Foam pillows have surged in popularity thanks to their ergonomic design and comfort. However, many people are concerned about the distinct odor that foam pillows often emit. In 2025, understanding why these pillows smell and how to mitigate the odor is critical for ensuring a restful night’s sleep.

Chemical Off-Gassing

One of the primary reasons foam pillows smell is due to chemical off-gassing. Foam pillows, whether memory foam or high-resilience foam, are made using various chemicals and synthetic materials. When new, these pillows release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, creating an odor often described as “chemical” or “plastic.”

What Causes Off-Gassing?

1. Manufacturing Process: The foam in these pillows is often produced through a chemical reaction, resulting in residual VOCs in the product.
2. Packaging: Most foam pillows are vacuum-sealed in plastic packaging to save space during shipping, which traps these VOCs until the pillow is unsealed.

Solutions to Reduce Foam Pillow Odor

1. Air It Out: Unwrap your pillow and let it breathe in a well-ventilated area for at least 48 hours to allow the VOCs to dissipate.
2. Provide Sun Exposure: Placing the pillow in sunlight for a few hours can help speed up the off-gassing process.
3. Use Baking Soda: Sprinkling baking soda on the pillow can help absorb odors. Let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it off.

Natural Alternatives to Foam Pillows

Those sensitive to odors might consider alternatives such as natural latex pillows or organic cotton pillows, which contain fewer chemicals and emit less odor.

Comparison With Other Pillow Types

It’s important to consider different pillow types when making a purchase. For example, some people might ask, “Can I use a regular pillow instead of a yoga bolster?” While foam pillows release odors, alternatives like traditional cotton-stuffed pillows and buckwheat pillows generally do not.

Keeping Foam Pillows Clean

Once the initial odor is tackled, maintaining cleanliness is crucial for keeping your pillow fresh. Unlike yoga bolster pillows, which vary in size, choosing the right size for a yoga bolster pillow can influence firmness and support quality.

For cleaning tips, specifically for odor and stain removal, you might find it useful to read about removing stains from a wedge pillow cover.

Conclusion

The unique smell of foam pillows in 2025 usually results from the chemical components used in their manufacturing. Through methods such as off-gassing, exposure to sunlight, and alternative materials, it’s possible to alleviate the odors. As the industry progresses, it is hoped that manufacturers will enhance production techniques to reduce the risk of off-gassing, providing consumers with odor-free foam pillows.