When you buy a new memory foam mattress, mattress topper or memory foam pillow, how can you get rid of its smell?

Nowadays, the technology of memory foam has earned a stable foothold as a favorite of many people when it comes to bedroom items such as pillows, mattresses, and mattress toppers. The material has a lot of benefits regarding comfort and durability that most consumers will be satisfied with, but there’s one flaw they usually complain about: the smell, which is described as similar to “a newly painted room” or “a new car”.

Although the manufacturers claim that this funky and heavy smell is likely to dissipate after some days, depending on the products, the room ventilation, the sensitivity of the users,… wouldn’t you love to speed the process up a bit?

Where does the smell come from?

Memory foam is also known as visco-elastic polyurethane foam. The products made of memory foam are usually treated flame-retardants to enhance the resistance against flammability. Said chemicals are volatile organic compounds that escape the foam as “off-gas” and release a strong odor into the atmosphere.

Another question people are interested in is: Is “off-gas” dangerous?

You encounter off-gases more often than you might have thought! Dryer sheets, cleaners, non-stick pans, and bedroom articles,… but fortunately, the concentration of chemicals radiating from these items aren’t enough to reach the dangerous level, nor do they cause cancers or extreme intoxication. If you are sensitive or allergic to them, allergic reactions like throat irritation and dizziness might happen.

How to get rid of memory foam smell?

#Rescue the items from plastic wraps

The longer the memory foam is stuck in the plastic, the more it’s going to ferment and the deeper those gases are embedded in the material. As soon as you bring your purchases home, remove the wrap on instant and leave them in a well-ventilated space.

#Refresh the air

It’s best to handle the matter from the beginning. After removing the packaging, place the product outdoor for a few hours at least, if the weather is dry and not humid. In case your abode doesn’t allow you to have much free space, you can also lean the item against a wall so all sides can be in contact with fresh air, open the windows and turn on a window fan to draw air out of the room. The longer the foam product airs out, the less noticeable the odor will be.

#Baking soda

It does wonders for the strong smells from various types of food in a refrigerator, and you will be delighted to know chemical fragrances are not a challenge at all. When the memory foam has been aired out, scatter baking soda over the surfaces and wait for about an hour before vacuuming it away with an upholstery brush attachment. For the best results, don’t hesitate to apply the baking soda directly on the foam instead of the covers.

#Keep the room fresh

A bowl of white vinegar will help reduce the smell in the air as it absorbs airborne off-gases. The vinegar itself has a trademark smell as well, but it fights against the scent of memory foam. If it bothers you, though, you can leave the vinegar in the room while you are away and get rid of it before bedtime.

Plus point: Vinegar also deodorizes drains.

#Keep the objects clean

You sleep on your mattress, mattress topper, and pillow. They inevitably absorb the moistures your body releases and a humid environment is very favorable by germs, bugs, and allergens – how terrible is that!

When it’s time for washing, give your mattress an air-out session. Remove the linens and run the ceiling fan (if the room has one) on high speed to remove the moisture and let the items breathe. It’s also recommended to use the baking soda as instructed above.

#Have some fun jumping on the bed

You can try this on the first day of your de-gassing battle because the pressure you leave on the mattress will force the vapors out of the material. However, you would want to flee the room for a while and stay a safe distance away from the toxic gases you are trying to get rid of.

Beware: Some manufacturers don’t advise this method, you’d better check the warranty in advance so it won’t be voided.

In conclusion

If you were worried about the damage it might cause your health, you would be able to sigh in relief by now. Mattresses, pillows, and toppers are made safe for use according to regulations, standards, and third-party certifications. But the tips we have offered are still worth trying, as the bedroom should be the most relaxing place in your house, in which you can have sufficient rest after hours of working.