How To Speed Up Mattress Off-Gassing?

Have you just acquired a brand-new mattress? If so, did you find that it smelled bad of a foul odor once you unpacked it? What is this awful odor when you unpack a new mattress? The many chemicals used to produce this mattress also cause it to turn gas. When you open the mattress after a long time of it being wrapped, these smells come out.

Foams like memory foam spread chemical smells that are harmful to your health. This smell can form many unpleasant symptoms like headaches, nausea, etc. So, foams must be entirely off-gassed for this chemical odor to disappear.

Now you wonder, “how to speed up mattress off-gassing?” or “how to get rid of the off-gassing smell?”. In this article, we get all your answers.

Key Takeaways

• VOCs break down and generate gasses which is known as off-gassing.
• Off-gassing from memory foam and polyurethane usually concludes within 24 hours.
• To remove this unpleasant smell, you must leave it in the open for a few days.
• Off-gassing smell can form many unpleasant symptoms like headaches, nausea, etc.

What is mattress off-gassing?

When opening a mattress package, you may notice a chemical smell. Vacuum-sealed mattresses containing VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds are contained within a plastic wrap inside the container. These VOCs break down and generate gases; when they are released when the mattress is unboxed, they produce a chemical odor, often known as the new mattress smell.

VOCs consist of a combination of the following chemical compounds:

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are used as a blowing agent to manufacture polyurethane foam.
• Formaldehyde is a common component of the glue used to bind mattresses together.
• PBDEs, Antimony, and Trichloroethane are common flame-retardant in furniture foam.
• Waterproofing and stain-resistance foams are created with perfluorocarbons (PFCs).
• Foam plastics also make use of naphthalene as a coating.
• The creation of polyurethane foam requires the usage of methylene chloride.
• Benzene is released through the foam and other materials used in mattresses.

What different kinds of mattresses and materials make them up?

Foam is made from several materials. Because they have all passed the emission test, you shouldn’t be concerned about how they will affect your health. But sometimes you can smell some unpleasant aromas for a few days. So, let’s go on to discuss the various mattress materials. They are:

1. Memory foam, a kind of viscoelastic mattress, was first created for the space program. It emits noticeable aromas. It passes the emission test, so the risk of off-gassing is decreased.
2. Polyfoam is used for making polyurethane-based foam. Though it is a chemical, it passes the emission test.
3. Latex does not contain synthetic components. So, it doesn’t emit any odors associated with VOCs. However, you can get a rubbery smell because it is made from rubber.
4. A microcoil system is a sheet of tiny springs. This system is used in making mattresses.

Off-gassing mattress type

The support core, or the thick, robust layer that acts as the basis, is often the defining characteristic of a mattress.

We will analyze the off-gassing performance of the five most common mattress kinds:

1.  A mix of these materials makes up all-foam mattresses. It has a polyfoam comfort system and a support core. However, as it contains a mixture of all materials, there is a high chance of off-gassing.
2. A latex mattress’ foundation framework and comfort layer are made of the same material. So, if you are thinking of off-gassing odors, do not worry about it because it is made from natural latex.
3. A hybrid mattress has a metal spring support core covered with memory foam, polyfoam, latex, or micro coils. Off-gassing relies on a combination of materials and design. Due to lower synthetic composition and improved ventilation, hybrids off-gas less than all-foam models.
4. Innerspring mattresses are springy and have little surface cushioning. The mattress has no synthetic foam so it won’t go off-gas.
5. Airbed has air chambers support units. Most of it features memory foam or polyfoam for comfort. An airbed’s off-gassing potential depends on its comfort layers’ composition and thickness.

How do you test if an off-gassing problem is your mattress?

We can do two tests if an off-gassing problem is happening with your mattress. They are the smell test and VOC test.

 This test score depends on how the odor is barely noticeable and disappears soon:

• VOC Test: In this test, you can use a VOC meter to assess the emissions during and after unpacking the mattress box. After unpacking the mattress, you need to measure all around and top the mattress. In this test, you need to take a volatile organic compound (VOC) meter to take readings from the air near and above the mattress. Then, you repeat the process after ten minutes, an hour, three hours, and twenty-four hours.  Before unpacking, you measure the VOC level of the testing area to create a baseline and detect off-gassing. Every test uses identical VOC meter settings and placement, and readings are taken in the same places.

How much time should a mattress be left open-air to release its gasses?

The off-gassing level depends on the mattress’s type, its foam density, the chemicals used in its manufacture, and how it was packed.

For an estimate of how long your mattress will need to be off-gas, check the label. Some foams take one day, and some brands finish off-gas two to three weeks. For example, off-gassing from memory foam and polyurethane usually concludes within 24 hours.

Having fresh air circulate through your bedroom might help eliminate the new mattress odor more quickly. It’s best to place your new mattress in an area with good air circulation, preferably with a tailwind.

How long do off Gassing a Mattress Take?

The off-gassing level depends on the mattress’s type, its foam density, the chemicals used in its manufacture, and how it was packed.

For an estimate of how long your mattress will need to be off-gas, check the label. Some foams take one day, and some brands finish off-gas two to three weeks. For example, off-gassing from memory foam and polyurethane usually concludes within 24 hours.

Having fresh air circulate through your bedroom might help eliminate the new mattress odor more quickly. It’s best to place your new mattress in an area with good air circulation, preferably with a tailwind.

What are some ways to lessen off-gassing?

The new mattress comes with an unpleasant smell. So naturally, every buyer wishes to get rid of the scent of a new mattress. So now the question is, “how to speed up off-gassing furniture?” Here are approaches to reduce the chances of off-gassing a mattress:

Take off the wrapping

Your mattress has been covered up for a long time is one of the causes of the emission gases of a mattress. In addition, your mattress will develop and absorb more gas the longer it is sealed within the plastic. So, removing your mattress wrapper as soon as possible is essential in a well-ventilated area.

Keep the new mattress in an open place

After removing the wrapper, you get a terrible smell. To remove this unpleasant smell, you must leave it in the open for a few days. As long as the scent persists, you should continue this for at least 5 to 10 hours daily. The mattress will have lost almost all of its factory freshness by the time you’re ready to get into bed with it.

Fan over the mattress

Fresh air will be circulated, and the off-gassing process will go more quickly as a result. Use in conjunction with the previous two for a more rapid off-gassing of the mattress and elimination of the odor. Using a fan may also help reduce humidity, another potential odor source. Run a fan over the bed to freshen it up.

Place it in the guest room

You can place the mattress in the guest room if the smell of the mattress is not tolerable. Waiting for a few weeks or days for the off-gassing to end is recommended for the greatest benefits.

The white sock treatment

You must use the whole surface area of the white shock treatment mattress by jumping and bouncing about on it. This treatment may help the trapped gases escape more quickly, making the mattress sleep-ready in no time.

So, once you have bounced about the room for no more than ten minutes, you must be sure to exit the area. Put on face masks if you can, So you don’t have to worry about breathing in powerful chemicals or smelling any odors throughout the procedure.

Apply air purifiers

A good air purifier may eliminate even the most pervasive scents in a room.  Internal fans catch unpleasant smells, clean, and circulate better air. For example, it can quickly reduce a new polyurethane foam mattress’s odor.

Applying baking soda

Mattresses with even the foulest scents may be removed entirely with baking soda. Formaldehyde, Benzene, and Naphthalene are just a few of the VOCs that may be eliminated with their help.

Here’s how to use baking soda to eliminate odors from a new memory foam mattress:

1. Apply baking soda evenly on the bed.
2. The off-gassing scent has to be absorbed, so let it take an hour to settle.
3. Finish up by giving the mattress good vacuuming.

Routinely use a vacuum cleaner to clean the mattress

Any chemicals or debris the foam may have discharged may be washed away. You should not breathe in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by using a vacuum with a filter. You may get rid of the stench and any particles that could be contributing to it by using a vacuum cleaner.

Using a dehumidifier

A dehumidifier may speed up mattress off-gassing if you reside in a humid area. It will also prevent chemical emissions.

Sleep on a new mattress with a waterproof cover

A mattress pad helps prevent dirt, dust, and stains. Further, it may provide a physical separation between you and the VOC-emitting items. This is a fantastic method for limiting contact with noxious off-gassing substances. Still, it won’t solve the problem permanently. For best results, remove the pad from the mattress first thing in the morning for a few days to allow the mattress to air out and eliminate the stench.

See Also: How To Get Sweat Smell Out Of Mattress?

Some helpful prevent Of off-gassing Procedures

Mattresses made of memory foam, synthetic latex, and coiled springs all have an odor similar to that of a freshly opened mattress box. However, the intensity of the odor might vary depending on the brand and model of the mattress. You may lessen the likelihood of off-gassing by following the precautions below.

Using organic mattresses instead of synthetic ones

Buying an organic mattress is the surest method to prevent having to deal with off-gassing. Organic mattresses are made from natural materials, including wool, bamboo, cotton, etc. Once unboxed, these models don’t have hazardous VOC levels.

Spend your money on a mattress that has been used a little

Many of us avoid purchasing second-hand mattresses because of the discomfort we associate with the idea that someone else may have slept on them before. But, if you go that way, you may be sure that the model you purchase has been properly off-gassed.

Independent certification

When a mattress model receives this approval, it assures its foams are of the greatest quality. These non-foams profits have been independently evaluated and confirmed to have features such as:

• Reduced levels of volatile organic compounds, for better air quality inside
• No ozone-depleting substances
• No mercury and lead, and other toxic metals
• No phthalates
• No formaldehyde
• No flame retardants

As a result, polyurethane foam mattresses that have earned the certification seal of approval emit very few offensive odors. This implies that they generally produce fewer emissions than competing models.

Check Out User Opinions

Online reviews of products may provide helpful information about the quality of various options before making a purchase. Keep in mind that if many people have the same complaint about a given feature of a mattress, it’s probably true. You will be able to find the ideal mattress with the support of this information.

Mattresses that emit no fragrance

If you’re looking to prevent sleeping on a mattress that off-gases, staying away from fragrant options are a must. Remember that the scent might include many harmful or unpleasant substances to inhale.

See Also: Do Roaches Lay Eggs In Mattresses?

See Also: How To Fix Mattress Indentation?

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Anyone can become an expert in speeding up a mattress’s off-gassing process. They just learn a few steps to reduce off-gassing mattresses. There are a few ways to get rid of the chemical scents that come with new polyurethane foam mattresses, such as putting them in a well-ventilated room for days or letting them air out in the sun. However, buying an organic mattress may be your best bet to avoid off-gassing problems altogether. Admittedly, they may be a little more costly than standard ones. But their benefits to health and safety may make the extra cost worthwhile.