Tempur-Pedic · Mattress Protectors
TEMPUR-Protect Mattress Protector (Twin Long), Is It Non-Toxic?
Waterproof coating likely contains PFAS; Tempur-Pedic offers no disclosure, skip.
TEMPUR-Protect's waterproof and stain-resistant features typically rely on PFAS-based water-repellent coating treatments, but the brand discloses nothing publicly.
The better-graded swap
Avocado Green Mattress
Organic Cotton Mattress Pad Protector
85/100 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 or polyester blend with water/stain-resistant treatment (composition unspecified)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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Is TEMPUR-Protect Mattress (Twin Long) non-toxic? What it is made of
The Tempur-Protect uses a polyurethane or polyester blend with a water and stain-resistant treatment applied to the surface. This coating is the critical weak point, waterproofing in mattress protectors is typically achieved using PFAS (PFAS "forever chemicals") or similar fluorochemical repellents, which resist water and oils but persist in the environment and body. Tempur-Pedic does not publicly disclose the chemical composition of this treatment, making it impossible to confirm whether PFAS-free alternatives were used.
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.
PFAS
The fluorochemical finish on this protector almost certainly contains PFAS or legacy fluorochemicals; no disclosure from the brand confirms this. PFAS accumulate in body tissues and have been linked to immune, liver, and hormone disruption in epidemiological studies.
Source, ATSDR ↗Polyurethane off-gassing (volatile organic compounds)
Polyurethane-based textiles can release trace volatile organic compounds, particularly during manufacturing and initial use. This is typical of the category and risk is low if the product is aired or washed before prolonged contact.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyester and polyurethane textiles may use formaldehyde-releasing resins for wrinkle resistance or dye fixing. Tempur-Pedic does not disclose use; any release would be minimal after washing but warrants caution for sensitive individuals.
Source, ATSDR ↗Microplastic shedding during washing
Polyester-blend fabrics shed microfibers in the wash; the protective coating may reduce shedding compared to uncoated textiles, but some release is likely over the product's lifetime.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No specific evidence of problematic dyes or metal-based pigments in Tempur-Protect protectors; the material is typically undyed or neutrally dyed. Standard concern for colored textiles, but not flagged for this brand.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Tempur-Pedic is silent on PFAS use across its product line and provides no ingredient transparency for mattress protectors or foam formulations. The company has not pursued third-party certifications (such as OEKO-TEX, GOTS, or GREENGUARD) that would signal chemical safety testing or restricted substance commitments. No major recalls or controversies specific to this protector are on record, but the lack of disclosure itself is a red flag for environmentally and health-conscious consumers.
How it compares in its category
Most mattress protectors use similar water-resistant coatings, so this product is typical in that respect, not an outlier. However, competitors like Parachute, Saatva, and some GOTS-certified brands do disclose PFAS status or use PFAS-free alternatives; Tempur-Pedic's silence is a competitive weakness. Premium positioning does not translate to lower PFAS concern here, and the brand's reliance on polymer coatings without transparency puts it below disclosure leaders in the category.
If you buy it
Wash in cool to warm water (not hot) before first use to reduce any volatile residues or finish. Dry on low heat or air dry; high heat can degrade polyurethane. Wash every 1-2 months to maintain water resistance and reduce dust mite colonization. Replace if the coating develops cracks, peeling, or loses water repellency (typically 3-5 years with proper care). Do not dry-clean or expose to bleach or strong solvents.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Tempur-Pedic has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to TEMPUR-Protect Mattress Protector (Twin Long)?
- organic cotton
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- No PFAS statement found from the brand
- Organic cotton
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Waterproofing chemical exposure
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- 100% linen, no reported coating
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Heavy metals
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
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.