Vinyl mattress protector swap to Cotton-terry waterproof protector

Why make the swap

• Why switch to cotton-terry waterproof protector

  A cotton-terry top over a thin polyurethane layer: waterproof for bedwetting and spills, with no vinyl.

• What's the concern with vinyl mattress protector

  Vinyl (PVC) is softened with phthalates or similar plasticizers, and lab tests show crib mattress covers release more of them as they warm. AAP advises avoiding plastics with recycling code 3 because of phthalates.

• General information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing or have a health condition.

• Good to know before you buy

  The waterproof layer is still plastic, the terry is 80% cotton and 20% polyester, and the skirt is polyester.

  SafeRest cotton terry waterproof mattress protector, Queen: Cotton-polyester terry over a polyurethane waterproof layer: plastic, but not vinyl.

• Sources (4)

  1. Liang & Xu 2014: crib mattress covers released more phthalates when warm; breathing-zone levels about 4× room air (opens in a new tab)
  2. AAP 2018 policy: avoid plastics with recycling code 3 (phthalates) (opens in a new tab)
  3. Whisper Organics: 100% GOTS- and Fairtrade-certified organic cotton, with cotton padding the maker calls 'not waterproof' (opens in a new tab)
  4. SafeRest listing: 80% cotton/20% polyester terry over a 100% polyurethane laminate (opens in a new tab)

  Health and safety facts on this page come from these sources. What a pick is made of comes from its maker's listing or website, as stated on the date we checked.