Kevlar Fibers in Mattresses

November 24, 2008, by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Marcia

Hi Debra: 

I was wondering if you are familiar with Kevlar Fibers being used for flame retardant in Sterns and Foster Mattresses instead of Antimony or PBDE's which are very toxic. Supposedly Kevlar Fibers are what Bullet-proof materials are made from and these are woven into the mattress coverings. 

Debra's Answer

Kevlar is a plastic, made by DuPont from petroleum. It is not toxic or carcinogenic, according to the MSDS for Kevlar.

While searching for data on Kevlar, I came across this article from Dr. Mercola: Is Your Mattress Making You Sick?, which states that he bought a Stearns and Foster mattress because it was fireproofed with Kevlar instead of antimony or PBDEs.

I don't agree with Dr. Mercola. These mattresses may not have antimony or PBDEs, but they are still made from other toxic plastics. They are LESS toxic, but can't compare to the benefits of sleeping on a natural bed.