{"id":29861,"date":"2023-02-14T03:06:02","date_gmt":"2023-02-14T03:06:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/?p=29861"},"modified":"2023-02-14T10:04:10","modified_gmt":"2023-02-14T10:04:10","slug":"why-do-memory-foam-pillows-smell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/why-do-memory-foam-pillows-smell\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Memory Foam Pillows Smell? Find Out Here!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Are you worried about how your new memory foam pillow smells? Do memory foam pillows smell bad, or is it just something that comes with the territory of buying a luxurious piece of bedding? Well, no need to worry \u2013 we have all the answers for you. In this blog post, we&#8217;ll discuss what causes these odours in memory foam pillows and provide some tips on reducing them. So if &#8220;why do memory foam pillows smell&#8221; has been keeping you up at night (literally.), read on and get ready to sleep soundly again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Table of Contents:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"main-toc\">\n<li><a href=\"#whatcausesmemoryfoampillowstosmell\">What Causes Memory Foam Pillows to Smell?<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Offgassing\" class=\"ek-link\">Off-Gassing<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#sweat\" class=\"ek-link\">Sweat<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#bacteriabuildup\" class=\"ek-link\">Bacteria Buildup<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#howtoreduceoffgassingodorsfrommemoryfoampillows\">How to Reduce Off-Gassing Odours from Memory Foam Pillows<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#airingout\">Airing Out<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#cleaningregularly\">Cleaning Regularly<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#howtoreducesweatodorsfrommemoryfoampillows\">How to Reduce Sweat Odours from Memory Foam Pillows<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#howtoreducebacteriabuilduponmemoryfoampillows\">How to Reduce Bacteria Buildup on Memory Foam Pillows<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whatcausesmemoryfoampillowstosmell\">What Causes Memory Foam Pillows to Smell?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Memory foam pillows are a popular choice for many people due to their comfort and support. However, some memory foam pillows can develop an unpleasant smell over time. There are several potential causes of this bad odour, including off-gassing, sweat, and bacteria buildup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Off-Gassing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When memory foam is first manufactured, it often has a chemical smell that dissipates over time as the material \u201coff-gasses\u201d volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This process can take anywhere from days to weeks, depending on the quality of the <a href=\"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/front-sleeper-pillows\/\">pillow<\/a> and how much air circulation it gets. If your pillow still smells after a few weeks, then you may need to replace it with one made from higher quality materials or look into using an air purifier in your bedroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sweat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another common cause of bad odours in memory foam pillows is sweat accumulation. Sweat contains oils which can seep into the pillow\u2019s fibres and create an unpleasant smell over time if not cleaned regularly. To prevent this problem, make sure you wash your sheets at least once every two weeks and use a mild detergent specifically designed for washing fabrics like polyester or cotton blends that won&#8217;t damage the fabric or its colouration when used properly, according to instructions on the packaging labels. Additionally, consider investing in hypoallergenic covers that will help wick away moisture while keeping allergens out of your bedding set up altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bacteria Buildup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/A-long-memory-foam-pillow-300x300.png\" alt=\"A long memory foam pillow\" class=\"wp-image-29874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/A-long-memory-foam-pillow-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/A-long-memory-foam-pillow-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/A-long-memory-foam-pillow.png 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The last major culprit behind smelly memory foam pillows is bacteria buildup caused by dust mites and other microscopic organisms living inside them. These creatures feed off dead skin cells found in our beds, so they thrive in warm environments where we sleep most nights. To combat this issue, try using anti-bacterial sprays or <a href=\"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/what-is-the-difference-between-a-mattress-topper-and-a-mattress-protector\/\">mattress protectors<\/a>, which will keep these critters at bay while also providing additional protection against spills and stains too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The off-gassing of volatile organic compounds from memory foam pillows can cause a distinct odour, but there are ways to reduce it. Read on for more tips on how to minimize the smell of your memory foam pillow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"key-takeaway\" style=\"background: #baf5b8; margin: 0 auto; display: table; padding: 30px; margin-top: 50px; margin-bottom: 50px; border-radius: 4px; max-width: 720px;\">\n<div class=\"takeaway-body\" style=\"display: flex; font-size: 18px;\">\n<div class=\"key-icon\" style=\"margin-right: 5px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div class=\"key-content\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Key Takeaway: <\/strong>Memory foam pillows can develop unpleasant smells due to off-gassing, sweat accumulation, and bacteria buildup. To prevent this problem, make sure to wash sheets regularly and use hypoallergenic covers as well as anti-bacterial sprays or mattress protectors.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howtoreduceoffgassingodorsfrommemoryfoampillows\">How to Reduce Off-Gassing Odors from Memory Foam Pillows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>However, one of the drawbacks of memory foam is that it can sometimes have an unpleasant odour due to off-gassing. Off-gassing occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released from the material into the air. These VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and other health issues if inhaled in large quantities over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce or eliminate off-gassing odours from your memory foam pillow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"airingout\">Airing Out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step is simply airing out your pillow before using it. Place the pillow outside on a sunny day or in a well-ventilated room for at least 24 hours before use. This will help release some of the VOCs that may be trapped inside and reduce any odours associated with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A mattress protector can also be employed to reduce off-gassing odours from memory foam pillows. Acting as a barrier between the user and any VOCs that may be present in bedding materials, such as mattresses or pillows, these protectors provide an additional layer of protection against potentially hazardous chemicals while simultaneously helping to keep dust mites away from sleeping surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cleaningregularly\">Cleaning Regularly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/A-well-maintained-memory-foam-pillow-300x300.png\" alt=\"A well-maintained memory foam pillow\" class=\"wp-image-29869\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/A-well-maintained-memory-foam-pillow-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/A-well-maintained-memory-foam-pillow-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/A-well-maintained-memory-foam-pillow.png 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, make sure to clean your memory foam pillow regularly with mild detergent and warm water (or according to the manufacturer\u2019s instructions). This will help remove dirt particles which could contribute to off-gassing odours if left unchecked over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By following these simple steps, you should be able to significantly reduce or even eliminate any unwanted smells coming from your memory foam pillow. This will allow you to enjoy its superior comfort without having to worry about breathing in noxious fumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"key-takeaway\" style=\"background: #baf5b8; margin: 0 auto; display: table; padding: 30px; margin-top: 50px; margin-bottom: 50px; border-radius: 4px; max-width: 720px;\">\n<div class=\"takeaway-body\" style=\"display: flex; font-size: 18px;\">\n<div class=\"key-icon\" style=\"margin-right: 5px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div class=\"key-content\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Key Takeaway: <\/strong>Memory foam pillows can have an unpleasant odour due to off-gassing, but this can be minimized by airing out the pillow, using a mattress protector and cleaning it regularly.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howtoreducesweatodorsfrommemoryfoampillows\">How to Reduce Sweat Odors from Memory Foam Pillows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sweat odours can be a major issue when it comes to memory foam pillows. Memory foam is known for its ability to absorb heat and moisture, which makes it the perfect material for keeping your head cool during hot summer nights. However, this also means that sweat and other bodily fluids can easily become trapped in the pillow\u2019s fibres, leading to unpleasant smells. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce or eliminate these odours from your memory foam pillow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step is investing in a good quality pillow protector or cover. Pillow protectors are designed specifically to keep dust mites and other allergens out of your bedding while also preventing sweat from seeping into the memory foam core of the pillow itself. Look for one made with breathable materials such as cotton or bamboo so that air can still circulate through the fabric even when zipped up tightly around your pillow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/A-close-up-look-at-a-memory-foam-pillow-300x300.png\" alt=\"A close up look at a memory foam pillow\" class=\"wp-image-29871\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/A-close-up-look-at-a-memory-foam-pillow-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/A-close-up-look-at-a-memory-foam-pillow-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/A-close-up-look-at-a-memory-foam-pillow.png 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to using a protective cover on your memory foam pillows, regular washing is essential if you want them to smell fresh all year round. Most types of memory foam should be spot-cleaned only; however, some may be machine-washed depending on their construction and care instructions (check labels before attempting). If machine-washing isn&#8217;t an option, then hand wash with mild detergent and warm water instead &#8211; just make sure not to soak too long as this could damage the structure of the material over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, consider adding baking soda or vinegar directly onto any areas where sweat has built up on your pillows before washing them off thoroughly afterwards. Both ingredients have natural deodorizing properties, which can help to neutralize odours quickly without causing damage to fabrics like harsh chemical cleaners might do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"key-takeaway\" style=\"background: #baf5b8; margin: 0 auto; display: table; padding: 30px; margin-top: 50px; margin-bottom: 50px; border-radius: 4px; max-width: 720px;\">\n<div class=\"takeaway-body\" style=\"display: flex; font-size: 18px;\">\n<div class=\"key-icon\" style=\"margin-right: 5px;\">&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div class=\"key-content\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Key Takeaway: <\/strong>Memory foam pillows can smell due to sweat, but this can be prevented by using a good quality pillow protector or cover, regular washing and adding baking soda or vinegar directly onto any areas where sweat has built up.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howtoreducebacteriabuilduponmemoryfoampillows\">How to Reduce Bacteria Buildup on Memory Foam Pillows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>However, one of the drawbacks to memory foam is that it can attract bacteria buildup over time. This can lead to unpleasant odours and even health issues if not taken care of properly. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce the amount of bacteria on your memory foam pillow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One way to reduce bacteria buildup is by using an antibacterial spray or wiping after each use. These products contain ingredients such as alcohol or tea tree oil which help kill germs and keep them from multiplying on your pillow. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully when using these products so that you don&#8217;t damage your pillow in any way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another effective method for reducing bacterial growth is washing your <a href=\"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/how-to-soften-a-memory-foam-pillow\/\">memory foam pillow<\/a> regularly with hot water and detergent. This will help remove dirt, dust mites, sweat, oils, and other debris that may be harbouring bacteria on the surface of your pillowcase or inside its fibres. When washing a <a href=\"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/memory-foam-pillows-vs-bamboo\/\">memory foam pillow<\/a>, make sure you use a gentle cycle setting since too much agitation could cause damage to the material itself. Additionally, it&#8217;s important not to put it in the dryer afterwards as this could shrink or deform it permanently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, consider investing in a protective cover for your <a href=\"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/how-to-wash-a-memory-foam-pillow\/\">memory foam pillows<\/a> which will act like an extra layer between them and any potential sources of contamination, such as pet fur or dust particles floating around in the air at home. You should also look into getting hypoallergenic covers if anyone living with allergies might come into contact with them often \u2013 this will help prevent reactions caused by <a href=\"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/how-do-anti-allergy-pillows-work\/\">allergens<\/a> trapped within their fibres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While it&#8217;s not always possible to completely eliminate odours from memory foam pillows, there are steps you can take to reduce the off-gassing odours, sweat odours, and bacteria buildup that cause them. By following these tips and taking proper care of your pillow, you should be able to keep any smells at bay so that you can enjoy all the benefits of a memory foam pillow without having to worry about do memory foam pillows smell.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover why memory foam pillows smell and how to reduce odors with our helpful tips. Learn why do memory foam pillows smell and get a good night&#8217;s sleep again!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":29864,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"Discover why memory foam pillows smell and how to reduce odors with our helpful tips. Learn why do memory foam pillows smell and get a good night&#039;s sleep again!","_seopress_robots_index":"","_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":6,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"modified_by":null,"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Why-Do-Memory-Foam-Pillows-Smell.jpg",1000,667,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Why-Do-Memory-Foam-Pillows-Smell-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Why-Do-Memory-Foam-Pillows-Smell-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Why-Do-Memory-Foam-Pillows-Smell-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Why-Do-Memory-Foam-Pillows-Smell.jpg",1000,667,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Why-Do-Memory-Foam-Pillows-Smell.jpg",1000,667,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Why-Do-Memory-Foam-Pillows-Smell.jpg",1000,667,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Paul Skidmore","author_link":"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/author\/paul\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Discover why memory foam pillows smell and how to reduce odors with our helpful tips. Learn why do memory foam pillows smell and get a good night's sleep again!","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29861"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29861"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29861\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33364,"href":"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29861\/revisions\/33364"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29864"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29861"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29861"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homesguide.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29861"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}