Having multiple chemical sensitivities makes it difficult to find an acceptable mattress, one without fragrances or chemicals. Over the years I have tried a variety of beds. At one time when I had the money I invested in an organic mattress, only to discover it was very smelly and I had to return it. I have tried several types of air mattresses. The new Intex Durabeam mattress airs out in a couple of days, but in the past, Intex mattresses smelled heavily of vinyl and it was an overwhelming project to air one out, wipe it down with vinegar or vodka and/or baking soda. One time I even tried to cover one with tin foil to block smells. The problem with air mattresses for me personally is that I need a very firm mattress, and a couple of times the seams broke, and one time I even went crashing to the floor. Sometimes I have used futons, some of which had no chemical fragrance, but usually they are not firm enough for me.
Bed frames can be a problem for chemically sensitive people, as many have a fragrance of either pine or varnish. One time I bought a hardwood fir slatted frame, removed the bands holding the slats together and sealed the wood with a varnish specifically designed to block in any scents. Many times I have made a bed platform simply from brand new plastic crates which I hold together with zip strips.
Twice in my adult life I have ordered a latex mattress topper from Sleep on Latex to start a DIY bed, only to return the boxes unopened due to my deciding to move elsewhere. Recently, for the third time, I ordered a three-inch firm mattress topper, and I love it. I am very lightweight so it seems to be comfortable enough. Other people stack a one or two inch medium or soft topper on top of a firm mattress. And some people go up to nine inches total with three toppers. The company will exchange one or two as you determine the most comfortable setup for your own uniqueness.
I am considering buying a one-inch topper for camping. It would be light weight enough to pack and move around and would save me having to use folded up blankets under my one-inch camping air mattress. I have had luck twice with camping self-inflatable air mattresses, especially Teton Gear ComfortLite Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad which truly is self-inflating. It easily folds into four sections to hide toward the back of my car.
I am not nearly as sensitive as I used to be, but I still believe that it important to have eight hours sleep away from toxins to give one’s body complete rest and recovery from everything one’s been exposed to during the day.