When checking out online customer reviews of crib mattresses - the traditional varieties made with polyurethane foam, fire retardants, and PVC/vinyl with phthalates, just to mention a few of the chemical components - it's clear that many parents think a crib mattress is safe simply because it's firm and fits snugly in the crib. While these are vital safety elements, many experts believe that to be truly safe, a crib mattress also has to be free of potentially toxic chemicals.

Generally, parents are not aware of the potentially dangerous chemicals in crib mattresses. Nor are they aware that the fumes from those chemicals can be emitted into the air your baby breathes for 12 to 15 hours every day.

In fact, the chemicals used in most crib mattresses, including some crib mattresses labeled 'organic' or 'natural,' have been linked to so many illnesses and other conditions that even retailers like Walmart are jumping on the bandwagon to reduce our exposure.

What are these dangerous chemicals?

* Vinyl / PVC: PVC requires plasticizers - chemical additives that make the waterproof cover soft and pliable. In addition to hormone disruptor chemicals known as phthalates, vinyl can also contain antimony fire retardants and antibacterial chemical treatments.

* Nylon, Damask or Polyurethane: Also used in the outside cover of mattresses, some of these coverings contain a polyurethane backing or a waterproof coating similar to Teflon®. They may also contain added fire retardants and antibacterial chemical treatments.

* Polyurethane Foam: A highly flammable petroleum product used as the primary material of many crib mattresses, polyurethane foam also usually contains fire retardant chemicals. These volatile organic compounds can break down into small particles which become airborne. Many "Eco", "Soy", "Bio" and "Plant Derived," crib mattresses also contain polyurethane foam. They are made with some natural materials, but the primary ingredient is still polyurethane foam.

* Natural Latex / Rubber or Coir: Natural latex/rubber has been linked to allergies, particularly in children. Most allergists recommend that babies and young children steer clear of latex. The situation is common enough that, according to the FDA, a product containing latex (particularly natural latex) cannot be labeled as "hypoallergenic." Coir (or coconut husks) also contains latex as a bonding agent. Many U.S. hospitals are in the process of removing materials and equipment that use latex.

* Wool, Mohair or Horsetail Hair: Wool is a natural fire retardant material used in many organic mattresses, but it can also be allergenic. Chemical treatments used to clean these fibers, remove dirt, sand, grease and dried sweat, can also be a problem.

* Fire Retardant Chemicals: PBDEs, which are being banned in products sold by Walmart, brominated or chlorinated fire retardants, antimony, modacrylic, polyacrylonitrile, respirable crystaline silica, boric acid and many other fire retardant chemicals are commonly found in crib mattresses.

Many of these chemicals have already been banned in other countries based on scientific evidence of their potential dangers. However, very few have been restricted in the U.S. This is largely because, in the U.S., the process of regulating chemicals is so difficult. Phthalates, for example, which have been banned in Europe for over a decade, were only recently banned in the U.S. And that was only a few of them. Many are still in use.

If you don't want to take chances with your little ones, get an organic crib mattress made with materials you don't have to worry will endanger your baby's health.

In the past few decades, people have become increasingly concerned about the bad effects of the toxic chemicals in most mattresses. When these toxic chemicals interact with common household micro organisms, a chemical reaction process happens. It leads to the emission of toxic nerve gasses. Chronic inhalation of these toxic nerve gasses can mess up with the hormone-producing functions of the brain.

The increasing concern of people about the possibility of toxic nerve gas emission has prompted the appearance of organic mattresses. But not all people can afford these beds. They are generally more expensive.

Do you really need one?

Mattresses are long-term investments. That being said, you really have to consider a good one so it will last for many years. If you are thinking of buying one that you are going to use for a longer period of time, an organic bed is a good choice. If you have allotted a large budget for a new mattress, go head and buy an organic mattress.

But if you can't afford to buy one, don't despair. While toxic nerve gas emission is a real problem, you can make yourself less susceptible to it even without the help of an organic type of mattress.

You can try investing on more "natural" mattresses. Find a good bed that does not contain toxic chemicals such as arsenic, antimony and phosphorous. Moreover, you should also look for a bed that can ward off germs and bacteria. This way, you can prevent the interaction of chemicals and micro organisms.

If you have decided to buy the organic type of mattress, make sure you are really getting the bang out of your buck. There are some brands of organic beds that do not really contain ideal organic ingredients. Do an independent research first and find a good brand of mattress.

You can also try looking for a bed that is not completely organic but is partly made up of organic and natural ingredients. For instance, rather than choosing a mattress with fire-retardant chemicals, you might want to choose a bed with wool materials. Wool is a natural fire-retardant material. You can also look for 100% organic cotton or latex.

When buying this bed, make sure you are not compromising comfort. There are times when consumers get too pumped up with the idea of sleeping on a natural kind of bed that they forget the main purpose of the mattress. You should be able to find comfort even when you are sleeping on an organic type of bed.