When shopping for your child’s mattress, it’s easy to focus on comfort, size, and price — but there’s another factor that’s just as important for their health: off-gassing.
Off-gassing occurs when synthetic materials release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These are the same chemicals that give off that “new mattress smell,” but behind it lies a cocktail of substances you don’t want your child breathing in.
What Is Mattress Off-Gassing?
Off-gassing refers to the emission of VOCs such as:
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Formaldehyde
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Benzene
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Toluene
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Chemical flame retardants
These compounds are commonly found in synthetic foams, adhesives, and chemical finishes used in standard mattresses. When a mattress is unwrapped, these gases are released into your child’s bedroom — and can linger for days or even weeks.
Why Off-Gassing Is a Concern for Kids
Children are more vulnerable to chemical exposure because:
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Their lungs and immune systems are still developing
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They breathe faster and take in more air per body weight than adults
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They spend 10–12 hours each night in close contact with the mattress surface
Short-term exposure can cause:
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Headaches
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Eye, nose, or throat irritation
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Dizziness
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Worsened asthma or allergy symptoms
Over time, poor air quality can affect sleep quality and overall wellbeing.
How the Eco Kids Mattress Helps Prevent Off-Gassing
The Eco Kids Mattress is designed with children’s health and safety at its core. Unlike conventional models, it avoids harmful synthetics and chemical treatments altogether.
It features:
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GECA and Global GreenTag-certified foam, meeting strict low-emission standards
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100% natural cotton and OEKO-TEX® certified bamboo lyocell fabric, ensuring breathability and non-toxicity
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Sensitive Choice® approval from the National Asthma Council, confirming it helps reduce asthma and allergy triggers
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INPAA CO₂ safety compliance, offering an added layer of assurance for Aussie parents
The result: no harsh chemicals, no odour, and no off-gassing — just clean, safe sleep.
For families setting up or upgrading, you can also explore our Eco Kids Mattress Bundle or Bedroom Bundles for complete, eco-friendly comfort.
What to Do If You Suspect Off-Gassing
If you already have a mattress that gives off a chemical smell:
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Ventilate the room — open windows and use fans.
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Air out the mattress before covering it with sheets.
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Keep your child out of the room until the odour fully dissipates.
Even simple ventilation can dramatically improve air quality and reduce VOC exposure.
The Takeaway
Off-gassing is an invisible but preventable risk. By choosing a certified, non-toxic mattress, you can safeguard your child’s health and ensure every breath they take during sleep is clean and safe.
Explore the Eco Kids Mattress Collection and discover how natural, certified materials create the perfect foundation for your child’s healthy sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes mattress off-gassing?
Off-gassing is caused by VOCs released from synthetic foams, adhesives, and flame retardants used in standard mattresses. These compounds can linger in the air and affect indoor air quality.
How can I reduce off-gassing at home?
Ventilate the bedroom well, avoid sealing off new mattresses with plastic covers, and choose natural, certified, low-emission materials like those in the Eco Kids Mattress.
What makes the Eco Kids Mattress safer?
The Eco Kids Mattress uses GECA and Global GreenTag-certified foam, OEKO-TEX® bamboo lyocell, and natural cotton, ensuring it’s non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and free from harmful off-gassing chemicals.
