Brooklinen · Mattress Protectors
Brooklyn Bedding Cooling Mattress Protector, Twin
Waterproof mattress protectors carry PFAS risk and Brooklinen discloses nothing, so skip unless they confirm.
This cooling mattress protector uses waterproof and stain-resistant treatments typical of the category, historically relying on PFAS chemistry. Brooklinen's materials contain no disclosure about PFAS content, chemical identity, or testing, leaving the mechanism uncertain.
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Material
Polyester/nylon blend with proprietary waterproof coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
PFAS
Waterproof mattress protectors commonly use fluorochemical coatings (PFAS) to create water barriers. Brooklinen has not disclosed the composition of its proprietary coating, so PFAS presence cannot be ruled out. Leaching risk increases with washing and thermal stress.
Source: ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and microparticle shedding
Waterproof coatings degrade over time with repeated washing and body heat exposure. Peeling or flaking coating can shed microparticles; if the coating contains PFAS, this becomes a direct exposure route.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyester fiber itself does not contain formaldehyde, but finishing resins sometimes do. No evidence suggests Brooklinen uses formaldehyde finishes on this product, and polyester/nylon blends rarely require such treatments.
Source: ATSDR ↗Azo dyes or banned colorants
No recalls or complaints on record for banned dyes in Brooklinen mattress protectors. Standard commercial polyester/nylon textiles sold in the US are generally screened for azo dye hazards, though not explicitly certified here.
Skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis
No documented allergic or irritant reactions to this specific product are on record. Polyester/nylon blends are low-risk for sensitization; risk would emerge only if the waterproof coating contains undisclosed allergens or degrades into irritant compounds.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This protector is a polyester/nylon blend with a proprietary waterproof coating. The coating is the critical component: waterproof treatments on textiles historically rely on fluorochemicals (PFAS) or silicone, though Brooklinen has not publicly disclosed which. Polyester itself is stable and does not off-gas formaldehyde or other volatile organic compounds under normal use. The hazard lies entirely in what that coating contains and whether it degrades or leaches with washing and body heat.
The brand's record and disclosure
Brooklinen does not publish material safety disclosures, PFAS testing results, or third-party certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, GOTS) for this product. The brand has built reputation on direct-to-consumer bedding but has not taken a public stance on PFAS in waterproof coatings. No recalls or safety complaints are on record for this specific protector. Without disclosure, consumers cannot verify whether the waterproof layer uses PFAS-free chemistry or standard fluorocarbon treatments.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof mattress protectors generally fall into two camps: PFAS-coated (cheaper, more durable water barrier) and PFAS-free alternatives using polyurethane or silicone (costlier, sometimes less breathable). Brooklinen does not market this product as PFAS-free or eco-certified, placing it in the standard commercial category where PFAS risk is real. Competitors like Avocado and Helix explicitly state PFAS-free coatings; Brooklinen's silence suggests no such commitment.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water and tumble dry on low to minimize coating stress and potential leaching; avoid bleach and fabric softener. Replace every 5-7 years or if the coating flakes, peels, or loses water resistance, which signals degradation. If PFAS exposure is a concern for your household (infants, pregnant individuals, repeated skin contact), contact Brooklinen to request coating composition before purchase. Store in a cool, dry place to extend coating life.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Brooklinen has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Mattress Protectors
Helix
Premium Mattress Topper
polyurethane foam, polyester cover
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) off-gassing from polyurethane foam
Limited concern
Polyester cover degradation and microfiber shedding
Limited concern
Polyurethane foam degradation and chemical leaching with age
Limited concern
Water-resistant coating composition (undisclosed)
Limited concern
Lower PFAS risk, though contact Helix directly for water-resistant coating details they don't disclose.
⚠Risky category by default
Casper
Sleep Comfy Mattress Topper
Polyurethane foam, cotton/polyester blend cover
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) off-gassing
Limited concern
Polyurethane foam degradation and particle shedding
Limited concern
Dust mite and mold colonization
Limited concern
Lower PFAS concern for standard foam topper with no known water-repellent coating or stain treatment, unless you need verified PFAS-free assurance.
⚠Risky category by default
Purple
Waterproof Quilted Mattress Protector Breathable Bed Cover Fitted Sheet For Bedroom Furniture Protection Cooling Topper Purple
Quilted polyester blend with waterproof/breathable coating (unspecified)
PFAS
High concern
Azo dyes in polyester fabric
Limited concern
Microplastics
Limited concern
Coating degradation and leaching with age and heat
Limited concern
Avoid unless Purple discloses coating chemistry, since waterproof mattress protectors commonly use PFAS-based treatments.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More mattress protectors grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.