{"id":202,"date":"2020-09-12T15:51:51","date_gmt":"2020-09-12T15:51:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebeddingplanet.com\/?p=202"},"modified":"2022-05-31T09:45:06","modified_gmt":"2022-05-31T09:45:06","slug":"are-memory-foam-pillows-safe-smell-toxic-or-not","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thebeddingplanet.com\/are-memory-foam-pillows-safe-smell-toxic-or-not\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Memory Foam Pillows Safe? Is The Smell Toxic or Not?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This post is part of the complete memory foam pillow buyers guide<\/a><\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memory foam pillows are among some of the most common pillows that are used for sleeping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are a good choice for anyone who has general difficulties sleeping comfortably, or anyone with a stiff or sore neck, shoulder or back pain, or suffers from headaches. Because of its synthetic material, memory foam pillows are also among the most affordable pillows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many advantages to having a memory foam pillow<\/a>. One of the biggest disadvantages though, is the strong, chemical odor (off-gassing) that emits from many of the memory foam pillows on the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, one of the most common questions surounding memory foam pillows, is whether they are safe? There are some health risks associated with carcinogens off-gassing that emits from newly manufactured memory foam pillows. Memory foam pillows are safe once they’ve had the time to off-gas the chemicals that emits during the first few days after production.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will take a look at not only how serious the health risks associated with the chemical smell in memory foam pillows are, we will look at how the memory foam material came into being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’ll learn more about the substances that make up the memory foam<\/a>, and learn ways to make our pillows healthier by reducing allergens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you are interested in checking out the best rated memory foam pillows currently availableon the market, you can do so on Amazon here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Off-Gassing Period of Memory Foam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Memory foam pillows release a chemical smell when they’re first purchased, this is known as off-gassing<\/a>. The off-gassing happens when the chemicals in the pillow break down and disperse in the air. These emissions stem from volatile organic compounds (VOCs). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s good to note here that most household products emit some form of VOC, to include carpets and furniture. It’s a matter of how harmful those emissions are; some are highly toxic, while others may not be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chemical odors from the memory foam pillow do go away in a few days on its own. Most people can use memory foam pillows with no issue, while some are more sensitive to the emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The History of Memory Foam<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Memory foam pillows were first developed by NASA<\/a> in the 70s to help lessen the impact of takeoff for astronauts. The foam proved to be very useful and has widespread commercial applications today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memory foam is an excellent shock absorbing material. It offers safety in helmets, pads and plenty of other equipment because it was originally designed to prevent serious injury to humans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memory foam has been used in the medical industry for orthopedic purposes and for the disabled. It’s most common uses are for mattresses, pillows, shoes and blankets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Memory foam has been applied to a large range of uses since its introduction – from revolutionary medical uses to gimmicky new product designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memory foam pillows can be either solid-filled or shredded<\/a>. Solid fillers give a supportive feel as your head sinks into the pillow, but the fill cannot move. Shredded memory foam pillows also give a supportive feel, but has a fluffier feel, since the fill is not solid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memory foam pillows are naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites<\/a> and bacteria. They can still trap dead skin cells and sweat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Memory Foam Made Of?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Memory foam consists primarily of a chemical called polyurethane<\/a>. Memory foam is made by combining water, halocarbons, or hydrocarbons to polyurethane mix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other chemicals that are used to make memory foam<\/a> include polyvinyl chloride, formaldehyde, boric acid, antimony trioxide, and different types of petrochemicals. These products combine to create a foam that’s more supportive than other foams and allows it to mold to our bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carcinogens Found in Memory Foam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A carcinogen is a substance or radiation that promotes cancer formation or carcinogenesis<\/a>. They may be natural or synthetic, toxic or non-toxic. Benzene and Naphthalene are two carcinogens found in the making of memory foam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benzene <\/a>is one of the most commonly used chemicals in the U.S. (ranks in the top 20). Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires. It’s also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Benzene has been proven to cause cancers like acute lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Naphthalene <\/a>is made from crude oil or coal tar. It’s found in cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and smoke from forest fires. It’s used as an insecticide and pest repellent. There are over a dozen products containing naphthalene, including mothballs. Animals studies have also suggested that naphthalene can cause cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of Exposure to Carcinogens and Long-Term Health Effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Benzene<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People who breathe in high levels of benzene may develop:<\/p>\n\n\n\n