Cover for reducing VOC emissions from a foam pad

Abstract

A cover for reducing volatile organic compound emissions from a foam pad includes upper, lower and side panels, wherein the side panel has an integrated air filter and conductive snap attachment. The panels are installed on and removed from a foam pad via attachable seams between the upper panel and side panel, and the side panel and lower panel. The upper panel, lower panel, and attachable seams are air-tight, forcing air laden with chemical gases through the air filter providing cleaner air in the sleeping environment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. More particularly, the present invention relates to reducing volatile organic compound emissions from foam mattresses and pillows in order to provide a healthier living environment.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Chemical and polymer based foams were invented and first introduced into living environments in the 1960's. Chemical produced foam materials quickly became the padding of choice for mattress and furniture manufacturers as this type of padding is very comfortable for sitting and lying down. This foam material was compressible, but not to a very high degree.[0003]In the early 1970's, NASA's Ames Research Center funded a development project designed to create a foam substance that could help relieve astronauts of the incredible forces experienced during lift-off. They believed that one of the key secrets to reducing the effects of these forces on the body...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a cover for reducing harmful chemicals from foam pads. It has three panels: an upper panel, a lower panel, and a side panel. The side panel has an air filter between its edges. This cover helps to keep the air quality in the foam pad high.

Problems solved by technology

This foam material was compressible, but not to a very high degree.

While a foam mold of each astronaut's body shape could accomplish this, any movement would take a person out of this position and create incorrect pressure points against the body.

However, over time, many who sleep on mattresses and pillows containing chemical foam report chemical sensitivities and in some cases adverse health conditions related to breathing the chemical outgases from the foam.

However, noticeable chemical emission odors do continuously outgas from all foam mattresses throughout their useful life.

This suggests that all chemical reactions may not be fully complete.

It also suggests that continuous mattress expulsion and intake of fresh, oxygenated air may slowly oxidize and break down the foam and thereby cause foam to continuously outgas and expel its degraded chemical load over the useable life of the foam mattress and pillows.

It is particularly problematic that chemical based foams emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

VOCs are a major component of air pollution.

VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have adverse health effects in both the long and short term.

These health effects include: eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; loss of coordination; nausea; damage to liver; damage to kidneys; and damage to the central nervous system.

And VOC emissions from foam mattresses and pillows are even more problematic as the sudden compression of the mattress or pillow causes VOC laden air to be forced out of the mattress or pillow quickly, leaving a user surrounded by VOCs in the air.

In light of the rapid increase of use of foam mattresses and pillows (and associated levels of reports of adverse health experiences), and given that there has been little scientific research done to verify exposure to chronic low level VOC emissions during sleep is completely safe, it is likely that indoor exposure to chronic low level VOCs, like those released from foam mattresses and pillows during sleep, may have unknown or unrecognized adverse effects.

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