Question from Lisa D.

Hello Debra, We are trying to find the least expensive yet least toxic futon mattresses since we just moved and are starting over. We had White Lotus ones in the past but honestly we can’t afford that route right now. I am trying to decide between the Gold Bond Wool Wrap futon mattress (that has boric acid and foam) and a cotton/wool wrap futon from Crane & Turtle which I was told could be without the boric acid. I am pregnant and concerned about health issues and boric acid although some people say it’s safe. Which would you do, or would you do something else? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

First, I wouldn’t do foam and boric acid, especially if you are pregnant.

I looked at the Crane & Turtle cotton/wool wrap and it certainly is a great price, but it’s not organic cotton. Pesticide residues stay in cotton batting, so it’s especially important for a bed to have organic batting in the filling.

And particularly since you are pregnant, it’s important to eliminate as many chemicals as you can. Since you spend 1/3 of your life lying on a mattress, this is no place to save money. There’s a saying “penny wise, pound foolish.” Saving money now will not save money in the future should your child’s health be compromised by pesticides in your mattress.

I know you are on a budget and there are many other chemicals you are being exposed to. But in my opinion, the mattress is one of the most important things to spend money on, and get the purest you can.

White Lotus frequently has sales so you may be able to get a White Lotus mattress for less than you think. Call them.

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