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Memory Foam Mattresses

BigGLomond profile image
30 Replies

I have read that there maybe an issue with memory foam mattresses for people with COPD. I understand that these items are made with around 60 different chemicals including things like formaldehyde and that we are breathing in the residue of these chemicals. Has anybody got any info on this?

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BigGLomond profile image
BigGLomond
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30 Replies
jools profile image
jools

Good morning BigLomond, I can't comment on the chemicals aspect of foam mattresses but I have had mine for several years now and wouldn't part with it for a lottery win! :) Julie x

BigGLomond profile image
BigGLomond in reply tojools

Thanks Julie, we have a mattress topper and it would be hard to part with it I know. Take care - George x

Steph57 profile image
Steph57

Hi BigGLomond I've also got one of these mattress I always use a allergy mattress protector cover so this might help. I wouldn't get rid of mine just yet. X

BigGLomond profile image
BigGLomond in reply toSteph57

Thanks Steph57, I never thought about a protector cover, I'll look into that. Take care, George x

Steph57 profile image
Steph57 in reply toBigGLomond

Hi George get some for your pillows. Also hoover your mattress regularly. It takes a while to find out what's bad for you but you'll get there. X

BigGLomond profile image
BigGLomond in reply toSteph57

Thanks Steph57, you've been a big help - George x

sassy59 profile image
sassy59

We have a memory foam mattress and two memory foam pillows. I use protectors for mattress and pillows and Pete does not seem to be having problems. xxxx

BigGLomond profile image
BigGLomond in reply tosassy59

Thanks sassy59, I'm trying to eliminate stuff that makes my problem worse. It would be hard to get rid of the topper so hearing that it doesn't bother Pete is good news on that front. Best wishes - George x

LittleUsker profile image
LittleUsker

It makes interesting reading though.....Was thinking about getting one but p'raps I'll stick to the one I have.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memor...

BigGLomond profile image
BigGLomond in reply toLittleUsker

Hi LittleUsker, please do your own research on this. I've had a few replies form people who say that they suffer no ill effects from the mattresses or toppers.. One person suggested an allergy cover for it (good idea!) There is a firm that make these mattresses without the chemicals I believe but I don't know if they are available in the U.K. Take care - George ....

LittleUsker profile image
LittleUsker in reply toBigGLomond

Thanks George, I'll have a look around and do some reading up on them :)

initial profile image
initial

I wouldn't part with mine, and I've never encountered any breathing problems because of using it .. I'd highly recommend them :) x

BigGLomond profile image
BigGLomond in reply toinitial

Thanks Initial, we have a topper and I'm just wondering whether that is a contributory factor in my illness. I've had quite a few replies saying that people suffer no ill effects from them so I am reassured. Thanks again, Take care - George ....

Outhwaite profile image
Outhwaite

Thanks LittleUsker for the link. The allergy cover is a good idea. However, I have such skeletal pain that I couldn't do without my memory foam mattress, although I can't get on with the pillows, so have hypoallergenic pillows and my COPD doesn't seem any worse since I've had the mattress and it's the only one I've ever had a good night's pain free sleep on. Interesting link though. Time the UK caught up with the mattresses without the chemicals...!!

Regards, Val.

jojam profile image
jojam

I have no problem with memory foam mattress that I've had for 5 years has an allergy cover & is vacuumed regularly. I wouldn't be without mine.

BigGLomond profile image
BigGLomond in reply tojojam

Thanks for that Jojam, most people are saying that they don't have a problem with the mattresses. I will get an allergy cover and make sure the mattress is vacuumed more regularly than it is now. Best Wishes - George ....

Poppymichael7 profile image
Poppymichael7

Had mine for quite a few years plus a m.f. topper and I wouldn't part with them.have a mattress cover on too. It's so comfortable and firm, I love it xxx

BigGLomond profile image
BigGLomond in reply toPoppymichael7

Thanks Poppymichael7, I think that all of you guys have convinced me to hang on to my topper, get a cover for it, and vacuum it regularly and I shouldn't have a problem, take care - George ....

longlungs profile image
longlungs

Hi there BigGLomond Ive had one of these mattresses for 8yrs now and Havnt noticed anything untoward re breathing.Have the pillows too thought iwas laying my head on a brick at first but now i cant sleep without them,I just looove my bed. :) Janexx

BigGLomond profile image
BigGLomond in reply tolonglungs

Hi Jane, yes, we have had a topper for a long time, longer than I have been diagnosed with COPD but I am just wondering if the topper is a factor in my illness, all of the responses on this site have convinced me that it isn't, which is good 'cos I would hate to get rid of it. Thanks for your response, Best wishes - George ....

junespoon profile image
junespoon

Does any one know if I can use a wheat bag with a memory foam matteress, please.?

JustSandra profile image
JustSandra in reply tojunespoon

I don't see why not I use mine that way

BigGLomond profile image
BigGLomond in reply tojunespoon

I've no experience of this, sorry - George ....

junespoon profile image
junespoon

Thanks all I will go ahead and order one, Have seen one in the Argos book only 149 pounds may give that a go, just need some one take this away, then will. x

Offcut profile image
Offcut

formaldehyde is used in MDF boards as well

BigGLomond profile image
BigGLomond in reply toOffcut

Thanks Offcut, one to bear in mind - George ....

doublecee profile image
doublecee

I've worked in Age UK for around 9 years and have heard bad reports about these mattresses, mainly from older people who frequent the shop. Cyril.

BigGLomond profile image
BigGLomond in reply todoublecee

Hi Cyril, thanks for that. I will treat these items with caution and do some more research. - George ....

doublecee profile image
doublecee

Glad to be able to help. Cyril.

Artist44 profile image
Artist44

I bought one last week and it was very comfortable. However, I woke up VERY short of breath in the night which really frightened me.

We live in an apartment and our windows have been shut due to the wet and windy weather and I wondered if it was a build up of fumes.

Having read other posts saying there is a problem I am exchanging it for an ordinary mattress.

I am very sensitive to smells so I will err on the side of caution.

JJ

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