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As consumers grow more aware of these concerning chemicals, companies are starting to make non-toxic air mattresses without PVC or other dangerous materials. In fact, there are several options for PVC and flame retardant-free air mattresses — if you know where to look.
Read on for a closer look at the problems with conventional air mattresses, along with our top picks for the best non-toxic air mattress for a safer night’s sleep.
The Problem With Conventional Air Mattresses
Conventional air mattresses can contain a host of unhealthy and environmentally harmful chemicals, including:
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): While PVC is often used for its flexibility, it contains toxic chemicals, including phthalates, lead, and other heavy metals. Phthalates, in particular, are known endocrine disruptors that can interfere with the hormonal systems in our bodies. Exposure to phthalates has been linked to reproductive health, development, and other hormone-related conditions.
- Flame retardants: While these chemicals can reduce the risk of fire, they’ve been associated with health risks. Some common flame retardants, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have been linked to developmental delays, thyroid issues, and even reproductive problems. PBDEs are also a problem because they persist in the environment and can bioaccumulate, posing long-term risks to our health, ecosystems, and wildlife.
- Indoor air quality/VOCs: Air mattresses made with PVC and treated with flame retardants will often emit VOCs and other harmful substances into the air, which we then breathe. Prolonged exposure to VOCs can be especially concerning for those of us with respiratory conditions, allergies, or chemical sensitivities.
- Harm to the environment: The process of creating, using, and disposing of PVC and flame retardant-treated products such as air mattresses can contribute to environmental pollution and waste. PVC is not easily recyclable and can release hazardous substances when it’s burned. Flame retardants can also leach into the environment and pose risks to aquatic ecosystems and animals.
To address the growing concerns over these chemicals, some manufacturers have started making PVC-free air mattresses with alternative materials. These more eco-friendly and non-toxic air mattress options may include materials like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is considered less toxic and more environmentally-friendly.
What Is TPU?
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a kind of plastic that belongs to the family of polyurethane materials. It’s used in air mattresses and many other products as an alternative to PVC. It’s elastic, flexible, and resistant to abrasion, oils, grease, and solvents.
TPU is generally considered non-toxic and free from harmful substances like phthalates and heavy metals. It’s often used as a more environmentally-friendly alternative to PVC, because it doesn’t require toxic stabilizers or plasticizers to produce.
As with any material, though, the safety of TPU can depend on its specific formulation and production method. Regarding biodegradability, TPU does not break down easily in the environment without the help of specific conditions or organisms that can digest it.
However, some manufacturers are working on developing biodegradable versions of TPU that can break down more readily in certain environmental conditions. These biodegradable TPUs are still relatively new and might not be as widely available as traditional TPU.
What Is California’s Prop 65?
To ensure you’re buying a safe non-toxic air mattress (or other product), you may want to look for products that don’t have a California Prop 65 warning attached to them.
California’s Proposition 65 is a law designed to protect consumers and the environment from exposure to chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. This law requires businesses operating in California to provide “clear and reasonable” warnings to consumers if their products or services contain any of the chemicals listed by the state as harmful.
Proposition 65 maintains a list of over 900 chemicals known to be toxic or carcinogenic. This list is regularly updated by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). Businesses are required to display warnings on their products if any of these listed chemicals are present in their products, even if the amount is very small.
While some people believe the law is overly cautious and leads to consumer anxiety over products that are quite safe, others feel it’s important for us to be aware when any levels of these concerning chemicals are present in the products we’re purchasing.
7 Best Non-Toxic Air Mattresses That Are PVC-Free
There are now a lot more options for eco-friendly and non-toxic air mattresses that are safer for us to use in our homes, while on vacation, and on camping trips. Here are our top picks.
1. BeyondHome Odorless Air Mattress (from $109)
The BeyondHome Air Mattress is a PVC-free and odorless non-toxic air mattress that’s quite comfy to sleep on and doesn’t emit that air mattress plasticky smell. Its fabric blend of TPU and polyester, along with a double-layered design, prevents unexpected deflation while you’re sleeping.
This air mattress’s dimensions are 78″ long x 60″ width x 18″ deep, and it feels as close to a regular mattress as you’re going to get with an air mattress.
With an easy and quick inflation process through the built-in pump, this non-toxic air mattress can be inflated or deflated in just three minutes. It automatically stops when fully it’s inflated. Portable and compact, the BeyondHome air mattress weighs 12 pounds and deflates to a small enough size to carry and store it easily.
This versatile mattress is a reliable PVC-free air mattress for travel, overnight guests, and even camping (if you have the room for a larger mattress in your tent!). It comes with a one-year warranty.
2. Serta Perfect Sleeper Eco Air Mattress ($199)
Serta’s TPU Perfect Sleeper Air Bed offers an eco-friendly air mattress with a full TPU construction, ensuring no harmful or toxic chemicals are released during its manufacturing or use.
The mattress features a premium construction with heavy-duty, waterproof, and puncture-resistant materials. It stands super tall at 18 inches, so it resembles a traditional bed more than a thinner air mattress. It comes with an oversized storage tote bag for easy packing and a built-in cord storage box.
With a two-year peace-of-mind warranty, Serta’s TPU Raised Queen Air Mattress is built to last and designed for regular use in your guest room, on vacations, or on your next glamping trip.
3. Intex TrueAire Queen Sized Air Mattress ($99)
The Intex TrueAire Mattress is a queen-sized, very comfortable air mattress designed for convenience. Its ultra-soft sleeping surface contours to the body with a good deal of support for an air mattress, providing enhanced lumbar support and accommodating up to 600 pounds for two people.
The mattress’s AirLock feature prevents air loss throughout the night. With an integrated pump and cord storage, it’s easy to inflate, deflate, and adjust the firmness.
This lightweight and compact portable bed weighs 11.2 pounds and comes with a carrying case for easy transportation and storage. The mattress’s inflated dimensions are 80 x 60 x 18 inches.
4. Therm-a-Rest MondoKing Self-Inflating Air Mattress ($179)
Though it’s aimed towards campers, this 4.5″ thick sleeping pad also works well as a comfy air mattress indoors when you have guests, especially for kids who don’t need a thicker mattress to sleep comfortably. Its TwinLock valve system allows for fast inflation and deflation through two valves.
This pad provides excellent insulation, even in cold conditions. The size measures 77 x 25 inches, with a rolled size of 26 x 10.3 inches, and a weight of 4.4 pounds. A stuff sack/pump sack is included for easy transport, and the product comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
This non-toxic polyester air mattress is made in the USA and is free of PVC. When I reached out to Therm-a-Rest, they informed me that this air mattress does not contain flame retardants, either. It does, however, include a CA Prop 65 warning for hexavalent chromium, which might occur on something as small as the air mattress’s valve or on the inside of the pad. I was unable to get further details from Therm-a-Rest about where chromium would exist on this mattress.
5. Lightspeed Eco Deluxe Sleep Pad ($89)
The Lightspeed Eco Deluxe Mattress offers a comfy design made from post-consumer recycled water bottles. It features soft foam that automatically expands when unrolled and a dual flow valve for easy self-inflation and deflation, ensuring maximum comfort and support.
This mattress incorporates soft fabric that conforms to the body for a comfortable sleep away from home. With a plush 4-inch thickness, it keeps you warm and elevated off the ground. Constructed from PVC-free materials, it eliminates harmful phthalates, plastic odors, and noises, ensuring a high-quality and quiet night’s sleep. The camping pad comes with compression straps and a carry bag, making it easy to take along on your adventures.
6. Kelty Cush PVC-Free Air Mattress ($89)
The Kelty Cush Air Mattress is a comfortable and inflatable camping mattress made without PVCs and designed to provide a restful night’s sleep during outdoor adventures. Available in various sizes, it features a durable construction with a soft top surface and sturdy bottom to withstand outdoor conditions.
The mattress’s lightweight and portable design includes user-friendly inflation and deflation. Kelty, a reputable outdoor gear brand, produces this mattress, making it a popular choice among camping enthusiasts looking for both comfort and convenience on their camping trips. The Kush Air Bed is the size of a queen mattress at 79 x 56 inches and 6 inches thick. It is not treated with flame retardants.
Note that when I reached out to Kelty about this air mattress, they said that the plastic materials in the mattress, the nozzle, and the motor do contain flame retardant chemicals. So while this air bed is PVC-free, I would not label it entirely “non-toxic.”
7. KingCamp Double Air Mattress ($129)
The KingCamp Air Mattress is made out of polyester instead of PVC and designed for camping and sleep-over comfort with a 3.9″ thickness. This four-season pad ensures a comfortable night’s sleep without having to worry about hard floors or uneven ground underneath you.
The mattress is lightweight and easy to store, making it perfect for hiking and camping. Its durable construction includes skin-friendly, waterproof, and tear-resistant materials, and it’s easy to inflate and deflate using the premium valve system. Two patches are included for quick fixes in case of accidental breakage.
Switch to PVC-Free Air Mattresses for a Non-Toxic Night’s Sleep
When it comes time to buy a new air mattress or replace your old one, considering looking for a PVC and flame retardant-free air mattress. Air mattresses without PVC are safer because they help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals like phthalates and VOCs. In fact, it’s healthier to avoid PVC and other problematic chemicals in other household products too, including your regular mattresses, wall paint, and even your shower curtains and liners.
To round out your camping gear, check out our guides to non-toxic camping tents, sleeping bags, and camping pads without flame retardants.
