Can foam mattresses release toxic chemicals

Hi Shazia,

Thank you for your question.

Any mattress made of foam can produce off gassing, a smell from the synthetic compounds and adhesives used in manufacturing. In the small amounts present in a finished mattress this is generally classed as harmless, and it clears within a week or so of airing the room. The trouble with a lot of the online claims about this is that they rarely state the actual percentage or volume of chemical involved, which makes a fair comparison between brands difficult, and most manufacturers won't disclose their exact filling composition as they consider it commercially sensitive. You can read more in our full article on whether memory foam is safe, and this earlier question on mattress discomfort and advice covers similar ground if it's helpful.

There's a separate concern that's become far more prominent since you first asked this, fibreglass fire barriers, which have caused real problems in some mattresses sold in the US. It's a different issue to general off gassing, and worth understanding on its own terms rather than lumping the two together. Fibreglass & Off-Gassing in Mattresses guide.

If chemicals in general are a worry for you, you'd likely be better suited to a mattress with 100% natural fillings, such as our Artisan Naturals Range or Fusion Range. The Artisan Range is traditional pocket sprung, with different feels depending on the upholstery fillings used.

The Fusion Range is made from 100% natural Latex, which gives a similar sink and mould to your body shape as memory foam, but is far more breathable.

It would be best to call our office on 0161 437 4419 with your body weight, height and preferred feel, so we can recommend the right mattress properly rather than guessing from a forum post.

Kind regards
Julie