• Allow a new mattress to offgas before you sleep on it.
  Unwrap the mattress from plastic and lean it against a wall in a well-ventilated room for a few days before sleeping on it.


• Say no to water and stain repellents
  Some water and stain repellents, such as DuPont's Teflon, are under investigation for possible health and environmental effects. The chemical used is found in humans and persists in the environment for a long time.


• Encase mattresses, comforters and pillows in impermeable covers.
  Barrier cloth or dust mite encasements block asthma-triggering dust mites which thrive in mattresses and bedding. These encasements may also somewhat block the release of chemicals from material in mattresses. See How to Reduce Dust Mites in Your Home for more tips.


• Look for mattresses made of natural materials, such as cotton and wool.
  Polyurethane foam is often used in mattresses, but it is highly flammable and requires the addition of toxic flame retardants. Wool is naturally flame retardant. You can purchase mattresses that are not treated with flame retardants, but you may need a doctor's note because of laws requiring that mattresses meet flammability standards.


• Don’t allow your mattress to get damp.
  Mold is difficult, if not impossible, to remove from mattresses.


• Avoid linens which have been treated.
  Fabric treatments may emit chemical vapors. Labels to avoid include: permanent press, no-iron, crease resistant, shrinkproof, stretchproof, stain-proof, water repellent, water-proof or those that have been treated with flame retardants.


• Air new linens outside on a warm day.
  This will allow the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in some fabric treatments to off-gas. Some, but not all, fabric treatments may come off after several washings.


• Launder bedding every two weeks in hot water.
  130 degrees F is the recommended temperature to kill dust mites. Caution: Water at this temperature can scald children. Lower temperatures are still somewhat effective, but less so.


• Avoid down and feathers in pillows and comforters.
  Down and feathers can contribute to allergies and may trigger asthma attacks. Foam rubber pillows are also a haven for dust mites.

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