I've been wondering about something ever since I cut the pillowtop out of my Sealy. Sealy has this to say about their fire protection "FlameGuard, a silk/wool blend, is completely non-toxic technology that utilizes a fiber combination of current Sealy fibers with Visil, a Rayon-based fiber that does not affect the breathability or feel of the mattresses. Visil fiber remains neutral until it is touched by flames. At that point, Visil fibers crinkle, shrink, and bond together to form a fire barrier."   I think that's pretty neat actually, and much better than spraying with chemicals.  My questions relate to the fact that, now that I've cut the cover, this barrier would seem to be compromised.  Does anyone know if the foams inside would also be treated for fire retardancy?  Also, I've seen that you can buy "fire retardant mattress covers" but since those are made of cotton or similar, I'm assuming they are simply sprayed with fire retardant chemicals - does anyone know if that is true?  Or, does anyone know of anywhere you can purchase a barrier type fabric mattress cover, rather than something with chemicals on it?

Thanks for any info!

Hi Susan, first of all- fire retardants are terrible for your health. Almost every single one on the market is either carcinogenic or has severe irritants, with the exception of pure wool. If you see a "fire retardant" cover, it is guarenteed to be chemically treated (and not what you want next to your skin!) Avoid these like the plague. Also understand, that you do not need this material ALL the way around the mattress. Unless you are elderly, you will get out of bed and out of the situation is there is a fire, and especially before it ignited your mattress. What a wool topper will do, will make it burn MUCH slower, rather than igniting it into a fireball, and provide a comfort layer.

Beyond that, there are other measures I would consider before a wool topper. You don't want your warning to be when your mattress is on fire, that should be the ABSOLUTE LAST warning of a fire.  The bedroom is one of the more important rooms to be prepared for. Some people are deep sleepers and will sleep until the fire is right outside their door, or the smoke will consume the oxygen levels and the victims will choke in their sleep. I lost a friend to a house fire, and I have 2 firefighters in my family, so experience speaks.

You need three things, Susan:

1. A good quality smoke/carbon monoxide detector in EVERY bedroom:

Kidde KN-COSM-XTR-B Nighthawk Combination Carbon Monoxide, Fire, and Smoke Intelligent Alarm

2. Most people don't even consider this, but you NEED an escape ladder if you are not on the first floor! It can be the difference between life and death.

First Alert EL52-2 Two-Story 14-Foot Escape Ladder

3. Put a fire extinguisher in the closet- you should have at least one on every floor.

Kidde FA110 Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher 1A10BC
 

After you get these essentials, I would then consider the wool topper. It won't be inexpensive, but trust me, it will be worth not having these toxic chemicals next to your skin. Here's one I love:

SnugFleece Deluxe Wool Mattress Pad - Queen