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Foam Toxicity Guide: Certifications, Chemicals, and What to Avoid
By Dr. Meg Christensen | Updated November 2025
Foam is everywhere in our homes: mattresses, couches, chairs, pillows. It's one of the trickiest materials to evaluate for health because manufacturers guard their formulas as proprietary secrets, chemical regulations keep changing, and certifications can be misleading. This guide breaks down what foam is actually made of, why I can't give you a simple "safe" or "toxic" answer, and how to navigate your options with a clearer understanding of the trade-offs. Healthier alternatives do exist—read through to understand the nuance, or skip to the end for my rating scales.
Table of Contents
Does foam cause cancer or is it totally safe? Why you may have heard both things.
VOCs from foam: are they toxic and how long does it take for foam to off-gas?
Other types of foam: EVA vs TPU foam toxicity, soy-based foam, and food-grade polymer foam
FYI: How and why I use the words toxic, non-toxic, and chemical
Understanding Polyurethane Foam Composition
Is polyurethane foam toxic?
Most likely, yes. I'd say with certainty that all PU foam poses risks, except that ingredient lists remain proprietary secrets—different manufacturers create distinct textures without revealing their formulas. What we've discovered about these hidden ingredients over time is consistently concerning, and they keep shifting in response to updated regulations.
Consider how the industry has reacted to policy changes: blowing agents switched from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) in 2020 after environmental concerns arose. Now some states may ban HFOs as forever chemicals. The catalyst stannous octoate was identified as reprotoxic 1B—potentially damaging to fetuses—prompting some (not all) manufacturers to eliminate it starting in 2023. Flame retardants have been restricted in certain states as research revealed their harm to human health and ecosystems. Even VOC levels have decreased because consumers complained about strong chemical smells from off-gassing toluene, xylene, and acetone.
All of this history qualifies foam as toxic in my assessment. But here's the uncertainty: if you select foam manufactured without these specific problematic ingredients, is it still harmful? My clinical judgment says probably. There are very likely additional concerning chemicals currently in use that we'll only discover and regulate years from now. Without knowing their identity and biological interactions, I can't declare this definitively. This is why I apply the Precautionary Principle with foam and minimize exposure whenever feasible.
Is memory foam toxic?
Yes, most likely. Memory foam uses the same base chemistry as standard polyurethane foam but incorporates additional proprietary additives to achieve that signature slow-recovery texture.
What specific chemicals are found in memory foam?
Memory foam (also called viscoelastic foam) is polyurethane blended with additional compounds to create its characteristic slow-response, body-contouring behavior. The chemical composition typically includes:
Common memory foam chemicals:
Isocyanates (TDI and MDI): basic foam building block, respiratory irritants
Formaldehyde: used in mattress glues, carcinogen and respiratory irritant
Benzene, toluene, styrene, vinylcyclohexene and other VOCs: headaches, drowsiness, small enough to pass into blood stream
PBDE flame retardants: endocrine disruptors, hyperthyroidism, cancer
Aromatic hydrocarbons: lung cancer, heart disease
Stannous octoate: reproductive hazard
Heavy metals:
Phthalates: endocrine disruptors
Azo-based colorants: reproductive hazard, neurobehavioral changes
Proprietary additives: Manufacturers aren't required to disclose all chemicals used in foam production.
What chemicals are in foam?
Polyurethane foam—the type found in mattresses, upholstered furniture, and spray insulation—starts with two primary components: polyols and isocyanates. Manufacturing then requires many additional compounds for processing and to create specific performance characteristics in the finished foam. Surfactants, blowing agents, curatives, and catalysts represent four major categories of chemicals added to the base mixture, transforming it into perfectly springy rectangular shapes that release cleanly from factory molds. Further additives create softness, cooling effects, UV resistance, memory properties, antimicrobial action, color variations, and more.
What are polyols and isocyanates?
Polyols are relatively straightforward small molecules typically derived from petroleum, though plant-based sources have emerged recently. Beyond their reliance on petroleum refineries, polyols in finished foam products won't directly impact your health through normal use.
Isocyanates present more significant health considerations. These compounds are well-documented to cause asthma, lung damage, and in severe circumstances, fatal reactions (you can read more here) when exposure occurs without proper protection—as might happen in foam factories or during spray foam insulation application. When polyols and isocyanates combine (see my 60 second video here), they chemically react to form a somewhat rigid, basic foam structure.
Why don't companies disclose all foam ingredients?
Foam formulations are considered proprietary trade secrets—each manufacturer creates unique textures and properties to differentiate their products. Without ingredient disclosure, competitors can't replicate their formulas. Unfortunately, this secrecy means consumers can't make fully informed decisions about chemical exposure. This is why third-party certifications requiring full disclosure are so valuable—they verify ingredients even when companies won't publicly share them. Unfortunately, none exist for polyurethane foam. CertiPUR does not require full disclosure, and is relatively opaque (read more below.)
How Foam Chemicals Enter Your Body
What are the exposure routes for foam chemicals?
Chemicals migrate from foam through two pathways and enter your body through three routes:
The two migration pathways are airborne release and dust accumulation. Polyurethane's building blocks—polyols and isocyanates—bond tightly, but other incorporated additives (like flame retardants and proprietary processing chemicals) integrate only temporarily without strong chemical bonds. Over time, as foam degrades through friction and use, these additives escape. Lightweight chemicals suspend in airborne dust, while heavier compounds (particularly flame retardants) settle into floor dust. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) create that "new mattress" smell and can off-gas for extended periods from both foam and the adhesives bonding foam layers together.
The three entry routes into your body are inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption. You inhale and swallow VOCs and lightweight airborne particles through your breathing passages. Adults ingest approximately 50mg of dust daily (children ingest 100mg daily) through touching dusty surfaces and subsequent hand-to-mouth contact. Flame retardants and other small-molecule chemicals can pass through skin as they migrate from foam products.
Health Risks Associated with Foam
Should I worry about isocyanate exposure from furniture?
Probably not from mattresses or couch cushions specifically. While isocyanates alone are quite toxic, when properly mixed with polyols in precise ratios, the resulting mixture becomes cured—chemically inert. Think of it like water: hydrogen and oxygen molecules are highly reactive individually, but once combined into H₂O, they're inert and harmless.
One toxicity scenario involves improper polyol-to-isocyanate ratios, allowing unreacted isocyanates to escape and cause harm. A 2012 research study assessed whether people sleeping on mattresses faced unreacted isocyanate exposure—but was conducted by Dow Chemical Company, the International Isocyanate Institute, and BASF Polyurethane employees (click "Show More" under the author list). Unsurprisingly, they found no health effects. A 2015 University of Texas study of 20 crib mattresses showed many contained unreacted isocyanates among other concerning substances. That's where the research stands. I'd welcome more independent investigation on this question.
Another isocyanate toxicity scenario involves spray foam insulation application. While I don't cover building materials extensively, spray foam ranks as one of the most toxic insulation options partly due to direct isocyanate exposure during spraying.
Does foam cause cancer?
Certain foam ingredients may contribute to cancer risk. Specific flame retardants commonly added to foam for fire resistance have been linked to cancer. In 2021, Philips Respironics voluntarily recalled CPAP machines made with polyurethane foam after discovering the foam contained diethylene glycol, toluene di-isocyanate isomers, and toluene diamine isomers associated with possible carcinogenic effects.
I've read studies claiming foam chemical levels are too low to cause harm
This is partially accurate, but the statement applies better to one foam item over a short timeframe rather than realistic accumulated lifetime exposures. When this defense is used for a foam mattress, consider how much additional time you spend on foam throughout your day: car seats during your commute contain foam padding. Your office chair and possibly keyboard wrist rest have foam. The gym equipment or dentist's chair you encounter during the day exposes you to more foam. Your evening couch has foam cushions. Foam is ubiquitous in American homes and workplaces. Across your lifetime, exposures accumulate, and because many foam chemicals (like flame retardants) bioaccumulate or create effects even at low concentrations (like endocrine disruptors such as BPA), I think dismissing cumulative exposure is shortsighted.
How long does foam off-gas?
At least one year, though emission rates decrease over time. Off-gassing accelerates with heat and humidity exposure.
Is foam smell toxic?
Yes, that new foam odor indicates volatile organic compound release, which includes chemicals like toluene, xylene, and acetone that can affect your health through inhalation.
Foam Certifications Explained
Is GreenGuard GOLD foam non-toxic?
No, but it does guarantee off-gassing below specific thresholds. Standard GreenGuard certification requires VOCs under 500 μg/m³. The elevated GreenGuard GOLD level requires VOCs under 220 μg/m³. GreenGuard certification does not mean healthy, and it doesn't mean zero VOC emissions. I occasionally see companies claim "It's GreenGuard so it's healthy!"—which is false. Many harmful foam chemicals don't off-gas as VOCs and therefore aren't captured by this testing. That said, it remains useful when comparing a standard foam product that might off-gas heavily against one with GreenGuard certification. It represents progress, even if incomplete.
What is CertiPUR foam?
CertiPUR applies to polyurethane foam, though determining actual composition is challenging. The certification prohibits formaldehyde, heavy metals, select (not all) phthalates, and select (not all) flame retardants.
What exactly does CertiPUR-US certification allow in foam?
CertiPUR-US certification does not mean non-toxic, despite marketing implications. As an industry-created certification (not a true third-party standard), it prohibits some of the most egregious chemicals while permitting most others under certain limits. These limits still allow formaldehyde, benzene, flame retardants, heavy metals, and phthalates—just in lower concentrations.
What CertiPUR-US prohibits:
Select flame retardants: DMMP, HBCD, PBB, PCT, and TDBPP
Certain blowing agents: CFCs, HCFC, and methylene chloride
Chlorinated phenols
What CertiPUR-US still permits (under specified limits):
Formaldehyde: Known carcinogen and respiratory irritant (limited to 0.5 ppm)
PBDE flame retardants: Endocrine-disrupting, bioaccumulative compounds (limited to 1 ppm)
Benzene, toluene, styrene, and other VOCs: Cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory irritation, can enter bloodstream
Aromatic hydrocarbons: Linked to lung cancer and heart disease
Stannous octoate: Reproductive hazard (limit only introduced in 2023—before that, unlimited amounts were permitted in "certified" foam)
Heavy metals: Antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and selenium (under limits)
13 types of phthalates: Endocrine disruptors (note: there are 20+ types of phthalates total, so others aren't addressed)
"Under limits" represents progress, but considering our continuous exposure to foam throughout daily life—in mattresses, couches, car seats, upholstered chairs, office equipment—limits in just one item doesn't guarantee overall safety. These chemicals bioaccumulate over time, meaning small daily exposures compound into significant body burden across months and years.
Is CertiPUR foam actually non-toxic?
No, probably not. While excluding stannous octoate (which can harm fetuses) from CertiPUR foams starting in 2023 was positive, this chemical remained permitted in CertiPUR products until recently. Buyers purchasing CertiPUR foam before 2023 were misled into believing it was "pure" and safe. I understand complete purity isn't always achievable, and phasing out harmful substances gradually—rather than demanding instant bans that would massively disrupt industry—can be practical. OEKO-TEX demonstrates this approach well: they've progressively lowered acceptable BPA levels over years, nearly reaching zero in 2025. Gradual restrictions encourage more companies to adapt over time rather than overwhelming the industry with sudden demands.
However, the surprise revelation about stannous octoate demonstrates their health stance is conservative and reactionary rather than proactive and health-centered. From my understanding, this opacity may partly stem from CertiPUR being a second-party certification—the synthetic foam industry itself created these standards and selected a lab to test products—rather than true third-party verification.
What is MADE SAFE foam certification?
MADE SAFE certification maintains a banned/restricted list of 6,500 chemicals based on combining European Union standards, the Red List, and other international agencies setting human health standards. While this sounds impressive, I've grown more cautious about it as I've learned the details. It applies across many consumer goods including foam, cleaning products, and others. Reaching "6,500 banned substances" becomes easier when including the numerous chemicals potentially present in cleaning liquids and other product categories beyond foam.
More significantly, the list isn't absolute, and we don't know its contents. They state that "Some substances may have category specific allowances or technically unavoidable content, in which case either additional testing or threshold requirements may apply" here, but these limits aren't published, nor is the list itself accessible.
While I'm confident a MADE SAFE product is safer than untested alternatives, I now rate it as "OK" until limits and lists become more transparent.
What is OEKO-TEX foam?
OEKO-TEX typically applies to fabrics but can include foam when it's part of a finished textile-containing product. OEKO-TEX certified foam means the final product has been tested and verified to contain very low levels of specific harmful chemicals. It applies only to finished products, so manufacturers aren't required to disclose every single ingredient throughout the production process. OEKO-TEX can certify organic, natural, and synthetic products—whether pure latex foam or polyurethane foam. You can review OEKO-TEX limits, which update annually, here.
Does OEKO-TEX foam contain flame retardants?
No, OEKO-TEX foam doesn't contain chemical flame retardants. It may include safe, non-chemical fire barriers like wool or graphite. OEKO-TEX requires companies to apply for special exceptions when using flame retardants—for example, firefighters' uniforms require flame retardants but can still achieve OEKO-TEX certification if otherwise meeting health standards.
Natural Rubber Latex Foam
What is latex?
Latex and natural rubber are the same material. It comes from the Hevea brasiliensis tree as a milky white liquid that can be processed into a springy, foam-like substance. It's frequently confused with synthetic latex, which is the chemical mixture styrene-butadiene. Confusing!
What is Dunlop vs Talalay latex?
Natural rubber latex serves as the starting material for both Dunlop and Talalay latex. Dunlop and Talalay are names for two different processing methods.
How is Dunlop latex foam made?
First, latex must come from an organic latex tree farm grown without pesticides. The latex rubber "milk" from the tree is poured into a mold and mixed with zinc, sulfur, and soaps to create a "gel," then baked into shape. It's washed to remove impurities, then baked again to dry. This process has been used for about 100 years, producing a dense foam. To meet the GOLS standard, it must contain at least 95% organic latex.
How is Talalay latex foam made?
To create a less dense, softer latex foam, the Talalay method was developed in the 1940s. Natural rubber "milk" is poured into a mold but only filled partway. Processing agents are added to the mixture, and a vacuum seal is applied so the foam expands and air pockets disperse evenly. Then it's flash-frozen with carbon dioxide to maintain shape, and baked. This process creates an airier foam than Dunlop, producing its characteristic softness.
Talalay latex isn't organic, so it cannot achieve GOLS certification. This can be acceptable—truly natural Talalay is an excellent choice compared to regular polyurethane foam. The only concern is that some manufacturers don't disclose which processing agents and additives they use. Unfortunately and confusingly, this can still be marketed as "100% natural latex" even with additives.
Unless they have third-party certification! Look for ecoINSTITUT or C2C Gold or Platinum certification, which ensures 100% of ingredients have been disclosed and confirmed safe for human health. If you're selecting a product made with Talalay, verify the company states exactly where it's sourced and whether it has legitimate certifications like C2C or ecoINSTITUT.
Finally, because Talalay is less dense than Dunlop, creating a large single sheet (mattress-sized, for example) is more difficult. Instead, several smaller pieces may be adhesive-bonded. This can be avoided by products that come in slabs you stack yourself. Some brands use non-toxic adhesives, sometimes even liquid latex.
To summarize, Talalay can sometimes approach Dunlop's health profile, but you must verify it was processed correctly and that the company isn't using it as a healthwashing technique.
What is GOLS certified latex?
GOLS, the Global Organic Latex Standard, is the gold standard third-party certification for organic rubber latex. Latex with the GOLS-certified organic label means 95% of the final product is organic latex and ensures that processing stages (mixing, baking, etc.) are safe for human and ecological health. Only Dunlop-processed latex can be GOLS certified. To be sold as GOLS latex, the distributor must also be GOLS certified, ensuring they didn't add anything after receiving and before shipping to customers. This can be an expensive certification, so you'll see it more with large companies.
What is GOTS approved latex?
GOTS certifies textiles—fabrics and upholstery—not latex. However, GOTS will accept latex in "GOTS certified products" if it's either organic, organic-in-transition, or sustainable (see the fine print here.) This is somewhat like having OEKO-TEX certified polyurethane foam. While it's legal for a company to advertise their "GOTS certified organic latex mattress" without also having organic certification for the latex itself—which comprises the bulk of the mattress—I think it's somewhat deceptive considering "GOTS" looks so much like "GOLS." GOTS is highly respected, and this may be a healthwashing tactic for customers not examining details closely. Alternatively, depending on perspective, it can represent another nuanced shade of grey in the evolving natural foam landscape. While it's not organic latex, it does help meet rising latex demand overall, and natural latex remains far superior to polyurethane foam.
What is FSC-certified latex?
FSC, or Forest Stewardship Council certification, focuses on responsible forest management. For latex, it means the trees meet forest management standards, indigenous people's rights are respected during harvesting, and old growth forests remain undisturbed. It's an excellent certification for environmental and community impact, but FSC-certified latex can still be mixed with numerous health-harming chemicals like styrene-butadiene rubber (synthetic rubber). I don't consider it any healthier than standard for this reason.
What is C2C certified foam?
C2C is shorthand for Cradle2Cradle. They certify products for material health (plus sustainability and equity.) Products can qualify for bronze, silver, gold, or platinum status depending on how many ingredients are disclosed, whether the product has low or very low VOC emissions, and several other chemical safety benchmarks. Even at the lowest level, bronze, PFAS are prohibited. See details of each level here (expand the “Material Health” section).
For example, a mattress or pillow made with Talalay latex that has C2C Gold certification means that 100% of the ingredients its made with have been declared by the manufacturer, and then assessed by C2C to be verified safe for humans and the environment (no synthetic rubber has been added).
What is ecoINSTITUT foam?
ecoINSTITUT certifies polyurethane and latex mattresses, couch cushions, and other foam products. It requires foam makers to disclose 100% of ingredients (probably why I've never seen a polyurethane foam product with this certification) and that harmful substances remain under very low percentages, including low VOC emissions. You can review their limits here.
Why is OEKO-TEX a lower standard for foam than C2C and ecoINSTITUT?
C2C and ecoINSTITUT require full disclosure of every ingredient used throughout the entire production process. OEKO-TEX focuses only on the finished product.
What foam certifications should I prioritize when shopping?
For natural latex: GOLS certification is the gold standard. C2C Gold or Platinum, or ecoINSTITUT are second best and still require rigorous testing and disclosure.
For any foam including polyurethane: Look for OEKO-TEX. GreenGuard GOLD is better than nothing but only addresses VOCs. Be skeptical of CertiPUR and MADE SAFE until they improve transparency. Always verify certifications directly rather than trusting marketing claims. I’ve gone through the all the top non toxic mattress brands and their certifications here.
Other Foam Types
Is EVA foam toxic?
It falls somewhere in the middle. EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is used to make shower curtain fabric, and in that context, it's surprisingly non-toxic according to various agencies including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), OSHA, and National Toxicology Program (NTP).
But EVA foam is different—it's a much thicker version of EVA fabric, and the main chemical concern is formamide, which is added to create foam-like softness. It's not safe at high doses and can be absorbed through skin, inhaled, and ingested, potentially causing various problems. That said, EVA foam with very low formamide amounts, confirmed by third-party testing, that has had time to off-gas, is still preferable to polyurethane foam or PVC because it doesn't require phthalates for softness and flexibility, and it doesn't require chlorine in production. It's still difficult to know exactly what else may be present, so choosing cork or natural rubber latex would be healthier options.
What is TPU foam?
TPU foam is a foamed or expanded version of TPU. Just like EVA foam differs from the relatively non-toxic EVA sheets (like shower curtain material), TPU foam differs from the relatively non-toxic TPU film. That's because they must be expanded, which usually requires chemical reactions.
Regular TPU stands for thermoplastic polyurethane, a thin film often used as waterproofing fabric in protectors. Like PU (polyurethane foam found in mattresses), TPU is also created from the same two basic building blocks—polyols and diisocyanates. When pressure, air (usually nitrogen gas or CO2), and other foaming agents are added to TPU, its volume expands by 5-8x, turning into E-TPU. The resulting foamy material is used in play mats, gymnastic pads, and sneakers.
Is TPU foam safe?
Probably not, but it's possibly safer than regular PU foam. Here's why:
The two building blocks, polyols and diisocyanate, bond together permanently in a more predictable way when making TPU than when making regular PU. TPU is made firmer or softer based on the softness, hardness, and lengths of the polyols and diisocyanate building blocks themselves— simply adjusting the ratio allows better control of the final result. This is less true for polyurethane foam, which uses additives for changing firmness or softness.
However, the process of making TPU foam from TPU does require foaming. The foaming process is generally considered less intense than making PU foam, which has numerous applications, textures, and marketing techniques to fulfill (cooling gel mattresses, for example). But TPU foam is harder to manufacture than regular PU foam, and one recently developed technique to make it less collapsible introduced nanofillers into the mixture, which are not good for humans or the environment. This results in a non-recyclable version of TPU foam. While no TPU foam manufacturer shares all their ingredients, it's important to know that foamed TPU can still utilize many of the same additives that regular PU foams do—flame retardants, UV stabilizers, and fiberglass.
New forms of TPU can even be recyclable or biodegradable, if made with B. subtilis, a soil-based probiotic bacteria, or cornstarch, to replace petroleum-derived polyols.
So while it may be safer than regular polyurethane foam, without 100% ingredient transparency or certifications, it's always possible it may contain chemicals with concerning profiles. If you choose TPU foam, verify it doesn't require a Prop 65 warning, and ideally confirm OEKO-TEX certification for a safer choice.
Is soy foam non-toxic?
No, most likely not. Soy-based foams contain, on average, 5% soy by weight. The remaining 95% is polyurethane foam. This is a classic example of healthwashing, and currently true of all "bio-based foams." If a company can prove their foam is made with 100% soy or other plant oil, it would be healthier than PU foam.
What is food grade polymer in mattresses?
In home furnishings like crib mattresses, it's often grade 4 low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic, the same plastic used in plastic bags, shrink wraps, and squeeze bottles.
Fresh or virgin LDPE has been classified as one of the safest plastics. (Recycled LDPE can contain unintentionally added pesticide residues, pigments, and flame retardants.) Like polyester, LDPE is created mainly with polymer building blocks, but chemicals are used to change reaction speed or properties of the final product. Some LDPE may have residues remaining, but if it's food-grade, these have been purified or washed away to the point that they wouldn't leach into food in high amounts under expected conditions—meaning even heat and acidic foods couldn't coax them out of the plastic.
But obviously, "food grade" is specific for food contact applications, not home furnishings. While home furnishings are unlikely to be heated or exposed to acidity, I think seeking OEKO-TEX certification is still preferred for plastic fabrics used in mattresses and other home goods. Otherwise, I recommend asking the manufacturer if flame retardants, BPA, or PFAS are present or if they've been tested for.
While it's a petroleum-based plastic with negative long-term environmental effects, it can be an affordable and relatively safe substance for your use if you can't choose an organic alternative. It's probably safer than polyurethane foam.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reduce foam exposure in my home?
Start with not only where you spend the most time, but what you’re in closest contact to—your pillow first, then your mattress, couch, and office chair. Prioritize replacing these with natural alternatives when feasible. For items you can't replace immediately, increase ventilation, use washable covers, and vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter to reduce dust accumulation, which contains microscopic foam additives that have fallen out (like flame retardants.) Consider natural rubber latex, organic cotton batting, or wool as alternatives when purchasing new items.
Are organic mattresses really foam-free?
Not always. Some "organic" mattresses contain organic cotton covers but still use polyurethane or other synthetic foams inside. Read the full materials disclosure—don't rely solely on marketing claims. Look for mattresses made entirely with natural rubber latex (ideally GOLS certified), organic cotton, and wool. Because there is so much healthwashing, misleading marketing, and lawsuits in the organic mattress world, I’ve gone through and rated and ranked them all from healthiest to least healthy on my Non-Toxic Mattress page.
Can off-gassing from foam be harmful to pets?
Yes, potentially. Pets spend even more time on furniture and beds than humans do, and their smaller body size means they may be more affected by chemical exposures. Additionally, pets are closer to floor dust where heavier chemicals from foam settle. One of the reasons cats get hyperthyroidism so commonly is because they are susceptible to flame retardants in foam, which affects their little thyroids. They are the canaries in the coal mine!
Is old foam more dangerous than new foam?
It depends on how old it is. Older foam has had more time to off-gas VOCs, which is positive. However, as foam ages and breaks down through friction and use, it releases more dust and particles containing additives like flame retardants. If your foam is visibly degrading, crumbling, or generating dust, replacement is worth considering. Foam manufactured before certain regulations may also contain chemicals that have since been restricted. Flame retardants started being phased out in 2013, and stannous octoate started being phased out of CertiPUR foams in 2023.
Do mattress covers or protectors block foam chemical exposure?
Yes, partially. A high-quality organic latex or wool mattress topper can reduce friction and heat, which will slow foam degradation and VOC off-gassing. I often recommend one to reduce exposure when it’s not time to buy a new mattress.
Are there truly non-toxic alternatives to foam?
Yes. Natural rubber latex (particularly GOLS certified Dunlop latex), organic cotton batting, wool, horsehair, coconut coir, and natural kapok are all substantially healthier alternatives. These materials have been used for centuries and don't require the complex chemistry and additives that synthetic foams do. They may cost more initially but offer better long-term health outcomes and often last longer.
How do I dispose of foam safely?
Polyurethane foam is difficult to recycle and typically ends up in landfills where it breaks down extremely slowly. Some cities have foam recycling programs—check your local waste management options. When removing old foam from your home, do so carefully to minimize dust generation. Bag it before removing it from the room. Natural latex foam is biodegradable and can sometimes be composted or recycled more easily.
About “Non Toxic” and Other Language
A quick note about how I use the terms non-toxic, chemical, and toxin:
I understand that there is no agreed-upon definition of the term non-toxic, and that everything, even water, is made of chemicals, so nothing is truly chemical-free. Likewise, I’m aware that toxin refers to a natural substance like a plant poison or venom, whereas toxicant is a more accurate term for the chemicals in products that have a negative health impact. I choose to use these words anyway because they are currently the most culturally agreed-upon, descriptive, and accessible terms that allow people to find the information they are seeking.
Some people really care about the accuracy of this terminology, so I’m letting you know!
Foam Rating Scales
Rating scales for foam and foam processing. These scales keep me consistent and unbiased as I rate and rank products in the Interior Medicine shop, and hopefully they’re helpful for you, too.
Having two scales captures a more complete picture of foam’s level of material health by considering two things: first, what the starting material was, and then, how it was processed. For example, organic latex from the rubber tree may be used as a super-healthy starting material, but then heavily chemically processed, or mixed with styrene-butadiene (synthetic rubber) or antimicrobials. On the other hand, a polyurethane couch cushion with OEKO-TEX certification ensures it is less harmful to your health than one without certifications— this helps highlight the nuance and the shades of grey present, which is important from an accessibility and affordability perspective.
Foam Types
Foam Processing
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