Is New Mattress Smell Harmful?

Written by Nectarsleep Editorial Team

Last updated on Jul 09, 2025

Better Sleep Blog
Is New Mattress Smell Harmful?

In this article:

(Let’s clear the air—literally.)

You finally did it. You got a brand-new mattress. It’s dreamy. It’s supportive. You’re already planning the lie-ins. But then… you notice it. That smell. Kind of like new paint or fresh plastic. You think, “Wait, is this normal? And more importantly… is it safe?”

You’re not alone. That “new mattress smell” is super common, especially with memory foam. But let’s talk about what’s actually going on—and whether you need to worry.

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What is that smell?

That smell you’re sniffing is called off-gassing. It's what happens when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your mattress start to break down and release into the air once the mattress is unboxed and starts to expand. It’s a bit like the smell of a new car, or fresh paint—strange, a little strong, but it fades.

These VOCs come from things like adhesives, foams, and fire retardants used during the manufacturing process. They're sealed up nice and tight during packaging, and when you finally unwrap your mattress, out they come.

Is off-gassing harmful?

Here’s the good news: for most people, no, it’s not harmful. You might notice a slightly odd smell for a few hours or a few days, but it's generally considered safe and temporary.

Some people might feel a bit sensitive to strong smells and get a bit of a headache or feel light-headed if they’re hanging around a freshly unwrapped mattress for too long—but this is more about scent sensitivity than real danger.

That being said, if you’ve got asthma, allergies, or are chemically sensitive, it’s a good idea to air your mattress out for a day or two before sleeping on it—just to be safe and comfortable.

Look for certifications (like CertiPUR – big win here)

If you’re worried about off-gassing, make sure your mattress is CertiPUR certified, like all Nectar mattresses. That means the foams used meet strict standards for content, emissions, and durability—and are made without ozone depleters, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or other nasty stuff.

It’s basically a stamp of approval that your mattress is made with your health (and the planet) in mind.

How to get rid of the smell faster

Don’t want to sleep in a cloud of “new mattress”? Fair enough. Here’s how to help it on its way:

  • Unbox it straight away (don’t let that smell fester in plastic)

  • Open the windows wide and let some fresh air in

  • Use a fan to get the air moving

  • Give it time — the smell usually fades within 1 to 3 days

Bottom line: that smell isn’t forever

So, is the new mattress smell harmful? In most cases, no. It’s a totally normal part of the memory foam settling into its new home. If you’ve gone with a reputable brand like Nectar that’s CertiPUR-certified, you can breathe easy (literally). Just give it some air, put the kettle on, and know that fresher, comfier sleep is on the way.

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