Question from Ronda
Hi Debra – First let me say how happy I am that I can always go to your website to ask a question or find an answer. You are providing such a great and valuable service.
I’m looking for 2 twin size mattresses for my kids. All of the wool ones that I’ve found on different websits are out of my budget. My husband doesn’t like he futon option becase he thinks they are uncomfortable.
We have a place by us in California that makes their own mattresses called Custom Comfort. They have a page talking about their green design. I was going to talk to them about a cotton mattress because they don’t seem to offer wool.
Here is what they say about the fire retardants. What do you think about this? Inherent FR barrier Materials: In keeping compliant with FR regulations set forth by the government we use an inherent patented FR barrier which is atypical of the FR chemistry used in most mattresses. Its inherent properties make it safe both for the environment and for the consumer.
Debra’s Answer
I think it’s great that you want to buy your mattress from a local business and more local businesses should offer them.
However, they need to tell you what the fire retardant is and all other materials used in the mattress. There are a number of ways now to meet the federal regulations with less toxic substances and materials.
DON’T RELY ON UNSUBSTANTIATED CLAIMS. If the promotional material doesn’t tell you ASK. If you get the info and don’t know what the substance or material is ASK ME.
You might also ask them if they will build a mattress to your specifications.
