Mattress in a Box Health Issues: Should You Be Concerned?

A bed-in-a-box is a rolled or partially folded mattress that's compressed to shrink its size, then placed in a box for shipping directly to the buyer's home. The modern concept makes buying and setting up new mattresses easier and more convenient, all while reducing transit costs for the seller.

Unlike buying a non-compressed mattress online or at a brick-and-mortar store, a bed-in-a-box doesn't require a large truck for delivery.

Mattress in a Box Materials

This type of mattress is typically made of foam, either memory foam or a different polyurethane foam, as the material is easiest to compress. But you'll also find multi-layered hybrid options made of multiple materials, such as metal coils, gel, latex, wool and cotton.

Some mattress materials are considered healthier and more eco-friendly than others. So, is polyurethane foam safe to sleep on? It's hard to say definitively, but there are some mattress-in-a-box health issues you should be aware of before you buy one.

Not all boxed mattresses pose a risk. If you want to sidestep any potential health hazards, consider getting a sustainably sourced, non-toxic mattress from Parachute.

See our Decision-Making Guide for Buying the Right Mattress for more insight.

All-foam mattresses (such as memory foam) are popular among consumers because they're generally the most affordable option. So, what's the problem with a bed-in-a-box?

Not all bed-in-a-box models present a safety concern. Like many others, you might be wondering, Do I need an organic mattress? Not necessarily. But there may be better options than a cheap mattress made of foam.

Wear and Tear in Transit

When a foam mattress is rolled up, compressed and stuffed into a box, it can create stress on the material, making it more susceptible to cracking. Polyurethane foam doesn't have a very long lifespan as is, and it might need to be replaced more often when it comes in compressed packaging.

Toxicity

Is memory foam toxic? When you take your mattress out of the box, you might notice a strong chemical odor for a few days while it airs out (or potentially longer). This is the off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Though the smell may dissipate after a while, it doesn't necessarily mean you're no longer breathing in toxic substances.

Heat and Lack of Support

All-foam mattresses also don't provide the same support as those with innerspring coils and may begin to sag quickly. Beyond that, memory foam is generally not very breathable. This means it can trap heat while you doze and may result in night sweats — especially if you already sleep hot.

Flammability

Polyurethane foam is very flammable, which poses a safety risk for sleepers. Because of this, foam mattresses are usually treated with flame-retardant chemicals — but this barrier could be compromised in the process of compressing the material into a box.

The Eco Mattress from Parachute comes in a large box, but it doesn't contain any foam and is carefully packaged to prevent damage in transit.

Potential bed-in-a-box health dangers include allergic reactions, skin irritation, exposure to toxic chemicals and mold and mildew growth. Here's what to know.

Allergic Reactions and Skin Irritation

According to the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), exposure to the volatile organic compounds emitted by foam mattresses and pillows can cause an allergic reaction. This could result in difficulty breathing, nose and throat discomfort, nausea, dizziness or fatigue.

Other potential mattress-in-a-box health issues include skin irritation due to flame-retardant chemicals called diisocyanates and isocyanates (the highly reactive VOCs used to make memory foam). This could show up as inflammation or an allergic reaction.

Exposure to Carcinogens and Other Toxic Chemicals

Is polyurethane foam toxic? Possibly. Whether it's a memory foam mattress, a foam pillow, a rug pad or sofa cushions, the EPA states that the volatile organic compound emissions from polyurethane can be toxic.

Some VOCs (including isocyanates and diisocyanates) are carcinogens, meaning they could cause cancer. The unhealthy chemicals found in these compounds include formaldehyde, acetone, methylene chloride and ethylene oxide.

However, the EPA notes that the potential toxicity of polyurethane depends on various factors, including your level of exposure, and that the ability of organic chemicals to cause health issues varies greatly. The agency also says that currently, "not much is known about what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes."

But at the very least, the VOCs found in foam and other household products (like some interior paints and cleaning supplies) can negatively affect your indoor air quality.

In addition to forgoing a memory foam mattress, consider placing a few of the Top 16 Indoor Plants for Clean Air in Your Home.

Mold and Mildew

Memory foam is porous (as in, it has literal pores where moisture can accumulate) but it’s not very breathable. This makes it highly susceptible to mold and mildew growth, which can pose foam mattress health risks. Mold exposure can make a person susceptible to nasal congestion, sore throats, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, skin rashes, infections or asthma attacks.

On the other hand, wool and latex are naturally antimicrobial. This means the materials resist mold and mildew growth while helping to keep odor-causing bacteria at bay.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about potential bed-in-a-box health dangers below.

What are the downsides to bed in a box?

Not all boxed beds are bad. However, there are some potential foam mattress dangers to consider. Memory foam is made of polyurethane, which can off-gas volatile organic compounds. Are mattresses toxic if they're made of polyurethane? Possibly, as these chemicals can pose health risks, depending on how much is ingested through the air.

Beyond that, a bed-in-a-box could become damaged through the packaging process, which may compromise the support, comfort or lifespan.

How do I know if my mattress is toxic?

The most toxic mattresses are usually all-foam models, such as memory foam. Memory foam and other high-density mattress foams are made of polyurethane, which may emit volatile organic compounds into the air you breathe. Flame-retardant chemicals used to treat foam mattresses can also cause health effects, like skin irritation, inflammation or an allergic reaction.

Is my new mattress making me sick?

If your new mattress is made of polyurethane-derived foam, it could be exposing you to volatile organic compounds. When you unbox it, you might notice a strong odor due to the off-gassing of the foam and flame-retardant chemicals used to treat the material. When inhaled in large amounts, these substances could cause eye irritation, nose and throat congestion, headaches or nausea.

These symptoms might go away after a few days once the mattress airs out, but if you continue to feel sick, consult with a healthcare professional.

Why is my mattress making me sick?

A new foam mattress could be making you feel sick due to the off-gassing of volatile organic compounds and flame-retardant chemicals. You might also experience mattress health issues with an older mattress due to a build-up of dust particles, mold or mildew.

Is a bed in a box okay?

Memory foam mattress chemicals could be emitted into your indoor air upon unpackaging your new bed. This might cause an unpleasant odor at best or lead to uncomfortable symptoms, like skin irritation, throat congestion, nausea or headaches.

Besides these bed-in-a-box health dangers, compressing a mattress can sometimes damage the materials, compromise the support or reduce its lifespan.