New Latex Product Smell
If you’ve just bought a latex pillow or topper, then it is likely that there might be a slight smell when you first receive it. It’s important to note that this smell will dissipate over time as the pillow or topper gets used, but if you’re about to move into a new place or are sensitive to smells, it might be best to just get rid of the odour from the start! Luckily, there are a few easy ways to eliminate this new mattress smell!
As a general rule, latex products typically have a mild smell of natural latex, usually likened to vanilla. Latex mattresses do not have the same chemical smell as poly-foam and memory foams.
How Long Does It Take for the Odour To Go Away?
The duration it takes for the smell to fade varies:
- Latex Pillows: The new smell generally dissipates within 3 to 5 days.
- Latex Toppers: It can take 1 to 2 months for the odor to completely go away.
This timeline is due to the natural ingredients used in latex products, which need time to neutralize any residual odors from manufacturing and shipping. To expedite this process, allowing the product to breathe is key.
What Causes A Natural Latex product to smell?
Latex products are plant-based and are made using the sap of a tree. Like many natural products, they have a slight aroma, which is pleasant to some and not so much to others. The smell of natural latex is often described as vanilla; this makes sense, as many trees and plants have this smell.
Part of the smell of a latex product comes from how it is produced. First, natural latex sap is whipped into a froth and poured into a product mould. The foam is baked in an oven, turning it into latex foam. This process involves vulcanization, which cooks some of the proteins in the sap and produces a mild smell.
This process is also said to denature the proteins. This is often why there has never been a reported case of a natural latex product causing an allergic reaction.
The smell produced by vulcanization goes away with time.
Reducing the Smell of a Natural Latex Product
There are several ways to reduce the smell of your natural latex product. However, reducing the odours from latex foam must be done carefully to ensure you do not damage the product.
Allow the Natural Latex Product To Breathe
The safest way to reduce the aroma of a natural latex mattress is to allow it time to breathe. Airing out a new product naturally and safely reduces any smell associated with the product without using harmful chemicals or artificial fragrances.
To speed up this process, you can:
- Remove sheets or duvets from the product.
- Open windows during the day when the product is not in use.
However, make sure that no sunlight reaches the exposed latex foam. While natural latex is highly durable and frequently lasts over fifteen years with proper care, prolonged exposure to sunlight will deteriorate the product.
