What’s That Smell?

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So you’ve purchased a new mattress. You’ve made a good investment, you’re excited to sleep better — but wait.

Your mattress has a chemical or mildewy smell, and you’re not sure why. Yeah, it’s brand new, but the mattresses at the store didn’t smell like this. The mattress is experiencing off-gassing, which is what happens when you take a new mattress out of its packaging. Reliable mattress companies like Serta, Sealy, and Simmons manufacture their mattresses in factories, where the mattresses are vacuum-sealed within minutes of completion. They have very little time to air out, so when you unwrap your new mattress, it’s going to air out in your home.

This isn’t as much of a problem during the warmer months, when you have your windows open — but in the winter months, it can take up to several weeks for the chemical smell to dissipate. Memory foam mattresses especially are known for a strong off-gassing odor. However, don’t let this deter you. This is entirely natural for any and every new mattress, since it has been sealed almost immediately to make sure that it stays clean and undamaged.

The best thing to do is to wait it out. This may not seem like the most helpful advice, but if you spray anything on your mattress, you run the risk of ruining your warranty. There are some natural air deodorizers, such as white vinegar and cut onions, which you can place in bowls around your bedroom to help soak up the smell.

This “new mattress” smell is nothing to worry about. It may not be as nice as a “new car” smell, but remember — your old mattress had to air out, as did the one you tried out at the store. If you do want to contact someone about the typical length of time for off-gassing, the manufacturer is your best source.

Sleep Well,

Atlantic Bedding and Furniture

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What’s That Smell?