Chemical Smell in Mattress

I have a memory foam mattress, and mine did not come with that odor. I am just telling you this because I don't think this is just something you have to accept with a memory foam mattress. And like you, I would definitely be concerned about my child sleeping on it, or even being in the room if the odor is permeating the room, as you say it is. I'd definitely continue to pursue the store manager, and also contact the mattress manufacturer, because I'd definitely want it replaced.

Hi, I bought a foam mattress when i was pregnant, but before we had picked it up I read a couple articles on the internet about the chemicals. As much as I wanted foam, all I could think of was me and my nursing baby laying on this mattress. Supposedly it gets worse when it gets warmer with your body temp. I called Sleepy's (in Jenkintown) and changed my order to a regular mattress. They were actually very curious about the articles and were going to look it up. They asked for the websites. This was years ago, though, about 3. good luck,

This would totally concern me as well. I don't have any memory foam matresses but have you tried to leave it in the garage or carport area to air out for a couple of days? I've had this issue with some plastic covers and if I opened them up and left them outside the smell went away after a couple of days. Just a thought.

I would contact the manufacturer and have a discussion on what the foam is made of. From my previous experience with foams as an Industrial Designer, I'm wary of the chemicals used to "create foam". Most foams start out as a liquid slurry that are "expanded" into foam, so it could be that there is nothing "wrong" with the bed, but that you are sensitive to the base components of the foam itself.

If the 30 day or whatever warranty is still good and you don't get a satisfactory answer, I would switch to a standard spring mattress. We got one for my daughter recently and as I'm pregnant, I am VERY sensitive to odors too. I noted that the tag said it was brand new ("made" the week before), but still aired out the the room it was in for 2 days to be sure. We have detected no odor and there has been a good transition to the "big girl" bed for my daughter.

Good luck!

Hi, J.:
Go above the local store and talk to the District manager.
You need to get a replacement.
Good luck. D.

I have have the memory foam pillows and now have a tempurpedic mattress. unfortunately, it will take some time for some of the smell to dissapate. It will not harm your son. May be when the weather is better put it out in the sun for the day. make sure the mattress does not get wet because it will take a long time to dry. I would make sure to have a protective mattress cover. They have not called you back because there is nothing you can do about the smell other than what i recommended. they are very comfortable beds. good luck

Hello Concerned Mommy,

I have had three children in the last 4 years and have done extensive research on products we bring into our home. Here is a partial of a write up on memory foam.

-Recent findings also showed that petroleum-based foam mattresses may be a source of cancer-causing chemicals. During use, all these foams break down in dangerous by-products: toxic dust under the bed and formaldehyde gas in the air.
-Additionally, the average mattress seems to contain around a pound of fire retardants called PDBE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), already banned in Europe and the US. These PDBE have only been recently banned (January 2005) so the mattress you currently sleep on probably still contains them. Tests show that these chemicals may be especially toxic to kids, potentially affecting their hearing, memory and even intelligence after sleeping on PDBE-treated cribs.

If I were you I would get rid of the mattress. I know that it cost money, but is it worth the risk? I am glad you are concerned, but with that concern comes your motherly instinct to get rid of it. Anything that leaves an un-natural smell cannnot be healthy.

Hope this helps,

Mommy of 3