Mattress Toxins 101: What Parents Should Actually Worry About at Bedtime

Once your child moves on from a cot, upgrading their mattress tends to feel like a practical box to tick. You look for something the right size, firm enough to support growing bones, and hopefully not wrapped in cartoon characters. But one thing that often gets overlooked is what the mattress is actually made from.

Many mainstream kids’ mattresses are built with synthetic foams, chemical adhesives, and flame retardants that can release airborne toxins over time. It’s not something you’ll see listed in bold on the label, but it’s there, and it’s worth understanding.

Kids spend a large chunk of their time asleep, and their sleep environment matters. A non-toxic mattress isn’t just a nice idea, it’s a safer and more sensible one. This guide breaks down what’s worth knowing, what to avoid, and why brands like teddy are rethinking what kids should be sleeping on.

Common Mattress Problems in Kids' Beds (and Why They Matter)

Unfortunately, several common issues are widespread in mass-market kids’ mattresses, especially those made with low-cost materials or imported from manufacturers with looser safety standards. Here's what to watch for:

VOC Emissions

A large number of budget-friendly mattresses are made with polyurethane foam, a petroleum-based material that's cheap to produce and easy to mould. However, it comes with a hidden cost. These foams often emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are airborne chemicals released during the off-gassing process.

While the effects vary depending on the type and concentration, high VOC exposure in indoor environments has been linked to respiratory irritation, headaches, and disruption to sleep quality. Children, whose respiratory systems are still developing and who sleep more deeply and for longer periods than adults, are more vulnerable to these emissions. They tend to sleep face down or close to the surface, increasing exposure.

Flame Retardant Chemicals

Although fire safety is essential, many conventional mattresses meet flammability standards using chemical flame retardants. These include compounds such as PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), which have been phased out in some regions but still appear in cheaper imports and older stock.

These chemicals have raised concerns in numerous studies, especially around potential links to hormone disruption, neurodevelopmental delays, and behavioural issues. They don't stay locked inside the mattress either; they gradually break down into dust, which children can inhale or ingest through normal play and sleep habits.

Inadequate Breathability

A poorly constructed mattress with dense, synthetic layers may trap heat and restrict airflow. This is especially problematic for toddlers and young children who are still developing temperature regulation skills during sleep.

Overheating during sleep isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s also been identified as a risk factor for disrupted sleep cycles and night waking. Mattresses that don’t allow proper airflow can also create a damp, warm environment ideal for dust mites and mould growth, both of which can exacerbate allergies and asthma.

Allergenic Fillers and Fabrics

Finally, many conventional mattresses use synthetic blends or chemically treated fabrics to resist stains, pests, or wear. These treatments may involve formaldehyde-based resins or antimicrobial agents that can trigger skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive children.

What’s the Solution?

At teddy, we’ve built our mattresses around the idea that parents shouldn’t have to dig through chemistry textbooks to find something safe for their child. Instead of overcomplicating things, we use independently certified, thoroughly tested materials that take the uncertainty out of the equation.

Foam: CertiPUR-US® & REACH (EU Certified)

All the foam in our mattresses meets the CertiPUR-US® standard, which guarantees that it’s free from ozone depleters, PBDEs, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates. It also means the foam has low VOC emissions for indoor air quality. In short, it’s independently tested to make sure it’s not releasing anything into your child’s room that shouldn’t be there.

We also meet REACH compliance, the European Union’s strict regulation on chemical use in consumer products. REACH bans or restricts over 2,000 substances that can be harmful to health or the environment. By aligning with this certification, we ensure our materials exceed even the more stringent international safety standards, not just the minimum required locally.

Fabric: OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100

All fabrics in teddy mattresses are certified under the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, one of the world’s best-known labels for textiles tested against harmful substances. This certification doesn’t just look at the outer fabric, it checks every thread, zipper, and seam for safety. For a product your child sleeps directly on, it’s a solid assurance that no hidden irritants are working their way in.

Beyond The Bare Minimum 

At teddy, safety is where we start, but it’s not where we stop. The teddy junior and teddy junior lux mattresses are proof of that. 

Our Dual Comfort design ensures the mattress supports different stages of growth, with a firmer side for ages 2–4 and a more responsive, medium-firm surface for kids 5 and up. It’s a simple flip, no need to buy twice. For added peace of mind, both mattresses include an integrated Evolon® encasing to guard against dust mites and allergens, without the use of chemical sprays or clunky extras.

Whether you choose the more accessible teddy junior or the feature-rich teddy junior lux with bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam and 5-zone support, you’re not just getting a mattress that avoids the usual problems: you’re investing in one that’s been carefully designed to support better sleep at every stage of childhood.

Explore our full range here, or get in touch for straightforward advice on sleep safety and choosing the right mattress for your child.