How to Get Rid of New Mattress Smell (Off-Gassing Solutions)

You just bought a new mattress, unboxed it, and now your bedroom smells like a chemical factory. That's off-gassing... the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from synthetic foams (polyurethane foam), adhesives, and flame retardants. Here's how to deal with it (and why you should avoid it entirely next time).

Air It Out Immediately.

Don't sleep on the mattress the first night if the smell is strong. Set it up in a well-ventilated room or garage with windows open and a fan running. Let it air out for 24-72 hours. The smell will fade as you get used to it, and the intensity of the off-gassing will decrease.  But, beware... you'll continue to breathe in chemicals the entire time you own the mattress, and even more when you sleep.

Use Fans and Open Windows

Increase airflow in your bedroom as much as possible. A box fan in the window blowing air out helps push VOCs outside. Keep windows open for the first few days (or longer if the smell persists).

Use Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress surface and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it off. Baking soda can help absorb some odors, though it won't eliminate off-gassing VOCs.  You can also place an opened box of baking soda under the bed (or somewhere in the bedroom) to help mitigate the smell.

Don't Cover It Immediately.

Let the mattress breathe before adding sheets, protectors, or bedding. Covering the mattress traps the smell and slows the off-gassing process.

Wait Before Sleeping on It.

If possible, let the mattress air out for at least 48 hours before sleeping on it, especially if you have asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities.

Here's the unfortunate truth: off-gassing shouldn't happen in the first place. If your mattress smells like chemicals, it's because it's made with synthetic materials like polyurethane foam that release VOCs into your bedroom. Conversely, natural and organic mattresses made with latex, cotton, and wool simply don't off-gas. These mattresses might have a faint natural scent (like wool or rubber) when new, but it's not toxic and it fades quickly without making your bedroom uninhabitable.

If you're dealing with off-gassing now, follow the steps above. But next time, buy a mattress that doesn't pollute the air in your home. At The Organic Bedroom, we carry mattresses made with natural, certified organic materials that don't off-gas. Your bedroom should be a place to rest and recover, not a place to breathe in chemicals.

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