Updated 2022-12-04

Black velvet-upholstered sofa. On coffee table is electric-powered fountain, with water trickling down small stones, and a round crystal up top. To evoke healing, I can only guess. — _{Beyond this coffee table fountain is a black velvet sofa belonging to one of my clients, Josh D. Josh had the old polyurethane foam in these cushions replaced with flame-retardant free foam. As Healthy Home Concierge, I was happy to initiate the arrangements. Josh opted for 100% Organic Latex through Foam Order. Though Josh would like his new cushions softer, he’s still overall happy with results. Here’s his transformed sofa, afterward. The sofa I vacuumed twice every month, inside and out, for Josh}.

Why go flame retardant- free

In the big shift toward reducing indoor air pollution in homes, flame retardants in foam furnishings have been a big focus. Many consumers are ditching theirs, and switching to safer materials. Foam Order has been among the pioneering suppliers.

2022-12-04 update

Some flame retardants are associated with elevated cancer risk, developmental and reproductive harm, and hormone disruption. Learn what you can do.
Green Science Policy Institute 2022

Learn more in my recently updated 2014 post, Flame Retardant Free— Safer Sofa Foam Exchange.

Foam Order— early leader in flame retardant-free options

Plus, Foam Order company was among the first to help consumers make the switch. By participating in the Safer Sofa Foam Exchange, a Green Science Policy Institute pilot program launched in 2014, Foam Order and other business participants drove consumer demand nationally. Says current owner Mr. Handelsman, “That program is no longer active, but any consumer can replace the foam in their furniture via our website”.

Here are 2014 media pieces about the Safer Sofa Foam Exchange. And about their customers’ health

Go with organic, durable materials— resistant to bacteria, mildew, mold too!

Foam Order offers organic options, along with polyurethane. Both are free of flame retardants.

If you’re looking to create a healthy, sustainable, and comfortable living or working space, our natural and organic products are a great place to start. With organic latex foam made from rubber tree sap (without harmful chemicals or additives), and our organic hemp, wool and cotton fabrics and batting, you can relax knowing no harmful materials or chemicals will be released into your home environment.
Foam Order— Natural & Organic Foam Products

Furthermore, our mattresses do not contain any “chemically treated barrier cloths” used to pass current fire retardant mattress requirements—these organic mattresses pass naturally. Lasting up to 30 years when properly encased, our mattresses are also naturally resistant to bacteria, mildew and mold.
About Foam Order

How to order flame retardant-free replacement cushions through Foam Order

Says owner Mike Handelsman, “We serve customers across the US and Canada. Simply order though our website at www.foamorder.com. Also, the public can visit our FOAM ORDER Factory, at 3455 Collins Ave, San Pablo CA 94806″.

Foam Order offers a super-helpful video here. Everything from figuring out what’s going on in your cushions now, to measuring for your new cushions. And more.

Swap out your old cushions, or buy new

Keep your existing pieces, simply replacing your cushions

All removable furniture cushions and pillows can be exchanged. Unfortunately, most backs and arms can’t be removed, and therefore can’t be exchanged. The same goes for some seat cushions.

I helped one client, Josh D, get his sofa cushions replaced. Josh opted for organic latex foam through Foam Order. Other than a slight change in firmness, is happy overall with his purchase.

When buying entirely new furniture

For a buyer’s guide, visit the Green Science Policy Institute site. Click on How can I buy furniture without flame retardants? Besides Foam Order, you can find other suppliers in the San Francisco Bay Area here too.

If you need custom foam for your new pieces, Foam Order take care of you. Read on!

My slide show from a live foam exchange demo

Foam Order offered me a live demo of a foam exchange. hosted by the company in 2014. Following are photos I took. I was honored to get the full, behind-the-scenes scoop in the following slide show. Since then, my photo-editing skills are improving.

Please note: I removed two “before” photos from my slide show. With old feathers clinging to the old, flame retardant foam. If enough readers ask to see the shots, I’ll put them back in!

Natural Sense Organic latex mattress at Foam Order. Photo credit: Foam Order
Natural Sense Organic latex foam ix 100% pure latex. Here with an organic cotton casing. Pure latex is extra durable, and dustmite resistant. The company offers polyurethane cushions too. both types of foam are free of flame retardants. Photo: Regina Ryerson
$At Foam Order in San Francisco, you can find Natural Sense brand organic latex, and organic casings, as shown here. Custom-sized cushions and casings are also available. Organic latex foam, made from rubber trees, is naturally flame retardant free, and can last up to 30 years with proper care. According to Foam Order, natural latex is "naturally resistant to bacteria, mildew, and mold".$
Close-up of Natural Sense Organic latex foam at Foam Order. Feels as luxurious as it looks! Photo: Regina Ryerson
Foam Order offers polyurethane replacement foam too, free of flame retardants. Here’s their first cut for a sofa cushion, from a massive slab. Photo: Regina Ryerson
Saul with a slice of flame retardant free foam, ready for custom shaping at Foam Order. Photo: Regina Ryerson.
Second cut of the flame retardant free foam. This time, to a custom width.
Saul makes his final cut to the flame retardant free polyurethane replacement foam at Foam Order. Photo: Regina Ryerson
Saul prepares a polyester batting to place between the new flame retardant free foam and the cover. A spray can sits next to him; I’ve missed what’s in it. Photo: Regina Ryerson
Saul at Foam Order stuffs flame retardant-free replacement foam into a customer’s sofa cushion. Photo: Regina Ryerson
Outer casing is fully on! This flame retardant free seat cushion is ready for pick-up. Photo: Regina Ryerson
Michael Gorham, previous owner of Foam Order, hosting the Safer Sofa Foam Exchange Launch. Standing before a giant slab of flame retardant free polyurethane foam ready for slicing. Photo: Regina Ryerson

Your turn!

Have you replaced your flame retardant foam? Or did you buy all new furniture? What type of new foam did you opt for? Why? Are you happy with your purchases? By chiming in, you can help other readers.