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Best Crib Mattress in 2021

Posted on March 18, 2021April 16, 2021 by Author: Julie Andreae, SIDS and Safe Sleep Content Expert

18
Mar

What is the best crib mattress in 2021?

Your baby will spend over 70% of their first year sleeping in their crib. Therefore, finding the best crib mattress in 2021 is an important decision.

Additionally, baby’s good health starts with good sleep. Thus, creating an ideal sleeping setting starts with choosing the best crib mattress in 2021.

In this article we explore the following:

Federal Regulations Mattresses Must Meet
CPSC and FDA Guidelines
Using AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines to Choose the Best Crib Mattress
Types of Crib Mattresses – Pros and Cons of Each
Types of Breathable Crib Mattress – Pro and Cons of Each

Federal Regulations Mattresses Must Meet

Flammability Testing:

Crib mattress makers must conform to two basic regulations. The first is Federal Standard 16 CFR 1633. This law is also known as, “Flammability” or “Open Flame” test. All mattress sets must pass this test, including crib mattresses. As an act of Congress, with the control of the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), this law has been in effect since July 1, 2007.

Federal Standard 16 CFR 1633 requires mattress manufacturers to put their mattress design through a 30-minute flammability test. This test, which follows a very strict plan, is conducted over an open flame. Hence, the name “Open Flame” test. If the mattress design passes the test, then it has approval for selling. However, if it fails the test, then the manufacturer cannot legally create the mattress before making changes that allow it to pass the test.

Testing of Flame Retardant Chemicals/Methods:

Currently, there are no required tests to tell if the flame retardants manufacturers use contain harmful chemicals. Consequently, a crib mattress that do not use flame retardants is the best crib mattress in 2021.

Proper Size Requirements:

The other regulation crib mattresses must meet is proper sizing. For example, a mattress for use in a standard-size crib must be at least 27 1/4 inches wide x 51 1/4 inches long. Further, the crib mattress height cannot be more than six inches in height. Length and width limits are set for preventing wedging and suffocation between the mattress and crib sides. The height limit prevents an infant from falling out of the crib while standing.

Other suggested requirements, such as proper labeling of fiber content, are voluntary.

CPSC and FDA Guidelines

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regularly update guidelines and recommendations to promote infant safe sleep. In particular, these guidelines and recommendations are useful in helping parents make safe product choices.

Retrospective Studies:

Recommendations and guidelines given by safety organizations are based on retrospective analysis of infants who have been injured or died while sleeping. By definition, a retrospective study is an observational study that looks at death and injury cases that already happened before the study begins. In other words, retrospective studies look backwards and study causes of suspected risk or safety conditions with similarities to a result that is set at the start of the study.

CPSC Crib Sheet Recommendations:

The CPSC was the first to suggest all crib mattresses requiring sheets, use sheets that are “tight fitting.” In 2001, the CPCS issued a warning to parents to avoid using loose-fitting crib mattress sheets. This recommendation is based on retrospective studies showing 17 babies, most under 12 months old, who suffocated or strangled. These infants became entangled in sheets in their cribs. Most notably, two of these deaths were the result of tight-fitting sheets coming off a crib mattress and strangling the infants.

Based on this warnings, a crib mattress that does not use a sheet is the best crib mattress for your baby in 2021.

FDA Sleep Positioner Warning:

The FDA makes similar recommendations to parents which includes avoiding the use of sleep positioners and bumper pads. And most recently, they warn against using an inclined sleeper or putting an infant in an inclined sleep position.

Using AAP Guidelines to Choose the Best Crib Mattress

AAP crib mattress recommendations focus on eliminating the following:

After a careful study of peer-reviewed published data used by the AAP to create their safe sleep guidelines, we list the top ten things to consider when choosing the best crib mattress in 2021 for your sleeping baby.

Peer-reviewed published studies require looking for the following when choosing the safest and best crib mattress in 2021:

1. Firmness:

Most crib mattress makers want parents to believe a firm crib mattress is recommended to support an infant’s growing bones. This is not accurate (“The Truth About Firm Crib Mattresses”). In fact, there is a large increase in plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) and hip dysplasia in young infants. Known as an unintended consequence of the back-to-sleep campaign, flat head syndrome was virtually unknown until the popularity of the back-to-sleep campaign which includes back sleeping on firm mattresses.

The reality is, the AAP states, “Soft bedding can increase the risk of suffocation.” The fact is, a soft mattress allows a baby’s face to compress into the mattress surface and block the infant’s nose and mouth. In contrast, firm mattresses don’t allow face compression. The nose and mouth will not be blocked.

Consequently, the best crib mattress in 2021 is firm,

2. Tight fit in crib:

The mattress should fit tight against the sides of the crib and the crib mattress. To test for a tight fit, place two fingers down the side of mattress close to the inside walls of the crib. Make sure no extra space exists. Additionally, the same rule applies for all infant mattresses and pads. A tight fit helps avoid entrapment of baby’s head and tiny arms and legs

In conclusion, the best crib mattress in 2021 fits tight in the crib.

3. No Vinyl, padded, or quilted covering/topper:

Vinyl covers, and padded or quilted toppers can trap heat. If heat is trapped, it causes an infant’s core body temperature to rise. According to the AAP, it is important to avoid overheating with infant’s. Moreover, the AAP warns against use of padded toppers. The fact is, padded toppers are know to trap harmful carbon dioxide.

Additionally, the materials used in vinyl crib mattress covers off-gas phthalates. Phthalates are considered harmful chemicals.

Therefore, the best crib mattress in 2021 has no vinyl, padded or quilted covering/topper.

4. Air Permeability:

Science proves infants thrive both physically and emotionally in an oxygen rich environment. In 2011, the AAP recommends air permeable sides in play yards and bassinets. This recommendation is based on infants found non-responsive with their face wedged against side of the bassinet or play yard. In 2016, the AAP recognizes air-permeable mattresses as being safer than air-impermeable mattresses for infants who roll.

Based on these recommendations, the best crib mattress in 2021 is air permeable.

5. Carbon Dioxide Retention:

While there are no scientific studies to demonstrate a direct prevention of SIDS or suffocation, the AAP Safe Sleep Task Force relies on the hypothesis of rebreathing of carbon dioxide as a likely reason for unexpected infant deaths. A basic pathophysiological principle is the hypothesis that rebreathing carbon dioxide is associated with SIDS and asphyxia. Crib mattresses that contain fiberfill, loose cores, quilted surfaces, and even crib sheets have all been shown to trap harmful carbon dioxide.

Therefore, the best crib mattress in 2021 eliminates carbon dioxide rebreathing.

6. Are Waterproofing Chemicals Used:

A crib mattress containing any type of fiber fill, needs waterproofing chemicals. The fact is, fiberfill crib mattresses become contaminated by a baby’s excretion if there is no waterproof barrier. Consequently, crib mattresses with fiber fill, have a waterproof coating. Many times, the waterproofing coating contains harmful chemicals. Common chemicals include, silica, monomers, or other toxins.

Consequently, the best crib mattress in 2021 uses no waterproofing chemicals.

7. Are Fireproofing Chemicals Used:

All crib mattresses must pass flammability testing. If a crib mattress has fiber fill or a cover made from flammable fabrics; foam, cotton, linen, or other cellulose fibers, fireproofing chemicals are used. Notably, fireproofing chemicals include boric acid, ammonium polyphosphate, silica, or antimony trioxide. The fact is, these harmful chemicals are considered carcinogens.

Therefore, the best crib mattress in 2021 has no fireproofing chemicals.

8. Washable:

Scientific studies point to the relation of Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) colonization with stomach sleep position. It is believed, stomach sleep position increases the risk of ingestion/inhalation of bacteria contaminating the sleeping surface. According to scientific studies, this bacteria risk could account for the increased risk of SIDS in babies who are tummy sleeping. Consequently, the AAP warns against using second-hand crib mattresses to avoid the risk of bacteria and pathogens in mattresses.

A completely washable crib mattress eliminates the buildup of pathogens, mold, and other microorganisms. Consequently, the best crib mattress choice in 2021 is a completely washable.

9. Positional Pressure:

A firm mattress is necessary. However, choosing a firm crib mattress that does not cause positional pressure on an infant’s delicate skull, is also an important consideration. Positional pressure is caused by too much time on a hard flat surface. Firm mattresses with dense cores and fill create direct pressure on the back of an infant’s head while back sleeping. Additionally, they can cause the same type of pressure on an infant’s hips if lying on their side.

Therefore, the best crib mattress choice in 2021 eliminates positional pressure.

10. Can Liquids Pool on the Surface:

Infants often spit up in the middle of the night. Many fiberfill mattresses have waterproofing barriers that cause liquids to pool on the surface. These water barriers allow parents to wipe clean the spit up. Additionally, waterproofing barriers are used to make the mattress stain resistant. However, if an infant is not being supervised, pooled liquids can be dangerous and uncomfortable.

Finally, the best crib mattress choice in 2021 is one that forces liquids to immediately travel away from baby.

Types of Crib Mattresses – Pros and Pros and Cons of Each

There are many different types of crib mattresses. Let’s go through the different types so you can choose the best crib mattress in 2021. Remember, our choice is based on peer-reviewed published studies used by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Safe Sleep Task Force to create safe sleep guidelines.

Innerspring Crib Mattress:

A standard crib mattress with steel coils with an over layer of various cushioning materials such as foam, wool, polyester, cotton, or other cellulose fibers. This type of mattress is encased in a fabric or vinyl overlay. Innerspring mattresses manufacturers differentiate themselves by describing their coil count and the steel gauge thickness of the coils. The larger the coil count and the thicker the steel, the denser the mattress is.

Pros:

Innerspring mattresses are firm and create a tight fit in the crib.

Cons:

Innerspring mattresses have some type of vinyl, padded, or quilted topper. Notably, innerspring mattresses have low rates of air permeability. Consequently, the have high carbon dioxide retention levels.

Innerspring mattresses require waterproofing and fireproofing chemicals. Moreover, innerspring mattresses cannot be washed or disinfected. In addition, a mattress pad is normally used that can also trap additional harmful carbon dioxide. In fact, the AAP warns against using mattress pads. Mattress pads trap carbon dioxide, reduce air permeability, and can cause suffocation if an infant is in the tummy position.

Positional pressure cannot be avoided with innerspring mattresses. Lastly, liquids pool on this type of crib mattress.

Innerspring Crib Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses require additional bedding such as mattress pads and sheets. They range in price from $60 on the low end to $350 dollars on the high end.

Using the AAP’s Safe Sleep Guidelines, here is a summary of the pros and cons of an innerspring mattress:

Rating

Good:

Firm
Tight Fight

Bad:

Vinyl Cover or Quilted Topper
Low to No Air Permeability
High Rate of Carbon Dioxide Retention
Use of Waterproofing Chemicals
Use of Fire Retardants
Cannot be Completely Washed to Disinfect
Can Cause Positional Pressure
Allows Liquids to Pool on Surface

Foam Crib Mattress:

Foam mattresses are typically made from polyurethane, a foam resin. There are different densities of foam and different chemical makeup of the foam. Consequently, some foam mattresses will pass the firmness test, while others will not. To be sure a foam mattress is firm enough, press your hand on the mattress and see how far it sinks in. It should not sink in more than a 1/4″.

Pros:

Mattresses made from foam are often lightweight and inexpensive. Additionally, they generally have a snug fit.

Cons:

Foam mattresses have vinyl or waterproof cover to protect the foam from contamination. Further, they have very low rates of air permeability – if any at all. Additionally, they retain carbon dioxide for long periods of time.

Since foam is a petroleum-based product, foam crib mattresses contain a fire retardant. Specifically, petroleum-based product are highly flammable. If a foam mattress does not have a vinyl cover, it will have some type of waterproofing chemical. The fact is, there has to be a water barrier between the surface material and the foam. Otherwise, the foam will become contaminated.

The vinyl surface of a foam mattress is washable. However, there is no way to wash or sanitize the foam interior.

Some foam mattresses will cause positional pressure while others will not. Positional pressure is contingent on the density of the foam. For example, the denser the foam, the more positional pressure it will cause on an infant’s head. Notably, the vinyl or waterproof coating causes pooling of liquids.

Popular Foam Crib Mattresses

Foam mattresses also require extra bedding. Mattresses made of foam range in price from $39 to $200.

Using the AAP’s Safe Sleep Guidelines, here is a summary of the pros and cons of a foam mattress:

Rating

Good:

Firm
Tight Fight

Bad:

Vinyl Cover or Quilted Topper
Low to No Air Permeability
High Rate of Carbon Dioxide Retention
Use of Waterproofing Chemicals
Use of Fire Retardants
Cannot be Completely Washed to Disinfect
Can Cause Positional Pressure
Allows Liquids to Pool on Surface

Latex Crib Mattress:

Latex mattresses are similar in construction to foam crib mattresses. Additionally, they also share many of the same features. There are different densities of latex mattresses. In spite of popular belief, pure latex will not cause allergic reactions.

Most latex mattresses pass the firmness test since they are normally denser than foam. Latex mattresses are much heavier than foam. As a result, if you have to change sheets, it can be difficult to lift the mattress.

Pros:

Mattresses made with latex are firm and create a nice snug fit in the crib. Furthermore, they help keep baby’s core temperature stable by eliminating the buildup of heat,

Cons:

Latex mattresses have minimal air permeability. In addition, carbon dioxide retain rates depend on the density of the latex. Most latex crib mattresses contain a fire retardant. Otherwise, they have a wool overlay. Notably, wool creates a natural fire retardant.

Moreover, Mattresses made with latex have some type of waterproofing chemical to act as a water barrier. Because the surface of latex mattresses is usually fabric, they are not washable. Further, most require a mattress pad. Additionally, there is no way to wash or sanitize the latex core.

Because of their density, latex mattresses cause positional pressure . How much positional pressure is contingent on the density of the latex. Additionally, liquids will also pool on the surface of a latex crib mattress.

Popular Latex Crib Mattresses

$349.00 SleepEZ
$449.00 Soaring Heart
$550.00 Green Cradle Latex Crib Mattress
$574.00 Natural Latex Crib Mattress
$799.00 LifeKind® Certified Organic

Latex mattresses also require extra bedding. The mattresses range in price from $350 to $800.

Using the AAP’s Safe Sleep Guidelines, here is a summary of the pros and cons of a latex mattress:

Rating

Good:

Firm
Tight Fight
Some Air Permeability

Bad:

Vinyl Cover or Quilted Topper
High Rate of Carbon Dioxide Retention
Use of Waterproofing Chemicals
Use of Fire Retardants
Cannot be Completely Washed to Disinfect
Can Cause Positional Pressure
Allows Liquids to Pool on Surface

Plant Based Fiber Crib Mattress:

Coconut choir is the most common type of plant-based fiber used in crib mattresses. Normally, Coconut choir is used in combination with a foam or cotton layer overlay. Surprisingly, coconut choir is heavier than foam.

Pros:

Coconut choir is very firm and dense. It creates a tight fit in the crib. Notably, coconut choir is moisture resistant. However, it does not do well if it gets saturated. Consequently, it needs some type of water barrier. This plant based fiber has a high level of air permeability if not mixed with other materials. Unfortunately, we could not find a crib mattress of this type that did not contain a mixture of other materials.

Cons:

Coconut choir crib mattresses retain high levels of carbon dioxide. Additionally, they require some type of vinyl covering or waterproofing chemicals. If there is no waterproofing chemicals, the choir will become contaminated if saturated. And, fire retardant chemicals must be used for compliance with CPSC regulations.

Moreover, there is no way to sanitize coconut choir without ruining its structure. Since the mattress requires either a vinyl cover or waterproofing chemicals, liquids will pool on the surface of a coconut choir filled crib mattress In addition, coconut choir is dense; therefore, it does create positional pressure on baby’s skull.

Popular Plant-Based Crib Mattresses

Plant-base crib mattress range in price from $260 to $1,250 dollars. Some models we identified need extra bedding while some do not.

Using the AAP’s Safe Sleep Guidelines, here is a summary of the pros and cons of a plant-based mattress:

Rating

Good:

Firm
Tight Fight
Some Air Permeability

Bad:

Vinyl Cover or Quilted Topper
High Rate of Carbon Dioxide Retention
Use of Waterproofing Chemicals
Use of Fire Retardants
Cannot be Completely Washed to Disinfect
Can Cause Positional Pressure
Allows Liquids to Pool on Surface

Types of Breathable Crib Mattresses – Pros and Cons of Each

The idea behind a breathable crib mattress is that air can flow through the surface of the mattress. However, there are many types of breathable crib mattresses, so we will explore each type:

Open Celled Covers and Traditional Foam or Fiberfill
Hollow Cut-Outs or “Air Channels”
Spongy, Food-Grade Polymer Core
No Fill or Core

Breathable Mattresses with Open-Celled Covers and Traditional Foam or Fiberfill:

Breathable crib mattress of this type is either a foam filled or Innerspring mattress that has an open channel, spacer fabric cover. The cover is often removable. However, removing it from the crib is necessary to remove the cover.

Pros:

Breathable crib mattresses with open-celled covers and traditional fiberfill are firm and provide a tight fit in the crib. Additionally, the covers are not vinyl or thick. Instead this mattress type has an air permeable cover.

Cons:

Since breathable crib mattresses with open-celled covers and traditional foam or fiberfill use traditional foam or fiberfill, they can trap high levels of carbon dioxide. Even though the cover does not have waterproofing or flame-retardant chemicals, the same cannot be said for the core.

Additionally, foam and fiberfill mattress can cause positional pressure. The open-celled cover is washable, but the core is not. Consequently, the mattress cannot be completely disinfected. Liquids will still pool below the open-celled cover.

Open Celled Covers and Traditional Foam or Fiberfill

Breathable crib mattresses with open-celled covers and traditional foam or fiberfill range in price from $200 to $350.

Using the AAP’s Safe Sleep Guidelines, here is a summary of the pros and cons of a breathable crib mattresses with open-celled covers and traditional foam or fiberfill:

Rating

Good:

Firm
Tight Fight
Some Air Permeability
No Vinyl Cover or Quilted Topper

Bad:

High Rate of Carbon Dioxide Retention
Use of Waterproofing Chemicals
Use of Fire Retardants
Cannot be Completely Washed to Disinfect
Can Cause Positional Pressure
Allows Liquids to Pool on Surface Below 3D Cover

Breathable Crib Mattresses with Hollow Cut-Outs or “Air Channels”:

This type of breathable crib mattress is a foam crib mattress with large cut-out areas in the interior center of the foam. In theory, air pockets form in the center of the mattress.

Pros:

Breathable crib mattresses with hollow cut-outs or “air channels” are firm and provide a tight fit in the crib. However, the covers are made from either synthetic or natural fibers. These covers impede airflow.

Cons:

Since the air channels are on the interior, breathable crib mattresses with hollow cut-outs or “air channels” offer limited passive airflow on the surface. For this reason, these mattresses can actually trap harmful carbon dioxide. Most notably, these mattresses offer no advantage in reducing carbon dioxide levels.

Moreover, breathable crib mattresses with hollow cut-outs or “air channels” use waterproofing chemicals by admission. So that, the foam interior is not contaminated. Further, fire retardant chemicals are also used.

Additionally, the risk of positional pressure exists since the mattress is comprised mostly of foam, The cover is washable, but the interior core is not washable. By design, liquids pool on the surface.

Hollow Cut-Outs or “Air Channels” in the Mattress

Breathable crib mattresses with hollow cut-outs or “air channels” range in price from $199 to $299.

Using the AAP’s Safe Sleep Guidelines, here is a summary of the pros and cons of a breathable crib mattresses with hollow cut-outs or air channels:

Rating

Good:

Firm
Tight Fight

Bad:

Vinyl Cover or Quilted Topper
Low to No Air Permeability
High Rate of Carbon Dioxide Retention
Use of Waterproofing Chemicals
Use of Fire Retardants
Cannot be Completely Washed to Disinfect
Can Cause Positional Pressure
Allows Liquids to Pool on Surface

Breathable Crib Mattresses with Spongy, Food-Grade Polymer Core:

This type of hybrid mattress creates a firm surface and a tight fit in the crib. However, the quilted topper is questionable. The AAP warns against the use of quilted toppers and pads. In particular, they trap carbon dioxide.

Pros:

Firm, tight fit, high air permeability rate, and completely washable. One of the three mattresses listed uses waterproofing chemicals and the two others do not. Additionally, liquids will not pool on the surface. However, one of the products claims to have a “waterproof” cover. In this instance, waterproofing chemicals are used.

Cons:

Breathable Crib Mattresses with Spongy, Food-Grade Polymer have a firm core that may cause positional pressure. The topper is removable for laundering. However, the core is cumbersome to wash or disinfect. For example, the manufacturers recommend soaking the core in a bathtub or shower. For this reason, the mattress is susceptible to further contamination from bathroom pathogens.

In reference to fire retardants, Newton® recently switched from using a phosphorus-based flame retardant chemical on their plastic core to a flame-resistant viscose (wood pulp based) barrier fabric that fits over the plastic core. Viscose is a man-made cellulose fiber which is flame retardant by incorporating “phosphorous” in the viscose matrix. The phosphorous flame retardant is incorporated at the fiber spinning stage. Halo® uses flame retardants.

Liquids will not pool on the surface. On the contrary, liquids flow into the spongy, polymer core. Consequently, requiring a cumbersome and risky cleaning process.

Spongy, Food-Grade Polymer Core

Breathable crib mattresses with spongy, food-grade polymer range in price from $250 to $350. Some models have a waterproof covers and some do not.

Using the AAP’s Safe Sleep Guidelines, here is a summary of the pros and cons of a breathable crib mattresses with spongy, food-grade polymer:

Rating

Good:

Firm
Tight Fight
Air Permeability
Lower Rates of Carbon Dioxide Retention
Can Be Completely Washed and Disinfected

Bad:

Quilted Topper
Use of Waterproofing Chemicals
Use of Fire Retardants
Can Cause Positional Pressure
Allows Liquids to Pool on Surface of Waterproof Models
The Core Must be Removed and Washed in a Bathtub or Shower Making it Highly Susceptible to Bathroom Pathogens

Breathe-Through Crib Mattresses with No Fill or Core:

The two-part crib mattress system consists of an open frame with side openings. Additionally, there is an open-celled, air permeable top (topper) surface creating passive airflow. Oxygen rich air circulates in and harmful carbon dioxide circulates out.

Pros:

Firm, tight fit, very high air permeability rates promoting an oxygen rich environment. In addition, the mattress is completely washable without the hassle of having a core to bathe or shower. For example, the mattress topper slides off easily and is machine washable. Next, wipe the open frame section with a disinfectant to sterilize. Since there is no fiber fill or core, there is no reason for waterproofing. No waterproofing; no waterproofing chemicals!

Similarly, with no fill or core, there is no need for fire retardants. Additionally, the absence of fill or a core, eliminates the risk of positional pressure on an infant’s delicate skull.

Cons:

With all the scientific testing on the two-part breathable crib mattresses with no fill or core, we did not find any cons based on our criteria. In fact, breathable crib mattresses with no fill or core are the only crib mattresses recognized by American Academy of Pediatric Policy Makers as reducing the risks associated with SIDS and other infant sleep related deaths.

No Fiberfill or Core

$299.00 SafeSleep®
$399.99 Breathe Easy Baby

Breathable Crib Mattresses with no fill or core range in price from from $300 to $400.

Using the AAP’s Safe Sleep Guidelines, here is a summary of the pros and cons of a breathable crib mattresses with no fill or core:

Rating

Good:

Firm
Tight Fight
No Vinyl or Quilted Topper
Significantly High Rate of Air Permeability
Significantly Low Rate of Carbon Dioxide Retention
No Waterproofing Chemicals
No Use of Fire Retardants
Can be Completely Washed and Disinfected
No Positional Pressure
Liquids do not Pool on Surface

Additionally, the test data on breathable crib mattresses with no fill or core is impressive!

Conclusion:

A good night’s sleep really sets the tone for any day, especially for babies. With the risk of SIDS and other fears while a baby sleeps, you can now rest assured you will make the safest and best crib mattress choice in 2021.

Our Top Pick:

SafeSleep® is our top crib mattress choice in 2021. The SafeSleep® addresses every safety and comfort concern:

Firmness
Tight fit
No vinyl, padded, or quilted topper
Air permeability rate of over 330x of fiberfill mattresses
Significantly low carbon dioxide retention to prevent rebreathing
No need for waterproofing chemicals since there is no fill to contaminate
No need for fireproofing chemicals
Easy to wash and sanitize
No positional pressure on infants skull
Liquids are wick away and prevents liquids from pooling

The SafeSleep® allows an infant who is face down to breathe-normally. The open sides and open celled topper eliminates the buildup of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a known risk factor in infant sleep related deaths. The Company uses natural and organic components.

The SafeSleep® is a crib mattress you can use for many children. It is completely and easily washable to prevent mold and bacteria growth. We love the fact it is non-toxic and even recyclable. Above all, it is the only crib mattress recognized by leading AAP policy makers as significantly reducing SIDS and other infant sleep related risks.

The ultimate goal is your baby’s safety and comfort. Moreover, when your baby sleeps better, you sleep better. Therefore, sleep comfortably with the piece of mind you have chosen the safest and most comfortable crib mattress for your baby.

Make sure to follow these additional safe sleep recommendations to keep your sleeping baby safe:

Avoid Second-Hand if Possible:

Because of the dangers associated with mold and bacteria, it’s best to avoid a used mattress, especially if you don’t know the history of the product. Reusing one from another one of your children? Make sure there aren’t any openings in the waterproof cover where mold could’ve taken root.

However, breathable crib mattresses with no core are reusable since they have no fill or core where mold or bacteria can accumulate.

Keep the Crib Empty:

Although they look lovely, pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals and blankets shouldn’t be in a baby’s crib. That’s because they can wind up covering your baby’s face and be a suffocation or rebreathing hazard. In addition, crib sheets have been associated with infant sleep related deaths, so don’t use them if you don’t need to.

Breathable crib mattresses with no core do not use sheets or other bedding. The topper is easily removed for washing.

Place Baby on Back:

The safest sleeping position for your baby is on their back. However, if your baby should roll in the middle of the night, have the peace of mind they can breathe normally if they are on a mattress they can breathe right through.

Now that you know what the best crib mattress is in 2021, please share with other parents so we can keep babies safe while sleeping. From tragedy to innovation, check out the story behind the safest breathable crib mattress!

Safe Sleep Blog, Top Safe Sleep Posts

Baby Sleeping Face Down?

Posted on January 20, 2021April 8, 2021 by Author: Julie Andreae, SIDS and Safe Sleep Content Expert

20
Jan

Are you finding your baby sleeping face down?

The founders of SafeSleep® lost their loved one to SIDS / positional asphyxiation. One was 4 months and the other was 7 1/2 months; two seemingly healthy infants were found face down and unresponsive.

Consequently, we believe all crib mattresses should be designed to be breathe-through. Breathe-through crib mattresses do not contain any fill of any kind, and they offer the solution to bridge the safety gap not addressed by the back-to-sleep campaign – what to do when a baby begins to roll.

Since one of the founders is a pediatrician, we used scientific data and turned our tragedy into innovation to successfully answer the question that the Back to Sleep campaign does not! What can I do if my baby rolls in the middle of the night and sleeps face down?

Our mission was to create a crib mattress to eliminate all the risk factors associated with SIDS deaths. A crib mattress that allows an infant to breathe normally should they end up face down on their mattress. Knowing the dangers of infants rebreathing carbon dioxide, we made sure carbon dioxide would be gone on our breathe-through crib mattress before a baby takes in their next breath by eliminating any type of fill or core material known to trap carbon dioxide .

Since sheets and other bedding materials are linked to infant deaths, we eliminated the need for them. Instead, we made the entire mattress surface machine washable and the mattress frame easy to wipe clean.

We also addressed multiple other safety issues including, infant overheating, positional pressure on an infant’s delicate skull, eliminating liquids, including spit up, accumulation on the mattress surface, and we made sure there were no toxins or other potentially harmful chemicals.

The AAP has No Clear Guidelines to Address the Situation “When a Baby Begins to Roll”

Current recommendations and guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other sources for infant safety do not address the situation of the infant who rolls over in the middle of the night unsupervised. Too often, these babies end up in a straight-down position. Unfortunately, when the baby is sleeping face down, he or she is at a significantly increased risk of SIDS and positional asphyxiation.¹

Infants Rolling Over and Sleeping Face Down

Researchers from New Zealand have shown that more than a quarter of infants who died of SIDS in their study were last placed in a prone (tummy) position (back).² These researchers suggest an infant’s ability to escape potentially fatal situations during prone sleep may be impaired by inexperience in prone sleep. Later, their findings are supported by Dr. Moon and colleagues in their review of infant sleep related deaths in child care settings.³

Unfortunately, infant inexperience in prone sleep is now a common unintended consequence of the successful back-to-sleeping campaign. Notably, we have no way of keeping young infants from rolling, and far too often we find them sleeping face down.

Infants Begin to Roll at Four Months

Specifically, parents and caregivers are often concerned about the appropriate strategy for infants to learn to roll over, which usually takes place around four months. Normally babies roll from back to tummy before they roll from tummy to back. About six months old, they start rolling in both directions.

SIDS Risk and Baby Rolling Over

The fact is, infants under six months of age represent about 90 percent of all SIDS-related deaths. The belief is that SIDS risks is peaking between 1-4 months of age. Notably, this is the age infants are just beginning to roll over.

In a study on infant sleep, 6% and 12% of 16 to 23-week-old infants placed on their backs or sides are found in a vulnerable (face-down) position. Additionally, 14% of infants aged 24 weeks or older are in the prone position. Lastly, 18% of those placed on their sides, are found in the prone position.⁴

Repositioning Baby Who is Sleeping Face Down

Parents are encouraged to move an infant who is sleeping face down back to the supine (back) position. However, turning a baby back over is unrealistic with several position changes per night. Furthermore, if a baby sleeps on his tummy, the repositioning of the sleeping baby to the supine (back) position can be disruptive and could completely discourage the use of the supine position.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, there is insufficient data on specific recommendations on when infants can sleep in a prone position.⁴

Nothing to Do with Good Head and Neck Control

Parents are often falsely assured when their infant rolls on their own or has good head control, they are no longer at risk of SIDS.

In contrast, scientific test results tell us differently. According to SIDS researcher Dr. Bradley T. Thach, “The first times babies who usually sleep on their backs or sides roll or are put on their tummy have a 19-fold increase in the risk of sudden death,” he says. “We wonder if these babies, who find themselves face down, do not turn their heads to breathe easier. If so, that is because their reflexes haven’t developed far enough or because they simply don’t wake up? Many parents believe if a baby can lift its head, he or she is okay to sleep on their tummy, but that is a false assurance,” Thach says.⁵

Carbon Dioxide and Baby Sleeping Face Down

Currently, the AAP recommends a firm crib mattress with a tight-fitting sheet. However, the firm mattress with tight-fitting sheet has been shown posing a high risk of rebreathing of carbon dioxide. In fact, according to a 2000 study published in Pediatrics, the findings reveal firm mattresses can pose a high risk of rebreathing when infants sleep prone.⁶ Further, these findings may be of relevance to recent studies showing that unaccustomed prone sleepers, i.e., infants who typically sleep supine but are inadvertently placed or roll prone, have an increased risk of SIDS. For example, these studies show from 43% to 71% of SIDS victims, unaccustomed to prone sleep, were discovered in the face-straight-down position.” ⁵

Carbon Dioxide Rebreathing and SIDS

Rebreathing is when an infant lies face-down or near-face-down on his stomach and air is trapped around the baby’s nose or mouth. Consequently, this trapped exhaled air causes the baby to breathe more carbon dioxide than oxygen. Specifically, if the baby does not wake up or respond appropriately, it leads to death.⁷

David Greenblatt, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Flow Control Laboratory, demonstrates Infant Suffocation Caused by Rebreathing Carbon Dioxide.

Unfortunately, conventional crib mattresses with fiber fill, vinyl covers, and quilted toppers can cause carbon dioxide to accumulate. According to Dr. James Kemp and Dr. Brad Thach, these bedding materials act to retard the dispersal of exhaled gasses (carbon dioxide), retaining the gasses near a face down infant’s nose and mouth. With each subsequent breath, the infant takes in an air mixture which is progressively less adequate to sustain life. Further, the more conducive an item is to rebreathing (retaining carbon dioxide), the more hazardous the item is.⁸

Based on multiple peer-reviewed studies, SIDS experts agree, infants sleeping on their tummy on fiberfill crib mattresses, quilted surfaces, soft surfaces, pillow-like surfaces, vinyl pads, mattresses filled with tea tree bark and other natural fibers, and even surfaces that claim to be breathable, show increased risk of rebreathing of carbon dioxide.

A Real Solution for a Real Problem

Developed by People with Real Knowledge – Our Story!

SafeSleep ® is the safest crib mattress and only crib mattress with no fibre fill or core. We designed our breathable crib mattress to have a hollow center, side openings and a firm, air-permeable topper to create an oxygen-rich environment, even if an infant is face down all night. We also made our crib mattress recyclable, non-toxic, completely washable and super comfortable to remove the use of crib mattress sheets.

The SafeSleep® eliminates the risk of an infant rebreathing carbon dioxide. See how the SafeSleep® crib mattress works!

Scientific Data on Air-Permeable Crib Mattresses

Scientific evidence shows that some air permeable mattresses have a “significant” reduced risk of rebreathing of carbon dioxide.^9,10 For instance, the SafeSleep® Breathe-Through Crib Mattress has been tested for carbon dioxide retention and has a tenfold decrease in carbon dioxide retention compared to a fiberfill mattress with a tight-fitting sheet. For example, it takes two minutes for carbon dioxide to dissipate on a firm crib mattress with a tight sheet. However, it takes less than 1/2 a second for it to dissipate on the SafeSleep® Crib Mattress.¹⁰

In conclusion, an infant takes a breath 40-60 times per minute or 1-2 seconds, which means the carbon dioxide (poisonous gases) on the SafeSleep® Breathe-Through mattress disappears before the infant takes his next breath of air – even if their face is straight down.

Is your baby sleeping face down? Learn more about breathe-through crib mattresses at www.safesleeptech.com.

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Study References:

Safe Sleep Blog

Healthy Sleep Travel Tips

Posted on November 12, 2020April 6, 2021 by Author: Julie Andreae, SIDS and Safe Sleep Content Expert

12
Nov

Planning a trip? Visiting grandma overnight? Here are some baby sleep tips while traveling but first…

2020 has been an unprecedented year for all of us, so we wanted to share some “Healthy Sleep Travel” tips. As it comes to a close, many families are being calculated with visiting loved ones, introducing new additions to the family, and indulging in a little well-deserved quality time.

Naturally, the hustle and bustle of the season brings with it much stress and insufficient sleep. Between the cooking, shopping and cleaning, there is much to be done, turning the favorite time of the year into the most stressful time of the year.

This break from normal routine may not only affect your sleep, but also rest for your little ones, too, disrupting normal sleep cycles and upsetting the finicky rest-to-tantrum ratio that parents so carefully balance each day. But rest assured, these healthy sleep travel tips will support much-needed sleep for both you and your little ones during the holiday season.

We know holiday travel can especially disrupt children’s routines, taking them away from their beds and adding another layer of stress and curiosity that can keep sleep at bay. The uncertainty of being away from home, coupled with sleeping in a strange environment, can make even the most secure child uneasy as you suddenly find yourself surrounded by new people and different foods while you engage in new adventures, but following a few simple holiday healthy sleep tips will prove to be both advantageous and safe.

Why Is Sleep So Important For Kids?

Sleep is important for all ages, but it is especially important for growing children. “Sleep is no less important than food, drink or safety in the lives of children,” says Dr. Michael J. Breus.

The brain has significant responsibility – it keeps us aware, active and functional. Sleep is what keeps our brains going, providing the recharge so that you can function each day.

“Sleeping well increases brain power just as weight lifting builds stronger muscles,” continues Dr. Breus, “because sleeping well increases your attention span and allows you to be physically relaxed and mentally alert simultaneously.”

Children’s sleep habits can have significant bearing on their growth and development. “Studies have shown that kids who regularly get an adequate amount of sleep have improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health,” says Rachel Dawkins, M.D., of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

No doubt, a healthy amount of sleep over the holiday season is a high priority in avoiding tantrums and meltdowns.

The amount of sleep your child needs depends on their age.

Recommended Sleep for Infants

Child’s Age	Suggested Amount of Sleep
Newborns – 3 months	16-18 hours
4 months – 12 months	12-16 hours
1 – 2 years old	11-14 hours
3 – 5 years old	9-12 hours
6 – 12 years old	9-12 hours
13 – 18 years old	8-10 hours

Source: American Thoracic Society (ATS)

Most children also nap during the day. While most children over the age of two are okay with a single nap, newborns and young infants may need several naps each day. ATS reports that naps usually fade away by age five.

Healthy Sleep & Emotional Regulation

With the excitement of the holiday season, on top of everyday practices that already affect sleep, it’s especially important for children to get healthy sleep during the holidays. Their sleep health is directly related to their emotional well-being, and at a time when emotions are running high and there’s so much excitement to be had, you should be conscious of what your child is engaging with during the day.

Research shows that a high number of children practice unhealthy sleep behaviors, such as these:

25% of kids have at least one caffeinated beverage each day, including sodas and chocolate.
Approximately 50% of all children have televisions in their rooms.
Cell phones, iPads and other technology have all contributed to a lack of sleep in children.

If your child is suffering from a sleep disorder, it may show itself in any of the following symptoms:

Excessive daytime fatigue
Refusal to go to bed
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Nightmares
Sleepwalking

A regular healthy sleep routine can help reinforce healthy sleep habits before things get so far out of control.

Tips for Staying on a Healthy Sleep Travel Schedule

Maintaining a healthy sleep Travel schedule becomes even more important when a child’s routine is broken. Fortunately, these guidelines can help you set your little one up for successful rest:

Keep sleep times the same. Travel may make it difficult since you are more susceptible to environmental factors, but do your best to stick to your child’s regular wakeup and bedtimes.

Bring comfort on the road. Even though you may be away from home, you can still surround your child with favorite comfort items, such as a blanket, pillow, pajamas or pacifiers.

Build in a buffer. It may take longer for your child to wind down for a nap, so plan for some extra time to settle down.

Keep out extra light. Room-darkening or blackout curtains can help your child sleep better, whether it’s during naptime or sleeping in during mornings. If you’re traveling, use a comfortable eye mask to help sleep come easier.

Block out excess noise. When you are away from home, you can’t always control the noise around you, but you can help your child find rest with the help of a white noise machine, fan or even noise-cancelling headphones for older children.

Maintain a healthy diet. Sugar before bed can have the opposite effect when your child is trying to sleep, so instead eat a healthier diet that especially limits the many seasonal cookies, candies and goodies that are so prevalent during the holidays.

Set the scene. Bedtime in a new environment can be scary, but introducing your children to their room upon arrival will help them to feel at home. They will also be more comfortable when it comes time to sleep.

Healthy Sleep Travel Tips Must Include a Safe Sleep Environment: Holiday Edition

As parents, it’s your job to keep your child safe, and it’s a love that knows no bounds. For many, that means following Safe Sleep Guidelines to ensure that children safely count their sheep.

Unsafe sleeping-related deaths are far too common, and the statistics are staggering.

Each year, there are an estimated 3,500 infant deaths in the U.S. due to sleep-related issues.
Nearly a quarter of all mothers do not place their babies on their back to sleep.
Nearly 40% report using soft, unsafe bedding.

Babies are too young to keep themselves safe from potential hazards in the bed. This is why parents must be diligent in how they lay their infants down to sleep and what type of bedding they use. This becomes even more critical as you embark on healthy sleep during holiday travel.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is when a baby under one year old dies suddenly and unexpectedly. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines SIDS as the “sudden and silent medical death of an infant under one who appears healthy.” Some also refer to SIDS as crib death or cot death, because it commonly occurs when babies are sleeping.

With such added consequences for poor sleep, parents may worry about how to keep their children safe while away from home during the holidays.

Safe and Healthy Holiday Sleep Away From Home

The holidays can be tough on everyone, including your children. The sudden influx of family and rush of activity can be overwhelming, as loved ones wrestle to coo and fuss over little ones they haven’t seen in ages. The constant attention and increased energy can easily affect your children’s sleep patterns, keeping them up later than usual and exhausting them more than usual.

Parents who are concerned with safe sleep may find themselves faced with unsafe sleeping scenarios while staying with relatives. Here are a few red-flag situations to keep an eye out for.

Avoiding Unsafe Sleep Scenarios

Avoiding naptime with inebriated relatives.

It’s only natural for families to want to cuddle with their newest arrival, but it’s especially unsafe for inebriated relatives who want to nap with the child. A casual nap on the couch is a time-honored holiday tradition, but sleeping with a baby in your arms after a few too many is never a good idea.

Research shows SIDS-related deaths are far more likely when an infant is sleeping next to a parent who recently drank alcohol or had taken drugs.

Avoid grownup beds.

A family member or friend may volunteer to put the baby down for a nap on an adult bed, and while the intention is undoubtedly good-hearted, it can still impact your child’s safety if your baby isn’t put in the proper environment.

This includes checking for the following hazards:

A child can suffocate in a bed that is too soft.
Blankets or quilts can also easily become a hazard.
Babies can also roll off beds, sustaining injuries from their fall.

Studies show that soft bedding is the top cause of suffocation-related deaths in infants, with researchers writing that suffocation happens more than any other cause in infant deaths. Many of these deaths occur in the wrong type of bed.

Screen family gifts.

Well-intentioned family members may flood your baby with new presents, like a monogrammed blanket or a special stuffed animal. Be careful not to bring these items into the crib where they can become a suffocation or choking hazard.

Avoid vintage cribs and playpens.

Vintage may be trendy, but it’s often not safe as far as your baby is concerned. Many older-model cribs and playpens lack the safety features of modern products, making them a serious safety risk. The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides a helpful search tool that you can use to check which products have been recalled.

Options for Parents Away from Home

Unfortunately, avoiding unsafe sleeping practices isn’t easy. Parents know all too well it isn’t realistic to bring your whole crib setup on the road to a friend or family member’s house. Check out these options that make safe sleep away from home possible.

Play Yard. While cumbersome, a play yard can be the most convenient option for parents seeking a mobile sleep and playpen for their little ones. If you are flying, be sure to check your airline’s policy for your play yard, although most will simply charge a checked-bag fee.

Travel bassinet. If a play yard requires more space than you have, consider a travel bassinet. This is an option that is reserved for those who cannot yet crawl. There are tons of lightweight bassinets that can easily travel with you and take up little real estate.
Rent a crib (and other baby gear). You’re not the only parent traveling with children this holiday season, so many places offer you the option to rent your equipment instead. Companies like Babyquip.com, Baby’s Away, Babies Getaway, and Traveling Baby are all services designed to deliver a helping hand with rental cribs and play yards when you need them.

Final Thoughts

The holiday season is a time to come together and enjoy the blessings we have in our lives. While coronavirus could change the face of traditional holiday celebrations this year, families all over the world are determined to find a way to be together and celebrate the holidays.

Travel can make it hard to maintain proper sleep habits for your growing children, but with a little care and creativity, it is certainly possible. Whether it is making extra arrangements for rentals or accommodations on the road, ensuring your child is in a safe sleep environment, or maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, you can ensure you and your family have a safe, happy and healthy holiday season with just a little preparation.

Thank you for reading our blog about how to keep baby on a sleep schedule while traveling.

Safe Sleep Blog

How to Prevent SIDS

Posted on September 29, 2020April 6, 2021 by Author: Julie Andreae, SIDS and Safe Sleep Content Expert

29
Sep

How to Prevent SIDS

We want to help parents avoid a tragedy by sharing how to prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Yearly, there are around 3,500 sudden unexpected infant deaths in the U.S. alone.

SIDS is an unfortunate reality that many new parents face. However, there are certain things you can do to reduce the risk of SIDS for your infant.

Read on to find out what sudden infant death syndrome is and what best to do for your baby to prevent SIDS.

What Is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the general term used when a baby suddenly dies for no obvious reason. In order for death to be under SIDS, the infant must be younger than the one-year-old. If the child is over one year old, it is considered SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death of a Child).

The cause of death of a baby is typically defined as SIDS after a thorough investigation and no cause of death can be identified.

SIDS is considered a diagnosis of exclusion.

Why Does Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Happen?

At the time of writing, scientists are not 100% sure what exactly causes SIDS. However, they speculate it is because infants are unable to effectively detect low oxygen or high carbon dioxide levels. Children and adults can wake up to prevent suffocation, but many babies are unable to do so.

There is a triple risk model that’s proposed by scientists:

An undetectable abnormality prevents the infant from responding to low oxygen/high carbon dioxide levels
There’s a triggering event (i.e. sleeping on the stomach, blanket around the face, hand or arm near the face)
The above 2 points happen in a critical development period believed to be a rapid brain growth phase

Some SIDS deaths are not preventable, but most are preventable. Infants in unsafe sleep conditions are at high risk of SIDS.

How to Prevent SIDS

Unfortunately, we cannot fully prevent SIDS. The good news, however, is that there are many steps you can take to drastically reduce the risks of SIDS and the chances of it happening. Read on for our tips on how to prevent SIDS.

Preventing SIDS Starts with Get Your Infant Vaccinated

There is a small minority of people who believe vaccinations cause problems, including SIDS. But that’s not true.

In fact, vaccines help protect against SIDS. The evidence suggests vaccinations reduce the risk of SIDS by 50%.

So, one sure way on how to prevent SIDS is getting your baby vaccinated.

Have Your Baby Sleep on Their Back Helps Prevent SIDS

If your baby is sleeping on their side or stomach, this can lead to one of two scenarios. Firstly, when the crib mattress is soft, its nose and mouth are buried in the crib mattress, which cuts off its oxygen supply. The second, when the crib mattress is firm, exhaled air (carbon dioxide) can be inhaled. When carbon dioxide is continuously inhaled, it leads to death.

Another way to prevent SIDS is to always put your child down to sleep on their back. Back sleep is the safest place for a baby to sleep and is believed to significantly reduce the risk of SIDS.

Risk of SIDS Increases When Co-Sleeping

Co-sleeping is something some parents choose because parents believe it helps them bond with their babies better.

But the fact is insufficient sleep associated with parenthood can prevent adults from getting clues they have rolled over on their infants. As a result, they can unintentionally suffocate their babies. Babies can also easily become entangled in the sheets and blankets.

For breastfeeding mothers, make sure that your infant is safely put in their crib before falling asleep.

Your baby should have his own crib, which means he should not co-sleep with anyone. This means they should not sleep with you or their siblings. Co-sleeping is one of the biggest risk of SIDS and other infant sleep related deaths.

Keep the Crib in Your Room to Prevent SIDS

For the first three months of your child’s life, you should keep the crib in your room. This allows you to quickly check them and take lifesaving measures if you notice they are not breathing. It is best to put the crib as close as possible to the bed.

After three months, your baby should eat enough to sleep through the night.

Keep the Crib as Bare as Possible

If you have a baby, you might want to decorate your crib so it is cute, or you might want them to have soft, comfortable objects with which they can snuggle, like blankets, toys and pillows. However, these items can trap harmful carbon dioxide, which increases the risk of death. Avoiding rebreathing of carbon dioxide is one of the most important step to prevent SIDS.

Even plain pillows and blankets can significantly increase the risk of SIDS. All you need is a firm mattress, and that’s it. Do not use bumper pads; they have been associated with suffocation, asphyxiation and strangulation deaths of infants. Some states have even banned selling them.

Make sure you dress your baby warmly and adequately for the weather. The general rule is to add one more layer than you would have for the bed. Wearable blankets are best suited to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Get a SafeSleep® Crib Mattress

If you need a firm mattress, you should get one from SafeSleep ®.

The SafeSleep ® Breathe-Through Crib Mattress has years of research and testing to create a safer, more sanitary sleeping environment for babies. The SafeSleep ® crib mattress is fully and easily washable. It is also hypoallergenic.

According to leading AAP doctors and policymakers, SafeSleep® breathable crib mattress is a scientific answer to “how to prevent SIDS.”

The SafeSleep ® Breathe-Through Crib Mattress has been scientifically proven to have the lowest risk of suffocation and carbon dioxide rebreathing. So if your baby needs to sleep on their stomach for any reason, you want a SafeSleep ® crib mattress. It’s the only crib mattress physicians write prescriptions for infants who must tummy sleep for health reasons.

Furthermore, the mattress has a 3D air-permeable topper and no core that leads to position pressure, which can cause skull deformities. Both factors will help keep your infant comfortable throughout the night.

And if the mattress is dirty, you can throw the topper in a washing machine and wipe the base! it’s the only completely washable crib mattress on the market.

Lower the Risk of SIDS

Now you know what sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is, why it happens, and how to prevent SIDS, you lower the chances of it happening to your baby.

Thank you for reading our blog on how to prevent SIDS. PLEASE share and pass this along to keep babies safe while sleeping.

Safe Sleep Blog

Breathable Baby Mattress or Air Permeable?

Posted on September 26, 2020April 6, 2021 by Author: Julie Andreae, SIDS and Safe Sleep Content Expert

26
Sep

Is the preferred crib mattress, a breathable baby mattress or an air permeable crib mattress?

About Breathable:

Many crib mattress companies are beginning to market their fiber filled or plastic filled baby mattress as being “breathable.” So what is the definition of breathable? When it comes to fiber and fabrics, the definition of breathable is admitting air to the skin and allowing sweat to evaporate.

Air Permeable:

The definition of air permeable when it comes to fibers and fabric is the rate of airflow passing perpendicularly through a known area under a prescribed air pressure differential between two surfaces of a material.

Many parents believe a breathable baby mattress is the same as an air permeable crib mattress. There are some similarities between a breathable baby mattress and an air permeable crib mattress; both admit air to the skin and both allow sweat to evaporate. However, the air permeable crib mattress is the only crib mattress that is recognized by medical professionals and safe sleep experts as addressing the risk factors associated with infant sleep related deaths and a breathable crib mattress is not.

AIR PERMEABLE CRIB MATTRESSES AND THE AAP

In fact, the SafeSleep® Breathe-Through Crib Mattress created by Safe Sleep Technologies, (formerly Secure Beginnings) is the only air permeable crib mattress on the market today that is approved and endorsed by leading American Academy of Pediatric (AAP) physicians as addressing the multiple risk factors associated with infant sleep related deaths (SIDS/SUID).

In 2011, Dr. Margie Andreae and her sister Julie – the creator of the first commercially viable air permeable/breathe-through crib mattress – began to challenge the AAP’s Safe Sleep Task Force to include relevant test data proving the SafeSleep® air permeable crib mattress does reduce the many risk factors associated with infant health and safe sleep.

The pair used scientific literature supported rationale for to convince the Task Force to recognize the safety and health benefits of air permeable crib mattresses.

The AAP’s Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome technical report was originally published online October 17, 2011 in Pediatrics.

Dr Rachel Moon, the Chair of the Task Force, maintains that there was no data to support the use of breathable crib mattresses or air permeable crib mattresses to prevent SIDS/Suffocation at that time.

RELEVANT SCIENTIFIC TEST DATA

Relevant scientific test data shows the air permeable mattress by Safe Sleep Technologies:

Reduces the risk of CO2 rebreathing compared to a fiberfill mattress,
Eliminates the use of a crib sheet and potential for entanglement, and
Reduces Staph aureus colonization by eliminating the fiber fill or plastic core.

CO2 RETENTION AND RISK OF REBREATHING

Prior to the publication of the AAP Task Force report, studies were available that clearly demonstrated that the risk of rebreathing of exhaled air (CO2) was lowest on air permeable crib mattresses and surfaces (Kemp 2000, Bar-Yishay 2011). In addition, Dr. Moon was provided with test data from Intertek, a CPSC accredited and recommended lab, showing significantly low risk hazard of rebreathing of an air permeable crib mattress (lower than the firm fiber fill crib mattress with tight fitting sheet). These data demonstrate that the air permeable crib mattress has significantly lower CO2 retention. All three reports used similar test methods and had similar results.

While the studies do not demonstrate a direct prevention of SIDS or suffocation, they rely on the hypothesis of rebreathing of CO2 as a potential contributor for these unexpected infant deaths. Indeed no studies have substantiated this hypothesis; however, this is the same hypothesis used by the AAP Task Force to support many of their recommendations including the following with quotes taken from the AAP Task Force report.

Supine sleep position: “The prone or side sleep position can increase the risk of rebreathing expired gases, resulting in hypercapnia and hypoxia.”
Room-Sharing Without Bed-Sharing Is Recommended: “Bed-sharing might increase the risk of overheating, rebreathing or airway obstruction, head covering, and exposure to tobacco smoke, which are all risk factors for SIDS.”
It Is Prudent to Provide Separate Sleep Areas and Avoid Cobedding for Twins and Higher-Order Multiples in the Hospital and at Home: “Furthermore, there is increased potential for overheating and rebreathing while cobedding, and size discordance might increase the risk of accidental suffocation.”
Pillows, Quilts, Comforters, Sheepskins, and Other Soft Surfaces Are Hazardous When Placed Under the Infant or Loose in the Sleep Environment: “However, such soft bedding can increase the potential of suffocation and rebreathing.”
Avoid Overheating and Head Covering in Infants: “It is not known whether the risk associated with head covering is attributable to overheating, hypoxia, or rebreathing.”

AIR PERMEABLE SIDES IN BASSINETS

In addition, the Task Force recommends air permeable sides when bassinets are used. This recommendation is based on a retrospective review and analysis of infant deaths occurring in bassinets between June 1990 and November 2004 that were reported to the CPSC (Pike/Moon 2008). The authors identified at least six infants who were found with their “face wedged against the side of the bassinet.” While there was no mention of any bassinets having air permeable sides in the study, the study authors (including R Moon who is on the AAP Task Force) recommend “a bassinet with vertical sides of air-permeable material, such as mesh, may be preferable to one with air-impermeable sides.” The Task Force makes the recommendation for air permeable sides based on infants with face wedged against side of sleep environment but fails to recommend air permeable crib mattresses as being preferable air impermeable crib mattresses to address infants face-straight- down on firm mattresses despite the continued report of such deaths.

FIBERFILL MATTRESS VS. AIR PERMEABLE MATTRESS

Further the Task Force’s accompanying policy statement (AAP, 2011) recommends the following sleep surface: “Use a firm sleep surface—A firm crib mattress, covered by a fitted sheet, is the recommended sleeping surface to reduce the risk of SIDS and suffocation.”

Here the authors are stating that the firm crib mattress reduces the risk of SIDS. Even though they list this recommendation as Level A, they fail to provide the citations that support this recommendation in the policy statement. In referring back to the technical report, the authors rely on the CPSC recommendations to support their recommendation for the firm crib mattress:

“Cribs should meet safety standards of the CPSC, Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association, and the ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials), including those for slat spacing, snugly fitting and firm mattresses, and no drop sides.121”

This citation [121 US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Crib Safety Tips: Use Your Crib Safely. Washington, DC: US Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC document 5030] is a tip sheet written for parents and caregivers. It is not a well-conducted case-control study, a systematic review, or a meta-analysis. No other citation is provided. The citations for this recommendation do not meet the Level A requirements.

DR. JAMES KEMP AND COLLEAGUES

Dr. James Kemp and colleagues were some of the first to study the potential for various sleep surfaces to prevent infant rebreathing (Kemp 2000). They found that the firm mattress and four of the five surfaces designed to prevent rebreathing consistently allowed lethal rebreathing of CO2. Only one product—an air permeable crib mattress—was able to maintain CO2 levels below this threshold. The authors go on to say that “even firm crib mattresses could pose a rebreathing threat when vulnerable infants sleep prone.” They refer to studies showing that unaccustomed prone sleepers, including infants who are placed supine and roll prone have an increased risk of SIDS (L’Hoir 1998 and Mitchell EA 1999). These studies and others have shown that nearly half of SIDS victims unaccustomed to prone sleep, were discovered in the face-straight-down position. Many of these infants were found on a firm crib mattress. Dr. Kemp’s data supports that if vulnerable infants were placed on an air permeable crib mattress or surface, they would experience less risk of rebreathing should they inadvertently roll prone. There is no reference to breathable crib mattresses reducing CO2 levels or reducing risks.

DR. EPHRAIM BAR-YISHAY AND COLLEAGUES

Dr. Ephraim Bar-Yishay and colleagues provided the second study on CO2 accumulation and rebreathing on six infant sleep surfaces—an air permeable crib mattress, two conventional firm crib mattresses and three mattresses with an additional layer or topper designed to improve air flow similar to the toppers on current crib mattresses claiming to be “breathable crib mattresses”. (Bar-Yishay 2011). The air permeable crib mattress had a significantly faster rate of CO2 elimination and only the air permeable mattress was able to prevent CO2 accumulation with maximal CO2 levels significantly lower than that of the other crib mattresses. They concluded that the air permeable crib mattress exhibited significantly better aeration properties compared to the other five mattresses including the firm crib mattresses. the crib mattresses with “breathable” toppers to improve airflow – now being marketed as breathable crib mattresses – actually had higher rates of CO2 than the conventional crib mattress with no breathable cover.

SAFE SLEEP TECHNOLOGIES

Finally a US manufacturer of an air permeable crib mattress contacted the CPSC for recommendations on an accredited independent lab to conduct similar tests on aeration properties on their product. Intertek was recommended because they use a similar mechanical model and methods as designed by Dr. Kemp. The lab compared CO2 elimination on four different surfaces—an air permeable mattress, a firm mattress with tight fitting sheet, sheepskin, and a bean bag chair. The latter two are known high risk hazards for rebreathing (Kemp 1991, Kemp 1993) and have been implicated in a significant number of SIDS fatalities. Just as in the studies by Kemp and Bar-Yishay, the air permeable crib mattress showed significantly less CO2 retention than the firm crib mattress and the high hazard comparators. Intertek concluded that the air permeable crib mattress represents a significantly lower risk hazard for rebreathing than the firm crib mattress. They also compared the air permeability of the air permeable crib mattress to a firm crib mattress using the ASTM-D737-04 standard test method of air permeability of textiles. Based on the test data, the air permeable crib mattress has an air permeability rate over 330 times greater than the firm crib mattress.

These two well-designed, well-conducted case controlled studies along with the independent CPSC testing lab results strongly support a recommendation for use of an air permeable crib mattress. Just as the Task Force’s five Level A recommendations listed above are all based in some part on risk of rebreathing, it stands to reason that the Task Force would recommend the air permeable crib mattress with its significantly lower risk of rebreathing than the firm crib mattress with tight fitting sheet.

SUFFOCATION/ENTANGLEMENT IN BEDDING: RISK OF CRIB SHEETS

The AAP Task Force concurs with the CPSC that all loose bedding should be removed from the infants sleep environment. The CPSC and the AAP issued an alert in 2001 warning parents and pediatricians of the “hidden hazard in babies’ cribs” of loose crib mattress sheets based on death reports of infants who suffocated or strangled when they became entangled in their crib mattress sheet. Two of the deaths involved fitted sheets. The CPSC now requires that all crib mattress sheets carry a warning that the sheet should not be used if it doesn’t fit properly. CPSC pushed the sheet-making industry to improve the fit of crib sheets on mattresses. However deaths from sheet entanglement remain a risk for infants. In the CDC’s multistate SUID Case Registry, the mechanism most frequently reported for possible and explained suffocation deaths was soft bedding which the registry defines as soft or loose bedding (Shapiro-Mendoza 2014). The loose bedding is not further defined but could be a blanket or fitted sheet that became loose.

Crib mattress manufacturers are not sheet manufacturers. The CPSC defines the industry requirements for mattress size based on ASTM standards. Their length and width requirements are consistent but their requirement for height is six inches or making mattress sizes inconsistent. Because there are no crib sheets made for a given mattress, the crib sheet remains a hazard. The design of the air permeable crib mattress eliminates this risk because no sheet or other bedding is used. Breathable crib mattresses still use a sheet.

The same data used by the Task Force in its recommendation against the use of soft or loose bedding, also supports a recommendation against the use of a crib mattress sheet when possible.

ROLE OF BACTERIA AND THE RISK OF FIBER FILL

A recent review article attempts to establish bacterial infection as having a major role in the pathophysiology of SIDS (Goldwater 2013). The authors debunk the respiratory physiology model both as being unproven and inconsistent with the most plausible physiological events that take place during a SIDS death.

A recent study showed SIDS victims, especially those found prone, are more often colonized with S. aureus than living control subjects (Highet 2014). Studies have demonstrated colonization of traditional fiber filled crib mattresses with Staph aureus (Sherburn 2007) suggesting a source for acquiring these bacteria. While no studies are available measuring colonization of air permeable crib mattresses, the surface is designed to be removed and laundered. The SafeSleep® by Safe Sleep Technologies, recommends regular cleaning of the surface in a conventional washer and dryer. Breathable crib mattresses still have fiber or other fills that can become contaminated.

Based on the bacterial infection hypothesis, it stands to reason the Task Force should consider recommending regular washing of infant sleep surfaces and removal of fillers from crib mattresses to reduce exposure to these pathogens.

In summary, the 2016 Safe Sleep Technical report now recognizes the safety advantages of air permeable crib mattresses to reduce the risk of unexpected suffocation/entanglement and other hazards that may be associated with SIDS.

The AAP does not recommend the use of “breathable” crib mattresses to reduce the risk of SIDS and other infant sleep related deaths.

For more information on air permeable crib mattress versus breathable crib mattresses please visit Compare to “Breathable” Crib Mattresses

Refrences:

Patrick L. Carolan, MD; William B. Wheeler, MD; James D. Ross, RRT, RCP; and James S. Kemp, MD, (2000), Potential to Prevent Carbon Dioxide Rebreathing of Commercial Products Marketed to Reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Risk, Pediatrics, 105:4 774-779

Bar-Yishay, E., Gaides, M., Goren, A. and Szeinberg, A. (2011), Aeration properties of a new sleeping surface for infants. Pediatr. Pulmonol., 46: 193–198. doi: 10.1002/ppul.21351

L’Hoir MP, Engelberts AC, van Well GTJ, et al. Risk and preventive factors for cot death in the Netherlands, a low-incidence country. Eur J Pediatr. 1998;157(8):681– 688

Edwin A. Mitchell, BSc, MBBS, DCh, FRACP, FRCPCH, DSc; Bradley T. Thach, MD; John M. D. Thompson, PhD; Sheila Williams, BSc; for the New Zealand Cot Death Study, Changing Infants’ Sleep Position Increases Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1999;153:1136-1141.

Kemp JS, Thach BT. Sudden death in infants sleeping on polystyrene-filled cushions. N Engl J Med. 1991 Jun 27;324(26):1858–1864

Kemp JS, Thach BT. A sleep position–dependent mechanism for infant death on sheepskins. AJDC. 1993;147:642-646.

American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Infant Positioning and SIDS. SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Expansion of Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment, Pediatrics; originally published online October 17, 2011; TASK FORCE ON SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-2284

Jodi Pike, MD and Rachel Y. Moon, MD, Bassinet Use and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy, J Pediatr. Oct 2008; 153(4): 509-512

McDonell, Emily and Moon, Rachel, Infant Deaths and Injuries Associated with Wearable Blankets, Swaddle Wraps, and Swaddling, Journal of Pediatrics 2014; 164:1152-6

US Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC Alerts Caregivers to Hidden Hazard in Babies’ Cribs, Washington, DC: US Consumer Product Safety Commission; MAY 18, 2001; Release Number: 01156

Carrie K. Shapiro-Mendoza, PhD, MPHa, Lena Camperlengo, DrPHa, Rebecca Ludvigsen, MPHb, Carri Cottengim, MAc, Robert N. Anderson, PhDd, Thomas Andrew, MDe, Theresa Covington, MPHf, Fern R. Hauck, MD, MSg, James Kemp, MDh, and Marian MacDorman, PhDd. Classification System for the Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Case Registry and its Application. J Pediatr. Jun 2014; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2014-0180

Paul N. Goldwater1,2 and Karl A. Bettelheim. SIDS Risk Factors: Time for New Interpretations.

The Role of Bacteria. Pediatrics Research International Journal. Aug 2013; Vol. 2013, Article ID 867520; DOI: 10.5171/2013.867520

Amanda R. Highet, Anne M. Berry, Karl A. Bettelheim, Paul N. Goldwater. Gut microbiome in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) differs from that in healthy comparison babies and offers an explanation for the risk factor of prone position. International Journal of Medical Microbiology. Jul 2014; Volume 304, Issues 5–6, July 2014, Pages 735–741; DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2014.05.007

Jenkins R.O, Sherburn R.E. Used cot mattresses as potential reservoirs of bacterial infection: nutrient availability within polyurethane foam. J Appl Microbiol. Nov 2007; Epub 2007

Safe Sleep Blog

How Long Should Babies Room Share?

Posted on September 23, 2020March 10, 2021 by Author: Julie Andreae, SIDS and Safe Sleep Content Expert

23
Sep

How long should babies share a room with their parents?

Expectant parents spend focused time and energy preparing the nursery for their newborn only to find the baby has become a fixture in their own bedroom. Parents who are exhausted with the interrupted sleep schedule and feeding demands of their growing newborn often want to know when they should move the baby into their own room.

The current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe sleep guidelines state:

Infants should sleep in the parents’ room, close to the parents’ bed but on a separate surface (room sharing) for at least six months but preferably a year.

It is believed (not proven) that room-sharing reduces the risk of SIDS. The theory is that if the parents are close to the infant, they will notice and be able to help their infant quickly if they are struggling.

Less than a year after the AAP released their safe sleep guidelines, a study was published in Pediatrics—the official journal of the AAP– about room sharing and sleep outcomes. The study concluded that “room-sharing at ages 4 and 9 months is associated with less nighttime sleep in both the short and long-term, reduced sleep consolidation, and unsafe sleep practices previously associated with sleep-related death.”

The study also found that babies who room-share beyond 4 months of age were four times more likely to be pulled into their parents’ bed during the night, and two times more likely to have pillows, blankets, and other unsafe sleeping materials close by during sleep. Sharing a bed with your baby and sleeping with loose bedding is known to increase the risk of SIDS.

Sharing a room with your baby can also cause parents to get less sleep. Sleep deprivation can be dangerous and harmful for both the parents and the baby. Inadequate sleep can cause strained relationships, postpartum depression, anxiety, unsafe practices, and even Shaken Baby Syndrome.

So how long should babies room share with their parents?

As with most things, there is no one size fits all. Every child and family are different. It is important to remember that these are guidelines and that families should consider what is best for them. Most infants have gained enough weight to be able to sleep through the night without night-time feedings between 3 -4 months of age. If you are still waking with your infant after 4 months of age, you may want to consider moving the infant into a separate room allowing you all to sleep better and further reduce safety risks.

Safety precautions can parents take for babies sleeping in their own room

Putting your baby to sleep in their own room can cause many parents anxiety. Many parents are turning to safer crib mattress alternatives. One such mattress is the breathe-through crib mattress.

Safe Sleep Technologies, formerly known as Secure Beginnings, is the pioneer in infant safe sleep products. Safe Sleep Technologies created the first completely breathe-through crib mattress in 2009 that is completely, and conveniently washable.

The SafeSleep® Breathe-Through Crib Mattress is the only crib mattress that leading AAP physicians write prescriptions for infants who must tummy sleep for health reasons.

The company championed the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to include the scientific test data on their breathe-through crib mattresses and were successful. In the 2016 AAP Safe Sleep Evidence Based, Technical Report, it states air-permeable mattresses are preferable to mattresses that are not air permeable.

The SafeSleep® Breathe-Through Crib Mattress gives babies a safer, longer, better sleep based on science. It also gives worried parents peace of mind.

Safe Sleep Blog

When Will My Baby Roll Over?

Posted on September 2, 2020March 10, 2021 by Author: Julie Andreae, SIDS and Safe Sleep Content Expert

02
Sep

Many new parents ponder the question, “when will my baby roll over?” If you ask a group of parents when their baby first rolled over, you will likely get a variety of answers. This is because there is no exact age that babies will rollover. On average most babies are able to roll by 4-6 months of age. Others roll as early as two months of age. Rolling over takes strength and coordination.

Will my baby roll over from their back to their tummy or tummy to back first?

Most babies learn to roll from their tummy to their back first. Babies need time and practice to build up the muscles in their back, arms, and neck. This is why tummy time is crucial to helping your baby learn to roll over. Rolling from back to tummy is typically later because this takes significantly more strength in the neck and back.

How can I help my baby learn how to roll over?

When in tummy time, encourage your baby to lift their head up off of the surface and turn to one side by talking to them and having them try to follow your voice. This motion of lifting the head and turning is fundamental to eventual rolling over. Once they have mastered this, help your baby raise their head and chest up off the surface by placing their arms in front of them under their shoulders so they can easily push up using their arms.

Do I need to worry about my baby rolling over in their sleep?

It can be exciting when your baby does begin to roll over, but it can also cause anxiety. Many parents worry about their baby rolling over in their sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control instruct parents to place their babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). According to the CDC, about 3,600 babies die from SIDS in the United States every year. Prone or face-down sleeping increases the risk of infants re-breathing carbon dioxide that they exhale into their sleep surface. A high level of carbon dioxide can suppress the infant’s breathing center.

Is there anything I can do to keep my baby safe if my baby rolls over in their sleep?

Babies should always be placed on their back in their crib, but your baby will roll over during the night eventually. And when this happens using a SafeSleep® Breathe-Through Crib Mattress can give parents peace of mind knowing that their baby can breathe even when face down. Traditional crib mattresses with vinyl covers, cores, quilted toppers, and even loose-fitting sheets have been known to trap carbon dioxide; this is especially concerning when your baby rolls over. The SafeSleep® Breathe-Through Crib Mattress significantly reduces the risk of carbon dioxide rebreathing even if the infant is face down or tummy sleeping.

Are there other precautions I need to take to keep my baby safe once my baby can roll over?

One of the leading causes of injuries to infants is a fall from an elevated surface such as a parent’s bed or a changing table. This often occurs in a split second when a parent sets their baby down and the baby unexpectedly rolls for the first time. Unfortunately, the roll may be right off of the bed or changing table onto the floor. To prevent this type of injury always keep one hand on your baby when they are on an elevated surface without protective baby-safe side rails or netting regardless of their age.

Safe Sleep Blog

Is Crib Mattress Too Firm?

Posted on August 31, 2020March 10, 2021 by Author: Julie Andreae, SIDS and Safe Sleep Content Expert

31
Aug

Is your crib mattress too firm to be safe for baby?

FIRM BUT NOT TOO HARD

Many adults describe their mattresses as “firm but not too hard” as their desired sleep surface.. But what does this mean when it comes to baby? How can you know for certain if your baby’s crib mattress is too firm or not firm enough? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends infants sleep on a “firm” surface but they do not further define or provide a measure for this relative term. It’s clear that infants should not be placed on soft surfaces such as pillows but what about when it comes to hard surfaces– is there a surface that is too hard for babies?

FIRMNESS TESTING

The AAP does not offer or endorse any measure of firmness, making it difficult for parents to know if their crib mattress is too firm or not firm enough. Fortunately, a relatively simple test was developed in Australia that is now the standard for determining the minimum level of firmness for infant crib mattresses in both Australia and New Zealand. This testing makes it possible for parents to determine if their crib mattress is firm enough, but falls short on determining if their crib mattress is too firm. The test applies weight to the product and measures the amount of yield on the surface. A firm product would have a small but almost imperceptible amount of give whereas a solid product would have no yield.

ARE THERE CRIB MATTRESSES THAT ARE TOO FIRM?

So back to the question of are there crib mattresses that are too firm for babies? The increase in incidence of positional plagiocephaly or flattening of the back of the head is believed to be related to the recommendation that babies be placed to sleep on their backs to avoid SIDS. This provides evidence that repeated exposure of the back of the infant’s head to the sleep surface can alter the head shape. The harder the sleep surface, the more resistance placed on the developing skull. A crib mattress that is too firm can cause undesired skull deformities in infants.

So the ideal surface to keep infants safe and avoid excessive head flattening is a crib mattress that avoids putting excess pressure on your baby’s soft skull.

At Safe Sleep Technologies our mattress was tested using the Australian method and found to be ideal for babies meaning it is firm but not too hard. There are no direct positive pressure points to be considered a crib mattress that is too firm to cause possible skull deformities in infants

Safe Sleep Blog

Breathe Easy Baby and SafeSleep®

Posted on August 26, 2020March 10, 2021 by Author: Julie Andreae, SIDS and Safe Sleep Content Expert

26
Aug

Breathe Easy Baby and SafeSleep®

What are the differences between Breathe Easy Baby and SafeSleep®? There are more similarities than differences between the Breathe Easy Baby and SafeSleep® Crib Mattress.

Breathe Easy Baby and SafeSleep® Comparison Chart

Check out the comparison chart. We also give you descriptive detail explaining both the similarities and the differences between Breathe Easy Baby and SafeSleep® so you can make an informed decision. Your baby will spend over 70% of their first year sleeping, so what they sleep on is a very important decision.

Breathe Easy Baby vs SafeSleep Crib Mattress

What is the difference between Breathe Easy Baby and SafeSleep®?

The fact is, there really isn’t much of a difference between Breathe Easy Baby and SafeSleep®. How do I know? I am one of the patent authors on the original Breathe Easy Baby design – US Patent Number US8607390B2

The original, and may I add, revolutionary breathe-through crib mattress design was launched in 2010 under the company name Secure Beginnings®.

Leaving the Past Behind

So now let’s fast forward to 2018. After irreconcilable differences between the three founders of Secure Beginnings®, two different companies emerged; SafeSleep® and Breathe Easy Baby. Slight differences between Breathe Easy Baby and SafeSleep® exist.

The Divorce

Yes, even businesses can end up in divorce. As with most divorces, we focused on the children. In this case, our baby! Our revolutionary crib mattress that addresses all the safety and comfort issues that no other standard crib mattress can.

The Baby

However, like many divorces, we did not agree on how to best raise “our baby.” Like most divorced couples sharing custody of a child, we took different approaches to nurturing “our baby.” We didn’t want to change our perfect baby. We just had some fundamental differences on how to best raise her! Hence, the difference between Breathe Easy Baby and SafeSleep® emerged.

Similarities and Differences

What are the similarities and the differences between Breathe Easy Baby and SafeSleep®?:

Let’s start with the similarities:

Both Mattresses have no fill or core
Both use solid hardwoods
Both have vented openings for passive air-flow
Both use the same spring loaded steel tube bar system
Both use the same stainless steel hinge system
Both use a 3D air-permeable topper a baby can breathe right through
Both were born under the same patent
Both have been scientifically tested to have a Co2 dissipation rate 10 times faster than a traditional crib mattress (Breathe Easy Baby Test Data) ( SafeSleep® Test Data)
Both have passed the Australia/New Zealand testing for a firm crib mattress (AS/NZS 8811.1:2013) (Breathe Easy Baby Firmness Testing) (SafeSleep® Firmness Testing)
Both have been tested to have an air-permeability rate of over 330x that of a fiber-filled crib mattress (Intertek Test Data for Breathe Easy Baby and Same Intertek Test Data for SafeSleep®)

Now, the differences:

Only SafeSleep® uses Infant friendly water-based paints for the wood sides
Breathe Easy Baby’s locking bar mechanism must constantly be tightened or the bars randomly pop open
Only SafeSleep’s® new locking system has a secondary latch to ensure the bars cannot pop open
SafeSleep’s® fabrics are OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics, ensuring no harmful substances. Breathe Easy Baby admits to using low-cost polyester fabrics that are not certified
Only SafeSleep® uses a lightweight mattress bottom made from virgin plastic with no VOC’s or off-gassing. Breathe Easy Baby use a heavy solid plastic that is difficult to control tolerances so it known to pop out of the frame which is problematic for dispelled liquids and cleaning
SafeSleep® believes parents shouldn’t have to wait for weeks or even days for their products, that’s why we ship all our products the day you place your order.

The Most Surprising Difference

The “Most Surprising” difference between the Breathe Easy Baby and SafeSleep® Breathe-Through Crib Mattress is the price! The SafeSleep® Crib Mattress is $299 and the Breathe Easy Baby Crib Mattress is $399. Both Breathe Easy Baby and SafeSleep® offer free shipping.

Check out the SafeSleep® Breathe-Through Crib Mattress here!

If you still want to pay $100 more for the “almost same” crib mattress by the “Other Company” go here!

Over 80 thousand infants have slept safely and comfortably on the SafeSleep® Breathe-Through Crib Mattress with not one single reported incident, injury or death.

Order Your SafeSleep® 100% Breathe-Through Crib Mattress Today!

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Safe Sleep Blog

Will a Breathable Mattress Help Avoid SIDS?

Posted on July 29, 2020March 26, 2021 by Author: Julie Andreae, SIDS and Safe Sleep Content Expert

29
Jul

Will a Breathable Mattress Help Your Baby Avoid SIDS?

Over 3,600 seemingly health babies die each year in the U.S. Will a “breathable” mattress help your baby avoid SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)?

In early 2000, the crib mattress buzz word was organic. Twenty years later, it is now “breathable.” With so many crib mattress manufacturers claiming to have breathable mattresses, we thought it was time to address the question, “Will a breathable mattress help your baby avoid SIDS?”

What is SIDS

A baby is determined to have died from SIDS if no cause of death can be identified following a death scene investigation, an autopsy, and a review of the clinical history. SIDS as a cause of death is determined only when all other causes have been excluded.

With infant related sleep deaths, the cause of death can be difficult to determine with certainty. Infants who die from sudden death usually pass away while asleep in their cribs. Victims are often found lying face down. There are no signs of trauma. Usually their deaths are not witnessed by another person, which makes it difficult for investigators to piece together how they died. There are also no clear biological markers.

Slate Magazine

In an August 2016 article published in Slate Magazine under a similar title, Could a Breathable Mattress Help Your Baby Avoid SIDS?, the author believes breathable crib mattresses manufacturers do nothing more than exploit the fears of parents.

According to the article’s author,

“There was a lot of research in the 1990’s that showed rebreathing is a hazard when babies sleep on soft bedding, like sheepskin, or with a blanket covering their heads. However, there isn’t evidence that sleeping on firm mattresses with a tight-fitting sheets—as is recommended—causes problematic rebreathing in babies, even if they roll onto their tummies. Plus, rebreathing is just one hypothesis for why tummy sleeping might be riskier.”

The fact is, there is scientific data showing that crib mattresses with fiber or other core materials do cause problematic rebreathing in babies. This is noted in the same pub med resources as the author uses to debunk firm mattresses with a tight fitting sheet as not being problematic. Logically, if fiberfill mattresses were not problematic, why not suggest infants can tummy sleep?

The author’s goes on to state,

“More recent research has found that babies sleeping belly-down also have impaired arousability, altered cardiovascular control, and lower blood pressure and cerebral oxygenation, any of which may be important when it comes to SIDS.”

Without knowing it, the author is describing effects of rebreathing exhaled air (CO2). Impaired arousability, altered cardiovascular control, low blood pressure, and lack of cerebral oxygenation, are all signs of rebreathing. When an individual rebreathes their exhaled air (CO2), it suppresses their need to breathe and eventually leads to hypoxia and then death.

Rebreathing

According to a March 2019 article in Health, research by Dr. Gordon Buchanan, a neurologist and epileptologist at the University of Iowa reveals,

“Babies and adults who die from sudden death syndromes may be born with brains that aren’t good at recognizing rising CO2 levels in their blood. In sudden death cases, it’s thought that the individuals’ airways get blocked somehow while sleeping in bed — such as by a pillow, a toy or tangled bedding. But it wasn’t clear why the person doesn’t simply wake up and fix the problem by repositioning themselves or by crying out for help.

Buchanan thinks that individuals who succumb to sudden death syndromes may have malfunctioning serotonin receptors in their brains. These receptors are part of our brain’s “suffocation alarm system” and help to ensure that blood oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are healthy. But Buchanan thinks that a rare neurological difference causes some people’s brains to be bad at detecting when blood CO2 levels get too high — which is a signal to our bodies that we could be suffocating. Instead of waking up like most people would, those with this defect stay asleep and are seemingly powerless against what’s happening to them.

Dr. Hannah Kinney was the first to be credited with discovering the effects of serotonin levels in an infants brain stem and SIDS

The problem we face, is there is no way to test to find out which babies do, and which babies do not have a compromised “suffocation alarm system,” so all infants remain vulnerable.

Approved Standards

So, can a breathable mattress help your baby avoid SIDS? In the Slate article previously mentioned, the author correctly states,

One problem with mattresses being marketed as “breathable” is that there aren’t any approved standards for what this should mean.”

She gives one example of the Nook Pebble Pure mattress that uses coconut husk as part of its fill. According to Dr. James Kemp, a pediatric pulmonologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and SIDS expert, called this “exactly the wrong idea,” noting that a porous interior might actually trap carbon dioxide. A mattress filled with tea tree bark made in Australia in the 1980s and ’90s and marketed as breathable turned out to increase the risk of SIDS, and, according to a study by Kemp, allowed more rebreathing.

Some “breathable” crib mattresses with porous interior and cores are actually shown to be more dangerous than a solid fiber fill crib mattress.

Claims of Preventing SIDS

The Slate author states,

“In designing “breathable” mattresses and claiming that they will inherently keep babies safer, these companies are demonstrating a fundamental lack of understanding of the complexity of SIDS, and, more broadly, of science. “The ‘evidence’ the manufacturers of these crib mattresses provide is not evidence of reduced risk of suffocation or SIDS,” said Dr. Fern Hauck, a member of the AAP’s Task Force on SIDS. “As long as the mattresses meet government safety standards, they can be used, but they should not be marketed as preventing SIDS or suffocation,” she added.”

The reality is none of the “breathable” crib mattress companies mentioned in the article claim to prevent SIDS. The author uses a very misleading statement.

Since SIDS is a diagnosis of exclusion, there is nothing that can prevent it. It would be like say you have something that can cure death by natural causes. The term Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is also misleading, and often confusing, since SIDS is not a syndrome or a diagnosis. It’s simply a term used if we don’t know what else to classify an infant death as.

Science

No studies exist comparing infants who sleep on various crib mattresses to see which one has fewer SIDS deaths. This lack of studies includes the recommended firm crib mattress with a tight-fitting sheet. No published studies or valid scientific testing is available that shows if one crib mattress, including the currently recommended firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet, or sleep surface has a lower/higher SIDS risk. These gold standard studies do not exist for any of the AAP Task Force recommendations and likely never will; it is not feasible to enroll the number of infants required to get sufficient data.

We cannot say with scientific certainty if a breathable mattress could help your baby avoid SIDS. We also cannot say with scientific certainty that a firm crib mattress with a tight-fitting sheet can avoid SIDS. In fact, we can’t say with scientific certainty that any of the AAP’s safe sleep recommendations will avoid SIDS. The real question should be, can a breathable crib mattress avoid known SIDS “risks”? All of the AAP’s safe sleep guidelines focus on risk avoidance.

Risk Avoidance

Knowing what we now do, the question should be can a breathable crib mattress avoid known SIDS risks?

Let’s look at the following quotes taken from the AAP’s Safe Sleep Policy Statement ;

Supine sleep position: “The prone or side sleep position can increase the risk of rebreathing expired gases, resulting in hypercapnia and hypoxia.”
Room-Sharing Without Bed-Sharing Is Recommended: “Bed-sharing might increase the risk of overheating, rebreathing or airway obstruction, head covering, and exposure to tobacco smoke, which are all risk factors for SIDS.”
It Is Prudent to Provide Separate Sleep Areas and Avoid Cobedding for Twins and Higher-Order Multiples in the Hospital and at Home: “Furthermore, there is increased potential for overheating and rebreathing while cobedding, and size discordance might increase the risk of accidental suffocation.”
Pillows, Quilts, Comforters, Sheepskins, and Other Soft Surfaces Are Hazardous When Placed Under the Infant or Loose in the Sleep Environment: “However, such soft bedding can increase the potential of suffocation and rebreathing.”
Avoid Overheating and Head Covering in Infants: “It is not known whether the risk associated with head covering is attributable to overheating, hypoxia, or rebreathing.”

While the studies do not demonstrate a direct prevention of SIDS or suffocation, they rely on the hypothesis of rebreathing of CO2 as a potential contributor for these unexpected infant deaths. A basic pathophysiological principle is the hypothesis that rebreathing C02 is associated with ALTE/SIDS/asphyxia. Indeed, no studies have substantiated this hypothesis; however, this is the same hypothesis used by the AAP Task Force to support the majority of their recommendations.

Further, the Task Force recommends air permeable sides when bassinets are used. This recommendation is based on a retrospective review and analysis of infant deaths occurring in bassinets between June 1990 and November 2004 that were reported to the CPSC (Pike/Moon 2008). The authors identified at least six infants who were found with their “face wedged against the side of the bassinet.” While there is no mention of any bassinets having air permeable sides in the study, the study authors (including R Moon who is on the AAP Task Force) recommends “a bassinet with vertical sides of air-permeable material, such as mesh, may be preferable to one with air-impermeable sides.” The Task Force makes the recommendation for air permeable sides based on infants with face wedged against side of sleep environment. Logic would dictate that air permeable mattresses as being preferable to air impermeable mattresses to address infants face-straight- down on firm mattresses.

Breathable vs. Breathe-Through

Not all breathable crib mattresses are air permeable. An air permeable crib mattress allows an infant who is face straight down to breathe normally right through the crib mattress without rebreathing their exhaled air.

There is only one mattress on the market today that has been scientifically tested and concludes it significantly reduces the risk of carbon dioxide rebreathing and is completely breathe-through.

The Science of “Breathe-Through”

Safe SleepTechnologies is a company that does understand the complexity of SIDS, and, more broadly, of science. The four founders all lost a loved one to SIDS. One of the founders is an AAP member and chairs one of the AAP’s committees.

The SafeSleep®Breathe-Through Crib Mattress was designed with the idea that baby’s do not always arouse when rebreathing harmful carbon dioxide. Ten years ago, SafeSleep® founders challenged an industry standard by creating a crib mattress with no fill and replaced it with free-flowing air.

These efforts have been recognized by top medical professionals and even prompted the American Academy of Pediatrics to recognize their crib mattresses with no fill and air permeable surfaces as safer for the infant who rolls in their 2016 Safe Sleep Technical Report.

The SafeSleep® Breathe-Through Crib Mattress is designed to prevent harmful carbon dioxide from accumulating so that if an infant is face straight down and cannot arouse, they will not rebreathe their exhaled air.

The SafeSleep® Breathe-Through Crib Mattress has been tested for carbon dioxide retention and has a ten-fold decrease in carbon dioxide retention when compared to a fiberfill mattress with a tight-fitting sheet. It takes 2 minutes for carbon dioxide to dissipate on a firm crib mattress with a tight sheet; it takes less than 1/2 a second for it to dissipate on the SafeSleep® Crib Mattress. An infant takes a breath every 1-2 seconds, meaning the carbon dioxide (poisonous gasses) on the SafeSleep® Breathe-Through mattress are gone before the infant takes their next breath of air – even if face straight down and does not arouse.

We can say with scientific certainty that the SafeSleep® Breathe-Through Crib Mattress significantly reduces the risk of carbon dioxide rebreathing even if the infant is face down or tummy sleeping.