The Surprising Truth About What’s Inside Most Mattresses

The Surprising Truth About What’s Inside Most Mattresses

When was the last time you looked inside your mattress — figuratively, at least?

We spend nearly a third of our lives in bed, yet most of us have no idea what’s beneath the surface of the thing we sleep on every night. And unfortunately, it’s not just springs and foam. Conventional mattresses are often packed with synthetic chemicals, industrial adhesives, petroleum-based foams, and fire retardants. These materials can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for years, contributing to indoor air pollution and even disrupting our sleep.

The Hidden Cost of Convenience

Why are these materials used in the first place? Simply put: they’re cheap to manufacture and easy to mass-produce. But there’s a catch — synthetic materials like polyurethane foam and polyester batting aren’t just bad for the planet, they can be harmful to us too.

For example, research shows that some flame retardants used in mattresses may be endocrine disruptors and possible carcinogens. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has highlighted the risks of exposure to such compounds, particularly for children.

Common Chemicals Found in Mass-Market Mattresses:

  • Polyurethane foam – Made from petroleum, highly flammable, and typically treated with flame retardants.

  • Formaldehyde – Often used in adhesives and fabrics, a known respiratory irritant.

  • Antimony & boric acid – Fire-resistant additives that may cause skin and respiratory issues.

How These Chemicals Affect Your Sleep

Even if you can’t see or smell these chemicals, your body may still be reacting to them. Symptoms like headaches, itchy eyes, breathing difficulties, and sleep disruption can all be linked to off-gassing VOCs from synthetic materials.

The Natural Alternative: Snoozel Green’s Organic Mattress

We built Snoozel Green to offer something different: a mattress that’s not just free from harmful chemicals, but actively good for you and the planet.

Each Snoozel Green mattress is made with:

  • Certified organic latex – Sourced from sustainable plantations in Sri Lanka.

  • GOTS-certified organic cotton covers – Breathable, soft, and non-toxic.

  • Organic wool – A natural flame retardant that’s breathable and thermoregulating.

No polyurethane foam. No glue. No toxins.

Transparency from Seed to Sleep

Unlike many brands, we don’t outsource or white-label our manufacturing. We own our factory in Sri Lanka, ensuring ethical labour practices and complete control over materials and quality. Every mattress is handmade by skilled craftspeople who earn a fair wage and work in good conditions.

This is what true transparency looks like — from seed to sleep.

Choosing Better for You and the Earth

The benefits go beyond peace of mind. Our organic materials are naturally breathable, hypoallergenic, and incredibly durable. That means better sleep now and less waste later.

If you’re concerned about the long-term impact of chemicals in your home, your mattress is a great place to start making change.


Ready to switch to a mattress that supports your health and the planet? Explore our organic mattress and feel the difference.