Why does a new pillow smell (and how do you air it out)?

The moment has arrived: the box opens, the new pillow emerges, and then... you sniff something. Not a field of flowers, but more like something between a new car and a roll of packaging film. Before you panic and search for the return button: this is normal. Almost every new pillow smells, well, new for the first few days. Here you can read where that smell comes from, why it disappears on its own, and how you can help speed up the process.

Why does a new pillow smell?

That typical new pillow smell is a result of fresh materials plus packaging. After production, a pillow is almost immediately packaged airtight, and any odors released by the fresh material remain trapped in that packaging. When you open the box, everything that has been confined for weeks is released all at once.

With memory foam, the smell is somewhat more noticeable than with down or fibers, simply because it is a freshly molded foam; the same applies to memory foam mattresses and toppers. It says nothing about quality: it's the smell of new, not of faulty.

How do you air out a new pillow?

1. Unpack and lay flat. Immediately remove the pillow from the box and plastic wrap; nothing will air out in the packaging.
2. Leave it without a pillowcase. Place it uncovered for 2 to 3 days in a well-ventilated room, for example, on a chair near an open window.
3. Not in direct sunlight or on a heater. Fresh air does the trick; heat is not a friend to memory foam.
4. Smell it first, then put the pillowcase on. If you hardly smell anything anymore, you can put on the pillowcase and place the pillow on your bed.

Do you want to sleep on the new pillow during these first few days? That's perfectly fine; with a pillowcase on, airing it out just takes a bit longer.

When is a smell no longer normal?

The new smell should get weaker every day and should practically disappear after a week at most. If you still smell a strong, chemical odor after that period, that's not standard: in that case, contact the seller. Keep your purchase confirmation until then; with a pillow that has a trial period, you're covered anyway.

At SidePillow, we solve this simply: you sleep on trial for 30 nights, so the first few days of airing out don't deduct from your evaluation time. And if there's really something wrong, the pillow simply goes back. How to keep your pillow fresh afterwards, you can read in the guide on cleaning and maintaining your memory foam pillow.

Conclusion

A new pillow that smells is not a defect but a phase: fresh material plus sealed packaging, and after 2 to 3 days of airing out, the story is over. Unpack, lay flat, ventilate, done.

If the smell lingers after a week, then you can raise the alarm. And furthermore: the sooner the box is open, the sooner the pillow can be fresh in your bed. Your nose gets used to it faster than you think, by the way; in a week you won't remember what you were worried about. Curious if memory foam also sleeps warm? You can read that in does a memory foam pillow feel warm.

Ready for a fresh pillow to air out?
Use the height check to choose the SidePillow height that will soon be airing out at your place.

Do the height check

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a new pillow be aired out?

Allow 2 to 3 days without a pillowcase in a ventilated room. After that, the typical new smell should have practically disappeared from almost any pillow; after a week at the latest, you should no longer smell anything.

Is the smell of a new memory foam pillow harmful?

The typical new smell is normal and temporary and will dissipate on its own. If you are unsure or if the smell remains strong after a week, contact the seller.

Can I sleep on a new pillow that still smells?

That's perfectly fine if the smell doesn't bother you. However, with a pillowcase on, airing it out will take longer, so the fastest way to get rid of the smell is to leave the pillow uncovered for a few days first.

Why does memory foam smell stronger than a regular pillow?

Memory foam is freshly formed foam that is packaged airtight immediately after production, causing the new smell to build up until you open the box. Down and fibers breathe more and therefore have a less pronounced smell.

Photography: juan pinales, Thirdman, Lisa Anna via Pexels.