Mattress king size encasement/topper nectar rrp 69.99
Avoid until the brand discloses waterproof treatment chemistry.
This polyurethane topper typically uses water-resistant surface coatings that the brand does not publicly detail. Waterproof treatments on bedding often contain PFAS or untested Teflon-family coating.
The better-graded swap
Sleepyhead
Sleepyhead 3 Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper with Washable Cover
75/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polyurethane/polyester blend with water-resistant coating (type unspecified)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polyurethane
Polyurethane foam and films commonly release aldehydes and other VOCs when new, especially in warm conditions. Off-gassing duration and magnitude are not publicly tested for this specific product, but initial odor and respiratory sensitivity in sensitive individuals has been anecdotally reported for budget foam toppers.
Microfiber shedding from polyester backing
Polyester fabric naturally sheds microfibers under friction and washing. This encasement's polyester layer may contribute microplastics to the sleep environment and washing water over time; frequency is not quantified for this product.
Coating degradation and leaching
Water-resistant coatings on textiles degrade with heat, humidity, and washing, potentially releasing monomers or breakdown products into the sleep microenvironment. The unspecified coating type makes it impossible to assess what compounds may leach as it deteriorates.
PFAS
The water-resistant coating is unspecified, and Nectar has not disclosed treatment chemistry. Given the prevalence of PFAS-based water repellents in budget textiles and the brand's silence, PFAS presence is statistically likely but not confirmed for this specific batch.
Source, ATSDR ↗What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No public testing or recall data suggests formaldehyde in Nectar toppers, but budget polyester textiles sometimes use formaldehyde-releasing resins for wrinkle resistance or durable water repellency. This product carries no third-party certification excluding formaldehyde, so the hazard cannot be ruled out.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This encasement combines polyurethane (a synthetic polymer foam or film layer) with polyester fabric and an unspecified water-resistant coating. Polyurethane can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when new, particularly if the foam core is involved; the polyester is generally stable but may shed microfibers under friction. The coating's chemistry is the critical unknown, water resistance on textiles is often achieved with PFAS-based treatments (PFAS "forever chemicals"), which are linked to bioaccumulation and potential endocrine disruption, but sometimes with non-fluorinated alternatives. Nectar has not publicly disclosed which method they use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Nectar (owned by GreenBrands group) markets itself as a value mattress-in-a-box brand but has made no public commitments to PFAS-free treatments or third-party certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, GOTS) that would verify coating safety. Their silence on waterproof treatment chemistry is notable given widespread industry awareness of PFAS risks since the late 2010s. No major recalls or safety controversies specific to Nectar mattress protectors are on public record, but the lack of transparency is a red flag for informed consumers.
How it compares in its category
At $69.99 for a king-size topper, this is a budget-tier mattress protector. Competitors in the same price range often use similar polyurethane/polyester blends with opaque coatings; premium alternatives (e.g., Saatva, Helix) may disclose PFAS-free or certified treatments. Mid-range brands sometimes provide OEKO-TEX certification, which excludes PFAS and formaldehyde but does not guarantee their absence. Nectar's positioning and price point suggest cost-driven material choices, raising the likelihood of conventional fluorinated waterproofing.
If you buy it
Air out the encasement for 48-72 hours after unboxing to reduce initial VOC off-gassing. Keep it in a cool (below 75F), dry space to slow polyurethane degradation and avoid heat-accelerated breakdown of the coating. Wash with cool water and mild detergent only; avoid dry cleaning and high heat, which can degrade the waterproof layer and increase fiber shedding. Replace every 3-5 years as the coating naturally wears and its integrity becomes uncertain. Consider contacting Nectar directly to request their coating's ingredient disclosure before purchase if PFAS avoidance is a priority.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Nectar has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded 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.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
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.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
Casper
Sleep Essential Mattress Topper
polyfoam/polyurethane foam topper
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding
High concern
Flame retardants
Limited concern
Moisture and mold accumulation in use
Limited concern
Lower risk than coated fabrics, but contact Casper to confirm no finishing chemicals.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
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.