Memory Foam...is it safe? page

[catparade]

My mattress is old, saggy and full of springs. Not comfortable at all.
I can't do anything about it because it is part of the flatshare that I'm living in and I doubt the landlord would be keen to buy new mattresses for the flat. As a compromise, my partner bought a memory foam mattress topper to try to minimize the discomfort.

We put it on yesterday and it feels SO much better.

But to be honest... I'm slightly paranoid. It smells pretty strong (sort of like paint/chemicals?) and I'm thinking, here I go trying to minimise my exposure to toxins (I adhere to all organic skincare, food, make-up etc) yet I'm spending 8+ hours a night inhaling fumes from this mattress?

Has anyone had any experience with memory foam? Am I being paranoid? I guess the smell goes away after a while? but...long term exposure concerns me!

[Dice Monkey]

The smell will completely dissipate in a short time. We've used a foam topper for years and it's the most comfortable bed I've ever had. I don't know much about the toxicity, but I can't imagine it's much worse than whatever they make regular mattresses out of.
An added benefit though is they are by their nature "allergy free" (as long as you aren't allergic to the foam, that is).
They don't harbor dust mites which cause allergies for a lot of people.

They do retain a bit more body heat than other types of mattresses so you may need to keep the bedroom cooler.

Enjoy.

[Pamsc]

I love my latex foam, which is more natural, if you decide you want something else.

[Milty]

We bought one a few months ago as well because our bed was hard as a rock. Much more comfortable. And the smell should dissipate within a few days (2-4).

[Finnegans Wake]

I suggest NOT eating it.

[Milty]

What about smoking it?

[Fletch666]

Memory Foam, is it safe?

I....I....I can't remember.

[Dan208]

Safe or not, I'll never give up my memory foam topper.

[jkr]

No, it's not safe. Memory foam off-gassing is a little worse than regular mattress toxins, which is bad enough. You would be much better off with a natural latex or wool topper.

I have a latex bed made without any unsafe chemicals and wool topper and comforter. It's divine!

[meeshar]

We recently bought a memory foam mattress from Ikea, our traditional mattress was invaded with mold due to the environment of living in an enclosed space (RV) and from what I understand, foam is antimicrobial (so far, so good, and the washable cover should help too). It's dangerously comfortable--the first week we had it, while it stank for a couple of days, it was so comfortable that I didn't care and I overslept every day for a week. Good stuff.