Bedding for the Chemically Sensitive

Lourdes Salvador's Column

...Co-founder of MCS America discusses the latest Multiple Chemical Sensitivity issues.

Lourdes Salvador volunteers as a writer and social advocate for the recognition of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). She was a passionate advocate for the homeless and worked with her local governor to provide services to the homeless through a new approach she created to end homelessness. That passion soon turned to advocacy and activism for people with MCS and the medical professionals who serve them. She co-founded MCS Awareness in 2005 and went on to found MCS America in 2006. She serves as a partner for Environmental Education Week, a partner for the Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE), and a supporter for the American Cancer Society: Campaign for Smokefree Air.

For more information visit MCS America

Monday, March 8th, 2010:

Bedding for the Chemically Sensitive

by Lourdes Salvador

Q: I am sensitive to chemicals and have allergies. I can no longer tolerate sleeping on my mattress. What options are available for sleeping?

A: By law, mattresses must have a flame retardant. Studies have shown that these flame retardants migrate into the blood stream of humans. Even organic mattresses must contain flame retardants.

A wool wrap may be placed around a mattress filling as a flame retardant. But in most cases, a chemical flame retardant is used. Many of these chemicals have been linked to reproductive and other health problems.

Dioxin, a bleaching agent, and formaldehyde are two other troublesome chemicals which may be found in a mattress.

With a doctors prescription, an untreated mattress may be purchased. These untreated mattresses come in both organic and conventional materials. This is the first step toward a healthier bed.

Mattresses often trap dust mites and other allergens as well. Once you find a good mattress, wrap it in a barrier cloth similar to the pillow casings designed to block out allergens

Another option involves wrapping a mattress in Mylar. This is usually helpful, albeit a bit noisy. Mylar is an aluminized blanket which acts as a vapor barrier and crunches a bit like aluminum foil. The lose ends may be sealed with a tolerable aluminum tape.

Test all bedding to insure that it is not contributing to allergic or chemical reactions. Dye-free organic sheets are usually best.

If all else fails, think outside the box. Some have found suitable sleep by piling several thick blankets on the floor. Others have created softer and more comfortable beds by placing several comforters on top of a lounge chair.

When it comes to chemical sensitivity, creativity is key!

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For more articles on this topic, see: MCSA News.

Copyrighted 2010 Lourdes Salvador & MCS America

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written by Mark Allen Crue, February 05, 2012

I'm am older mcs/ei. person. I go back to the doctor Randolph days in Chicago, And the start of the Canary Newsletter. (early1980's) I'm back to struggling with bedding again. It really never has gone away, it has always been a struggle.
My wife and I decided to try the newer heat reactive mattress cover, we got it at kohls. The one that conforms to your body. A side note , they are hard to move around in. It's great for the bursitis, but after about 2 months either I became sensitized to it, or the material started to out gas, or a combo of both.
Really horrid headaches. I got a little more time and safety, by putting a high thread count comforter, with a high count duvet over the mattress. Now it seems like that is not working, after about 6 months. My wife has electro-magnetic problems so I am thinking that mylar might be out of the question. Is mylar conductive? Any other suggestions. I hate the layers of blankets option, been there done that, but now I have a wife!!! I did have a doctors prescription for an organic futon once. Man do they get hard after awhile. still having fun with e.i after all these years, just love ya for being an advocate for our cause.