Do foam mattresses release VOCs into nursery air?

What's actually in it

Synthetic foam mattresses are commonly made from polyurethane. These materials are not stable. They undergo a process called autoxidation, which causes the foam to break down and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

The specific chemicals released include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. These are not just trace amounts. They are byproducts of the chemical structure of the foam itself, meaning your baby is exposed to these gases simply by sleeping on the mattress.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Polymers (Basel) conducted a kinetic analysis of these materials. The researchers found that polyurethane soft foams are a direct source of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. This peer-reviewed research highlights that these chemicals form through the natural breakdown of the foam over time.

While the study focused on the chemical formation of these gases, the presence of such compounds in an infant's sleeping environment is a significant concern for air quality. When you choose a synthetic foam mattress, you are introducing a continuous source of these VOCs into the nursery.