A Comprehensive Guide To Mattress Off Gassing

When purchasing a new mattress, one concern that frequently comes up is off gassing. This term refers to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the materials used in many foam mattresses. While not all off gassing odors are harmful, some people find them unpleasant, and in rare cases, they can cause discomfort such as headaches or respiratory irritation.

In this guide, we'll compare off gassing among popular mattress brands like Helix Sleep, Nolah Mattress, Bear Mattress, Brooklyn Bedding, Leesa Sleep, DreamCloud, Nectar, and WinkBed. We'll also provide tips on how to minimize off gassing for a more comfortable sleeping experience.

Mattress Off Gassing Brand Comparisons

• Helix Sleep: Helix mattresses, which use a combination of memory foam and hybrid coils, are CertiPUR-US certified. This means their foams are made without harmful chemicals and have low VOC emissions. Off gassing with Helix mattresses is minimal and typically fades within 24 to 48 hours after unboxing, though it could take up to a week in rooms with poor ventilation.

  
  

  Minimizing Off Gassing: Air out your Helix mattresses in a well ventilated room for at least 24 hours before use.

  
  

• Nolah Mattress: Nolah mattresses are known for their AirFoam™ technology, a proprietary alternative to traditional memory foam. While this foam still off gasses to some extent, it's CertiPUR-US certified and claims to produce fewer VOCs than typical memory foam. The Off gassing odor from Nolah mattresses is generally mild and dissipates within 24 to 48 hours.

  
  

  Minimizing Off Gassing: Leave the mattress uncovered in a well ventilated area for 24 to 48 hours before sleeping on it.

  
  

• Bear Mattress: Bear mattresses are marketed for athletes and features memory foam infused with cooling technology. Like other foam mattresses, Bear mattresses may off gas slightly when first opened, but because they are CertiPUR-US certified, their VOC emissions are low. Most users report that any odor disappears within the first 24 to 48 hours.

  
  

  Minimizing Off Gassing: Allow the mattress to air out in a ventilated space for 48 hours after unpackaging.

  
  

• Brooklyn Bedding: Brooklyn Bedding offers a range of mattress options, from memory foam to hybrid models. Their memory foam mattresses may off gas slightly when first unboxed, but their CertiPUR-US certification ensures lower VOC emissions. The off gassing odor typically dissipates within a few days.

  
  

  Minimizing Off Gassing: Let the mattress breathe for 24 to 72 hours in a well ventilated room for best results.

  
  

• Leesa Sleep: Leesa mattresses, which feature both memory foam and hybrid options, are made with CertiPUR-US certified foam, meaning they contain fewer harmful chemicals. Like most foam mattresses, Leesa may off gas when first unpacked, but the smell tends to be mild and fades within 48 hours.

  
  

  Minimizing Off Gassing: Keep the mattress in a ventilated room and let it air out for a day or two before using it.

  
  

• DreamCloud: DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress brand known for combining foam and coils. Because their mattresses use memory foam, off gassing is possible when the mattress is first opened. However, DreamCloud mattresses are CertiPUR-US certified, which ensures low VOC emissions. The off gassing odor usually fades within 48 to 72 hours.

  
  

  Minimizing Off Gassing: Allow the mattress to air out for at least 48 hours in a room with good airflow.

  
  

• Nectar: Nectar mattresses, which feature memory foam layers, are CertiPUR-US certified and known for their cooling technology. However, due to the dense foam, some customers report a slightly stronger off gassing smell compared to other brands. The odor typically fades after 72 hours, though sensitive individuals may want to allow it more time.

  
  

  Minimizing Off Gassing: Unbox the mattress in a ventilated space and let it air out for 48 to 72 hours before use.

  
  

• WinkBed: WinkBed mattresses are hybrid models that feature both foam and coils. While the foam in WinkBed mattresses is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it emits lower levels of VOCs, some off gassing may occur when first unboxed. Most users report that the odor is mild and fades after 24 to 48 hours.

  
  

  Minimizing Off Gassing: Leave the mattress in a ventilated room for 24 to 48 hours to dissipate any odors.

How To Minimize Off Gassing For Any Mattress

Regardless of the mattress brand you choose, here are some general tips to help minimize off gassing.

• Unbox in a Well Ventilated Area: When you first unbox your mattress, do so in a room with open windows and good air circulation. This will help disperse the VOCs more quickly.

• Let It Breathe: Give your mattress at least 24 to 72 hours to air out before seeping on it. For those sensitive to smells, waiting longer may be more beneficial.

• Use A Mattress Protector: A breathable mattress protector can act as a barrier and help contain any remaining off gassing odors.

• Keep The Room Ventilated: Continue to keep windows open or run a fan in the room for a few days after unboxing to reduce any lingering smells.

Conclusion

Off gassing is a common occurrence with many foam mattresses, but thanks to advancements in mattress construction and certifications like CertiPUR-US, the odors are less intense and dissipate more quickly than in the past. Brands like Helix, Nolah, Bear, Brooklyn Bedding and etc., all use materials that meet safety standards, ensuring low VOC emissions.

By following a few simple steps like unboxing in a well ventilated room and allowing the mattress to breathe, you can minimize any discomfort and enjoy a restful night's sleep on your new mattress.