Does water damage memory foam?

Author: Demarcus Bosco  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Water can damage a memory foam mattress by causing it to absorb moisture, which can lead to mold and bacteria growth. Memory foam mattresses may also lose their shape and support when wet, making them uncomfortable to sleep on.

What to do if memory foam gets wet?

The steps are simple:
  1. Sprinkle the mattress with baking soda to help absorb some moisture.
  2. Vacuum the mattress with a wet/dry vacuum.
  3. Make sure to let the mattress dry fully before using it again.

Is water bad for memory foam?

You should ideally not wet the foam because water does break it down if it gets repeatedly wet. If you do wet it then make sure you soak out the water with dry cloth and get the moisture out asap. I wash my memory foam masks IF I drool on them otherwise I avoid it all costs.

Can memory foam go in water?

Mattresses aren't designed to get wet, particularly those made from especially memory foam. Your mattress won't dry quickly, and if it stays damp for too long because of your cleaning efforts it can start to smell or even develop mildew. That will be worse than the situation you're dealing with now!

Can memory foam be wet?

Is memory foam ruined if it gets wet? Short answer: yes. You should always avoid getting your mattress wet.

Can a wet mattress be saved?

Is it OK for foam to get wet?

Can Foam Insulation Get Wet? The final question we'll tackle is whether foam insulation can get wet and still function properly. If we're talking about closed cell spray foam, the answer is yes. Because it doesn't absorb moisture, closed cell spray foam can get wet without losing its insulating properties.

Is memory foam water resistant?

Is memory foam waterproof or water-resistant? Memory foam itself isn't waterproof. Using a waterproof mattress protector is the best way to safeguard it.

What ruins memory foam?

Not only that, but intense heat sources such as electric blankets or hot water bottles can interfere with the structure of the foam and ultimately break down the layers, shortening its overall lifespan.

Is my mattress ruined if it gets wet?

Water can damage a mattress and compromise its integrity, affecting its performance and lifespan. If a mattress gets wet, it may not necessarily be ruined, but it can be difficult to restore it to its original condition.

What happens when you put foam in water?

The attraction between the foam and the water molecule decreases the surface tension. When the surface tension is decreased, air more easily mixes with the water. Bubbles form when air mixes with the interacting water and foaming agent. These lightweight bubbles can congregate as foam.

Why are people no longer buying memory foam mattresses?

Retention of Heat

One of the most common complaints about memory foam mattresses is that they trap heat and become uncomfortably warm. Memory foam, particularly traditional memory foam, can become quite warm due to its design to respond to body heat and the density of the material.

What happens if a memory foam pillow gets wet?

If memory foam gets very wet, the moisture can seep inside its compact construction. If it's not dried out thoroughly, this can lead to mould growth. It's not a problem if you follow the proper drying process, however, it can be easier to spot clean your pillow or freshen it up with other methods.

Can you ruin a memory foam mattress?

Just like with jumping, you will want to avoid placing heavy objects on your memory foam mattress, especially when it's still breaking in. This is because the extra weight and pressure can cause your mattress to deteriorate faster than usual, which can reduce its lifespan overall.

Can memory foam go bad?

On average, a memory foam mattress lasts about 8 to 10 years, but it depends on a few factors. If you're wondering whether your mattress is still doing its job—or if it's time to upgrade—this guide will help.

How do you get wet pee out of a memory foam mattress?

For fresh, wet stains, blot the spot with a cloth and spray it with a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 10 parts water. Then, sprinkle on baking soda and let it sit for 8-12 hours. For dried stains and pet stains, spray the spot with 1 c (237 ml) of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tbsp (51 g) of baking soda, and some dish soap.

What happens if a Tempur mattress gets wet?

If you spill liquid on your mattress, please take the following steps. Because the mattress should never become wet, we can't promise that these steps will completely remove the stain or odor. If your mattress has a cover, remove it, wash it in cold water with mild detergent, and hang dry for best results.

How long does memory foam take to dry?

To quickly dry a foam mattress, use a dehumidifier, fan, and direct sunlight. Ensure the mattress is fully dry before using to prevent mold and mildew growth. Drying time can vary from 6-24 hours depending on humidity levels.

How to get water out of a memory foam mattress?

To dry a damp mattress fast, take steps to absorb the excess moisture using a towel. Then use a vacuum or hair dryer to dry the area. Sprinkle some cat litter or baking soda over the mattress surface to soak up the moisture and put it under a fan to dry quickly.

Can you save a water damaged mattress?

Therefore, you should only attempt to dry a wet mattress if the water is from a clean water source and has not sat longer than 48 hours. Even if the source is clean water from a broken pipe, you should dispose of a wet mattress that is completely saturated with water.

What is the disadvantage of memory foam?

Despite the many benefits of using memory foam mattresses, some disadvantages exist. Retain Heat: The main drawback of these mattresses is the heat retention problem. The traditional memory foam without technological add-ons tends to get very hot through the night and may become uncomfortable.

What are the symptoms of a toxic mattress?

Even if you can't smell the chemicals in the air, they can remain to cause a wide range of symptoms including:
  • Eye, nose, and throat irritation.
  • Headaches.
  • Dizziness.
  • Asthma.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) damage.
  • Damage to your liver and kidneys.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.

Is it bad if memory foam gets wet?

You should avoid getting memory foam wet. Doing so can damage the material and allow mould and mildew to develop. Furthermore, getting the material wet could invalidate your mattress guarantee.

What happens to foam if it gets wet?

Open-cell spray foam is more porous than closed-cell foam, so it may absorb water if it gets wet. This can lead to decreased R-value and, over time, the potential development of mold or mildew if the moisture is not properly addressed.

Does memory foam go back to its original shape?

It takes just seconds for memory foam to return to its original shape. When you sit or lie down on your memory foam mattress, you will notice an indentation relevant to the pressure and weight which you applied to your body. There will probably be a deeper indentation or mattress sag around your hips, for example.

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