Simmons · Mattresses
Simmons Westbury Plush Mattress - Twin XL 38"x80"x13"
Lower PFAS concern, but no transparency, typical for budget mattresses.
The Simmons Westbury uses conventional mattress materials (foam, springs, fabric) with no known PFAS-laden coatings like water-repellent coating treatments. However, Simmons does not publicly disclose PFAS sourcing or testing. No lab data or third-party certification (MADE SAFE, Cradle to Cradle) available to confirm absence.
Shop Simmons on Amazon →Material
polyurethane foam core, fabric/cotton blend cover, steel coils
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
furniture is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Simmons Westbury core is polyurethane foam, a petroleum-derived material that off-gasses volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene, especially in the first weeks. The cotton-blend cover reduces skin contact with raw foam but does not eliminate vapor transmission. Steel coil springs do not introduce chemical hazards directly but rust risk increases if the mattress absorbs moisture. At 13 inches thick with a plush profile, this is a typical mid-range construction for the price point.
The brand's record and disclosure
Simmons does not publish PFAS content statements or detailed chemical disclosures on the Westbury line. The brand has no major recalls related to chemical emissions on record, but silence on PFAS and VOC mitigation is standard for budget mattress makers. Simmons does not pursue CertiPUR-US certification for this model, which would otherwise signal third-party limits on formaldehyde, heavy metals, and flame retardant content. This reflects cost positioning rather than known safety failures.
How it compares in its category
Budget polyurethane mattresses like the Westbury are chemically typical; higher-priced competitors (Sealy, Serta premium lines) and certified alternatives (CertiPUR-US foam) often include tighter VOC limits and transparency. Natural latex or hybrid models cost more but eliminate polyurethane off-gassing entirely. Memory foam variants introduce similar concerns plus heat-retention off-gassing. The Westbury occupies the price-conscious segment where chemical disclosure is minimal across the industry.
If you buy it
Unpack and air out the mattress in a well-ventilated room (or outdoors in dry conditions) for 24-72 hours before use; VOC release is steepest in the first days. Keep the mattress in a cool (under 80°F), dry environment; heat and humidity accelerate off-gassing and mold risk in the foam. Use a mattress protector to reduce dust mite exposure and extend foam life. Replace within 7-10 years; polyurethane foam compresses and degradation may accelerate off-gassing in later years.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
VOC off-gassing from polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam inherently releases formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and other volatile organics. Intensity is highest in weeks 1-4; ventilation significantly reduces inhaled dose. No documented acute toxicity at typical home levels, but sensitive individuals (asthma, chemical sensitivity) should air-out mattresses before sleeping.
Formaldehyde in foam binders and adhesives
Polyurethane foam production often includes formaldehyde-releasing resins in binders. Simmons does not publish emissions data for the Westbury. CertiPUR-US certified foams limit formaldehyde to less than 0.05 ppm; this product has no such guarantee.
Flame retardant chemicals (unspecified composition)
U.S. mattresses must meet flammability standards (16 CFR 1633); Simmons likely uses chemical or inherent flame retardants in the cover or foam layers. Specific compounds are not disclosed. Brominated or chlorinated flame retardants have raised environmental and health concerns, though dietary/dust ingestion risk is low in intact mattresses.
Mold and dust mite growth if moisture-exposed
Polyurethane foam absorbs moisture and provides a substrate for mold and dust mites, especially in humid or flood-prone environments. Steel coils can rust if water penetrates. This is a maintenance issue, not a manufacturing defect, but relevant to long-term safety.
Coating/cover degradation with age
Cotton-blend covers can fray, pill, or separate over years of use, potentially exposing foam layers. Degraded foam may shed microparticles. This does not pose acute hazard but signals declining product integrity and increased off-gassing surface area.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 62% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Mattresses
Avocado
Organic Hybrid Mattress
organic cotton, natural latex, wool, innerspring coils
Lower PFAS concern, natural materials without stain treatments, but brand doesn't explicitly address PFAS.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Avocado
Organic Wool Mattress
organic wool, organic cotton, natural latex
Lower PFAS concern; organic/natural core materials with no reported chemical treatments typical for this category.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
Lower-concern choice; vegan mattress avoids PFAS-prone synthetic foams and polyurethane, backed by credible third-party seals.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More mattresses 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.