Owners of memory foam mattress topper are usually happy with their purchase due to the comfort it offers.
However, a common question among them is how to get rid of mattress topper smell?
Indeed, a foam or a hybrid topper can smell. If you notice yours smells weird, it's probably because of off-gassing.
Following these Polysleep’s tips can help you get rid of that smell.
Why does the memory foam mattress topper smell?
So, you are wondering not only how to get rid of the smell, but also why?
A mattress topper smells odd when you first get one because chemicals, like polyurethane, are used in the manufacturing process.
They're also treated with flame-retardants in order to comply with federal flammability standards. These compounds are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCS), which can smell at times.
Hybrid mattress topper off-gassing is normal.
Keep in mind that when a mattress topper has been rolled and sealed shut for a period of time, these compounds have had a chance to build up, increasing the likelihood of an odor, especially upon first unboxing.
What is mattress off-gassing?
Off-gassing is what occurs when the VOCS in certain manufactured products lead to an unpleasant odor. If you've ever smelled the inside of a new car, dry cleaning, or fresh paint — that's off-gassing.
VOCS can include:
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Formaldehyde
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Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCS)
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Toluene
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Methylene chloride
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Perfluorocarbons
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Naphthalene
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Benzene
The smell of VOCS diminishes over time and faster with good ventilation.
Is off-gassing from memory foam mattress topper toxic or dangerous?
Off-gassing from a topper, such as a Polysleep one, is neither dangerous nor toxic. While it can be unpleasant for most individuals, it isn't harmful.
As long as the mattress is purchased from a reputable mattress vendor and comes with appropriate certifications from a reputable third-party, the mattress should be non-toxic, and the odor harmless.
There is a very small percentage of people who have reported things like:
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Nausea
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Difficulty breathing
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Throat and eye irritation
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Headaches
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Asthma
But for most, there are no side effects, and for those who do experience them, the symptoms fade away as the affected step away from the mattress and they go away completely once the mattress has aired out.
10 tips on how to get rid of mattress topper smell
Here are some tips to help you eliminate the smell:
Every memory foam mattress brand has its own methods and uses its own materials when creating its products. This means some will have substantially more issues with off-gassing than others.
In fact, a lot of mattress brands tend to limit the information about their products and what goes into them.
That’s why it's important that you look for a certification from CertiPUR or other independent organizations, about the chemical contents in products to make the best choice possible.
For instance, Polysleep uses a combination of viscoelastic hybrid foams and polyurethane foams in their mattresses and topper that are CertiPUR-US certified.
This means foams certified by the CertiPUR-US® program, are regulated by the consumer product safety commission low VOC emission (less than 0.5 parts per million).
You can help mask the mattress topper's odor by placing air fresheners nearby. You can also mix essential oils and water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture all over your topper.
Along with being efficient at eliminating smells, houseplants make your house look fashionable and welcoming. They absorb VOCS and other harsh toxins mattresses or other products released. Houseplants with great filtering capabilities include peace lilies, chrysanthemums, aloe, and spider plants.
You will first want to remove the plastic packaging that surrounds the topper. Then place it outside for several hours on a dry, non-humid day. If you can't take it outdoors, then prop it up against a chair in a well-ventilated room so it will release the odor from the sides. Be sure to turn a fan on and open the windows, which can speed up the release process and help reduce the odor. For a new mattress topper, it may take a few days for a strong odor to be completely released.
If you're planning on sleeping on your new mattress topper the first night you receive it, you'll want to change the bedsheets often to help decrease the odor levels. You'll need to continue airing out the emission of odor and your bedsheets might catch most of the smell themselves.
You've likely heard of using baking soda to deodorize your fridge. When it comes to your mattress topper it's pretty simple - you just sprinkle the baking soda on top of the topper and allow it to sit for several hours. Then, vacuum the powder up. You might have to repeat the process though, depending on how strong the odor is.
Also, you can place a small bowl of vinegar in your bedroom which will absorb the odor from the air. It can also help prevent nearby personal belongings and furniture from catching some of the odor.
Essentially, you'll want to vacuum your memory foam mattress topper first to eliminate dust mites. Then hand wash it (no machine). Tossing your hybrid mattress topper in your washing machine could deform it. You can consult with Polysleep's guide here on how to wash a foam mattress topper.
An enzyme cleaning spray is ideal for eliminating chemical residues. It's an efficient deodorizing solution and works on the mattress topper's surface. Spray your topper with the solution and aerate the room. While the spray is evaporating, it will carry the gasses and the odors away.
If you've used baking soda already and are continuing to smell the odor, this is a good solution, but should be used as a last resort. You simply add some vinegar into a spray bottle and begin spraying the surface of your foam topper. Allow it to totally dry and then use a vacuum to remove the residue, as you did with the baking soda.
If your topper is old, you've tried all the tips provided here, and an intolerable odor remains, it's time to replace it with a new one that has little to no odor.
Off gassing vs other odors
Mattress off-gassing refers to odors due to the breakdown of VOCS. New mattresses, however, could also have other odors that aren't related to memory foam off-gassing. If you purchase a new mattress topper, and it has a slight odor, don't worry. It's likely not memory foam off-gassing, but rather an odor that will go away quickly.
Learn more: How to choose a mattress topper?
Conclusion
The tips above can be beneficial to help you eliminate any odors (whether they're due to off-gassing or not) from your Polysleep mattress topper. While odors typically will fade away with time anyway, it's always nice to have a way of rectifying the issue if you don't want to wait.
Discover the Polysleep Antimicrobial Topper!
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