Question from Judith
Hi, Debra,
Absolutely love your website!! It is the most informative on the greatest variety of subjects I have ever seen.
I have a new problem. My mom just moved in with us and she purchased a new foam mattress (completely made up of foam, no springs, no other materials) from IKEA to use in the basement of our townhouse where she will be living.
She has been using this type of mattress for decades so this is what she is used to. I never thought that it would offgas enough to smell it even on the second floor of the house. On the main level I am affected enough that my nose and mouth are burning, which are my first symptoms with most synthetic offgassing in the air. AND we have been having several windows open 24 hours a day since the weather is still pretty good here in Virginia. I am dreading the colder weather when we have to close most windows! Do you know of any type of covering (like the emergency blankets made of some type of very thin “space” material?) that would keep the offgassing sealed in? I am so hoping she doesn’t have to give it up as she thinks it is the softest mattress available. Thanks so much for all you do!!
Debra’s Answer
Actually, a space blanket would probably do it, as you would need to have something with a layer of metallic foil.
You would need to seal the mattress completely i.e. use two blankets, top and bottom, then seal the edges with foil tape.
Readers, any other suggestions?
