Cotton can be toxic! Why?

Cotton is a highly popular plant-based fiber used in the textile industry. It is estimated that cotton is present in about 70% of clothing fabrics. Additionally, cotton is also used in the production of medical dressings. It is also a common fiber in mattresses, bedding, and other sleep-related products.

The use of cotton dates back to the beginning of civilization. Archaeologists have found evidence of cotton fabrics being produced in Egypt over 12,000 years ago. Traces of its use in clothing production have also been found in South America. Later, cotton spread to Asia and Europe.

Although cotton has been known for centuries, it has undergone modifications over time, and the cotton we have today is not the same as the original product. In the meantime, other fibers that are superior to cotton have been discovered. Cotton itself has also been criticized for its numerous drawbacks, including potentially unhealthy or even harmful properties.

The process of cotton production is labor-intensive and requires precise care for the plants. After sowing the seeds, cotton is regularly watered and monitored for pests. As the plant grows, it eventually blooms and produces seed capsules containing valuable cotton fibers.

Once mature, cotton is harvested either manually or mechanically. The next step is the process of separating the seeds from the fibers, which can be done mechanically or chemically. After purification, cotton fibers are ready for further processing and use in the textile industry.

Cotton has been criticized for its negative impact on the environment. Cotton cultivation processes often require large amounts of water, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals, including the harmful glyphosate. This can lead to groundwater and soil pollution, as well as affect the health of farmers and local residents.

In some countries, cotton farming can be carried out in difficult conditions and with poor work hygiene. This involves low wages, long working hours, and a lack of proper protective measures. Furthermore, some cotton varieties are genetically modified, which also raises controversies in terms of environmental protection and human health. Genetically modified cotton, in particular, which involves the introduction of genes from Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria to reduce its susceptibility to pests, has become increasingly popular. However, in reality, this idea has not proven effective. Despite this, some countries allow the cultivation of only this type of cotton.

Cotton is a commonly used material for bedding production. Most commonly known for cotton bed sheets, it is also used for making blankets and pillowcases. Cotton is soft, comfortable to touch, and breathable, which makes it seemingly an ideal choice for those who value a comfortable night's sleep.

In addition, cotton is commonly used in the production of diapers and baby bedding due to its softness and alleged hypoallergenic properties. Considering that babies spend a lot of time sleeping, choosing the right materials for their care is important. Manufacturers assure us that cotton is gentle on a baby's delicate skin and can help prevent skin irritations and allergies.

Cotton is also used in the production of sleepwear, such as nightshirts, pajamas, and robes. This is due to its softness, which is supposed to provide comfort during sleep. When worn on the body, cotton also appears to be breathable, allowing for air circulation and body temperature regulation.

Cotton is also a popular material used in the production of towels and bath linens. Its high absorbency makes it excellent for absorbing moisture, which according to some, makes it a good choice for bath towels and beach towels. Furthermore, cotton, although often only for the first few washes, is soft to the touch, making it pleasant to use after a bath or shower.

Cotton, being a natural material, may seem safe for the skin. However, many cotton products are treated with chemicals during the production process, which can lead to skin irritations, allergies, or other skin reactions. Especially individuals with sensitive skin should be cautious with cotton products that may cause unpleasant effects. Prolonged exposure to chemical contact can result in various discomforts, such as atopic dermatitis, breathing difficulties, or allergies.

It should be noted that glyphosate, a popular and highly harmful herbicide, is often used in cotton production and may remain on cotton fabrics in varying amounts. Glyphosate is a chemical substance known to be very harmful to human health and can trigger allergic reactions and other ailments.

Additionally, the porous structure of cotton is not conducive to allergen-sensitive individuals. Cotton is known for its soft and touchable feel, but its porous structure can promote the accumulation of dust, mites, and other allergens. Therefore, individuals with allergies should exercise caution when using cotton bedding, clothing, and other cotton products.

Due to the potential hazards associated with cotton, it is worth considering alternative textile materials that may be more environmentally friendly and healthier for people. Organic fabrics, such as hemp, bamboo, or linen, can be considered. However, these materials are also natural and may not be entirely safe due to their porous structure and similar properties to cotton.

Cotton, once one of the most popular textile materials, is now being replaced by other fibers. With the advancement of technology, newer and more advanced materials are emerging in the market, pushing cotton out of the spotlight. Nowadays, manufacturers who prioritize functionality and comfort in their products are moving away from cotton. Although cotton is still popular and inexpensive, concerns about responsibility, ethics, and consumer needs have led to its exclusion from ONSEN® products.

In addition, cotton is a natural material, which makes it more susceptible to damage, stretching, and wear compared to synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, or elastane are much more durable and resistant to wear, making clothes or bedding made from these materials more durable compared to cotton.

Furthermore, cotton remains prone to shrinking and changing shape after washing, which can lead to deformation of clothes or bedding. On the other hand, properly made synthetic materials are often resistant to shrinking and can maintain their original shape for longer. Moreover, modern synthetic materials often offer better properties such as improved breathability, faster drying, and better resistance to stains or color fading. Synthetic fibers can also be more elastic, providing better body fit and greater freedom of movement.

Although cotton was once one of the most popular textile materials, it is now being replaced by modern synthetic materials due to their superior durability, resistance to damage, and better properties such as breathability and elasticity. Technological advancements have led to the emergence of newer and more advanced materials in the market, replacing traditional cotton in many applications.

Such materials are used in the production of mattress covers at ONSEN®. They are made from multidirectional elastic fabric composed of 99% modern polyester and 1% elastane. Combined with a high grammage of 550 g/m2, they surpass other similar products on the market in terms of quality. Additionally, the material used in ONSEN® allows for free air circulation, is resistant to external factors, and remains fully hypoallergenic.

Similarly, all pillowcases produced at ONSEN® are made from multidirectional elastic fabric with the same composition and grammage of 450 g/m2. The properties of this material ensure proper ventilation, resistance to damage, and are hypoallergenic.

When thinking about your health and taking care of it, it's worth exploring the offer from ONSEN®, which offers the most functional Osaka Air mattress on the market, as well as ergonomic pillows made with the utmost care. The modern design thinking process we use aims to solve problems and meet the needs of the most demanding consumers.

In addition, all ONSEN® products are covered by up to 15 years of warranty and a 100-day return program. This allows everyone to test them in the comfort of their own bedroom, gaining confidence in the quality and performance of our products.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.