Topper and Cold Foam Mattress: What to Do About Mold on the Mattress?

A topper is actually intended to prevent moisture and keep mold at bay. However, if the topper and mattress are improperly ventilated and you sweat a lot at night, mildew stains and, in the worst case, mold spores can still form. Here, we will show you what you can do if you discover mold on your mattress.

If you discover mold on the mattress, immediate action is required: So-called mycotoxins in the mold can enter the body through the lungs and are suspected to be highly carcinogenic and to trigger allergies and/or asthma.

In our article, we will share tips with you to create healthy conditions for your sleep and more.

Do cold foam mattresses need to be disposed of?

Black mold forms almost anywhere where a permanently moist climate prevails and can generally cause severe health damage. It causes health problems that you should take seriously. Have you discovered black spots on the surface of your cold foam mattress or on the underside of the topper when turning it over?

First, you should check how deep the mold spot extends and whether there are multiple affected areas. If the mold spots are superficial, you may be able to remove the mold on the mattress. For this, you can try to combat it with a corrosive mold spray or a special cleaning agent.

Perhaps they will also carefully remove the spots using a sharp knife or a rough sponge from the model. After treating the mattress topper, you should sprinkle the items liberally with lemon juice, disinfect them, and let them dry in the open air. Afterwards, it is best to acquire an additional breathable cover.

Note: If you choose to remove mold from your mattress yourself, always wear gloves and a face mask from a manufacturer of your choice, and ventilate the area well afterwards. This helps prevent illnesses. Dispose of both the used gloves and the face mask in the household trash after treatment. If the mold spores have penetrated deep into the cold foam, the mattress must be discarded despite disinfection. A spring mattress affected by mold should also be thrown away if vinegar and mold spray cannot remove stains during mattress cleaning.

The most common reasons for mold infestation in a bed

The consequences of mold infestation are varied. But why does it happen that a mattress becomes infested with mold? What is the cause? Let's take a close look at this. We will also share a tip or two with you.

Some types of mattresses are more prone to mold than others

Visco foam and cold foam textiles are made from antibacterial materials and are therefore less prone to mold than mattresses with cotton covers. The surface of a waterbed, for example, also molds more quickly if it is not of high quality and provides a breeding ground. Here you can find more information about the material of your topper.

The lying surface plays an important role in the topper

The larger the surface area of toppers, the easier it is for mold to form on the underside of the thin foam mattress. In adult double beds, you should use two small pads instead of one large one on your mattress.

No regular airing of the mattress toppers

Mattress protectors, duvets, and pillows should be aired out regularly. Frequent sweating without adequate ventilation creates a moist environment under the covers, which promotes mold growth. Mites also particularly favor this climate.

To maintain the breathability of mattresses and toppers, rotate and flip all products regularly. This improves sleep comfort, prevents back pain and respiratory problems, and serves as pressure relief. Moisture in the material condenses more easily.

Contaminations are not cleaned in a timely manner

Immediately combat stains from beverages, sweat, or bodily fluids with effective home remedies. In this way, you prevent mold by using the right amounts. You can absorb residual moisture with salt or rice – simply sprinkle the salt on the stain and let it dry.

Then, disinfect the area with alcohol, baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice and air out the mattress in the sun.

Here you will learn how to best clean your topper!

No air circulation of the mattress topper

Among the most common causes of mold growth between the topper and mattress, or on the underside of the mattress, is inadequate air circulation between the bed and the floor. Slatted frames also have some influence on it.

Therefore, keep the storage compartment under the bed clear for ventilation and place the mattress on a slatted frame that allows ventilation from below. The mattress cover should not be washed too frequently and should be thoroughly dried after washing.

However, you can clean the product with a vacuum cleaner. Washing fitted sheets, which you can pull over the topper and mattress, is easier. 

The incorrect room temperature

In a consistently cool temperature in the bedroom, moisture also forms. Regular airing by opening the windows positively affects the indoor climate of the apartment. Often, it is a solution for mold on mattress toppers. Open the blinds for regular sunlight exposure as well. The UV radiation warms the room and thus you also prevent mold on the walls.

In cold and damp air, however, toppers and mattresses should occasionally be placed near the heater in the rooms. Let everything dry while warm.

How often should toppers and bed linens be replaced?

Even with good care and favorable conditions, you should change your topper every 5 to 6 years, as the quality of the cold foam decreases over time. This affects the comfort and hygiene.

If black discolorations on the surface of the topper or mattress cannot be cleaned with a mold remover, you should also replace your bedding immediately in all cases. This way, you will not suffer from a health issue due to the moldy areas.

In the worst case, mold spores in the sleeping pad can cause kidney damage, liver problems, or lung diseases. You should wash the bedding at least once or twice a month to keep it clean.

Preventing mold in the bed – how to prevent mold on the mattress

Frequent night sweating is unavoidable for many people in beds. Even in sleep, according to experts, we exhale all the moisture that circulates in the air and cannot escape when the window is closed.

If you frequently notice condensation on the window in the morning, you should take measures to improve ventilation and remove the liquid:

• Wash each piece like your bed linen and the sheet once or twice a month. Protect the mattress and topper additionally with a sheet against dust and discoloration.
• Ensure good and adequate ventilation under the bed frame. Turn and air out the mattress in the box spring bed weekly, as the underbeds may block air circulation.
• After getting up, you should fluff up the blanket and pillow. Only after airing out the covers and blankets daily should you place a bedspread on your bed.
• At night, you should ventilate if possible, so that breath and odor can dissipate. This way, the humidity remains at a normal level.
• Use home remedies such as vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, and cleaners with a low pH value. These are suitable for combating mold spores when liquids are spilled on the bed. The effectiveness of the application will amaze you! Use as little water as possible when cleaning stains.
• Regularly use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt from individual products.

Do you have further questions on the topic or are you looking for more information? Feel free to contact us. We will provide you with an answer from a bed expert, so you can consider all the important aspects.