SUPCASE · Waterproof Smartphone & Tech Cases
SLOOSH Waterproof Phone Case of Inflatable SUP
Skip until coating composition is disclosed by brand.
SUPCASE does not disclose waterproof coating chemistry on this phone case. Inflatable PVC/TPU products commonly use PFAS-based treatments; no independent testing available.
The safe swap
Tech21
Tech21 EvoClear for Apple iPhone 17 Pro
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
PVC or TPU with unspecified waterproof coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
SLOOSH cases are constructed from either PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), both common smartphone protection materials, with an unspecified waterproof topcoat. PVC inherently requires plasticizers like phthalates or BPA-alternatives to achieve flexibility, while TPU is generally more stable chemically but may still contain proprietary additives. The waterproof coating's composition is not publicly disclosed by SUPCASE, which is the primary concern since waterproofing often relies on PFAS-based repellents or other fluorinated compounds. Without coating transparency, the actual hazard profile cannot be fully assessed.
The brand's record and disclosure
SUPCASE has not publicly disclosed material safety data, certifications (such as ISO standards or third-party testing), or positions on restricted substances like PFAS or phthalates. The brand maintains a largely silent stance on chemical composition despite being a high-volume consumer electronics accessory manufacturer. No major recalls specifically tied to chemical leaching or off-gassing have been publicly reported for SUPCASE phone cases, though this absence does not confirm safety. The lack of proactive disclosure is a significant red flag for products in contact with skin and electronics.
How it compares in its category
Waterproof phone case products typically fall into three tiers: budget PVC cases (highest plasticizer risk), mid-range TPU cases (lower risk if additives are controlled), and premium certified silicone cases (lowest chemical risk). SLOOSH positioning suggests a budget-to-mid-range product, meaning it likely carries higher off-gassing potential than silicone alternatives but is more durable than uncoated plastic. Many competitors at this price point also withhold coating composition, making direct comparison difficult. The inflatable SUP integration adds a second PVC/TPU component with similar disclosure gaps.
If you buy it
Air out the case for 24-48 hours in a well-ventilated space before first use to allow volatile compounds to dissipate. Avoid prolonged skin contact, especially on hot days or when the phone heats up (e.g., during video recording), as heat can accelerate plasticizer migration. Do not submerge the case in fresh water for extended periods; replace or discard the case if visible degradation, stickiness, or odor develops. Keep the case out of direct sunlight when stored, as UV exposure and heat accelerate aging and compound leaching.
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.”
Phthalates and BPA-alternative plasticizers in PVC substrate
If the case is PVC-based, plasticizers are chemically necessary for flexibility. Even if branded 'BPA-free,' alternative plasticizers (such as DEHP, DINP, or novel replacements) are typically not disclosed and can leach when in contact with skin oils or prolonged warmth.
Teflon-type coating, siloxanes, or other PFAS-class compounds in waterproof coating
Waterproof coatings on budget-to-mid-range phone cases frequently use PFAS-based chemistry or related fluorinated repellents to achieve water resistance. SUPCASE's silence on coating chemistry suggests this risk is unquantified and unmanaged.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from adhesives and off-gassing
Budget-grade TPU and PVC cases are known to emit odors and volatile compounds during the first weeks of use. This is a recognized issue across the product category and does not indicate abnormality for SLOOSH, but warrants ventilation.
Coating degradation and microparticle shedding over time
Waterproof coatings on flexible PVC/TPU substrates experience flexing stress with daily phone removal. As the coating degrades, microparticles or residual solvents may be released, particularly in humid or warm environments.
Antimony or other heavy metals in colorants or dyes
No public data suggests SUPCASE phone cases contain elevated heavy metal levels. Standard polymer-grade pigments rarely pose acute risk, but certification data is absent.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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 Waterproof Smartphone & Tech Cases
Tech21
EvoClear for Apple iPhone 17 Pro
polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
Polycarbonate phone case.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Apple
TechWoven MagSafe Case for iPhone 17 Pro
Woven fabric composite with elastomer MagSafe attachment
Limited PFAS risk from material choice, but no brand disclosure
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Apple
iPhone 17 Pro Max TechWoven Case with MagSafe
Woven textile blend with MagSafe metal ring
Lower concern; typical smartphone case materials lack PFAS triggers.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof smartphone & tech cases 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.