
How to finally get rid of the 'new mattress smell'?
Mattresses smell because of a process called off-gassing. Certain chemicals contain components called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. When it comes to your mattress, most of these chemicals are in the foam that makes up your bed or in the adhesives used to hold the different layers of your bed together. Click to see full answer.
Why is my new mattress so uncomfortable?
Mar 04, 2022 · Anyway, back to the point: New mattresses smell because of a process that the industry calls off-gassing. This is because certain chemicals inside the mattress foam – called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs – are now reacting with the air. Remember, they have been vacuum-packed and have had all the air effectively ‘sucked out’ at the factory.
Why is my mattress so noisy?
Mar 18, 2021 · Why Does My New Mattress Smell Like Chemicals. March 18, ... Like all the mattresses by Diamond in our Diamond sleep mattress review, the Transformation comes in three firmness options: Plush, the softest option (rated 3 on the firmness scale); Medium (rated 5), making it the ideal firmness level for any sleeper; and Firm, the best model for ...
Why does my new carpet smell so bad?
Dec 24, 2018 · Most new mattresses will have a certain chemical odor when they are first delivered. This is especially true for those that come in a box, rolled up and vacuum-sealed, because the lack of airflow through the package can cause the “new mattress smell” to …

How do you get the chemical smell out of a new mattress?
Use baking soda (bicarbonate of soda). Placing a few bowls of water + baking soda around your room where the mattress is will quickly neutralise the stink. Try to aim for a mix of 5 parts water to 1 part baking soda, and mix well. Then leave the bowl(s) out and these will catch the smells and neutralise them quicker.Mar 4, 2022
Is the smell from a new mattress toxic?
Is off-gassing from memory foam toxic or dangerous? The short answer is no. While the odor from mattress off-gassing is unpleasant, it's not harmful to most people. A small percentage of owners report difficulty breathing, headaches, nausea, eye and throat irritation, and asthma.
How do you get the chemical smell out of a memory foam mattress?
Use Baking Soda Baking soda is a great remover of memory foam smell. For impressive results, allow it to set through the night. Once it has done that, utilize a hand vacuum cleaner to remove it from the surface of your mattress. A soft brush attachment of the traditional vac cleaner should also be handy.Oct 7, 2021
How long should you air out a new mattress?
Letting your mattress air out for 24 hours is recommended by the Sleep Products Safety Council. The best way to check if your mattress has aired out is to use your nose. If you are still bothered by the new mattress smell, let your mattress air out longer.
Do new mattresses have chemicals?
Mattresses are known to release minute amounts of gaseous chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs come mainly from the polyurethane used in the mattress, but also from other chemicals used in flame retardants and plastics, the researchers said.Jul 10, 2019
Is it safe to sleep on a new mattress?
Once your mattress looks fluffy and comfortable, it's safe to sleep on and that's usually on the first night. To speed up the expansion process, leave your mattress in a warm, well-ventilated room. The natural warmth and airflow will help your mattress return to full size in a timely manner.Jan 31, 2019
Is memory foam smell toxic?
Potentially Toxic Materials Used in Memory Foam Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde sometimes results as a by-product of the foam manufacturing process, though this is much less common nowadays. Formaldehyde fumes can irritate the eyes, nose and mouth, and it is known to be a human carcinogen.Mar 11, 2022
How do I get rid of new mattress smell Reddit?
Otherwise the best you can do:Baking soda. Spread some on top. Vacuum off.Stick dryer sheets under the mattress and on top for a day or two.Check Bed, Bath and Beyond for some of their de-odorizing powders.Febreeze is a last step...it really only masks a faint odor, and won't do what they claim on tv.
Do foam mattresses give off toxic fumes?
Some memory foam mattresses contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and naphthalene. Memory foam may contain isocyanates, which, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.
What does off-gassing smell like?
Some of the most common chemicals off-gassed from household items include formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, and toluene. While off-gassing can be easily identified by so-called “new car” and “new carpet” smells, it can also be odorless. Sound scary?Apr 27, 2015
Does Tempurpedic have formaldehyde?
Made without CFCs, mercury, lead and heavy metals. Made without formaldehyde.Sep 16, 2020
Should you let a new mattress air out?
When you air out a new mattress, it usually takes around three to seven days to get rid of the pungent chemical smell. You must do it in an open space or well-ventilated room so that the VOCs will not be contained in one area.Apr 3, 2021
Why does my new mattress smell?
This smell - which depending on the person describing it can smell somewhere between new carpet and a kind of eggy gas - comes from some of the mat...
Are these new mattress smells dangerous? Should I be worried?
No. The vast majority of people will not have any side-effects from this smell, but it's a good idea to follow the tips above to remove the smell a...
Do all mattresses smell nowadays?
Pocket-sprung mattresses won't smell much because the main source of that famous stink is the memory foam inside. Obviously, a pure pocket spring w...
Will my trial period be affected?
No. Unless you damage your mattress somehow, then the trial period (anywhere from a month to a year, depending on the brand) will not be affected b...
What are the chemicals in a mattress?
The exact chemical makeup of the VOCs that off-gas from a mattress varies from mattress to mattress, but independent tests have shown that they can include benzene, toluene chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and formaldehyde.
What to do when your mattress smells?
All that you have to do is open the box, sit back and watch your mattress expand to full size. Before you do, learn more about the “new mattress smell” that you can expect when you lay out your new bed, and whether you should be concerned about its effects on your home’s indoor air quality.
How to off gas a mattress?
How can I speed up the off-gassing process of my new mattress? 1 Open your mattress outside of your house and let it off-gas for at least two days in a well-ventilated area with a cross breeze. 2 If you cannot avoid off-gassing your mattress inside of your home, you should open your windows and increase air circulation where possible. Fans and air filtration systems can also help improve the ventilation in your house. 3 If you have a spare room, try leaving your mattress in there to off-gas for the first few days before bringing it into your bedroom. 4 Some manufacturers recommend pouring baking soda on the mattress while you air it out to speed up the off-gassing process. 5 If you would like to use the new mattress but the off-gassing smell persists, you can add a mattress cover to help contain the chemical smell to the bed. When you remove the cover to wash it, you will likely smell the off-gassing odor again, though it should dissipate over time.
How long does it take for a mattress to smell?
The strongest off-gassing smell will fade within a few days to a couple of weeks, according to most major mattress ...
What are the health effects of VOCs?
Some of the more severe health effects caused by VOC exposure can include damage to the kidneys, liver or central nervous system. Additionally, some VOCs that off-gas are suspected or known carcinogens, such as formaldehyde.
Does purple mattress smell?
New Pur ple mattresses may have a very faint off-gassing smell that fades quickly. However, many consumers report no off-gassing smell at all. Tempur-Pedic offers a wide range of memory foam mattresses. The off-gassing odor strength varies among models, but consumers can expect it to dissipate within the first two weeks.
Why do mattresses smell?
Mattresses smell because of a process called off-gassing. Certain chemicals contain components called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These are not stable and so they tend to break down rapidly under certain conditions. When they do this, they form gases that must then escape.
How long does a new mattress smell?
These consistently rate high for everything from comfort to durability. One of the few complaints about them is that, when brand new, they can give off a “new mattress” smell for several weeks. In fact, any new mattress can have that problem.
How to get rid of a bad smell in a mattress?
Simply spray the mattress according to the directions on the bottle and wait a bit. The bad smell should get better quickly. Set out several bowls of baking soda around the room. Just as baking soda absorbs bad odors in your refrigerator, it will do the same in your bedroom.
How to get rid of odors in bed?
Vodka is a champ when it comes to odor removal. Simply choose an unflavored version, put it in a spray bottle, and spray your bed. If you’re not comfortable using pure vodka, dilute it with water first. As the alcohol evaporates, it will take the odors with it.
Is memory foam bad for you?
However, there’s no research showing that memory foam causes cancer or is toxic in any way. While it’s definitely a topic that needs more study, there are ways to avoid or get rid of the smell, and the chemicals, if you are worried about them.
Does memory foam have off gassing?
Memory foam is associated with more off-gassing and odor complaints than any other kind of bed. If you’re concerned, look at latex, innerspring, or hybrid beds instead. Off-gassing is a natural process that occurs because of the materials used to make a mattress.
Why does my mattress smell like new?
This odor is often referred to as a “new mattress smell” because it resembles the same type of scent people remember from a new car or opening a can of paint.
What are the chemicals in mattresses?
Some of these include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), formaldehyde, benzene, methylene chloride, toluene, trichloroethane, naphthalene, perfluorocarbons. Mattresses are also required to be flame retardant, and VOCs are used in manufacturing to ensure those safety requirements are met as well.
What is off gassing in mattresses?
Off-gassing is what happens when the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in manufactured products like memory foam mattresses break down. It causes a smell that can be unpleasant and disconcerting to others.
How to get rid of a mattress smell?
1. Open your mattress and let it air out. The best thing you can do if you are experiencing off-gassing is to give your mattress time to breathe and air out after you unbox it.
Where is Katie from Mattress Clarity?
Katie manages the day to day operations of the Mattress Clarity news site and reviews sleep products in addition to writing and editing sleep news. She hails from Austin, where she lives with her growing family. She is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and has a master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University and has a background in health and science content. Her work can be found in print and online publications like Discover Magazine, USA Today and The Huffington Post.
What is CertiPUR US?
What’s more – most major mattress brands that use foam work with an organization that keeps an eye on VOC emission levels called CertiPUR-US. If you choose to research this topic online further, you will see that the discussion about health risks and the use of VOCs in manufacturing mattresses is hotly debated.
Can VOCs cause asthma?
They say that several studies suggest that exposure to VOCs may make symptoms worse for people with asthma or who are particularly sensitive to chemical s.
How to get rid of a bad smell in a bedroom?
You want to get air circulating throughout your bedroom to reduce the initial caustic odor. Open windows near your bed and around the room. Open your bedroom door. Then, aim a fan from the door toward a window to get a cross-breeze going. If you’d like more detail about the best way to circulate air, the Department of Energy recommends outward-facing window fans, smaller inlets and big outlets, and trying different methods to get the best results.
Does airing out a mattress make it smell?
As a mattress airs out, the detectable smell begins to decrease. However, the truth is that even airing out doesn’t mean that all the toxic chemicals are gone. Some chemical vapors are odorless, so you won’t be aware that you’re breathing them. And generally, whatever’s in a mattress continues to emit over time, even if at lower levels.
What is the best pillow for memory foam?
There are several natural pillow options for those looking for a new pillow. Of course, our favorite is our buckwheat hull pillow. Besides being natural and chemical-free, buckwheat pillows are a great alternative to memory foam for a couple of other reasons.
Is memory foam breathable?
Memory foam is not breathable and this can result in a hot and sweaty pillow. The shape and particulate nature of buckwhat hulls leaves a lot of air space in your pillow between all of the hulls. This airspace allows warm moist air to escape, leaving your pillow cool and dry.
Can memory foam cause headaches?
Most people do not report any health issues resulting from their memory foam pillow or mattress. However, there are various reports of headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions resulting from the odor produced by memory foam.
Does memory foam have an odor?
Memory foam is manufactured using polyurethane and several other chemicals, so it isn’t surprising that it emits a chemical odor. This “off gassing” of volatile organic compounds is a common and well-documented property of memory foam pillows and mattresses.
What is off gassing in mattresses?
One term that frequently pops up in discussions of mattresses and chemicals is “off-gassing.” This is the phenomenon that occurs when a mattress and its associated materials release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These VOCs can include formaldehyde, toluene, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), benzene, trichloroethane, and perfluorocarbons, though each mattress is different and may release different chemicals.
What is the best organic mattress?
The best organic mattresses are typically hybrids that include latex or a full-latex mattress because all-natural latex is a great organic material for the environment, your health, and your sleep quality.
Why is Greenguard Gold certified?
Their Gold certification is the most stringent one that they offer because it aims to protect more vulnerable populations, like children and those with allergies and sensitivities. Specifically, it aims to limit VOCs, and a product can only receive a Greenguard Gold certification if it has very low amounts of VOCs.
Where are PBDEs found?
PBDEs used to be included in the foam part of the mattress, and could also sometimes be found in the mattress cover or topper. No newly manufactured mattress should be allowed to contain PBDEs at this point in time, but if you are buying your mattress used, or buying a very old model, be sure to do your research carefully.
What is TDI foam?
Propylene oxide and TDI (Toluene Diisocyanate) are chemicals used to create polyurethane foam and memory foam , which are popular mattress materials. Unfortunately, they are responsible for a large amount of off-gassing of VOCs, and many people may want to avoid them.
Is off gassing harmful?
Generally, off-gassing has not been found to be harmful to human beings in any lasting way, but research has shown that continual exposure to VOCs could potentially lead to increased risk of cancer, nervous system damage, and liver or kidney damage.
What is a Gots certification?
To receive certification for GOTS, an independent evaluator must come to do an inspection to approve your textile product.

Why Do Mattresses Smell?
Is Off-Gassing Dangerous?
- The majority of people won’t experience any side effects from off-gassing. A few people will get headaches, and some may experience nausea, eye and throat irritation, or find that their asthma is triggered. These symptoms go away when the person goes away from the mattress, and they generally dissipate completely within a few weeks. Some people feel nervous because some of t…
Can You Avoid The Smell?
- If you want to limit your chemical exposure or you just don’t want to deal with getting rid of the smell, start by looking for a mattress with a Certi-PUR certification. This organization tests mattresses and their seal means that a mattress uses very little or no VOCs. Their test also includes CFCs, phthalates, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and PBDEs, so your mattress will be fre…
Can You Get Rid of The Smell?
- Yes! If you are concerned about the effects of off-gassing on your health or you just don’t want to deal with the smell, there are many ways to get rid of it. 1. Air out your mattress. Let your new mattress sit in your garage or in a well-ventilated room for several days before you put any bedding on it or attempt to sleep on it. This will let the VOCs escape without any negative effect…