The only way to fully waterproof a mattress is to use plastic. Some plastics are very toxic (vinyl) and some are safe and non-toxic. It all depends on how the plastic is manufactured and what chemicals are used. The thin membrane (5% of the total pad) is a GOTS-approved non-toxic plastic.
We are confident that this is the safest waterproof pad available and it is the only one that is GOTS and GreenGuard certified and there is no off-gassing.
We also have wool puddle pads, but unfortunately wool is not waterproof, it is water resistant. Wetness may go through a wool puddle pad so we always recommend getting 2 wool puddle pads or adding a thick cotton pad to your puddle pad if you will have a lot of wetness.
Here's what Naturepedic says about what they call Dry Sleep technology:
DrySleep™ - Waterproof & Breathable
Based on years of research, DrySleep technology effectively blocks liquids from passing through the fabric while still allowing the material to "breathe." It features a specially formulated non-toxic medical grade film which effectively blocks liquids while allowing a certain amount of water vapor (similar to humidity naturally found in the air) to pass through. This results in less "sweaty backs" and a drier, more comfortable sleep.
The DrySleep waterproof membrane does not contain any added fire retardants or antimicrobial treatments and is free of vinyl/PVC, phthalates and latex. It is also free of all chemicals listed on California's Proposition 65 bulletin. It has been tested for off-gassing and easily passes GREENGUARD's certification standards for eliminating chemical emissions. It is extremely thin (even thinner than the polyurethane membranes used in the new environmentally friendly cloth diapers).
Vinyl/PVC, latex, and rubber, on the other hand, are very "sweaty". They block all moisture from passing through, creating a more uncomfortable sleeping environment. DrySleep provides full non-toxic waterproof protection without the associated discomfort.
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