Memory Foam and Off-Gassing: What You Need to Know

Memory foam mattresses are widely known for their pressure relief, comfort, and durability, but concerns about memory foam off-gassing and chemical exposure have raised questions about their safety.

Some consumers report a chemical smell when unpacking a new memory foam mattress, leading to concerns about memory foam VOCs, emissions, and potential health risks.

This guide will explore:
✅ What off-gassing is and why it happens
✅ Whether memory foam contains toxic chemicals
✅ The safety of modern memory foam, including EGOHOME’s non-toxic options

What Is Memory Foam Off-Gassing?

Understanding Off-Gassing in Mattresses

• Off-gassing refers to the release of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) when a new mattress is unboxed.

• These emissions result from foam production processes and certain chemical treatments used to enhance durability, fire resistance, and flexibility.

Common Signs of Memory Foam Off-Gassing

• Memory foam chemical smell (often described as “new mattress smell”).

• Irritated eyes, nose, or throat.

• Headaches or dizziness in sensitive individuals.

• Worsened indoor air quality, especially in poorly ventilated rooms.

Are Memory Foam Mattresses Toxic? Breaking Down the Chemicals

Memory Foam & VOCs: What’s Inside?

• Traditional memory foam can contain:

• Polyurethane foam as a base material.

• Blowing agents (used to expand the foam).

• Flame retardants (which vary in toxicity levels).

• Some mattresses contain higher levels of VOCs, which can contribute to memory foam emissions and poor indoor air quality.

Are There Toxic Chemicals in Memory Foam?

• Older, low-quality memory foam mattresses may contain:

• Memory foam formaldehyde, a known respiratory irritant.

• PBDEs (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers), a flame retardant phased out due to health risks.

• Benzene & Toluene, which are sometimes present in synthetic foams.

🔹 Fact Check: High-quality brands, including EGOHOME, Nectar, and Tempur-Pedic, have eliminated harmful VOCs and toxic flame retardants from their memory foam production.

How to Reduce Memory Foam Off-Gassing & Improve Air Quality

Choosing a Low-VOC, Non-Toxic Memory Foam Mattress

• Look for CertiPUR-US® certified mattresses, which are tested for:
  ✅ Low VOC emissions (less than 0.5 parts per million).
  ✅ No formaldehyde, lead, mercury, or other toxic heavy metals.
  ✅ No ozone-depleting chemicals or PBDE flame retardants.

• EGOHOME’s memory foam mattresses are CertiPUR-US® certified, ensuring they are safe for long-term use.

Ventilating a New Mattress

• Unbox the mattress in a well-ventilated area.

• Allow at least 24–72 hours for off-gassing to dissipate before sleeping on it.

• Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to improve indoor air quality.

Using Natural Bedding Materials

• Pair your mattress with organic cotton or bamboo sheets to reduce chemical exposure.

• Choose a non-toxic mattress protector to create an extra barrier against off-gassing.

The Best Non-Toxic Memory Foam Mattresses: A Safe Alternative

Addressing Memory Foam Safety Concerns: What Science Says

• Studies on memory foam mattress off-gassing indicate that most modern mattresses release very low levels of VOCs that dissipate within days.

• According to the EPA and Consumer Product Safety Commission, the small amounts of off-gassed compounds do not pose significant long-term health risks unless exposure is extremely high.

• Consumers with heightened chemical sensitivity should choose a low-VOC or natural latex mattress.

Conclusion

• Low-VOC options, like EGOHOME’s cooling gel memory foam mattresses, eliminate toxic chemicals, ensuring a healthier sleep environment.

• Ventilation and careful product selection can minimize exposure to off-gassing and improve indoor air quality.