Gel memory foam is manufactured with substances that may be considered toxic and can be harmful to health, especially with long-term exposure. To limit exposure to toxic chemicals, it is a good idea to choose gel memory foam mattresses that have certifications from strict, official regulators.
Full Answer
Is gel memory foam bad for your health?
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.
Are memory foam mattresses toxic?
Many substances used to make memory foam are derived from petroleum, and some shoppers express concern that their memory foam mattress may be toxic. Is Memory Foam Toxic? Historically, memory foam could contain any number of potentially toxic chemicals.
What is the difference between a gel and foam mattress?
Gel is a recent newcomer to the mattress space. It is being used as both a standalone layer and an infusion into foam. Gel benefits mattresses by retaining less heat than memory foam. Also, newer gels compete against memory foam by being more responsive and less toxic. Gel is similar to foam because it is a polymer made by blending plastics...
What is gel infused memory foam?
Each gel is a different proprietary blend of chemicals. Similar to foam, there are chemical reactions, blending and heating of the plastics followed by cooling and molding. For gel infused memory foam, the gel layer is added to the memory foam prior to cooling so that all of the benefits of the gel are absorbed into the memory foam.
What is polyurethane mixed with?
What is gel memory foam?
Why are gel mattresses so expensive?
How is gel memory foam made?
Why do memory foam mattresses trap heat?
Why does my memory foam smell?
What to consider when buying a memory foam mattress?
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Is cool gel memory foam toxic?
Yes, memory foam is safe. Studies have shown memory foam does not cause cancer or other health issues, although that is a common misconception. The chemical smell that comes with memory foam often dissipates within a few days.
Are gel memory foam pillows toxic?
Memory foam may contain isocyanates, which, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Exposure to isocyanates can also lead to chest tightness and asthma.
What is gel foam made of?
GELFOAM is a medical device intended for application to bleeding surfaces as a hemostatic. It is a water-insoluble, off-white, nonelastic, porous, pliable product prepared from purified pork Skin Gelatin USP Granules and Water for Injection, USP.
Is foam toxic to humans?
Just like almost every other substance on the planet, polyurethane foam off-gasses, or releases compounds into the air. Yes, you breathe in these compounds when you sleep on these mattresses. But no, they're not going to hurt you.
Is foam toxic to sleep on?
Overall, the scientific research on the risks of memory foam mattresses seems inconclusive, with some studies finding no risks and one study finding potential risks. However, most studies seem to agree that the risks are low and unlikely to pose any health concerns.
Are gel pillows toxic?
The gel infused pillow is free of all harmful chemicals and VOCs. Indiscriminate use of toxic materials is a growing concern for the global pillow market.
Whats better foam or gel?
Gel foam mattresses tend to be cooler in temperature and bounce back faster than memory foam mattresses. Meanwhile, since they don't have the extra gel pod features, memory foam mattresses are usually more affordable. Are Gel Mattresses Good? Gel-infused mattresses are excellent mattresses for many sleepers.
How long does it take for gel foam to dissolve?
When placed in soft tissue, GELFOAM is usually absorbed completely in four (4) to six (6) weeks, without inducing excessive scar tissue. When applied to bleeding nasal, rectal or vaginal mucosa, it liquefies within two (2) to five (5) days.
Is gel foam biodegradable?
Most are made with synthetic fibers or foam, which don't biodegrade.
Which foam is not toxic?
Natural latex foams, such as Dunlop or Talalay latex, are safer alternatives. Plus, natural latex is antimicrobial, biodegradable, resistant to mold growth, and highly durable. Dunlop latex is not treated with any chemicals or fillers after harvesting and often has a firm feel.
How toxic is expanding foam?
Health effects Spray foam insulation is typically non-toxic only after it has cured. While curing, spray foam emits a gas that causes blurred vision and trouble breathing. Using full face and respiratory protection while applying the product is recommended.
What happens if you breathe in foam?
A-Side – Inhalation overexposure can cause 1) irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs, causing runny nose, sore throat, coughing, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath, and 2) respiratory tract sensitization (e.g., the development of asthma) with symptoms of chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, ...
Do memory foam pillows have chemicals?
Memory foam is manufactured using polyurethane and several other chemicals, so it isn't surprising that it emits a chemical odor. This “off gassing” of volatile organic compounds is a common and well-documented property of memory foam pillows and mattresses.
What is inside a gel pillow?
Moldability: Many gel pillows are made of poly fiber or shredded memory foam, both of which allow users to scrunch them into shape. Hypoallergenic: Gel pillows are almost always made with memory foam or microfiber, both of which are resistant to dust mites and other allergens.
Are gel and foam pillows good?
A lot of gel pillows are made with foam. Memory foam is a popular option because it's known for providing pressure relief. A 2020 study also found that memory foam pillows are ideal for supporting your neck while sleeping, which can improve overall sleep quality. The foam used in gel pillows can be solid or shredded.
Do foam pillows have formaldehyde?
Pillow Chemicals & VOCs If you're sleeping on a polyurethane or memory foam pillow, you may want to reevaluate. Unlike natural latex which derives from rubber tree sap, these synthetic foams are man-made and may be off-gassing harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene.
Buyer Beware: Gel Memory Foam Mattress
I was just thinking about a purchase of a memory Foam Mattress I seen several and I thought to myself let me goggle to see is it safe and I have gotten my answer when ...
Foam Mattresses Were Making People Sick: How A Company Called Certipur
Almost all online mattress options as well as most beds sold in retail mattress stores are made using polyurethane foam in one form or another.
Is Tempurpedic Memory Foam Toxic
Some Tempurpedic mattresses are Certipur-US certified, which means that the levels of toxic chemicals used are very low and these mattresses are safe. As long as you buy one of those mattresses, youve got the guarantee that you wont be exposed to toxic chemicals that could affect your health.
How Was Memory Foam Invented
The nature of the process of using compounds to make memory foam is troublesome. We can hardly say that it is meant for use as a mattress. Or any type of product where humans would be longer exposed to it, for that matter. This material was first designed for NASA space program.
Memory Foam & Polyurethane Foam Components
Polyols the binder/bulk ingredient. Usually composed of petroleum oil-derived ingredients, but may also include botanical sources like soy or castor beans.
Why We Are Concerned About Polyurethane Mattresses
Why am I so against polyurethane mattresses? For a number of reasons. First, polyurethane foam is produced through the same energy-hungry process used to make petroleum from crude oil. This process involves two main ingredients: polyols and diisocyanates, which are reacted together using a variety of catalysts, including dibutylin .
The Consequences Of Flame Proofing
Many memory foam mattresses contain additives that are designed to slow or prevent the spread of flames. These substances are called flame retardants, and although they are meant to quell the danger of a fire, they can cause unwanted side effects and health issues.
Ways Memory Foam Mattresses Can Be Toxic
Memory foam mattresses are typically made from a range of synthetic chemicals that are toxic in their RAW form, but typically inert and less harmful in their final form inside the mattress.
What Is Memory Foam?
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam. As with all foams, memory foam compresses under pressure. The difference with other polyurethane foams is that memory foam also contains added chemicals that increase its viscosity and elasticity, hence its alternate name, viscoelastic foam.
Is Memory Foam Toxic?
Historically, memory foam could contain any number of potentially toxic chemicals. For example, diisocyanates can irritate the mouth, nose, and eyes, and TDI in particular may be carcinogenic. Other substances could also be used during the manufacturing process. However, as new research sheds light on the harmful effects of certain chemicals, more and more manufacturers are moving away from using these substances. Today’s mattresses are usually considered harmless, and any chemicals used during manufacturing are generally fairly stable by the time they reach your house.
What are the chemicals in memory foam?
Common harmful chemicals that were historically found in memory foam mattresses include: 1 Methylbenzene: Methylbenzene, more commonly known as toluene, is a clear liquid that occurs naturally in crude oil. Toluene is toxic when inhaled in large quantities. 2 Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde sometimes results as a by-product of the foam manufacturing process, though this is much less common nowadays. Formaldehyde fumes can irritate the eyes, nose and mouth, and it is known to be a human carcinogen. 3 Methylene Dianiline: Used as a reactant in the foam manufacturing process, methylene dianiline causes irritation when coming into contact with skin, and may be carcinogenic. 4 Methylene Chloride: Formerly used as a blowing agent, this substance is a suspected carcinogen and can pose serious health risks if it comes into contact to the skin or mucous membranes. 5 Chlorofluorocarbons: Chlorofluorocarbons were formerly used as a blowing agent, but use of these substances is now limited because of their ozone-depleting effects.
Why is memory foam used in bed?
Because memory foam is activated by heat, it easily molds to the shape of your body and provides relief and support for your specific body shape. Memory foam also excels at preventing motion transfer from one partner to another. Newer generations of memory foam incorporate elements that strive to reduce heat retention and enable easier movement on top of the bed.
What does it mean when a mattress smells?
Off-gassing is the unpleasant odor caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released into the air when a new foam mattress is unboxed.
What are the ingredients in polyurethane foam?
However, virtually all flexible polyurethane foams contain a few basic ingredients: Polyols are the basic building blocks of memory foam. These are molecules that contain more than one alcohol chemical group, called a hydroxyl group. Polyols are organic compounds and can be found in everything from sugar to plastic.
Is methylene dianiline carcinogenic?
Methylene Dianiline: Used as a reactant in the foam manufacturing process, methylene dianiline causes irritation when coming into contact with skin, and may be carcinogenic.
Memory Foam And Polyurethane Foam Components
Companies use three common chemical agents to create memory foam. While these agents can produce harmful effects, injuries can only be sustained when the individual encounters these chemicals during a chemical reaction is a person breathes in the fumes or makes contact with the chemical.
Choose Natural Fire Barriers
Look for mattress brands that use natural materials in their fire barriers like wool or thistle and refrain from using harsh chemicals.
How To Choose A Safe Memory Foam Mattress
Fortunately, European and North American regulators have cracked down on the inclusion of harmful chemical additives in memory foam mattresses. However, theres no way to eliminate the risk of carcinogen exposure if youre buying a conventional piece of memory foam.
Benefits Of A Gel Memory Foam Mattress
A gel memory foam mattress also supports the back and is a good choice for people with back problems, such as lower back pain.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Gel Mattresses
While gel mattresses are best known for their cooling properties, they also make an excellent sleeping surface. The material is supportive, contributing to proper spinal alignment and body contouring, and its also comfortable.
Best Price Mattress 11 Gel
Best Price Mattress 11-inch Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress is one of the top choice able high-quality gel memory foam for the user. It is a very famous brand for its affordable price and good quality. It also has an excellent performance in relieving back pain. This 11 mattress has fourth different layers.
The Best Gel Mattresses Of 2021
Gel brings a springy, cool feel to traditional foam mattresses. Here are eight of the best gel mattresses you can find this year.
Why is gel better than foam?
Gel benefits mattresses by retaining less heat than memory foam. Also, newer gels compete against memory foam by being more responsive and less toxic. Gel is similar to foam because it is a polymer made by blending plastics and other chemicals.
What is gel infused foam?
For gel infused memory foam, the gel layer is added to the memory foam prior to cooling so that all of the benefits of the gel are absorbed into the memory foam.
Why is gel used in combination with foam?
Generally, gel is used in combination with foam to provide a cooler and more responsive sleeping surface.
Where is gel found in a mattress?
Because of gel's heat diffusing properties, it is generally found in the top layer of the mattress under the cover. Pros: Cooler sleeping surface vs memory foam. More responsive feel when not combined with foam. Cons: Similar to foam, it is a synthetic blend of chemicals.
Where is Polyurethane Foam Most Commonly Used?
The foam is used in a wide range of places, some are hidden so many of us are not aware they are there. Polyurethane foam is used to insulate refrigerators, to insulate walls, in sports shoes, to cushion furniture and it’s also in most modern mattresses. Foam mattresses, including memory foam mattresses, have become extremely popular for their affordability and softness. There are few homes in the country that don’t have some polyurethane foam in them somewhere.
What are the Dangers of Polyurethane Foam?
However, when it became widely used in household furniture, deaths linked to fires increased . The fact that the foam was highly flammable was found to be at the root of these fire tragedies.
Is Second-hand Safe?
When it comes to hand-me-downs, a whole new debate opens up. There is an argument for older foam being safer, it’s had time to lose its toxicity with fumes long dissipated from the foam. But this would depend on the chemicals used in the first place. With safety standards ever changing, who knows what was in the foam originally. And as polyurethane foam disintegrates over time, there may be more dust with ageing material.
Why was flame retardant added to furniture?
This is when flame retardant chemicals were added to the foam or coverings to stop the furniture from burning so ferociously. This step dramatically reduced fire deaths, which was considered a triumph at the time. But soon after these changes, people started noticing they were suffering from health issues that they hadn’t experienced before. Those that were affected felt it was connected to their furniture and studies into the toxicity of foam were launched.
What is polyurethane made of?
Polyurethane is a type of plastic that is produced by combining methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) with polyols. This mixture is processed in different ways to make various, regularly used products. When it’s heated and sprayed and mixed with carbon dioxide you get a foam.
What are the problems with foam mattresses?
The following are commonly found in foam mattresses: Benzene products may damage the DNA of cells and are linked to breast and lymphatic cancers and leukemia. Chlorine is thought to be connected to bladder and colon cancer. PFOS can affect brain development as well as the reproductive, endocrine and immune systems.
What does it mean to be a new parent?
If you are a new parent, it’s only natural that you want the best for your baby. You work hard to provide all the right things and you do everything within your power to give them the finest life possible. Safety suddenly becomes a priority when you have a family. Dangers that you were unaware of before can be spotted everywhere. Everyday life suddenly becomes full of peril.
How Was Memory Foam Invented?
Or any type of product where humans would be longer exposed to it, for that matter. This material was first designed for NASA space program .
Why is memory foam used in space?
Its primary function was to keep astronauts safe during missions in space. As it is, memory foam is an excellent shock absorbing material. It offers safety in helmets, pads and plenty of other equipment. This is because of its design to prevent serious injury to humans.
What are toxic compounds?
Toxic Compounds Make Toxic Products. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)findings confirm the toxicity of these materials. These volatile organic compounds make their way in almost all manufactured household products, including carpets, furniture and of course mattresses and even pillows. Go figure.
What are the components of memory foam?
Duke University completed clinical evaluations researched certain components used in memory foams. Those included isocyanates. The isocyanate compounds researched were acetone , benzene, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, methylene chloride and 1,1,1 -trichloroethane. What they discovered was that even the brief exposure caused damage. Even the minimal amount of toxicity of these compounds causes asthmatic attacks.
What is the main ingredient in memory foam?
The main ingredient of memory foam is polyurethane. This compound comes from petroleum as a byproduct. Extracted during the refinement process of crude oil.
Why do kids sleep with memory foam?
Especially in those that have been using memory foam beddings. They suffer from the lack of concentration, frequent headaches, and respiratory issues.
When did the mattress law change to memory foam?
Especially since more and more homeowners opt to replace their regular spring mattresses with brand new memory foam ones as a result of that law enacted in 2004.
What is polyurethane mixed with?
While manufacturing memory foams, polyurethane is mixed with other materials such as polyvinyl chloride, antimony trioxide, boric acid, and other harmful compounds . Click Here to See Price of Full Mattress 10 inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress with Breathable Cover on Amazon.
What is gel memory foam?
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.
Why are gel mattresses so expensive?
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.
How is gel memory foam made?
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.
Why do memory foam mattresses trap heat?
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 ...
Why does my memory foam smell?
This unpleasant smell is caused by the chemicals and materials used in manufacturing memory foam mattresses.
What to consider when buying a memory foam mattress?
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 ...
