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Health See other Health Articles Title: What Is the Best Pillow? (Plus the 5 Dangers of Conventional Pillows) What Is the Best Pillow? (Plus the 5 Dangers of Conventional Pillows) Dr. Josh Axe When you hear the word pollution, what do you think of? My guess is that images of factories full of smoke come to mind, or rivers and oceans filled with debris, oil and sludge. No one ever really thinks of indoor air quality or associates pollution with their comfy pillow, mattresses and bed sheets. I’m here to tell you that it may be time to reassess your idea of pollution and where it can come from. Sadly, that pillow you’re putting your head on every single night could be described as “dangerous” or “health hazardous,” and I’m about to tell you why. And of course, I’m about to answer this very important question: What are the best and healthiest pillows? 5 Major Dangers of Pillows These are just some of the potential dangers lurking in many pillows and why I strongly suggest switching to a healthier, more natural option. 1. Flame-Retardants A popular pillow choice is one filled with foam. In fact, foam is one of the most common synthetic fillings of pillows today. The attraction of these pillows is that they are able to mold to each individual body shape. The problem is that this foam often mainly consists of something called polyurethane. Is a polyurethane pillow safe? Is polyurethane foam toxic? Polyurethane is a flame retardant found in foam that is used to make pillows as well as mattresses, couches, all kinds of upholstered furniture, carpet padding and even electronics. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the concern with polyurethane is that it emits polybrominated-diphenyl-ethers (PBDEs). These PBDEs are known for being hormone disruptors which can accumulate in the placenta and even contaminate a mother’s breast milk. (1) Another danger connected to these compounds is the fact that they aren’t biodegradable. Over a decade ago, researchers pointed out that the concentrations of PBDEs in some human and marine mammal populations were increasing and the health concerns linked to PBDEs included thyroid hormone disruption, neuro-developmental deficits and even cancer. (2) According to their own website, the EPA is “is concerned that certain PBDE congeners are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to both humans and the environment.” The research to date has been so alarming that the EPA phased out the the manufacture and import of certain PBDEs (specifically penta- and octaBDE) in 2004. Years later, the EPA was able to get principal manufacturers and importers of another PBDE (c-decaBDE) to agree to reducing the manufacture, import and sales of c-decaBDE starting in 2010, with all sales to cease by December 31, 2013. (3) This is why the EWG recommends completely avoiding any foam products manufactured prior to 2005 and if you are going to buy household products that contain foam then opt for ones made after 2014. (4) 2. Fungi We’ve known about the possibility of fungal contamination of our bedding since the 1930s. More recently in 2005, researchers in England reported that the average pillow contains millions of fungal spores. At the university of Manchester, various samples from feather and synthetic pillows were studied. Each pillow had been used about 18 months, and some for as long as 20 years. Scientists found that the pillows contained a disturbing fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus, which is especially known for causing infection for people with asthma, leukaemia and bone marrow transplant patients. This fungus may also be responsible for increasing the symptoms of asthma and allergic sinusitis. Overall, the researchers found that the feather pillows had fewer species than the synthetic pillow. (5) Fungi in pillows and other locations in the home continue to make headlines as people with compromised immune systems or asthma need to be especially careful. Drug-resistance is also an ongoing concern with infections caused by Aspergillus since the fungus can be so difficult to eradicate completely. (6) As the CDC points out, “Most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without getting sick. However, people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases are at a higher risk of developing health problems due to Aspergillus. The types of health problems caused by Aspergillus include allergic reactions, lung infections, and infections in other organs.” (7) 3. Formaldehyde Formaldehyde may be better known for being found in furniture and other wood products, but it can also be found in some pillows! (8) In view of its widespread use, toxicity and volatility, exposure to formaldehyde is a significant consideration for health. It’s known that formaldehyde can cause concerning symptoms including watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, nausea, skin irritation and burning sensations of the eyes, nose or throat. (9) In June 10, 2011, the U.S. National Toxicology Program even described formaldehyde as “known to be a human carcinogen.” (10) 4. Perfumes and Deodorizers Some manufacturers of foam pillows use industrial strength perfumes and deodorizers to mask the chemical odors coming from the foam. Yuck! These masking fragrances are designed to be pleasant, but are likely to be composed of dangerous synthetic scents adding another level of hazard to an already toxic pillow. 5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Another reason to opt for a chemical-free pillow is to avoid dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If you search the internet, it’s not hard to find concerns about foam pillows and mattresses containing VOCs that can be released into the air as these foam products experience a process called off-gassing. The word “volatile” is in VOCs for reason — it’s because these substances are unstable. VOCs are known for breaking up and forming toxic gases. Immediate effects of exposure to VOCs can include irritation to your eyes and nose. VOCs maybe also set off asthma attacks. When it comes to long-term effects, VOCs are linked to possible damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system as well as cancer. (11) So what should you buy? Are feather pillows any good? It’s time to take a look at healthier pillow options on the market today. Hopefully, you’re about to find the pillow that will be perfect for you in every way! What Is the Best Pillow? Here Are the 6 Best Pillows Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest Begin Trace Mode for Comment # 1.
#1. To: BTP Holdings (#0)
I just use a folded blanket anymore. Quite comfortable and (esp. being so easy to clean) zaps away every one of those problems!
There are no replies to Comment # 1. End Trace Mode for Comment # 1.
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