Eco Memory Foam
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not a medical site. You should always discuss medical matters with your doctor.
Awareness of environmental issues such as pollution and global warming has increased rapidly over the last few years. More and more of our consumer decisons are being influenced by the environmental credentials of the product: we prefer to buy something that's eco-friendly.
This enironmental concern is as strong in the realm of bedding as anywhere else and is a reason some people prefer to buy natural latex bedding to synthetic modern materials such as memory foam.
"Green" Memory Foam
Where there is a gap in the market someone will probably try their best to fill it. That's happening with memory foam as a number of companies announce environmentally friendlier ranges.
So what is environmentally friendly memory foam ("eco foam")? Well, in most cases so far it's a mix of synthetic and natural ingredients. Some or all of the chemicals have been replaced by natural alternatives - usually plant based - to make the end product more biodegradable and/or easier to recycle. The manufacturing process itself may also be designed to reduce pollution.
Different manufacturers have different processes and ingredients, so the environmental impact of the different brands of green foam on the market will vary. It's up to you whether or not you think it's worth doing the extra work to compare the green credentials of the different products in detail.
Products
One of the first entrants in this new and potentially profitable field is Anatomic Global Inc who will be marketing EcoMemoryFoam products through their Ecomfort mattress division.
Another new product is Polar Foam Cool Foam from Hudson Industries.
As environmental awareness continues to rise, I expect an increasing number of companies to enter the green foam market. In the US the CertiPur-US Seal indicates adherence to voluntary standards including environmental guidelines.