PFAS – What's behind the "forever chemicals"?

By Deluxe Sleep · Published on 28 July 2026

PFAS – What's behind the "forever chemicals"?

Whether in outdoor jackets, fast-food packaging or non-stick pans – so-called PFAS, meaning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are found in countless everyday products. Lately they've been drawing increasing attention from the media, research and politics – and for good reason. What makes these chemicals so special? Why are they considered problematic? And what's the situation with mattresses? We give an overview and show how manufacturer BICO handles the topic.

What are PFAS, and where do they appear in everyday life?

PFAS is the umbrella term for a large group of synthetic substances that have been used in industry for decades. The best-known representatives include PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) and PFHxS (perfluorohexane sulfonic acid). Their special property: they repel water, grease and dirt – and are extremely long-lived. That's why they're also called "forever chemicals". They barely break down, either in the environment or in the human body, and accumulate over the long term.

PFAS chemicals are used in many products that need to be especially robust, dirt-resistant or water-repellent. These include coated cookware, outdoor clothing, food packaging, cosmetics and some medical products. Textiles and upholstery fabrics can also be affected – anywhere waterproof treatments are applied.

How dangerous are PFAS?

Numerous studies indicate that certain PFAS may be linked to health risks. They are suspected of impairing the immune system, disrupting hormonal processes, reducing fertility and increasing the risk of certain types of cancer. They also pose a challenge for the environment: via air, water or the waste cycle, they end up in soils, rivers and lakes – and even in drinking water. Because they hardly break down, PFAS residues can be detected worldwide – even in remote regions and in wildlife.

What does Swiss legislation say about PFAS?

In recent years, Switzerland has taken targeted measures against PFAS. The aim is to minimise the burden on people and nature and to encourage manufacturers to switch to more environmentally friendly alternatives. According to the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), binding maximum levels for certain PFAS in foods such as fish, eggs and meat have applied for the first time since February 2024, aligned with EU limits. Drinking water is also affected: according to the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA), the currently applicable limits are to be tightened by 2026 to further strengthen health protection. In addition, the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) defines clear criteria for remediating PFAS-contaminated sites – for example former firefighting training sites or landfills. A consultation on new environmental-law ordinances is currently under way, examining further restrictions or even a ban on individual PFAS.

What about PFAS in mattresses?

This topic can also be relevant in the sleep products sector – depending on which materials and manufacturing processes are used. There are typically three potential sources of PFAS in mattresses: Textile covers can contain PFAS if they've been given a water-, dirt- or oil-repellent coating. Polyester covers in particular are sometimes treated with stain protection or a water-repellent finish, and PFAS-containing substances can be used in the process. Polyurethane foams, as used in many mattresses, generally contain no PFAS in their pure form. However, PFAS can occur in certain flame retardants – for example when particularly strict fire-safety requirements have to be met. Adhesives or processing aids used to bond several layers together can also contain PFAS-based components, depending on their composition.

Where does Deluxe Sleep stand on PFAS?

BICO takes a clear stance here: no materials containing PFAS are used for BICO mattresses. That applies both to the company's own manufacturing processes and to all supplied components – confirmed by suppliers that BICO carefully vets. For BICO, quality means not only comfort but also responsibility toward health and the environment: sleep comfort with responsibility – so you can sleep with peace of mind. We at Deluxe Sleep carry BICO mattresses in our showroom in Bischofszell and are happy to advise you if PFAS-free materials matter to you.

What can you do yourself?

Unfortunately, PFAS can currently hardly be avoided entirely in everyday life. With these three courses of action, however, you can significantly reduce the burden on yourself and your environment – consciously, sustainably and without sacrificing comfort.

1. Shop consciously When buying clothing, furniture or sleep products, look for items with clear labelling and trustworthy environmental or health certifications.

2. It pays to ask Actively find out from manufacturers about the materials they use. Responsible brands are happy to provide information about their ingredients and production methods.

3. Choose PFAS-free alternatives Whenever possible, opt for PFAS-free products. In terms of functionality they're often no different from conventional products – but are considerably safer for your health and the environment.

Source: This article is based on an article from the BICO sleep blog (bico.ch). The research findings, product developments and test results mentioned in it come from BICO or from the respective named third parties.