felt the best about sleeping on it. Bonus - it only cost $100 and took them two days to make it for us. ...not scientific, and maybe not your idea of a good night's sleep, but worth looking into if you don't like the idea of sleeping on a bunch of plastic.

[mommy2abigail]

We also have a cotton futon mattress (in the guest room, where I co-sleep with the baby) and it is SOOOOO comfy! Way more than our (freakin' expensive!!!) regular mattress. DH and I fight over who gets the futon....that's how much more we like it. Another solution is to buy a cover for your mattress. I think they are made out of latex?? Someone on here ought to know. Or a wool one would be ideal, albeit pricey.

[Unconventional1]

Look at this thread:

Can we talk about organic/chemical free mattresses?

[Steve's Wife]

Originally Posted by Unconventional1

Look at this thread:

Can we talk about organic/chemical free mattresses?

Thanks, I've looked at that thread, as well as the ones linked within it, but I saw more about buying an organic one than any research about conventional ones. I am especially interested in reading more about the dangers of an older mattress versus a new one, as I've only ever heard about that anectodally, never from what I would consider a reliable sourse. I don't want to plop down $2K because someone told me to, ya know? But I've had a heck of a time finding anything on my own. I'm wondering if such research even exists.

[airmide_m]

I came across enough research a while back to convince myself and my husband that it wasn't worth the risk. Plus we desperately needed a new mattress anyway, so since we had to spend the money we figured we might as well get the right thing. Unfortunately I didn't keep links to the research I found last time. I remember reading about the New Zealand link found between off-gassing and SIDS, and their campaign to promote mattress wrapping. With a quick google search of mattress wrapping I found this link http://www.stopsidsnow.com/index.html and I'm sure you can find many more.

[Steve's Wife]

Originally Posted by airmide_m

I came across enough research a while back to convince myself and my husband that it wasn't worth the risk. Plus we desperately needed a new mattress anyway, so since we had to spend the money we figured we might as well get the right thing. Unfortunately I didn't keep links to the research I found last time. I remember reading about the New Zealand link found between off-gassing and SIDS, and their campaign to promote mattress wrapping. With a quick google search of mattress wrapping I found this link http://www.stopsidsnow.com/index.html and I'm sure you can find many more.

Thanks. I, too, am pretty much convinced that if buying a new mattress, organic/natural is worth the extra cost. I was just questioning the need to replace our queen, which is still comfortable; this is the first website I've seen which uses actual research to back up claims that older mattresses are possibly more likely to cause SIDS.

[Steve's Wife]

after spending about 45 minutes looking for articles, I am really starting to wonder about all this research. The majority of articles I am finding are reprints or reworded from the same article by Jane Sheppard. Here is an example: http://www.thecauseofsids.com/Cause_...e_Sheppard.htm

I've been able to find and read a few of the sources, but not all (I haven't tried to find them all, yet). The first artcle made some interesting points, also noting that there were three deaths in the UK on wrapped mattresses. Not a hig number, of course, but all the articles and sources are saying it's 100% effective.

[BathrobeGoddess]

moved to natural home

[sapphire_chan]

Thanks for posting this!