Can a Non-Toxic Mattress Still Smell? New Mattress Smell FAQs

If you purchase a new mattress from Texas Mattress Makers, you are purchasing a non-toxic mattress, meaning that we do not use any chemicals during the manufacturing process. However, some mattresses, including memory foam and foam alternative mattresses, can come with what we call a “new mattress smell” — in other words, your mattress smells like chemicals when you take it out of the bag.

This is an area of concern for many customers, and understandably so. The mattress experts at Texas Mattress Makers are here to answer frequently asked questions regarding the new mattress smell coming from a non-toxic mattress. 

If you have any further questions regarding your new mattress, please do not hesitate to call a representative at 713-341-6252 to discuss your concerns.

Q: My memory foam mattress smells like chemicals. Why is this?

Memory foam is a man-made material, and unfortunately, many manufacturers who make memory foam mattresses — like certain bed-in-a-box brands — have gained and earned a reputation for using harsh and potentially hazardous chemicals during their manufacturing process. These mattresses are sold at cheaper prices than those made in the USA, Canada, or Europe, but are typically not the safest option for you to sleep on. At Texas Mattress Makers, we do not use foams with these harsh chemicals. All of our foam and foam alternatives are manufactured with Certi-PUR standards.

Mattress off-gassing 

If you do purchase a memory foam or foam alternative mattress, please be aware that mattress off-gassing may occur. Off-gassing is when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are present in the foam begin to break down causing a chemical-like odor. VOCs can include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), formaldehyde, benzene, methylene chloride, toluene, trichloroethane, naphthalene, and perfluorocarbons. This also happens in new cars giving them that “new car smell.” If you notice this scent in your mattress, find a place to air it out.

If you purchase a mattress at Texas Mattress Makers, you will not need to worry about these issues. We make our mattresses in-house using only safe products that are CertiPUR-US® certified. You can find a non-toxic mattress for less money and for better quality at our showroom locations.

Q: Is the smell from a new mattress toxic?

The short answer is no, the new mattress smell is not harmful to people — however, according to Amerisleep, a small percentage of mattress owners reported having difficulty breathing, headaches, nausea, eye and throat irritation, and asthma after experiencing mattress off-gassing. It’s not dangerous, just extremely unpleasant to deal with. Be sure to open new mattresses in a ventilated area to avoid these symptoms.

Q: Can a non-toxic mattress still smell?

Though our non-toxic mattresses are not manufactured with any chemicals, there is still a chance that the foam mattresses will have a chemical-like scent when first opened. The glue that we use to hand-make all of our mattresses can leave a residual smell, but this scent will dissipate in a few days. Your new mattress is safe to sleep on!

If you purchase a new mattress with us and are concerned about the scent, please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have by calling 713-341-6252. We are honest and upfront about the materials we use in our non-toxic mattresses. This is the Texas Mattress Makers difference. 

Q: How long does it take for memory foam to stop smelling?

The new mattress smell that may come with our non-toxic mattresses will go away after a couple of days or less. However, if you purchase a mattress from another manufacturer, the chemical scent will likely linger for a few weeks. Though the scent is not harmful, it can make it very difficult to fall asleep. Imagine having your quality of sleep ruined by a chemical-like odor for weeks! A new mattress is supposed to improve your quality of sleep, not make it worse. This is why purchasing a non-toxic mattress is a huge advantage — you’ll sleep harder, faster.

Texas Mattress Makers provides affordable & non-toxic mattresses 

Texas Mattress Makers produces high-quality, handmade, non-toxic mattresses. If you are interested in a memory foam or foam alternative mattress that is made without chemicals and is CertiPUR-US® certified, check out our memory foam buying guide to see which mattress would be a perfect fit for you.

Because we are experiencing no supply chain issues or delivery delays, we can provide you with a quality mattress for a lower price, complete with white glove delivery and free mattress removal in just 5-7 days.

You can shop online by comfort level, mattress type, mattress size, and budget, or come and visit any of our convenient Houston-area locations today!

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• Why Your New Mattress Feels Different Than in Store
• How to Find the Most Comfortable Mattress Type For You
• Full Size vs. Queen Size Mattress: How to Choose
• Why are Hotel Mattresses so Comfortable?