That chemical smell from a new mattress is off-gassing. Here's what causes it, whether it's harmful, how long it lasts, and how to clear it fast.
You unbox a new mattress, and within minutes there's a distinct chemical odor filling the room. It's a little alarming, but it's normal, and it has a name: off-gassing. It's especially common with foam and bed-in-a-box mattresses. Here's exactly what that smell is, whether you need to worry about it, and how to get rid of it quickly.
Off-gassing is the release of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, from the materials in a new mattress. When foams, adhesives, and covers are manufactured and then compressed and sealed in plastic for shipping, tiny amounts of these compounds get trapped inside. The moment you open the packaging and the mattress expands, they're released into the air, producing that characteristic "new" smell. It's the same basic phenomenon behind new-car smell or the odor of fresh paint.
Memory foam and other polyurethane-based foams tend to off-gas the most, which is why compressed bed-in-a-box mattresses are the usual source. Innerspring mattresses, with less foam, generally smell less. Learn more about the material itself in our explainer on what memory foam is.
For most people, the smell is unpleasant but harmless, and it fades on its own. The VOCs released by quality mattresses are typically present in very low concentrations. That said, the odor can bother people who are sensitive to smells or who have asthma or allergies, and it can cause temporary headaches or throat irritation in a poorly ventilated room. If you're sensitive, the simplest step is to air the mattress out in a separate, well-ventilated space before sleeping on it.
To minimize the issue from the start, look for mattresses made with CertiPUR-US certified foams, which are tested to limit VOC emissions and avoid certain harmful chemicals. Reputable brands use these foams, and it's worth asking about certification when you shop. If you're also wondering about other materials you may have read about, our article on fiberglass in mattresses is a helpful read.
Most off-gassing odor fades significantly within a few hours to a couple of days, and is usually gone completely within three to seven days. Stronger smells from denser foams can linger a bit longer, up to a week or two in some cases, but a persistent strong chemical smell after two weeks is unusual and worth raising with the retailer. Warmth and airflow speed the process up, which works in your favor in a warm Los Angeles bedroom.
As soon as your mattress arrives, remove all the plastic packaging and let it breathe. The plastic traps the VOCs, so getting it off immediately is the single most important step.
Cross-ventilation is your best tool. Open windows, and point a fan at the mattress to move air across it. A few hours of good airflow makes a dramatic difference. If the weather's nice, an afternoon of open windows can clear most of the smell.
If you can, let the mattress air out uncovered for 24 to 48 hours before putting sheets on. If you need to sleep on it the first night, that's usually fine; just ventilate the room well.
Sprinkle a light, even layer of baking soda over the surface, let it sit for several hours (or overnight), then vacuum it up. Baking soda absorbs odors and can noticeably cut lingering smells.
Since heat accelerates off-gassing, a warm, well-ventilated room clears the odor faster than a cool, closed one. Let sunlight and fresh air in during the day.
Not equally. All-foam and hybrid mattresses that ship compressed will off-gas more noticeably, while traditional innerspring beds delivered flat tend to smell far less. If you're particularly sensitive to odors, that's worth factoring into your choice. You can compare feel and construction across our memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses, and our team can point you toward lower-odor options.
For most people it's harmless and fades within days. The VOCs released are usually in very low concentrations, though the smell can irritate people with asthma, allergies, or sensitivity to odors. Airing the mattress out in a ventilated space reduces any effect.
Most of the odor clears within a few hours to a couple of days and is typically gone in three to seven days. Denser foams may take a week or two. A strong smell lasting beyond two weeks is unusual.
Usually yes, as long as the room is well ventilated. If you're sensitive to smells, let it air out uncovered for 24 to 48 hours in a separate room first.
Remove all plastic immediately, open windows, aim a fan at the mattress, and keep the room warm. Sprinkling baking soda on the surface for a few hours and then vacuuming it up also helps absorb lingering odor.
Innerspring mattresses and beds delivered flat rather than compressed tend to off-gas the least. Among foam beds, those built with CertiPUR-US certified foams are tested to limit VOC emissions.
A little airing out is a small price for a great new bed, and we're happy to help you choose a mattress that suits you, odor sensitivity included. Take our quick sleep quiz or visit one of our five Los Angeles showrooms, where you can try mattresses in person and arrange same-day delivery ($100 upgrade, order by 4pm) across LA.
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