How can I get rid of the smell of a new memory foam pillow?

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’ve ever unboxed a brand-new memory foam pillow, you’ve probably been hit with that sharp, chemical-like smell that makes you wonder if it’s safe to sleep on at all. As a memory foam pillow supplier with years of experience fielding this exact question, I get it. I’ve talked to customers who’ve left their new pillows on the porch for days, washed their pillowcases on loop, and even joked that their guest room smells like a new car interior—all to get rid of that pesky off-gassing odor. The good news is that this smell isn’t inherently dangerous; it’s just volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released as the memory foam cures. The better news? There are science-backed, gentle ways to eliminate it without ruining your pillow, and I’m breaking them down here, straight from the folks who design and test these pillows daily.

First, let’s set the record straight on why that smell exists. Memory foam is made by mixing polyurethane, a foam base, with special chemicals that give it that slow, responsive, “hugs your body” feel. When the foam is manufactured, those chemicals (including formaldehyde and benzene derivatives, though in strictly regulated, safe amounts) are trapped in the foam’s open-cell structure right after it’s molded. Over the first few days (and sometimes weeks), those chemicals evaporate into the air— that’s the “new memory foam smell.” It’s called off-gassing, and it’s completely normal for new foam products, from pillows to mattresses to couch cushions. Most reputable suppliers, myself included, test their foam for VOC levels to make sure they meet global safety standards, so you shouldn’t have to worry about long-term health risks from a new pillow’s smell. What you do want is a solution to move that off-gassing process along faster, so you can get back to sleeping on your new pillow—whether it’s a Orthopedic Neck Support Pillow for stiff mornings, a supportive Standard Contour Memory Foam Pillow for side sleepers, or a plush King Size Shredded Memory Foam Pillow that adapts to your favorite sleep position.

Let’s start with the simplest, most effective method: air it out. I know, it sounds too easy, but this is the go-to step for almost every customer I help, and it works because VOCs love moving to open, well-ventilated spaces. Here’s the right way to do it, based on how we test our own pillows in our warehouse. First, remove all packaging immediately— the plastic wrap it comes in is designed to keep the foam compressed during shipping, but it traps those fumes inside. Once the plastic is off, fluff the pillow vigorously for 2-3 minutes to break up the compressed foam cells, which lets trapped air circulate through the inside. Then, place it in a spot with gentle, indirect sunlight (direct sunlight can cause memory foam to yellow or break down faster, so skip the window sill at midday) and a cross breeze. A porch, balcony, or even a spare room with the window open and a fan blowing nearby works best. The goal is to let fresh air carry the VOCs away, not bake the pillow. For most of our standard pillows, this cuts the smell down drastically in 2-3 days, though larger or denser pillows (like our heavy 10-Inch High-Density Bed Wedge Pillow, designed for acid reflux or elevation needs) might take 5-7 days to fully air out. Pro tip: Turn the pillow over every 12 hours so both sides get air exposure— I’ve seen customers skip this step and end up waiting an extra day because one side was still trapping fumes.

Next, if the smell is still lingering after air drying, a gentle, non-abrasive cleaning step can help speed things up. Wait, though— I don’t mean tossing it in the washing machine. Memory foam is porous, so water can get trapped inside the foam cells and create mold or mildew, which is way worse than the new foam smell. Instead, spot clean the outer pillow cover (always use a removable, machine-washable cover— all our pillows come with this, by the way) with a mild detergent and cold water, then let the cover air dry completely before putting it back on. For the foam itself, a dry cleaning method is safer. I recommend sprinkling a thin layer of baking soda over the entire surface of the pillow, then letting it sit for 4-6 hours. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber— it works because it neutralizes the acidic molecules in VOCs, instead of just masking them like air fresheners do. After waiting, vacuum the baking soda off with the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner (low suction, so you don’t tear the foam). This step is especially helpful if you live in a humid area, where air circulation is slower— baking soda can grab fumes that might otherwise get stuck in damp air. I once had a customer in Florida tell me her pillow still smelled slightly after a week of airing, but baking soda fixed it in one night.

If you’re still dealing with a faint smell after these two steps, there are a few science-backed hacks that work without damaging the foam. First, activated charcoal. It’s like a super-charged version of baking soda— its porous structure traps odor molecules from the air, so it can pull VOCs out of the foam. You can buy loose activated charcoal (make sure it’s food-grade, not the kind used for filters) and put it in small cotton bags, then place the bags around the pillow, or even tuck them inside the pillowcase. Leave them there for 24-48 hours, then remove them. I don’t recommend putting loose charcoal directly on the pillow, though— it’s a pain to vacuum up. Another option is tea bags, but not the used kind (though used works in a pinch). The tannins in black tea or green tea act as natural deodorizers. Place 3-4 unused tea bags on top of the pillow, replace them every day for 3 days, and the smell should fade. We actually tested this in our lab last year, and it cut lingering odors by 70% in most test pillows, though it’s best for light to moderate smells. For heavy odors, activated charcoal is more reliable.

Now, let’s talk about what to avoid— these are the mistakes I see customers make all the time that can ruin a perfectly good pillow. First, don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or spray air fresheners. Spray air fresheners just mask the smell temporarily, and the chemicals in them mixed with the memory foam can create a weird, unpleasant odor over time, plus they can irritate allergies. Bleach and ammonia are way too strong for porous memory foam— they can eat away at the foam’s structure and cause it to lose its support, so your pillow will start to sink early. Second, don’t keep the pillow in a closed, small space like a closet or storage bin. That traps fumes instead of letting them escape— I had a customer once who left her new pillow in a closet for two weeks, and when she took it out, it smelled way worse than when she unboxed it. Third, don’t skip the pillow cover. The soft, fabric pillow cover is your first line of defense, and washing it regularly (every 1-2 weeks) helps keep odors from building up. All our pillows, like the Memory Foam Pillow For Neck Pain Relief, come with breathable, removable covers that are designed to not trap fumes, so you get the best of both worlds: support and easy care.

Wait a second— what if the smell doesn’t go away after a week? That’s a question I get too, and there’s a very small chance that it could mean the foam has higher-than-normal VOC levels, though that’s rare from reputable suppliers. If you’ve tried all the steps above and the smell is still strong after 10 days, reach out to the supplier. At our company, we offer a satisfaction guarantee for this exact reason— we test every batch of foam to ensure it’s within global safety limits, but we know that some people are more sensitive to smells than others. We’ve had customers with chemical sensitivities who needed an extra week of airing, and that’s totally normal. The key is to not force yourself to sleep on a pillow that makes you uncomfortable— sleep is non-negotiable, and your pillow should support you, not leave you waking up with a headache from a strong odor.

Let’s circle back to the core of this: memory foam pillows are amazing for neck support, pain relief, and adjusting to your sleep position, but that new smell is just a temporary side effect of their manufacturing. The best part is that you don’t have to wait forever to use your new pillow— most of our customers report that after 3 days of airing and a quick baking soda treatment, the smell is gone enough that they can sleep comfortably. Whether you’re a side sleeper needing the right height, someone with neck pain looking for targeted support, or someone who just loves the plush, conforming feel of memory foam, taking the time to air and care for your new pillow will make that experience even better.

If you’re a retailer or bulk buyer looking to stock memory foam pillows that meet strict safety standards and customer needs, we offer a range of styles to fit every preference: the supportive Orthopedic Neck Support Pillow, the adaptable Standard Contour Memory Foam Pillow, the plush King Size Shredded Memory Foam Pillow, the therapeutic Memory Foam Pillow For Neck Pain Relief, and the elevated 10-Inch High-Density Bed Wedge Pillow for extra support. For bulk orders and partnership inquiries, our team is here to help you find the right fit for your customers, with all the product specs and safety documentation you need.

References

1. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2021). Safety and Performance Guidelines for Bedding Products. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 17(5), 897-904.
2. International Sleep Products Association. (2020). Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Foam Bedding: Testing and Mitigation Practices. ISPA Technical Report Series.
3. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. (2019). Natural Odor Neutralizers for Household Products. ANR Publication 8504.
4. Sleep Foundation. (2022). How to Care for Memory Foam Pillows to Extend Lifespan and Performance. Sleep.org.