Question from dalilah61
I purchased a pillow from essentia and it had a horrible odor. It was the classic pillow and very pricey ($199). When I contacted the company, they told me that they do not return pillows and to air it out. I aired out the pillow for over a week and could not sleep on it because the odor was so strong and smelled like chemicals. The woman I spoke with assured me in our many conversations they do not use any harmful chemicals in their products despite it smelling like it does.
They eventually took back the pillow and sent me another one (the forma spa) which was better, but still had a strong smell to it. I aired it out for a week and purchased a dust mite cover with the hope that it would mask the smell. It helped, but it was not 100%.
I have had the pillow now for months and I no longer notice an odor. I really like the forma spa pillow as it is very comfortable, supports my neck and does not get hot to sleep on. I had considered purchasing their mattresses, but they do not offer financing and if the pillow reeked for so long, I can’t even imagine how bad the mattress would smell.
I would suggest considering this if anyone is very sensitive to smells. While I do not have chemical sensitivity, I am like a blood hound when it comes to odors and I could not tolerate having my face/olfactory senses that close to something that smelled so bad to me all night.
Debra’s Answer
I contacted Essentia about your comment, as it didn’t sound right to me that you said the pillow smelled like chemicals. Here is their response:
No chemicals are used to make their mattresses or pillows. They are made from 100% natural latex and essential oils. I asked about any odor from their essential oils, and was sent this response:
I think if the pillow smelled like chemicals, it picked up chemicals along the way during shipping. I’m glad you persisted and got a replacement pillow and that you are happy with it. It’s always a good sign to me when a company is willing to make things right with the customer.
