Are you concerned about where the moisture from your body is going when you sleep? Is your mattress breathable to dispel moisture?
It’s not necessary for a mattress to “breathe” in the same way that humans and animals need to breathe. Mattresses do not need oxygen to survive. However, it is important for a mattress to have good airflow to help regulate the temperature and moisture levels within the mattress.
This can help prevent the buildup of heat and moisture, which can lead to the growth of mold and other unwanted substances within the mattress. Therefore, it is generally a good idea to choose a mattress with materials that allow for good airflow, such as those with open-cell structures or those made from breathable materials like wool or cotton.
How long do mattresses need to breathe?
If you have an innerspring mattress, it will just need a few hours to breathe before you dress the bed. However, it does depend on the type of mattress you have purchased.
If you have a new memory foam mattress straight out of the box, you will need to leave this mattress for 48 hours and maybe more to let the mattress off gas.
Memory foam and foam mattresses, in general, use volatile organic compounds during manufacturing. This is what you can smell when you first unwrap your memory foam mattress.
The VOCs need to dissipate before you sleep on the mattress; leave the mattress in a well-ventilated space for at least two days before using.
If you have a latex mattress, do you need to off-gas? No, latex is a natural product; it may have a smell. This is Hevea milk, the natural sap from the tree, it’s not toxic, and the smell is not offensive.
Do you need airflow under a mattress?
Innerspring mattresses are essentially hollow so, they have good airflow. When the springs are compressed, it creates a natural airflow, like a concertina drawing and expelling air.
Memory foam mattresses benefit from using a slatted bed frame. Although the mattress appears to be solid and dense, it can still breathe.
If you use a slatted bed frame for your memory foam mattress, you will notice your mattress sleeps much more excellently.
Memory foam and foam mattresses, in general, placed on solid bases have been reported to grow mold on the underside of the mattress.
Is it OK to put a mattress on plywood?
Yes, and No. Using solid plywood would benefit from some holes, say two-inch diameter, to assist the mattress breathing. This is particularly applicable when using memory foam mattresses.
It’s ok to place an innerspring mattress on plywood, you may lose some of the comforts, but the mattress will breathe and keep calm.
For latex and foam mattresses, it’s recommended to use a base that allows airflow for more excellent sleeping.
How do you air out a new mattress?
Remove all of the protective packagings, including the thick polythene covering the mattress. Leave the mattress for a couple of hours, and in the case of memory foam and foam mattresses, leave for a couple of days to off-gas the VOCs.
Your innerspring mattress may have a smell, this is unlikely to be VOCs but flame retardant to comply with state laws.
Before dressing your new bed, make sure all smells have dissipated before using through the night.
