Do you have a coil spring mattress that you’re getting tired of? It is not uncommon for people to consider switching to memory foam mattress. Many people are turning to online “bed-in-a-box” retailers to get their new mattresses quickly and easily delivered right to their doorstep. All you have to do is open the box, sit back, and watch your mattress expand to its full size. Learn more about the “new mattress smell” you may encounter when you lay out your new bed, and whether you need to be concerned about its impact on your home’s indoor air quality.
What is Causing My New Memory Foam Mattress to Smell?
When new mattresses are first delivered, they have a certain chemical odor. This is especially true for mattresses packaged in boxes, rolled up and vacuum-sealed, as the lack of airflow through these packages can cause the “new mattress smell” to become more intense. You may notice an odor coming from your mattress’ foam, caused by a process called off-gassing.
Off-gassing is the smell we associate with new cars, fresh paint and new mattresses. When your mattress comes in an airtight package, the volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) used in the manufacturing process remain trapped within the mattress. When you open the box and lay out the mattress, the foam starts to expand, and some of the components start to break down. These VOCs are then released as a gas, resulting in the distinct off-gassing smell.
How Long Will Memory Foam Mattress Off-gas?
Several mattress manufacturers may ensure that off-gassing occurs before the mattress is packaged and shipped in order to minimize the amount of off-gassing. It should be noted, however, that even if most of the off-gassing occurs outside your home, your mattress will still emit some gas during the time you have it in your home.
You can expect different levels of off-gassing depending on the type of mattress you buy, the density of the foam inside your mattress, the chemicals that were used in the manufacturing process, and how your mattress is packaged. Mattress manufacturers claim that the strongest off-gassing smell fades after a few days to a couple of weeks. However, you may continue to smell some faint fumes for a longer period of time.
Tips For Off-gassing a New Mattress
Depending on the manufacturer, you may need to air out a new mattress for three to seven days in a garage or well-ventilated room before sleeping on it, while others state that you can use your mattress within the first few hours of opening it. You should judge with your nose. You should not sleep on your new mattress while it is still off-gassing. Consider returning your mattress and finding a more air-quality-friendly alternative if the strong smell persists after a week or two.
How can I Speed Up the Off-gassing Process of New Mattress?
Consider the types of VOCs used in mattress manufacturing when shopping for a new one. Consider trying other brands if you cannot find the chemical compounds in the mattress easily, or if you cannot get a straight answer from the manufacturer. There is a right to know what potential chemical emissions you may be bringing into your bedroom.
Below are some tips to speed up the off-gassing process. Your mattress manufacturer will provide recommendations for the off-gassing process of your mattress.
- Let your mattress off-gas for at least two days in a well-ventilated area with a cross breeze.
- You should open your windows and increase air circulation if you cannot avoid off-gassing your mattress inside your home. You can also improve your house’s ventilation with fans and air filtration systems.
- Let your mattress off-gas for a few days in a spare room before bringing it into your bedroom.
- It is recommended by some manufacturers that you pour baking soda on your mattress as you air it out.
- If you want to use the new mattress but the chemical smell persists, you can add a mattress cover to help contain the smell. When you remove the cover to wash it, you will likely smell the off-gassing odor again, but it should dissipate over time.
Even though VOCs still haven’t been scientifically proven to cause health problems, you should take precautions whenever possible to prevent them. Even though it is difficult to avoid off-gassing entirely when you buy a new mattress, by following the steps above, you can protect your indoor air quality and enjoy a good night’s sleep. if you need best memory foam kitchen mat recommendation, we have a list you can check
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