I · Air · Buying context · 9 min
Furniture and mattress offgassing
What that new smell is, whether to worry, and how to reduce it—ventilation first.
By Colpo d’Aria Editorial · Published September 24, 2026 · Last reviewed October 1, 2026
The short answer
Offgassing is the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from new materials. It is usually strongest in the first days to weeks. For most people it is an irritant rather than a serious hazard, but it is worth reducing, especially in bedrooms and nurseries.
What is offgassing?
Foam, adhesives, pressed wood, finishes and fabric treatments release VOCs into the air. Pressed-wood products can release formaldehyde; foams and adhesives release a mix of other compounds. The smell fades as emissions fall, though low-level release can continue for months.
Is new furniture smell toxic?
At typical household levels, VOCs mainly cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and nausea in sensitive people. Some, including formaldehyde, are linked to longer-term health risks with prolonged exposure. Children, pregnant people and people with asthma may be more sensitive.
How to reduce it
- Unpack new items in a garage or ventilated room first when possible
- Ventilate: open windows and run exhaust fans, especially during the first weeks
- Warmth speeds offgassing; ventilate well while it happens rather than sealing the room
- Leave a new mattress uncovered and aired for a few days before sleeping on it
- Choose certified low-emission products for bedrooms and nurseries
Buying guide: VOC air purifiers
Most purifiers are designed for particles. VOCs need a substantial bed of activated carbon or another sorbent. A thin carbon-coated pre-filter does very little.
- Look for pounds, not grams, of activated carbon
- Choose sealed designs so air passes through the carbon rather than around it
- Expect to replace carbon regularly; saturated carbon stops working
- Avoid ozone generators, ionizers and photocatalytic units that can create byproducts
- Remember: a purifier supports ventilation, it does not replace it
Certifications, compared
| Label | What it covers | What it does not |
|---|---|---|
| CertiPUR-US | Polyurethane foam: tested for low VOC emissions and made without certain flame retardants, heavy metals and formaldehyde | The whole mattress—covers, glues and other layers are not assessed |
| OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | Textiles tested for harmful substances at every stage, from thread to finished product | Air emissions from the finished item; not an organic claim |
| GREENGUARD Gold | Finished products tested for chemical emissions under stricter limits suited to schools and healthcare | Material sourcing, organic content or environmental footprint |
When to seek expert advice
Call a professional if a strong odor persists for months, if symptoms continue after ventilating, or if you suspect a specific problem such as formaldehyde from cabinetry or a chemical spill.