How to offgas a mattress faster? A comprehensive guide

September 23, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies have shown that new mattresses can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which cause a chemical smell known as 'offgassing.' Learning how to offgas a mattress faster is a proactive step for new owners to ensure a healthier sleep environment and minimize exposure to these compounds for a better night's rest.

Quick Summary

Speeding up the offgassing process for a new mattress requires maximizing ventilation by unboxing it in a well-circulated area, using fans, and allowing several days for the fumes to dissipate. Simple remedies like baking soda can also help absorb lingering odors, improving indoor air quality.

Key Points

Prioritize Ventilation: The most effective method is to unbox and air out your new mattress in a garage or well-ventilated room with open windows for at least 24-72 hours.
Leverage Fans: Use box fans or ceiling fans to create a powerful cross-breeze, actively circulating fresh air and speeding up the dissipation of VOCs.
Apply Baking Soda: Sprinkle a light, even layer of baking soda over the mattress surface. Let it sit for several hours to naturally absorb odors before vacuuming thoroughly.
Consider Air Purification: An air purifier with an activated carbon filter can be highly effective at capturing airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Assess Material Types: Mattresses made from natural latex or with innerspring coils typically offgas less than those containing synthetic memory foam.
Be Patient with Time: While you can speed up the process, offgassing is a natural part of a mattress's lifespan. The smell will dissipate completely over time with consistent airing.

Understanding Mattress Offgassing

Offgassing is a common and typically harmless process where a new product, such as a mattress, releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These VOCs are responsible for the distinctive 'new mattress smell' that many people experience. While the levels are generally low, prolonged exposure can be irritating for those with chemical sensitivities, and it's always best to reduce or eliminate them as quickly as possible. The duration of offgassing depends on several factors, including the mattress material, its density, and how it was packaged. Synthetic memory foam mattresses often have the longest and strongest offgassing periods, while natural latex or innerspring models tend to have less.

Immediate Steps to Take After Unboxing

Unbox in a well-ventilated area

As soon as your new mattress arrives, the first and most critical step is to remove it from its plastic packaging. This is best done in a garage or on a covered patio to prevent the initial, concentrated fumes from entering your living space. If outdoor offgassing isn't possible, choose a spare room and open all the windows wide to create maximum airflow. Get rid of the plastic packaging immediately, as it contains trapped gases.

Maximize air circulation with fans

To accelerate the dissipation of VOCs, you can create a cross-breeze using fans. Place one fan facing into the room and another facing out. This technique effectively pulls fresh air in and pushes the chemical-laden air out, dramatically speeding up the offgassing process. Ceiling fans can also be used to keep air moving throughout the room.

Let it breathe and expand

The offgassing process is most effective when the mattress is fully uncompressed and exposed to air. Once unboxed, let the mattress lie flat and expand completely. This allows the trapped gases within the foam's cells to escape more easily. Walk lightly across the mattress or gently press down on the surface to help release some of the trapped air pockets.

Long-Term and Supportive Techniques

Use natural odor absorbers

Baking soda is a powerful and natural odor neutralizer that can help draw out lingering smells. Simply sprinkle a generous, even layer of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress. Let it sit for several hours or even overnight. Once the time has passed, use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to thoroughly remove all the baking soda, along with the odors it has absorbed.

Employ activated charcoal and air purifiers

For an extra boost in air purification, consider using activated charcoal. Place bowls of activated charcoal around the room or use a charcoal bag directly on the mattress. Additionally, an air purifier, especially one with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and an activated carbon filter, can be very effective at capturing airborne VOCs and other pollutants. The activated carbon component is what specifically targets and absorbs gas-phase molecules.

Keep a consistent routine

Even after the initial offgassing, maintaining good ventilation is key. Continue to air out the room daily by opening windows for a few hours. Change bedding frequently and keep your sleep environment clean and fresh. For people with chemical sensitivities, it may be prudent to delay sleeping on the mattress for a full week, or even two, to ensure the strongest odors have completely disappeared.

Offgassing Duration Comparison

Offgassing isn't a one-size-fits-all timeline. The type of mattress you purchase plays a significant role in how long the process takes. This comparison table provides a general overview.


Mattress Type	Estimated Offgassing Time	Offgassing Intensity	Special Considerations
Memory Foam (Synthetic)	24 hours to several weeks	High	Often requires the most extensive offgassing due to high synthetic foam content.
Innerspring	A few hours to 1-2 days	Low	Typically contains minimal foam, so offgassing is usually very quick.
Hybrid	1-7 days	Moderate	Varies depending on the amount and type of foam used in the comfort layers.
Natural Latex	A few hours to 1 day	Very Low (Natural Scent)	Releases a mild, sweet, or rubbery scent from natural materials, not harsh chemical offgassing.
CertiPUR-US Certified	Reduced, but still present	Low to Moderate	Foam is certified for low VOC emissions, but some odor can still occur.

Conclusion: Accelerating the Offgassing Process

By combining multiple strategies, you can significantly reduce the offgassing time of a new mattress. Prioritizing immediate ventilation, using fans to move air, and employing natural absorbers like baking soda create a powerful trio of techniques. While time is the ultimate solution, proactive measures will ensure your sleep space is clean and healthy as quickly as possible. When considering a new purchase, researching the materials and looking for certifications like CertiPUR-US can also help minimize offgassing from the start. Taking these simple steps will lead to a more comfortable and toxin-free rest from the very first night. For more information on indoor air quality, the Environmental Protection Agency offers a helpful guide on the topic: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people, mattress offgassing is not dangerous. The levels of VOCs are typically low and the odors dissipate quickly. However, individuals with heightened chemical sensitivities or respiratory issues may experience irritation, and it is always a best practice to ventilate the mattress thoroughly.

The duration varies based on the mattress type and materials. Synthetic memory foam can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, while natural latex and innerspring mattresses often offgas within a day or two. Maximizing ventilation is the best way to reduce the timeline.

It's generally not recommended to sleep on a new mattress with a strong chemical odor, especially if you are sensitive to smells. While low levels of VOCs are not typically harmful, it's best to allow the mattress to air out completely for at least 24-72 hours before use. Use a spare bed during this initial period.

Yes, nearly all new mattresses offgas to some degree. The intensity and duration differ significantly, however. Mattresses with CertiPUR-US certified foam have lower VOC emissions, while natural mattresses like organic latex have a more natural, less chemical smell.

An air purifier, particularly one with an activated carbon filter, works by capturing airborne VOCs. The carbon material absorbs the gas-phase molecules, effectively removing them from the air and speeding up the offgassing process.

Yes, baking soda is a safe, non-toxic, and natural way to help neutralize odors on a mattress. Simply sprinkle it on, let it absorb the smells, and then vacuum it away. Be sure to use a clean vacuum to avoid re-depositing dust.

The fastest way to get rid of the new mattress smell is a combination of powerful ventilation and time. Unbox the mattress outside if possible, use fans to create a cross-breeze, and use baking soda to absorb lingering odors. Doing these steps immediately after delivery will produce the quickest results.

A mattress protector may slightly contain the odor, but it will not prevent offgassing. In fact, it could trap the VOCs within the mattress. It is always better to offgas the mattress without any covering to allow for maximum air exposure and dissipation.