bedding flamability

[merlin]

I was about to buy a 3 inch temperpedic mattress top for my aft berth until I read the fire warning. It says that it burns quickly and very hot and not to be used in a closed space i.e. my boat's aft cabin.

 

[Dieseljeff]

Here are some other concerns with memory foam mattresses:

There are other chemicals that can be in memory foam, however the ingredients used in a specific brand’s memory foam are considered trade secret and are not required to be released, so pinpointing the components is usually impossible. The good thing is that US laws and voluntary restrictions have phased out most of the more concerning chemicals that could be present in memory foam, though these would not necessarily apply to imports. Here are chemicals that can be or have been found in memory foam and potential issues.

Note that each manufacturer uses their own “recipe”, so these do not apply to all lines.

•Methylene dianiline / MDA – suspected carcinogen, eye and skin irritant, liver and thyroid damage with ingestion. Household products produce very low levels, greatest risk is during manufacturing.

•Vinilideine chloride – eye and respiratory irritation, possible carcinogen, organ damage. Primary hazard is during manufacturing.

•Methyl benzene – inhalation can affect nervous system.

•Dimethylformamide – organ damage possible, and possible carcinogen, though primary risk is during manufacturing.

•Acetone – toxic when inhaled in large amounts, but limited effects with low exposure.

•Methylene chloride – a solvent, mucous membrane irritant and potential carcinogen. Use has declined in recent years due to EU restrictions and pollution regulations.

•Formaldehyde – typically not added to foams, but may result as a byproduct of chemical reactions or adhesives.

Damn, If i wasn't so old, I'd sleep on a piece of plywood and feather pillows.

Jeff

 

[OllieC]

Very interesting. In the current Boat US Magazine there is a story about a couple who had been boating for 40 years without incident (catastrophic that is )> The captain went down to the galley to light a scented oil air freshener, the kind with a wick that you light, blow the flame out and it smolders, to get rid of the recent dinner smell. As he was getting ready to blow the flame out, a passerby caused a wake and he dropped the air freshener. A small explosion happened from the oil mist, he and his wife had burned some hair, luckily, and he was able to put the fire out that started in the cabin with minor damage.
The author does note however, that if he had anything else that was flammable and/or if he was injured, they would have lost the boat. He said he has always taken care in purchasing fire retardant materials over the years (curtains, bedding, etc) and these oil air fresheners are now longer allowed on-board........
Point is, you can never be to diligent.