When you think of mattresses probably one of the last things to enter your mind is that of mould (also commonly spelt mold) and mildew. Yet there are a small handful of complaints that Memory foam mattresses have started to mould. Before you turn your face in disgust, as we first did, lets establish what causes mould.
“Mould in the home can usually be found in damp, dark or steamy areas e.g. bathroom or kitchen, cluttered storage areas, recently flooded areas, basement areas, plumbing spaces, areas with poor ventilation and outdoors in humid environments” Wikipedia.
Now upon further investigation of this matter, with our detective hats on, it appears that yes a small amount of Memory foam mattresses, mainly in very hot humid countries, are showing signs of mould on the under side of the bed. This is not a simple case of Memory foam getting mouldy, but more that the conditions Memory foam is left in can in some cases cause mould.
Mould thrives on organic matter and breaks it down leading to mould growing and spreading. Memory and Hybrid foam mattresses are totally synthetic and so can’t themselves cause mould. Unless that is there is a high level of humidity and other organic compounds found, ie dead skin and bacteria! This combination would cause any piece of furniture to develop mould and mildew though so on this occasion we believe the association to be a bit unfair and disproportionate.
How can I prevent this happening?: We recommend that you rotate your Memory foam bed monthly not only to ensure even settlement but to ensure there is adequate air flow around the mattress. Also ensuring that damp clothes/towels are not dried in the bedroom or near the bed will help. Leaving a window open slightly to help air circulate is also recommended with any bed if there is humidity in the room. General hygiene, cleaning up spills and keeping bed linen clean and dry will also help prevent this. Please read our Maintenance guide here.
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