Memory foam pillows attract more complaints about smell than any other pillow type. The chemical odour that greets you when you first open the packaging is called off-gassing, and while it is generally harmless, the smell can be strong enough to make sleeping on a brand-new pillow unpleasant. Here is everything you need to know about memory foam off-gassing, what causes it, whether it poses any health risk, and how to get rid of the smell as quickly as possible.
What Causes the Smell
Memory foam is made from polyurethane combined with various chemical additives that control density, firmness, response time, and durability. During manufacturing, these chemicals bond together under heat and pressure. Some chemical compounds remain loosely trapped within the foam structure rather than fully bonding into the material.
When you unpack the pillow, these trapped compounds release into the air as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The most common VOCs in memory foam include formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and methylene chloride, though concentrations vary significantly between manufacturers and product lines. The release accelerates when the foam is first exposed to room-temperature air after being compressed in vacuum-sealed packaging.
How Strong Is the Smell
Off-gassing intensity ranges from barely noticeable to overwhelming, depending on the foam quality, packaging method, and storage time. Budget memory foam pillows with fewer manufacturing controls tend to off-gas more aggressively than premium options. Pillows that have been vacuum-compressed for extended shipping periods (common with online purchases) often smell stronger than those sold uncompressed in shops.
Most people describe the smell as a mix of new car and fresh paint. For scent-sensitive individuals, the odour can trigger headaches, nausea, or eye irritation during the first night or two. Children and people with respiratory conditions like asthma may find the smell more bothersome than others.
Is Off-Gassing Dangerous
At the concentrations found in consumer memory foam products, off-gassing VOCs are not considered dangerous for most people. The amounts released are well below occupational exposure limits set by health authorities. However, “not dangerous” and “pleasant to breathe all night” are very different standards.
CertiPUR-US certified foams are independently tested to confirm that VOC emissions fall below strict thresholds. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification provides similar assurance. If off-gassing concerns you, buying a certified pillow significantly reduces both the intensity and duration of the smell. Natural fill alternatives like latex, down and feather, or buckwheat produce little to no off-gassing if you prefer to avoid synthetic foams entirely.
How Long Does Off-Gassing Last
Most memory foam pillows stop producing noticeable odour within 24 to 72 hours of unpacking. The bulk of VOC release happens in the first few hours when the foam is freshly exposed to air. After the first day, the smell diminishes rapidly. By one week, even strong-smelling pillows have typically aired out completely.
In rare cases with very dense or low-quality foams, a faint smell can linger for two to four weeks. If your pillow still smells noticeably after a month, the foam may contain higher-than-normal VOC levels, and you should consider returning it.
How to Speed Up Off-Gassing
Unpack Immediately
Remove the pillow from all packaging as soon as it arrives. Compressed foam continues building up VOCs inside the sealed bag. Every hour the pillow stays sealed after delivery extends the off-gassing period once opened.
Air It in a Ventilated Room
Place the unwrapped pillow in a spare room, conservatory, or near an open window. Good airflow carries VOCs away from the foam surface, exposing fresh foam underneath and accelerating the release cycle. If weather permits, placing the pillow in a covered outdoor area (out of direct sunlight) speeds up the process further. Never put memory foam in direct sunlight, as UV radiation degrades the foam structure.
Use a Fan
Pointing a fan directly at the pillow increases air circulation dramatically and can cut off-gassing time in half. A desk fan positioned 30 centimetres from the pillow works well. Leave it running for 6 to 12 hours and check the smell.
Baking Soda Treatment
Sprinkle a thin, even layer of baking soda over the pillow surface and leave it for 4 to 8 hours. Baking soda absorbs odours rather than masking them. Vacuum the powder off thoroughly with an upholstery attachment. Repeat if the smell persists. This works especially well as a follow-up after the initial airing period.
Do Not Use Fabric Fresheners
Spraying the pillow with scented fabric fresheners, essential oils, or air fresheners does not remove VOCs. The fragrances mask the smell temporarily, but the chemical compounds continue releasing underneath. Worse, some spray chemicals can react with the foam and accelerate deterioration.
Choosing Low-Odour Memory Foam
Several factors predict how much a memory foam pillow will smell out of the box. Plant-based memory foam (made with a percentage of plant-derived oils replacing some petroleum compounds) consistently off-gasses less than 100% petroleum-based foam. The plant oils produce fewer VOCs during manufacturing and leave fewer trapped compounds in the finished product.
Open-cell memory foam off-gasses faster than closed-cell because the interconnected cell structure allows VOCs to escape more rapidly. A pillow that smells moderately strong for 12 hours may be preferable to one that smells mildly for three days.
Pillows sold with a removable, washable cover let you wash the cover separately after the initial off-gassing period, removing any odour that the fabric absorbed from the foam.
Coop Home Goods Original Adjustable Pillow
Memory Foam Alternatives with No Off-Gassing
If chemical sensitivity or scent sensitivity rules out memory foam for you, several pillow types provide similar support without synthetic foam. Natural latex pillows offer comparable contouring with a mild, short-lived rubber scent instead of chemical off-gassing. Buckwheat pillows use entirely natural hulls with no chemical treatment. Adjustable pillows with natural fill options give you the loft customisation of shredded memory foam without the VOCs.
For sleepers who want memory foam’s pressure relief without the smell, look for certified, plant-based, open-cell options and plan for a 48-hour airing period before first use. Browse our full memory foam pillow reviews for low-odour recommendations.
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