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Why does a mattress mold and how to prevent it?

20 kwietnia 2025
When you notice that your mattress is getting moldy, it can be quite a surprise. This often leads to unpleasant health consequences that appear out of the blue. Mold on a mattress not only negatively affects your sleep quality, but it can also trigger allergies, skin irritations, and even asthma. Where does mold on a mattress come from, and how can you fight it?

Mold is mainly caused by excess moisture and poor mattress ventilation, which people rarely pay attention to. The lack of proper air circulation combined with sweat that we all produce during sleep creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive, along with dust mites. It's worth understanding the causes in order to effectively prevent mold from forming on your mattress.

The Polish brand ONSEN®, known for its Osaka Air mattress, focuses on educating users and promoting conscious product design. In line with the principles of design thinking, ONSEN® mattresses are developed with a strong emphasis on hygiene, health, and comfort for every user.

Excess moisture and mattress mold

The main reason for the appearance of mold on a mattress is moisture accumulating inside it. During sleep, the human body releases on average between 200 ml and 500 ml of sweat, which means the mattress is constantly exposed to moisture without a break during the night. When a mattress lacks proper ventilation, the trapped moisture cannot evaporate, creating ideal conditions for fungal growth.

According to scientific research conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a relative humidity of above 60% promotes mold development. If the mattress does not allow for ventilation, the moisture remains trapped and becomes a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria.

In particular, memory foam mattresses, which have memory foam as the top layer, generally have limited air permeability, which traps moisture and encourages mold formation. This not only leads to mold inside the mattress, but also to unpleasant odors.

That's why it's important to choose mattresses with high breathability, made possible by specialized constructions. A top choice has become the Osaka Air mattress, which, thanks to Aero 3D technology and the use of high-resilience foams with the right cell structure, ensures excellent ventilation.

Materials used in mattresses

The conscious choice of materials used in a mattress is crucial. Natural fibers such as wool, cotton, or coconut, despite a few questionable benefits, are naturally more prone to moisture absorption and thus to mold growth, due to their structure. A similar issue applies to many latex mattresses, which can easily become environments that foster mold, as rubber does not allow air to pass through, which is a major drawback.

On the other hand, various types of spring mattresses, while appearing breathable, are not always so. Setting aside their many disadvantages, they often contain felt layers or insulators that trap moisture. This means that even seemingly breathable models can quickly become prone to fungal growth. It's important to keep this in mind, as scientific research has shown that exposure to mold can increase the risk of asthma development, especially in children.

That's why we design the Osaka Air mattress based on design thinking, taking into account the real needs of users that we aim to meet. As a result, these products have an optimal structure that provides comfort as well as the highest possible resistance to moisture, preventing mold growth.

Preventing mold in your mattress

Effective prevention of mattress mold starts with the purchase. It's worth choosing a highly breathable model, preferably made of HR foams that ensure free airflow. The Polish company ONSEN®, with its Osaka Air mattress, offers a product with excellent ventilation and air circulation, which significantly reduces the risk of mold formation.

Regular airing of the mattress is important, and even freezing it in winter can be beneficial. Additionally, if there are justifiable reasons, using mattress protectors may be considered. However, they do affect the functionality of the mattress, so they shouldn't be used universally. Let's also remember to wash bedding regularly to limit the growth of microorganisms.

If you suspect moisture presence, it’s worth temporarily lifting the mattress to allow free airflow around it. Regularly airing the bedroom also helps control humidity levels, further reducing the risk of mold growth.

Effective ways to deal with mold in a mattress

If you notice the first signs of mold on your mattress, avoid using strong detergents or chemical substances, as these can damage the mattress surface and only make the problem worse. First, the mattress should be thoroughly dried and given exposure to fresh air, which helps remove the mold.

In the case of a serious mold infestation, the best solution is to replace the mattress with a new one. It should be made of materials with increased resistance to moisture, such as the Osaka Air from ONSEN®. It’s a valuable investment in health and sleep comfort that ensures user needs are met. Mold in a mattress is a serious health issue, but one that can be effectively eliminated through conscious purchasing choices.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.

FAQ: Mold in a mattress

Why does a mattress get moldy?

Mold on a mattress appears mainly due to excessive moisture and lack of proper ventilation. During sleep, the human body releases between 200 ml and 500 ml of sweat, which penetrates the mattress. If the mattress cannot "breathe", the moisture does not evaporate and creates the perfect environment for mold growth. Especially vulnerable are mattresses with low air permeability, such as those with visco foam as the top layer, but also latex mattresses and those containing wool or coconut fiber.

What to do with a moldy mattress?

If mold has only appeared on the surface of the mattress, you can try removing it with home methods. However, if the mold has penetrated deep into the mattress structure, the safest solution is to replace it. Mold can be harmful to health, particularly for people with allergies or respiratory conditions.

How to prevent mold from developing in a mattress?

To prevent mold in a mattress, choose a product with high air permeability, such as the Osaka Air mattress. Don?t place your mattress directly on the floor ? and if you prefer sleeping that way, stand it upright daily to air it out. Always use the mattress on a slatted frame that ensures proper airflow. Regularly ventilate both your bedroom and mattress. If needed, use anti-allergenic and anti-mold covers that can be washed at high temperatures.

How to remove moisture from a mattress?

To get rid of moisture, regularly air out the bedroom and the mattress itself ? remove bedding to let it breathe. Every few months, rotate the mattress 180 degrees to avoid moisture accumulating in one spot. Baking soda can also help: sprinkle it over the mattress, leave it for a few hours, and then vacuum. Baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors. In humid spaces, it?s worth using a dehumidifier to maintain proper humidity levels.

How to remove mold from a mattress?

A simple home method for removing mold involves using vinegar and water. Mix them in a 1:1 ratio and spray the affected areas. Let it sit for 15?20 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth and dry the mattress thoroughly. Another method is to clean the mattress with baking soda. Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to mold spots, leave it for an hour, then vacuum. A third method involves wiping the mold with isopropyl alcohol diluted with water, followed by drying. If the mold has penetrated deep into the mattress, consider professional cleaning services or replacing the mattress. Remember: each of these methods can potentially damage your mattress.

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