[rmum]

We bought our 4-year-old son an IKEA Sultan mattress about 4 months ago and it still smells of latex. Soon after we bought it we enclosed it in a water-proof cover (not a vinyl one), and I guess trapped the gas inside it. I removed the cover a couple of weeks ago but it still smells. Does anyone have any idea how to accelerate the dissipation of this gas? Or where to go to find out if it's a health risk to him? My eyes water when I lie on the bed with him and I hate to think what it could be doing to his health. He has had two sinus infections recently, which he has never had before.
Thanks for any help.

[greenie227]

I'm guessing what you're smelling is off-gassing from the fire retardant. Here's a link to a small discussion of healthy alternatives -- but I'm thinking that if you still smell the mattress, getting a new one is good idea.

http://dld123.com/q&a/index.php?cid=1470

You might also try sites like Allergy Control Products - Bedding Encasings, Air Cleaners, Hypoallergenic Bedding, HEPA Vacuums, Dehumidifiers, Allergy Cleaning Products, Sensitive Skin Products and Other Allergy Products for Allergy Relief from Dust Allergies, Mold Allergies, and if you like the mattress but want to block the off-gassing. These products are to protect against mites, but they might also help in your case.

My instinct would be to get a new, natural mattress, but I know those are pricey.

[1goldenrodent]

Just saw your posting today - hope you have resolved this issue. If not, consider "off-gassing" from the mattress and removed it. Formaldehyde, VOC and other chemical exposures (burning, watery eyes, coughs) and neurological problems (head aches, etc). This is especially true to "vulnerable populations" such as young children and the elderly. Here are some helpful sites:

http://dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/pdf/...-dermnetnz.pdf
showing specific skin-related reaction to exposure

Organic mattress, VOC, fire retardant, organic cotton, bamboo furniture - The Green Guide
National Geographic article tracing mattresses and potential irritants connecting mattresses, fabrics to "off-gassing"

Formaldehyde | Basic Information | Indoor Air | Air | US EPA
See: health effects and reducing exposure

[justaguest]

i just bought a mattress from keetsa (www.keetsa.com)...it's not 100% green, but one of the best alternatives you'll find for less than a multi-thousand dollar natural organic latex mattress. i believe they use 65-95% recycled or recyclable materials and avoid bleaches and additive chemicals wherever possible, but you can check them out for more details. they ship the mattress compressed in a box to reduce their carbon footprint too, heh.

[Debra Hanson]

We bought the foam mattresses that went with the Mydol bunk beds and the fumes are too strong. I've since learned that both the chemicals in the foam and the fire retardant are dangerous to breathe causing rashes, respiratory and intestinal and neurological damage.
Our daughter had a rash on her cheek and leg, parts not covered, and the fumes make my eye's and nose irritated. We've had a fan running which is crazy.
We're returning ours and opting for a non chemical alternative.

Wish companies would stop selling products that off-gas.