Food-grade polyethylene mattress
A non-toxic mattress and method of constructing the mattress having a reduced toxicity has an outer layer of a material selected from the group comprising polyethylene and polylactic acid film. Also, a mattress cover for covering the outer layer of the mattress can also be constructed from a material selected from the same group of materials. The polyethylene and polylactic acid films are non-toxic materials which reduce adverse human allergenic reactions or exposure to potentially harmful chemicals used in the mattress construction.
1. A mattress comprising:
an outer layer of the mattress composed of a Food Grade Low Density Polyethylene film;
a next lower layer of the mattress, encompassed by the outer layer;
an inner cushioning layer of the mattress, encompassed by the outer layer and the next lower layer of the mattress; and
an innermost component of the mattress, embedded within the inner cushioning layer.
2. The mattress of claim 1 wherein the Food Grade Low Density Polyethylene has a density of 0.85 to 1.00 grams per cubic centimeter; a maximum extractable fraction (expressed as percent by weight of the polymer) in N-Hexane at specified temperatures is 5.5% at 50 Degrees Centigrade (Deg C); and a maximum extractable fraction (expressed as percent by weight of the polymer) in Xylene at specified temperatures is 11.3% at 25 Deg C.
3. The mattress of claim 1 wherein the outer layer of the mattress is heat fused to a substrate within the mattress so as to provide improved tensile strength and tear resistance to the outer layer of the mattress.
4. The mattress of claim 3 wherein the substrate is constructed of cotton, polyester, polypropylene and combinations thereof.
5. The mattress of claim 1 wherein the next lower layer of the mattress is composed of a fabric flame barrier and flame retardant.
6. The mattress of claim 1 wherein the inner cushioning layer is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of cotton batting, Food Grade Low Density Polyethylene, polyethylene and Polylactide for providing vibration dampening, insulation, and cushioning.
7. The mattress of claim 1 wherein the innermost component of the mattress is constructed of a support material that maintains a shape of the mattress.