Naturfoam vs. Polyurethane: Making the Healthier Choice for Your Child's Sleep Environment

Aug 11, 2025by Chris Silva

When it comes to your child’s sleep, every detail matters from the firmness of the mattress to the materials it’s made from. One of the biggest decisions parents face when choosing a mattress is what’s inside. Two common options are Naturfoam (like Haven’s soy-based foam) and polyurethane foam. While both offer cushioning and support, the differences in health impact, environmental footprint, and long-term safety can be significant. This guide explains the differences so you can make an informed choice that’s healthier for your child and kinder to the planet.

What Is Polyurethane Foam?

Polyurethane foam is a synthetic material derived entirely from petrochemicals. It’s widely used because it’s inexpensive and easy to mass-produce, but it has some well-known drawbacks:

Off-Gassing: Polyurethane can emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which may cause respiratory irritation, headaches, or trigger allergies.
Petroleum-Based: Made from non-renewable fossil fuels, it has a heavier environmental footprint from production to disposal.
Shorter Lifespan: Over time, polyurethane foam tends to break down and lose support faster than higher-quality alternatives.

What Is Naturfoam?

Naturfoam — like the soy-based foam used in Haven’s mattresses — is an advanced plant-based alternative to traditional polyurethane. It’s engineered to provide equal or better comfort and durability, with significantly healthier and more sustainable benefits:

Plant-Based Content: Replaces a portion of petrochemicals with renewable soy oil.
Low VOC & Non-Toxic: Meets CertiPUR-US® standards for low emissions, ensuring no harmful off-gassing.
Durable Comfort: Holds its shape longer, supporting healthy spinal alignment for growing bodies.
Eco-Friendly: Reduced carbon footprint and fewer non-renewable resources used in production.

Why Parents Should Care About Off-Gassing

Children’s lungs are still developing, making them more sensitive to indoor air quality. Off-gassing from mattresses especially those made entirely from polyurethane — can release chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and benzene into your child’s room. While many foams are considered “safe” under current regulations, low-VOC and plant-based foams like Naturfoam go further, giving parents extra peace of mind.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Naturfoam (Soy-Based)	Polyurethane Foam
Primary Material	Plant-based soy oil + eco-engineered foam	100% petrochemical-derived foam
Off-Gassing	Minimal to none	Possible VOC emissions
Eco-Footprint	Renewable content, lower carbon output	High carbon footprint
Durability	Holds shape and support longer	Can sag or break down faster
Health Safety	Non-toxic, low VOC, CertiPUR-US® certified	Varies by manufacturer; can contain chemical residues

The Haven Difference

At Haven, every kids’ mattress is made-to-order in Canada with Naturfoam, ensuring a healthier and fresher sleep environment right from day one. Our foams are CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning they’re made without ozone-depleting chemicals, PBDE flame retardants, mercury, lead, or heavy metals and they meet strict standards for low VOC emissions.

You’ll notice the difference the first night: no chemical smell, just a clean, comfortable sleep surface designed to support your child’s growth.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Naturfoam and polyurethane foam comes down to prioritizing your child’s health, the planet’s future, and long-term mattress performance. Naturfoam delivers on all three — giving you the comfort and support you expect, without the hidden health or environmental compromises.

🌱 Give your child the healthiest start to every day with a Haven Naturfoam mattress.
Explore our HIBERNate Kids Mattress made fresh in Canada, eco-friendly, and designed for growing bodies.