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Why New Memory Foam Pillows Smell, and What Helps

Off-gassing is normal for new polyurethane foam. Airing is the fix that actually works.

Published
2026-01-15
Updated
2026-01-15
Last fact-checked: 2026-09-16

Short answer

New memory foam can release volatile compounds — usually called off-gassing — which may produce a distinct smell when first unwrapped. How long it lasts varies by product, room and individual sensitivity. Ventilation may help; no fixed disappearance time can be promised.

What causes it

Polyurethane foam is made from a chemical reaction, and small amounts of volatile compounds remain in the material and its packaging. Vacuum-compressed pillows concentrate that smell, which is why it is most noticeable in the first minutes after unwrapping.

What actually helps

  1. Unwrap the pillow fully and leave it uncovered in a well-ventilated room.
  2. Give it at least a day or two before sleeping on it if the smell is strong.
  3. Keep air moving — an open window or a fan is more effective than any spray.
  4. Wash the removable cover before first use.
  5. Avoid sealing it in a plastic protector, which traps the odour.

What not to do

  • Do not spray fragrance directly onto foam; it masks rather than removes odor and adds more airborne chemicals.
  • Do not use direct heat or prolonged strong sunlight, which can damage foam.
  • Do not sleep on it while the odor causes irritation.
  • Do not assume every persistent or musty smell is normal off-gassing; moisture and contamination need a different response.

Source: US EPA, Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality — view source (accessed 2026-09-16)

Evidence

References

Manufacturer claims are attributed to the seller’s own pages. Access dates show when we last read them.

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