Costco is a go-to for many families and households looking to stock up on everything from snacks to appliances—and let’s be honest, they make it really convenient to grab big-ticket items too. The store’s bulk pricing and brand variety make it feel like a one-stop-shop for home essentials.

But as someone who’s become more mindful of what I bring into my home—especially from a low-tox living perspective—I’ve started looking at certain purchases through a different lens. There are a few items that I just won’t put in my cart, no matter how tempting the price. These are items that, in my opinion, carry a hidden cost—one that could impact your health and indoor air quality. And it’s not just for families or parents to consider. Anyone who spends time indoors (so, all of us) deserves to know what they’re really bringing home.

Why Furniture and Bedding Matter More Than You Think

It might surprise you, but some of the most toxic items in your home aren’t cleaning products or synthetic air fresheners—they’re your furniture, bedding, and the materials you sleep on every night. These items are often manufactured with petroleum-based foams, harsh adhesives, chemical flame retardants, and coatings designed to repel stains.

The problem? Many of these chemicals off-gas, releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air over time. And once they’re in your home, you’re breathing them in daily. Some of these substances—like formaldehyde, toluene, and benzene—are known carcinogens. Others are linked to hormone disruption, respiratory issues, and long-term immune stress. With that in mind, here are three common Costco items I avoid—and what I look for instead.

Mattresses

At first glance, a Costco mattress might seem like a deal too good to pass up. But many of the mattresses you’ll find there, particularly those made from conventional memory foam, come with a toxic downside. The foam in these products can contain a cocktail of industrial chemicals, including benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde.

These aren’t fringe concerns—these are known toxins that can off-gas into your bedroom air for months, even years. The risk isn’t just theoretical. Studies have shown that the compounds released from synthetic mattresses can contribute to poor indoor air quality and may be linked to headaches, dizziness, and longer-term exposure risks. If you spend 6–8 hours a night lying directly on a product like that, it’s worth considering safer alternatives. These days, plenty of non-toxic mattress brands use natural latex, organic cotton, and wool—materials that are safer, more breathable, and durable in the long run.^[1]

Couches

Couches are another staple item that seem harmless—until you dig into what they’re made of. Much like mattresses, conventional couches are often constructed with polyurethane foam, bonded with chemical adhesives, and treated with flame retardants to meet fire safety standards. On top of that, many are coated with a chemical finish that mimics Teflon to make them “stain resistant.” This coating might sound like a benefit, but it’s often a source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are incredibly persistent in the environment and in the human body.

These chemicals have been dubbed “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily and have been linked to thyroid issues, immune system suppression, and developmental problems. Again, there are better options out there. More and more furniture makers are offering toxin-free couches that skip the flame retardants and use natural fabrics, untreated wood, and organic fillings. It may take more time and intention to source, but if you’re creating a safe space to rest, entertain, and spend time with loved ones, it’s worth it. For example, Costco now carries GREENGUARDGold Certified couches, meaning they’ve been tested for low chemical emissions and are safer for indoor air quality. This kind of certification is exactly what to look for when making bigger home purchases.

Memory Foam Pillows

Pillows might not seem like a big deal, but consider this: you’re sleeping with your face just inches from that material every night, for hours at a time. Memory foam pillows, especially the cheaper ones, are often made with the same off-gassing chemicals found in mattresses—only now, they’re right under your nose. That means you’re inhaling VOCs while your body is in its most vulnerable, restorative state: sleep.^[2]

Over time, this can impact sleep quality and contribute to symptoms like congestion, headaches, or irritation, especially for people with chemical sensitivities. Costco does carry some lower-tox options, including pillows certified by Oeko-Tex (a global standard that screens for harmful substances), which can be a good step up. But for peace of mind and better air quality in the bedroom, I recommend going a step further and choosing a 100% organic pillow made with natural latex or organic cotton. These materials breathe better, last longer, and don’t carry the chemical load.^[3]

It’s Not About Perfection—It’s About Progress

Let me be clear: this isn’t about creating fear or guilt around every item in your home. It’s about being informed and choosing what aligns with your health priorities and long-term wellbeing. I still shop at Costco. I just don’t blindly buy everything that looks like a deal. When it comes to items you spend hours a day on—like your bed or your couch—those are places where small changes can have a big impact. Breathing cleaner air, sleeping better, and reducing your exposure to everyday toxins doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with asking questions and making more intentional choices, one product at a time.

So next time you’re pushing that cart through the warehouse aisles, take a moment to think not just about what something costs—but about what it’s made of, and how it might affect your home environment. Your health is worth that pause.

References:

1. Anderson, R. C., & Anderson, J. H. (2000). Respiratory toxicity of mattress emissions in mice. Archives of Environmental Health, 55(1), 38–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/00039890009603383
2. Moran-Mendoza, O., Aldhaheri, S., Black, C. J. A., Clements-Baker, M., Khalil, M., & Boag, A. (2021). Mold in foam pillows and mattresses: A novel cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Chest, 160(3), e259–e263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2021.04.068
3. Caggiari, G., Talesa, G. R., Toro, G., Jannelli, E., Monteleone, G., & Puddu, L. (2021). What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 22(1), 51. https://doi.org/10.1186/s10195-021-00616-5