What is Mattress Off-Gassing?

02 Dec What is Mattress Off-Gassing?

If you are like many people, you are conscious about your health, and may be concerned about some of the reports about chemicals that are present in your mattress. One of the things that many people are asking about today is called mattress off-gassing. This is a term used to describe a chemical odor that people sometimes report after they purchase a new mattress. Here are the basics about what it is, and how it affects some of the mattress you may be considering purchasing.

So What is Off-Gassing?
The term “off-gassing” is used to describe the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) common in household products, especially in new mattresses. Most mattresses made since the 1960s contain polyurethane foam, a petroleum-based foam that emits VOCs, and also have formaldehyde in the adhesives as well as some flame-retardant chemicals to make the mattress safe. When they are packaged, some of the chemical smells can be trapped inside the packaging, and after you purchase a new mattress from a place like the 2 Brothers Mattress in Utah, those chemicals are released and can sometimes give off a smell.

There are differing opinions on whether or not VOCs are harmful to you; some industry experts indicate that the exposure is so small it is not harmful, while others believe that the cumulative effect of inhaling the chemical components each night can add up. An analysis of consumer reports indicates that mattresses made of latex and memory foam are the ones most likely to give off the odors.

Avoiding Off-Gassing
One of the best ways to avoid unpleasant smells from your mattress is to let it breathe for a few days before you sleep on it. If you have an old mattress and you purchase a new one from the 2 Brothers Mattress in Utah, you can continue sleeping on your old bed while you air out the new one in a room where you can leave the window open. There are also some retailers that sell chemical-free mattress wraps that can cover your bed if you are concerned about it long-term.

Shopping for a New Mattress
If the thought of sleeping on beds that contain chemicals is concerning to you, the best thing you can do is shop smart when you’re looking for a comfortable mattress. While there are many terms that can describe the materials a bed is made of, there is no specific government regulation of the industry, so terms like eco- and natural do not necessarily mean it’s a safe bed. Ask about the materials that a bed is made of, and go for more natural ingredients in the bed’s make-up, such as organic cotton or wool, or natural latex (instead of synthetic). These beds will usually cost more, but it could be worth it for your health.

The best thing you can do for your health is learn more about what is inside your mattress. If you’re concerned about the materials used, talk to the professionals at the 2 Brothers Mattress in Utah to find out more about the mattress you’re interested in before you buy.