Bed mattress

At the risk of TRULY EMBARRASSING myself, here it goes!!! After my 3rd ablation and a touch-up (third and touch-up performed by Dr. Natale), I remain on 5 mgs Eliquis daily and at the end of September, I will be three years AFIB free and don’t want to do anything to affect that.

So here it goes…..after researching bed mattresses at length, my husband and I chose the one we thought would be best for us and would have the least chemicals!!
We were just going to order it and read that it has an exclusive anti-microbial treatment by Guardin “ built into the fabric.” It is made with a proprietary blend of essential
oils and minerals. The blend includes thyme, geranium, lemongrass and mint, “but is completely odorless and colorless”.

So, unbelievably, I did read the posts about the EMF in chairs…..how about these essential oils in a mattress!! Crazy I know but I am posting it!! Hopefully I am way “over-thinking” this one as Carey has pointed out to me in the past.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/23/2025 12:29AM by Pixie.

Maybe they added the oils to block some other toxic stink. I’m on my third pillow from Amazon and just returned the last one. I read Amazon feedback 1 ratings before I buy stuff. You would be surprised how many complaints are about odors.

Check on Amazon the mattress in question and read about other complaints about the oils.,

Quote
susan.d
Maybe they added the oils to block some other toxic stink. I’m on my third pillow from Amazon and just returned the last one. I read Amazon feedback 1 ratings before I buy stuff. You would be surprised how many complaints are about odors.

Check on Amazon the mattress in question and read about other complaints about the oils.,

Susan, thank you so much for your reply. The mattress we are looking at is rated very well on all reputable sites. I read many customer reviews and no one mentioned an odor. Antimicrobials are used on mattresses that have memory foam and natural latex to prevent the growth of bacteria and mildew. As I said in my post it states that the oils are odorless. It is added to the mattress ticking during the manufacturing process. I am overly cautious when I see thyme, geranium, etc in products as they may interact with AFIB and meds, etc. Of course being incorporated into a mattress is a whole new concept for me and that is why I am asking. Any more thoughts would be appreciated. I am not worried about toxicity because this mattress has 2 certifications that give me some piece of mind. I am just worried about any arrhythmias!!
Who would have thought buying a mattress would be so difficult!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/23/2025 02:23AM by Pixie.

Quote
Pixie
Hopefully I am way “over-thinking” this one as Carey has pointed out to me in the past.

I may have thought you were overthinking something in the past, but you're not now. I would never buy any piece of furniture, bedding, etc. that was infused with some unspecified concoction of "essential oils and minerals." Why the hell does a mattress need anything infused? And I wouldn't trust whoever made that mattress not to be spraying it with toxins. I doubt that it poses an afib risk for you (probably nothing but aging does), but I think it's just nuts to be spraying chemicals and scents and "essential oils" everywhere.

AI google loves it:

Guardin™ is Saatva's exclusive antimicrobial treatment, a blend of essential oils and minerals like thyme, geranium, lemongrass, and mint, added to their mattress ticking. It's designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew that can cause odors and deterioration. Unlike some other treatments, Guardin™ is biodegradable, odorless, colorless, and free of heavy metals, fluorocarbons, and other harmful chemicals.
Here's a more detailed look:
What it is:
Guardin™ is a treatment applied to Saatva's mattress ticking during manufacturing.
How it works:
It uses a proprietary blend of essential oils and minerals (thyme, geranium, lemongrass, and mint) to prevent the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Key features:
Guardin™ is biodegradable, odorless, colorless, and doesn't contain heavy metals, fluorocarbons, or other harmful chemicals.
Benefits:
It helps to prevent odors, stains, and deterioration caused by microbial growth, promoting a cleaner sleep environment.
Comparison to other treatments:
Unlike some other treatments that use heavy metals, Guardin™ is a more natural and safer alternative.
Mattress types:
While Guardin™ is featured on Saatva mattresses, many other brands also offer antimicrobial mattress options. For example, Naturepedic is known for its hypoallergenic and organic mattresses.

I noticed under my search many hits for green non toxic organic mattresses.
[www.mygreenmattress.com] mentions:
Rest easy knowing your mattress is free from flame retardant chemicals, polyurethane foams, and fiberglass.

That’s probably not healthy.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/23/2025 05:14AM by susan.d.

Susan wrote: I noticed under my search many hits for green non toxic organic mattresses.
[www.mygreenmattress.com] mentions:
Rest easy knowing your mattress is free from flame retardant chemicals, polyurethane foams, and fiberglass.

That’s probably not healthy.[/quote]

Susan, your AI search, was the essence of what I was reading from multiple sites and Saatva was the mattress brand I was interested in.
Regarding the above quote, what were you referring to when you wrote “That’s probably not healthy?”

Quote
Carey

Hopefully I am way “over-thinking” this one as Carey has pointed out to me in the past.

I may have thought you were overthinking something in the past, but you're not now. I would never buy any piece of furniture, bedding, etc. that was infused with some unspecified concoction of "essential oils and minerals." Why the hell does a mattress need anything infused? And I wouldn't trust whoever made that mattress not to be spraying it with toxins. I doubt that it poses an afib risk for you (probably nothing but aging does), but I think it's just nuts to be spraying chemicals and scents and "essential oils" everywhere.

Thanks for replying, Carey. In this case I was sure you were going to tell me I was over-thinking this! The concoction is, supposedly, the 4 oils I referenced above. We researched many sites regarding this mattress. Everything looked good until we were ready to place the order on line. That is when I read about the infused oils. Having not seen that before, made me very suspicious. What I did not mention was that this mattress company, a top seller by the way, has a class action lawsuit going on because of chemicals in their baby mattresses. I read a lot about that and was hesitant to deal with the company. I then decided that since it did not seem to apply to this mattress, I would proceed anyway. I did not want to admit it, but, when I read the part about the infusion of the oils, I had a gut feeling that there was more to this. That is why I sent the post. We are going back to the drawing board and looking for something else! Thank you!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/23/2025 02:31PM by Pixie.

When did bacteria, mold, and mildew become a problem with mattresses anyway? I think it's just a marketing gimmick that solves no actual problem.

Carey, just one more thing because I know I should now be posting in the general forum….

A mattress from another company makes their mattress top cover from a fabric called tencel made out of the wood pulp from a eucalyptus tree!! Eucalyptus is a red flag for me because of arrhythmia issues. What are your thoughts on that? If you have not purchased a mattress in a while, you would not believe “what is out there”!!

Basically my question is, do you think a tencel eucalyptus mattress top cover can cause AFIB or other arrhythmias? 😞



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/23/2025 04:26PM by Pixie.

Quote
Pixie
Regarding the above quote, what were you referring to when you wrote “That’s probably not healthy?”

flame retardant chemicals, polyurethane foams, and fiberglass.

Quote
Pixie
Carey, just one more thing because I know I should now be posting in the general forum….

A mattress from another company makes their mattress top cover from a fabric called tencel made out of the wood pulp from a eucalyptus tree!! Eucalyptus is a red flag for me because of arrhythmia issues. What are your thoughts on that? If you have not purchased a mattress in a while, you would not believe “what is out there”!!

Basically my question is, do you think a tencel eucalyptus mattress top cover can cause AFIB or other arrhythmias? 😞

I only wear Tencel fabrics. It’s so comfortable. Especially on a hot day I don’t sweat. What makes you think it causes arrhythmias? My PVCs are worst since I have been wearing tencel but I don’t see how clothes made from 100% tencel that has been washed can get into my bloodstream. I would think man made fabrics (nylon, polyester etc) using chemicals and oil byproducts would be worst. I speculate if you wear cotton it has been potentially sprayed with pesticides while hanging from a bush as well.

EDIT
I take it back…
[www.alzdiscovery.org]
Says cotton, bamboo and natural fabrics have less of a toxic burden if herbicides are not used.

Putting this topic to “bed”…:-)

AI Overview
No, Tencel fabric itself cannot penetrate into one's bloodstream in the way that, for example, a drug injected intravenously would.
Here's why:
Tencel fibers are too large to pass through the skin and enter the bloodstream. One source describes Tencel fibers as finer than cotton, but still a size that would interact with the skin's surface and not penetrate its layers. The fibers, as manufactured, are not designed or capable of being absorbed by the body in this manner.
Tencel is designed for skin contact. Tencel is often chosen for sensitive skin and products like underwear and activewear due to its soft, smooth, and breathable qualities. It's even suitable for baby clothing and diapers. This indicates it's intended for close contact without harmful absorption.
Tencel is certified safe. Tencel is certified by OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, which means it has been tested for harmful substances and deemed safe for human contact. It is also certified toxin-free.
The potential for chemical absorption from clothing generally relates to harmful substances used during processing or finishing. If Tencel fabric is dyed using eco-friendly dyes and certified free of harmful chemicals, as is often the case with sustainably produced Tencel, then the risk of harmful substances being absorbed through the skin is minimal, according to Tripulse.
In summary, the physical structure of Tencel fibers prevents them from entering the bloodstream. While it's generally good practice to choose clothing certified to be free of harmful chemicals, Tencel itself is a safe material to wear against the skin.

Read this:
[loomandfiber.com].

When we moved into our current house ten summers ago, we each purchased a twin mattress bed to be abutted up against each other. My wife wanted memory foam, and I wanted a Dormeo, about 3 cm higher of the same platforms. I wouldn't sleep in mine for about a year, letting if off-gas. The smell was distinct, off-putting, and I wanted nothing to do with it. When my wife begged me to return to the bedroom, I relented and it was fine by then.

A great mattress, BTW. I would repurchase.

Quote
susan.d
Putting this topic to “bed”…:-)

AI Overview
No, Tencel fabric itself cannot penetrate into one's bloodstream in the way that, for example, a drug injected intravenously would.
Here's why:
Tencel fibers are too large to pass through the skin and enter the bloodstream. One source describes Tencel fibers as finer than cotton, but still a size that would interact with the skin's surface and not penetrate its layers. The fibers, as manufactured, are not designed or capable of being absorbed by the body in this manner.
Tencel is designed for skin contact. Tencel is often chosen for sensitive skin and products like underwear and activewear due to its soft, smooth, and breathable qualities. It's even suitable for baby clothing and diapers. This indicates it's intended for close contact without harmful absorption.
Tencel is certified safe. Tencel is certified by OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, which means it has been tested for harmful substances and deemed safe for human contact. It is also certified toxin-free.
The potential for chemical absorption from clothing generally relates to harmful substances used during processing or finishing. If Tencel fabric is dyed using eco-friendly dyes and certified free of harmful chemicals, as is often the case with sustainably produced Tencel, then the risk of harmful substances being absorbed through the skin is minimal, according to Tripulse.
In summary, the physical structure of Tencel fibers prevents them from entering the bloodstream. While it's generally good practice to choose clothing certified to be free of harmful chemicals, Tencel itself is a safe material to wear against the skin.

Read this:
[loomandfiber.com].

So, here is what is stated about the tencel from eucalyptus pulp on the mattress cover :

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification: The Tencel™ material is sourced from sustainably harvested wood pulp from FSC-certified forests, ensuring responsible forestry practices.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100: This certification guarantees that the Tencel™ fabric in the WinkBeds mattress cover is tested and free from harmful substances, including chemicals and allergens, and is safe enough for babies and children.

I think that it would pass your standards even though it is from eucalyptus pulp . Is that correct, Susan? I know how particular you are.

“ Susan? I know how particular you are.”.

:-). Hmmm…am I particular? I’ve heard comments about me but never being particular except when I eat out with my 152 food allergies and family members bang their heads while I quiz the server what ingredients are used. I just want to survive with the least amount of food based reactions, medical iatrogenic or environmental negativity…and not end up at a restaurant only ordering just water after I wear down the server and find out there is nothing I could eat.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/23/2025 07:27PM by susan.d.

Quote
Pixie
Basically my question is, do you think a tencel eucalyptus mattress top cover can cause AFIB or other arrhythmias? 😞

I find it hard to believe that any mattress or mattress cover can cause afib.

AI overview would ”know” and AI agrees that there is no direct scientific evidence link to afib, there are some situations while sleeping that can alter cardiac health:

Can a mattress cover cause Afib?
There's no direct scientific evidence suggesting that a mattress cover itself can directly cause atrial fibrillation (Afib). However, there are some ways a mattress cover, especially certain types, might indirectly contribute to factors associated with Afib:
Sleep Quality and Disorders:
Poor sleep quality is linked to an increased risk of Afib.
If a mattress cover hinders comfort (e.g., due to material, trapping heat, or creating noise), it could disrupt sleep and potentially exacerbate Afib or increase the risk for some individuals.
Sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, is a risk factor for Afib, according to UChicago Medicine. A mattress cover (or mattress itself) that worsens sleep apnea symptoms could indirectly increase Afib risk.
Chemical Exposure (VOCs):
Some mattress covers and mattresses, especially those made with synthetic materials, can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals.
While studies on the direct link between mattress chemicals and Afib are limited, some research indicates that long-term exposure to certain chemicals (like phthalates) might affect cardiovascular health.
Individuals with chemical sensitivities could experience headaches, respiratory issues, and other symptoms from off-gassing, potentially impacting overall health and indirectly affecting heart health.
Electric/Heated Mattress Covers and Blankets:
Overheating from heated mattress pads or blankets, while not directly causing Afib, could stress the heart and potentially trigger an episode in susceptible individuals.
However, according to UCLA Health, there's no scientific evidence showing that electric blankets will impact Afib.
In conclusion
While there is no proven direct link between mattress covers and Afib, it's crucial to prioritize factors that promote healthy sleep and minimize potential irritants. Choosing a breathable, comfortable mattress cover and addressing underlying sleep disorders or chemical sensitivities can contribute to better sleep and potentially help manage Afib risk.
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional if you are concerned about your Afib or experiencing any unusual symptoms. They can provide accurate diagnosis and personalized guidance based on your individual health needs.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/23/2025 10:54PM by susan.d.

Yes, when I finally got a handle on my AFIB, was when I switched to an air mattress laid on top of a Futon mattress. About every 4 months or so I have to buy a new air mattress, as they get leaks, but for $17 at Walmart it is definitely worth getting the upper hand on my previously persistent AFIB.

Thanks everyone for responding. I appreciate it.