Non-Toxic Bedding and Safer Sleep

Many bedding products undergo chemical treatments. These treatments are designed to enhance colour, increase wrinkle resistance, improve softness, and provide water- and stain-repellent properties. However, many of these substances have been linked to health and environmental concerns, underscoring the growing importance of seeking non-toxic bedding and chemical-free sheets for a safer, more sustainable home environment.

Fiber production stage

The journey of harmful chemicals in bedding often begins long before the fabric is woven or dyed—at the fibre production stage. Both natural and synthetic fibres can involve significant chemical inputs that pose risks to human health and the environment.

Pesticides and Fertilizers in Conventional Cotton: Traditional cotton farming intensively uses chemicals, relying heavily on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. These substances can linger in cotton fibres and may lead to skin irritation or allergies among sensitive individuals. Moreover, pesticide exposure has been linked to serious health effects for farmworkers and communities near cotton farms, including hormonal disruption and increased cancer risk.

Solvents in Bamboo Viscose: Bamboo is often marketed as a sustainable material because bamboo is grown organically. However, most bamboo-based bedding and clothing are made from bamboo viscose fibres, which require chemically intensive processing. During this process, bamboo pulp is dissolved in a toxic chemical solvent—commonly caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) and carbon disulfide—to create a viscous solution that is then spun into fibre. Both chemicals are hazardous: carbon disulfide has been linked to neurological and reproductive harm in workers, and caustic soda can cause severe skin and respiratory irritation. 

Petrochemical Precursors in Synthetic Fibers: Fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic are derived from petroleum and manufactured using processes that involve toxic substances, including antimony (used as a catalyst in polyester production), which is a suspected carcinogen. These fibres may also release microplastics and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during use and washing, contributing to indoor air pollution and environmental contamination.

When choosing non-toxic bedsheets, look for organically grown natural inputs and low impact processing, such as lyocell from organic bamboo, organic cotton, linen or hemp.

Chemical coatings and treatments in bedding

1. Formaldehyde: Commonly used to create "wrinkle-free," "no-iron," or "permanent press" sheets, formaldehyde is applied as a resin that remains embedded in the fabric, releasing potentially harmful fumes over the bedding’s lifetime. Exposure has been associated with skin irritation, respiratory issues, headaches, and even insomnia. To avoid formaldehyde in bed sheets, always review product labels and look for trusted certifications, such as OEKO-TEX (more on certifications below). ettitude’s CleanBamboo® bedding distinguishes itself by achieving the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Product Class I certification, which is recognized as the most rigorous standard for textile safety and is specifically designed to protect the sensitive skin of babies and children up to three years old. While most bedding products on the market are certified only to Product Class II-intended for general skin contact-CleanBamboo® surpasses these requirements, offering parents exceptional peace of mind that their children are resting in an environment held to the highest standards of safety and purity.
2. PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”): Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are added to bedding to provide water- and stain-resistance. PFAS may lead to cancer, fertility challenges, liver damage, and thyroid disease. These harmful chemicals in bedding are a growing concern for personal health and environmental sustainability.
3. Flame Retardants: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are sometimes incorporated into bedding and mattresses to reduce flammability. Unfortunately, flame retardants in mattresses are slow to degrade, accumulating in the environment and posing long-term health risks to humans and ecosystems.
4. Dyes and Colorants: Synthetic dyes, including certain Azo dyes, may contain or release carcinogenic amines. Additionally, some dyes are formulated with heavy metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, which can accumulate in the body and cause neurological or kidney damage. Choosing safe bedding materials made with non-toxic dyes is a prudent step toward ensuring a safer sleep environment.
5. Finishing Agents: Various chemicals soften fabrics or provide specific finishes, such as silicone coatings, for a temporary soft touch. While some of these wash out quickly, others can persist in the fabric for extended periods.
6. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Particularly prevalent in foam bedding, VOCs (such as Formaldehyde, Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, Propylene oxide, PBDEs, Polyols, Methylene dianiline and methylene chloride. Undisclosed fragrances and phthalates, often resulting from chemical treatments on bedding, can contribute to irritation or more serious long-term health effects, such as cancer, reduced fertility, respiratory and neurological symptoms, and hormone imbalances.
7. Anti-Mold Agents: Chemicals like dimethyl fumarate may be used during shipping to prevent mold growth. These chemicals can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Potential health and environmental risks

Health Risks: Prolonged or constant exposure to these chemicals can result in skin irritation, respiratory problems, allergic reactions, headaches, and, in some cases, more severe long-term effects such as cancer or organ damage. This underscores the importance of selecting organic bedding and chemical-free sheets for your and your family’s well-being.

Environmental Risks: Many of these substances, particularly PFAS and synthetic dyes, are persistent environmental pollutants. They contribute to ecosystem contamination and bioaccumulation in wildlife and humans. Opting for OEKO-TEX® certified bedding and other eco-conscious options helps reduce your environmental footprint.

How to minimize exposure

• Look for Certifications: Choose bedding certified by OEKO-TEX® or similar standards, which are rigorously tested for harmful substances. OEKO-TEX has several classes of certifications (learn more here). Most bedsheets marketed as “healthy”, or “green” hold the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class II certification, which is used for skin contact materials. ettitude holds the stricter OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class I certification, which is safe for babies and small children up to 3 years. Great for adults, too. 
• Avoid “Wrinkle-Free” or “Permanent Press” Labels: These terms often indicate the presence of formaldehyde in bed sheets.
• Choose Natural Fibers: Opt for organic bedding options, such as organic cotton, CleanBamboo®  lyocell made from organic bamboo, or organic linen, which are less likely to be treated with harsh chemicals.
• Wash Before Use: Laundering bedding before first use can help reduce surface chemical residues, though not all will be eliminated. ettitude sheets are pre-washed, packaged in fabric offcuts for protection and storage (not plastic), and can go straight out of the package on your bed. 
• Research Brands: Prioritize those offering safe bedding materials and non-toxic bedding.

The benefits of minimally processed and certified bedding

While chemical coatings and treatments are widely used in conventional bedding manufacturing, they pose significant risks to both health and the environment. Choosing certified, natural, and minimally processed bedding—organic bedding options, chemical-free sheets, and OEKO-TEX® Class I or Class II certified bedding—is the most effective way to minimize exposure to harmful substances and support a safer, healthier home.

How ettitude is different 

Unlike conventional bamboo viscose, ettitude’s CleanBamboo® lyocell is produced using a non-toxic, closed-loop system that recycles water and food-grade solvents up to 200 times, significantly reducing environmental impact and chemical exposure. Instead of carbon disulfide, ettitude uses a safer solvent to transform bamboo into fabric, making the process gentler for workers, the planet and end users. This innovation produces a silky-soft material that enhances bamboo’s natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties—without the harmful chemical residues in traditional bamboo viscose.

Choose healthier sleep with chemical-free bedding

Protect your well-being and the environment by choosing bedding that is free from harsh chemical coatings and toxic finishes. ettitude’s exclusive CleanBamboo® bedding is crafted without formaldehyde, PFAS, caustic soda or other harmful chemical. Certified to the highest OEKO-TEX® standards, ettitude’s bamboo sheets, comforters, and bedding essentials are naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and luxuriously soft—ideal for even the most sensitive sleepers. Switch to healthier sleep and explore ettitude’s chemical-free sheets and sustainable bamboo bedding at ettitude.com.au, or discover their best-selling bamboo sheet sets, sateen bedding, and bamboo quilts for a safer, more restorative night’s rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chemical coatings in bedding always visible or detectable by smell?

No, most chemical coatings used in bedding are invisible and often odourless, making them difficult to detect without specialized testing. Even if your sheets look and smell clean, they may still contain residues from manufacturing. Relying on certifications and reputable brands is the best way to ensure you purchase non-toxic bedding.

Are children more susceptible to chemical coatings in bedding than adults?

Yes, children are generally more vulnerable to the effects of chemical coatings and flame retardants in mattresses. Their developing bodies are more sensitive, and factors like body heat and weight can increase the release of harmful chemicals in bedding from mattresses, potentially impacting hormonal and cognitive development.

Do “organic” or “natural” labels guarantee bedding is free from chemical coatings?

Not necessarily. While organic fibres such as cotton are grown without certain pesticides, the finished bedding may still be processed or finished with chemicals unless it also carries certifications like OEKO-TEX®, which tests for harmful substances throughout the production process.

Are there environmental impacts of chemical coatings in bedding beyond personal health?

Absolutely. Many chemical coatings, such as PFAS, are persistent in the environment, polluting waterways and harming aquatic life. These substances can accumulate in ecosystems and even enter the food chain, posing broader ecological risks.

What are biocides in bedding, and are they safe?

Biocides are chemicals added to some bedding products to make them “antimicrobial” or resistant to mould and bacteria. However, many biocides are toxic to aquatic organisms, can disrupt hormones, and may be carcinogenic, raising concerns about their safety for long-term human use. If you are looking for these features, look for brands that seek natural solutions. For example, ettitude’s PLNTsilk sheets are 99.9% antimicrobial and antifungal, due to the proprietary formulation of the fiber with 90% CleanBamboo lyocell + 10% organic bamboo biochar.