How Healthy Is Your Bedroom?

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Change the sheets.

The Problem: Polyester-cotton bed linens and “no-iron” cotton bed linens are treated with a formaldehyde-based permanent-press finish to keep them wrinkle free. The formaldehyde resin becomes a permanent and irremovable part of the fiber, and it continues to release formaldehyde fumes for the life of the fabric. (Wash and wear diminishes formaldehyde levels, but residues remain as long as the fabric stays wrinkle free.) Formaldehyde exposure can cause headaches, skin rashes, respiratory problems, fatigue, and insomnia.

The Solution: Choose sheets made from cotton flannel (it doesn’t wrinkle), untreated 100-percent cotton, or knit cotton jersey. Pure linen sheets are a luxury, but they feel wonderful, especially after many washings.

Get rid of foam pillows.

The Problem: Pillows labeled “hypoallergenic” may relieve sneezing, but they’re stuffed with polyester and foam, which are made from crude oil. While these rate relatively low on the toxicity scale, they’re very soft thermoplastics that continuously emit minute plastic vapors as the fiber warms against your body.

The Solution: If you’re allergic to feathers, try sleeping on a soft organic wool pillow or a more firm cotton pillow. If you need neck support, choose a natural fiber pillow designed for that purpose.

Switch to natural fiber blankets.

The Problem: Most inexpensive blankets, comforters, and mattress pads are made from acrylic or polyester, both thermoplastics made from crude oil. Like polyester, acrylic isn’t high on the list of hazardous toxins, but it also continuously gives off plastic vapors.

The Solution: Blankets made from natural fibers such as cotton and wool provide more comfort and better air flow. In addition to the classic cotton thermal blankets, cotton is now used to make a soft, almost wool-like “cashmere” blanket. Also consider a wool-filled comforter, which wicks humidity away from the skin, is good at maintaining the optimal skin temperature of 91 degrees, and even calms the sleeper’s heart rate, according to studies at the Polytechnic Institute of Wales.