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Is it normal for a mattress to yellow?

10 października 2024
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The specificity of a product such as the foam mattress, which we sleep on every night, naturally means that it is exposed to many factors that can affect its longevity. These factors also influence the appearance of the mattress, although this is not always dependent on how it is used. This is particularly true when we talk about yellowing of the mattress, which is the most commonly noticed effect. This is a normal phenomenon resulting from the oxidation of the foam. This process does not affect the functionality of the mattress, and it is also unavoidable.

Generally, the yellowing of the mattress is a result of a natural chemical reaction. It occurs in every type of foam, although in slightly different ways. It is important to know why mattresses yellow and why this should not raise any concerns when your mattress changes color to yellow, as long as it is not due to staining.
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Foam, latex, and the yellowing process

Of course, it is primarily foam mattresses that are susceptible to yellowing. This is independent of the type of foam involved. Foam T, V, and HR, meaning all types of polyurethane foams, will yellow without exception. Each of them undergoes a completely natural oxidation process, reacting with it.

The oxidation of foam, or the reaction with oxygen present in the air, ultimately results in polyurethane foam turning yellow, losing its color. Yellowing is accelerated by UV rays, which is why mattresses placed in sunny locations yellow more quickly. This process is completely normal and does not alter the properties of the mattress.

Interestingly, latex mattresses undergo a similar process. Over time, latex cracks and changes color, which is due to drying and oxidation. While the color change of latex is a relatively slow process, its cracking is observed quite quickly. Depending on the quality of the mattress, this can take anywhere from a few months to a few years.
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Differences between T, V, and HR foams

Each type of polyurethane foam has different properties, which affects the yellowing process. The T foam, or traditional closed-cell foam, yellows the fastest. This type is found in the cheapest mattresses, which is further associated with its low density. Such foam reacts more quickly to light and air, which is why changes in its color are also noticed faster.

On the other hand, the famous memory foam also yellows but has a different chemical structure. Therefore, the yellowing process of V foam occurs somewhat more slowly. It is a slightly more technologically advanced material that reacts to temperature and pressure, making it an ideal material for the second layer of the mattress to enhance its comfort.

The high-resilience foam with open cells is more resistant and yellows the slowest. Generally, HR foam also has higher density and elasticity. It is more resistant to color change, but over time it will also change shade. However, it remains the most durable type of foam, retaining its properties for many years.
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Mattress yellowing and its quality

Although the color change of a sleeping mattress may be visually unappealing in some cases, when it comes to the mattress cover, it has no impact on its functionality. High-quality products, such as the Osaka Air mattress from the Polish brand ONSEN®, are designed to provide optimal sleeping comfort every night, despite the passage of time.

The color change of the mattress core is a superficial effect and does not mean that a good mattress loses its ergonomic properties and functionality, as these do not change. Our most perfect Osaka Air mattress is made from dense HR foam, which retains its elasticity and breathability for many years.

We openly state that the foams in the Osaka Air mattress may also gradually change color over time due to light and temperature, but this will not affect its performance. It will still be a blatantly perfect mattress that contours to the shape of your body and provides ideal support for many years. Therefore, there are no reasons for concern; even if the mattress yellows inside, you will still enjoy a healthy sleep.
Mattress yellowing should not affect its quality.
The natural process known as yellowing of the mattress is directly related to the exposure of the mattress to light and air, which triggers chemical reactions. This in no way causes the foam mattress to lose its properties. Over time, the foam simply changes color, but it still retains its functions.

If you're looking for the perfect mattress that will provide you with years of sleeping comfort, opt for a functional product. Such is the Osaka Air mattress, which we created in collaboration with renowned experts. Thanks to its extremely advanced construction and materials, even after many years of use, it will ensure comfort and healthy sleep without any compromises.

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.
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FAQ: When the mattress turns yellow...

Why does a mattress turn yellow?

Sleeping mattresses, especially those made from polyurethane foams (T, HR, or V), can turn yellow over time. It doesn't matter whether it is memory foam, high-resilience foam, or traditional foam. This happens mainly due to exposure to UV rays and contact with oxygen, which triggers natural chemical reactions in the materials used to manufacture the mattress. This does not affect the mattress's functionality.

Is mattress yellowing due to poor hygiene?

The yellowing of mattress foam does not necessarily indicate poor hygiene. The mattress cover may change color due to dirt, moisture, or sweat, which could be a result of insufficient hygiene. However, the yellowing of the foam itself is a natural process and usually does not mean that the mattress is dirty or damaged, but simply that its color changes due to oxidation.

Is yellow foam of poorer quality?

No, as a rule, the change in foam color does not affect its quality. More important are technical parameters such as the type of foam, its density, and firmness, which determine the mattress's functionality and comfort.

What causes polyurethane foam to yellow?

The yellowing of polyurethane foam, regardless of its type (V, HR, or T), is a result of exposure to UV rays and oxygen. All polyurethane foams, which contain aromatic groups from isocyanate, yellow when exposed to sunlight and air. This should not cause concern, as it is a harmless and natural process.

How can I restore the color of a yellowed mattress?

Restoring the original color of a yellowed mattress is impossible. The yellowing of foam in a mattress is a chemical process that does not affect the comfort or usabizlity of the product, so the color change should not be a cause for concern. However, you can slow down the yellowing process by avoiding direct sunlight exposure.

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