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How To Speed Up Mattress Off Gassing?
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The smell of a new mattress is often unpleasant. Off-gassing is the release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from materials in the mattress. VOCs are chemicals that can cause health problems, including headaches, nausea, and eye irritation.
Off-gassing is a problem that you will experience with most memory foam mattresses, if you want to avoid it altogether, consider buying an organic mattress made of natural materials. In this article, we´ll tell you how to speed up the off-gassing process of your new mattress.
What is Mattress Off-gassing?
The process of off-gassing is the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a product into the surrounding environment. It can refer to anything from new furniture and carpets to paint and construction materials. In the case of mattresses, off-gassing usually refers to the smell of certain chemicals used in manufacturing.
How Long Does It Take For a New Mattress To Off-Gas?
Your new mattress is made up of different materials, some of which will off-gas more than others. The foam used in mattresses is often the culprit, so a memory foam mattress is likely to take a little longer to off-gas than other types.
The most intense off-gassing will usually take place in the first few days, but it can continue for up to a month. Some of the smell will dissipate over time, but there may still be a slight odor present.
So How Can I Speed Up the Mattress Off-Gassing Process?
1. Open the windows and doors in the room where you have the mattress.
This will allow fresh air to circulate and help dissipate the VOCs. By letting in more fresh air, you’re also speeding up the evaporation process. It´s best not to use the mattress for a few days. Just leave it on the bed frame without any sheets or blankets to maximize airflow. If you have to sleep on the mattress, remove the sheets every morning and leave it with windows open for a whole day. Rinse and repeat at least three days in a row.
2. Leave the mattress in an open space, like a garage or patio, for a few days.
This will help it to air out more quickly and reduce the smell. Don´t forget to remove the packaging and lay it flat on a sommier, to let the air circulate freely. If you let it air out for a few days, you won’t have to worry about using fans or other ventilation methods. Just make sure your mattress is in a dry spot, protected from rain and direct sunshine which could damage the mattress.
3. Use a fan to blow air over the mattress.
This will also help to circulate fresh air and speed up the off-gassing process. Combine this method with the first two to speed up the mattress off-gassing process and remove the smell from the room much faster. By using a fan, you’re also preventing the build-up of moisture, which can contribute to the smell.
4. Jump on it.
This is a great way to speed up the off-gassing process and get your mattress ready for sleep sooner. Just make sure to leave the room after jumping around for 10 minutes tops, and to wear a face mask if possible to avoid breathing in the fumes. Jumping on your mattress will help release trapped gases and let them dissipate more quickly. This can be a great way to break in a new mattress, too!
5. Use a waterproof mattress protector if you have to sleep on your new mattress.
An organic mattress pad can help to protect your mattress from dirt, dust, and stains. It can also act as a barrier between you and the materials that are releasing VOCs. This is a great way to reduce your exposure to off-gassing chemicals and the smell. But it´s only a temporary solution. Be sure to remove the pad first thing in the morning for a few days to let your mattress release all those gases and get rid of the odor faster.
6. Sprinkle some baking soda over the mattress.
The baking soda will help to absorb the VOCs and reduce the smell. For best results, sprinkle it all over the mattress, leave it for an hour or so before vacuuming. You can also leave it on your bed for longer while your mattress is airing outside or in a room with open windows and doors and vacuum it off at the end of the day.
7. Vacuum the mattress regularly.
This will help to remove any particles or chemicals that may be released from the foam. For best results, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to avoid breathing in any VOCs. Vacuuming will remove the smell and any particles that may be causing the odor.
8. If your mattress comes with off-gassing instructions, be sure to follow them.
These instructions are designed to help you get rid of the smell as quickly as possible. By following the instructions, you’ll be able to enjoy your new mattress without having to worry about the smell for too long. If you’re still experiencing problems with off-gassing after trying these tips, it may be best to contact the manufacturer or retailer. They may be able to provide a specific plan for getting rid of the smell.
9. Use an air purifier in your bedroom.
An air purifier can help to remove VOCs and other pollutants from the air. This can be a great way to reduce the smell of off-gassing and make your home safer and more comfortable. your air purifier should have a HEPA filter to trap VOCs and other pollutants.
10. Bonus Tip: Your bed frame could also be off-gassing.
If you´ve got a new mattress and a new bed frame, they both could be off gassing at the same time. Furniture made of plywood or particleboard, as well solid wood finished with wood stain, paint or lacquer will be releasing a chemical odor for some time. Check my tips on how to speed up furniture off gassing or opt for a non toxic bed frame to avoid this issue altogether.
By following these tips, you can speed up the off-gassing process and get rid of the smell from your mattress quickly. These tips will also help to keep your home safe and free from harmful VOCs. for more information, follow our tips on how to create a chemical-free bedroom.
Is an Off-Gassing Mattress Dangerous for Health?
If you are particularly sensitive to smells or have any history of allergies or asthma, it is best to avoid sleeping in a room with a brand-new mattress until the fumes have dissipated. Also, if the mattress is to be used by a child or an elderly person, it is advisable to take similar precautions.
Prolonged exposure to toxic VOCs released by some mattresses can have detrimental effects on your health, including hormone disruption which can cause various health issues. Certain immediate side effects of VOC exposure include dizziness and breathing difficulties, so try to limit your time spent near an off-gassing mattress.
Read More: What’s the Smell of a Latex Mattress?
Sleeping on a new off-gassing mattress can cause:
- Breathing Difficulties: If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, off-gassing mattresses can exacerbate the symptoms. Make sure to steer clear of these mattresses if you’re not feeling well.
- Skin Rash: People with sensitive skin may experience a rash or other skin irritation from sleeping on a new mattress releasing fumes. Try sleeping with organic cotton sheets to minimize the effect of synthetic materials and fumes on your skin.
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded after lying down can be a sign of too much exposure to off-gassing fumes. If this happens, try to leave the room and get some fresh air.
- Headaches: If you’re prone to headaches, try avoiding spending time in a room with an off-gassing mattress. The strong odors can trigger a migraine when you’re not used to them.
- Allergic reactions: People with allergies might want to avoid sleeping in the same room as an off-gassing mattress because the chemicals that are released can irritate the mucous membranes.
Can You Avoid Mattress Off-Gassing Altogether?
If you don´t want to take any chances, the best way to avoid mattress off-gassing is to buy a certified organic mattress. Make sure it is made of natural materials such as latex, wool, and cotton. These materials are not only safe but also breathable and comfortable.
These mattresses are made without any harmful toxins or chemicals, so there’s no risk of off-gassing.
These certificates mean that the cotton, wool, and latex used in the mattress are organic and free of harmful chemicals. Some of the most recognized organic mattress brands are My Green Mattress and Avocado Mattress.
If you want to sleep on a memory foam mattress, make sure it’s CertiPur certified. This certificate indicates that the mattress has been tested and certified to meet safety standards for emissions and off-gassing. CertiPur certified mattresses have got very low amounts of potentially harmful chemicals, they’re free from heavy metals, and formaldehyde. So if you’re concerned about off-gassing, look for a mattress with the CertiPur seal.
If possible, make sure the mattress is also Greenguard GOLD certified, which means that it has been tested for over 10,000 chemicals and found to have very low emissions. Some best selling Greenguard GOLD certified mattresses are:
- Memory Foam Mattress: Oceano Luxury Hybrid Mattress by
Brentwood Home - Organic Latex Mattress: Avocado Green Mattress
- Organic Latex-Free Mattress: Chorus Organic Mattress by Naturepedic
Oceano Luxury Hybrid Mattress
$995
Certificates: GOTS and CertiPUR
Material: Memory Foam
Sleep Trial: 1 Year
Warranty: 25 Years
Other things you can do when shopping for a new mattress:
- Check for Proposition 65 Warning: whether you’re shopping online or in-store, it’s always a good idea to check for any Proposition 65 warning labels on the product. In California, any product that contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm must have a Proposition 65 warning label. If you’re shopping online and don’t see any Proposition 65 warnings, contact the company and ask if their products contain any listed chemicals.
- Read customer reviews and pay special attention to any mention of off-gassing, unpleasant smell. The mattress likely has some off-gassing issues if you see multiple reviews mentioning an icky smell.
- Inquire about the return policy: before purchasing a new mattress, ensure you know the company’s return policy. That way, if you’re unhappy with the product, you can return it without hassle.
- Look for a company that offers a long trial period: some companies offer a trial period of up to 365 nights so you can test out the mattress in your own home and decide if it’s the right one for you.
- If you’re shopping in-store, you can also smell the mattress before you buy it. If it has a strong smell, the mattress will likely off-gas.
Some people are more sensitive to smells than others, so if you’re particularly sensitive to odors, it’s best to avoid memory foam mattresses altogether. Instead, opt for an organic mattress made of natural materials like latex. These mattresses will only release a delicate, natural smell that should dissipate quickly.
Read More: How to Speed Up Purple Mattress Off-Gassing?
Conclusion
Off-gassing is a common problem for most new memory foam mattresses, but there are ways to speed up the process and get rid of the smell quickly. Look for a mattress with a CertiPur certification, and make sure it’s well-ventilated when you first set it up.
If your budget allows it, invest in a high-quality organic mattress instead. This way, you can avoid any health risks associated with off-gassing and enjoy a good night’s sleep and excellent air quality in your home.
About the Author Kamila Flieger
My name is Kamila, and I'm passionate about researching non-toxic, organic products for the home. I believe it's so important to create a safe and healthy environment for our families, and I enjoy helping others do the same.
