photo by Krzysztof Szkurlatowski
Off-gassing is when toxic chemicals evaporate from your mattress into the air. As traditional mattresses with polyurethane foam and chemical flame retardants age, they off-gas these carcinogenic chemicals into the air you and your family breathe. These mattresses can contain fire-retardant formaldehyde, other chemicals, and toxic glues, stains, and coatings made from petroleum, oil-based polyurethane foam. Over time, these chemicals off-gas their ingredients into your bedroom air.
You Can’t Smell Off-Gassing
You can’t always smell it. Bacteria and fungus can consume the fire-retardant chemicals on a mattress; as time goes on, these tiny organisms off-gas the chemicals into the air, which is why off-gassing often becomes worse the older the mattress is. New mattresses off-gas as well, but they can fool you with a perfumed “new mattress” odor. Just because you can’t smell it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
Allergic Reactions to Off-Gassing
Headaches, nausea, and allergic-type reactions are common complaints from adults sleeping on new, traditional mattresses. When a friend or family member reports these issues, pay attention to where the mattress was purchased and what the ingredients are. If someone is experiencing an allergic reaction from a mattress, off-gassing is most likely the culprit.
Note: Everyone’s sensitivity is different. If symptoms persist, consider speaking with a qualified health professional.
How to Choose a Safer Mattress (What to Look For)
To reduce chemical exposure and off-gassing concerns, seek out mattresses vetted by independent standards. At Houston Natural Mattress, we prioritize products that meet or exceed the following:
- OEKO-TEX® (STANDARD 100 / Leather Standard / MADE IN GREEN) – screens textiles for a long list of substances of concern (oeko tex).
- GREENGUARD Gold – tests products for low chemical emissions, suitable for sensitive environments like schools and healthcare (greenguard gold).
- MADE SAFE® – screens materials against a prohibited list to avoid known harmful chemicals (madesafe).
These labels help you identify mattresses designed to be safer and lower in emissions—a practical way to address off-gassing without guesswork.
