How To Prevent Mould On Memory Foam Mattress

If you find yourself coughing, sneezing, with a runny nose or itchy eyes whenever you get in the bedroom or get into bed, your memory foam mattress might be hiding mould.

The mould spores you breathe in could be causing these allergy-like symptoms. Read on to learn more about how to prevent mould on memory foam mattress.

What Causes Mould In A Memory Foam Mattress

Mould thrives in dark and damp places. That makes the underside or inside of your memory foam mattress a perfect home for mould.

The dark part is easy to understand. But where does the dampness come from?

The most common source is your sweat.

Memory foam has poor breathability, though manufacturers have been trying to improve that with things like open-cell design.

It traps air and moisture, which can lead to dampness. This is especially a problem for people who naturally sweat a lot of those experiencing night sweats.

The tendency for memory foam mattresses to trap heat can make you sweat even more than usual.

Dampness can also occur when there’s a lot of humidity. If the bedroom is too humid, the moisture can end up in the mattress.

Another cause of mould on memory foam mattresses is incontinence. If the mattress is not aired to dry, mould can develop at the bottom or inside the mattress.

If the mould is just at the bottom of the mattress, you can try to remove it. But if it seems to have developed inside the mattress, the best options is to buy a new mattress and then use the following tips to prevent mould.

How To Prevent Mould On A Mattress

1. Use Breathable and Moisture-absorbent Bedding

Absorbent and breathable sheets made from material like cotton and silk can prevent most of your sweat from reaching the mattress.

They also improve the mattress’ breathability, allowing moisture on the surface of the mattress to dissipate faster.

You’ll also sleep cooler.

2. Get a Waterproof Mattress Protector

This is the most effective way to prevent mould on a memory foam mattress.

A high quality waterproof mattress protector ensures no moisture reaches the mattress. No matter how much you sweat at night, your mattress will remain mould-free.

It can be especially helpful for people with night sweats and those with incontinence.

3. Use the Right Foundation

Normally, a little sweat shouldn’t cause a problem.

The sweat goes through the mattress towards the bottom where it evaporates into the air. But this is only if you have a foundation that allows the mattress to breathe such as a slatted frame.

If you place your mattress on the floor, the sweat will accumulate at the bottom with no place to go. Eventually, mould will form.

If you have to sleep on the floor, do not leave the mattress there when you wake up. Lean it against the wall to allow it to air out.

Occasionally take it outside for a deeper airing.

4. Get a Dehumidifier

This helps for places with high humidity. Since there’s nothing much you can do about the weather, you can try to reduce the humidity in the bedroom using a dehumidifier.

You can buy a dehumidifier or one of those portable air conditioners with a built-in dehumidifier.

Another option for dehumidifying the room is to open the windows or use a fan to keep the air moving.

Additional Tips

  • Do not lie on the bed when you get out of the shower or pool before you are completely dry.
  • Be especially careful about your hair. Even after towelling it, it might still have a bit of moisture left that can transfer to the bed. Let it air dry for several minutes before getting into bed.
  • Change the sheets often.
  • Even if you don’t sleep on the floor, it’s still important to regularly air the mattress. Leave it standing for several hours against the wall and open the windows. Alternatively, air it in the sun.
  • Do not leave any damp clothes or towels on the mattress.
  • If you have a two-sided mattress, flip it regularly to prevent moisture build-up on one side.

If not matter what you do your memory foam mattress keeps getting mould or mildew, consider switching to another type of mattress. A latex foam mattress is the best for preventing mould.

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