Problems with new Sealy Memory Foam Mattress and moisture condensation underneath
May 9, 2011 12:38 PM
Joined: May 9, 2011
Points: 19
I am at a loss. Our brand new mattress that we have had since April 22 is exhibiting a damp, moisture problem on the underside of the memory foam mattress and the top of support. Not only that but there are two small rust-like or maybe mildew like stains on both the underside of the mattress and the top of the support. I called Sealy and they could not help me saying they had never heard of this problem. I called the place of purchase and he said he had never heard of this problem either and that we should try airing the mattress out near a window (we are in an apartment). I have no idea why there is moisture condensation under the mattress if the first place. What good will it do to air it out, if it happens again? Has anyone had this problem, or know of what to do? Thank you for your time.
Re: Problems with new Sealy Memory Foam Mattress and moisture condensation underneath
Reply #46 Oct 3, 2012 2:02 PM
Joined: Oct 3, 2012
Points: 3
The original post was quite a while ago, but hopefully someone else can confirm or deny this:

I gather that the condensation and subsequent mold/mildew was viewable to the naked eye (post(s) describe spots or a spot of a color).

But what if the memory foam wreaks of mildew but can not be seen at all?

Re: Problems with new Sealy Memory Foam Mattress and moisture condensation underneath
Reply #47 Feb 3, 2013 7:00 PM
Joined: Feb 3, 2013
Points: 1
tuesday wrote:

The original post was quite a while ago, but hopefully someone else can confirm or deny this:

 

I gather that the condensation and subsequent mold/mildew was viewable to the naked eye (post(s) describe spots or a spot of a color).

But what if the memory foam wreaks of mildew but can not be seen at all?


Two years ago my husband and I purchased a whole new bedroom set, which included the Sealy Bay Island Memory Foam mattress and box springs. We were in love with it until about six months later I lifted the mattress and saw a 6 foot by 3 foot section of mold! I was furious and called Sealy. They replaced it (which took about six months!) and said that this was highly unusual and they were certain this would not happen a second time if we want to have it replaced with the same thing, which we did because we loved it. Four months ago I started having numerous health issues. I bet I have been to the doctors about two dozen times, in which I have had CT Scans, MRI's, bloodwork three times, etc... and they have not found anything wrong with me. About a week ago I lifted my mattress up and found mold all underneath of it again! This time when I called Sealy I wasn't so nice and demanded that this be replaced immediately. I have to wait for the paperwork, which should be here tomorrow and then it better not take long. I want this out of my house now! I go back to the doctors again tomorrow and they are going to refer me to an allergist, which is about the only specialist I haven't been to yet and I know for certain that it is the mold that has been causing all of my health issues. Before this I was an extremely outgoing, healthy thirty year old. I have been so sick these last four months that I wasn't even able to sign my four year old up for dance class because I barely can make it through my work day. As it is I have had to take numerous days off to go to my doctors appointments. I think it is absolutely ridiculous that they are still selling these mattresses!

Re: Problems with new Sealy Memory Foam Mattress and moisture condensation underneath
Reply #48 Feb 9, 2013 3:51 PM
Joined: Feb 9, 2013
Points: 1
We purchased a Sealy Latex Foam Mattress, Shelter model just about two years ago.  We have been turning the mattress but felt it was sagging a bit so we lifted up the mattress, only to find black and green mold growing between the mattress and box spring (My bed skirt was covered plus it was on the boxspring and mattress).  YUCK!  We were shocked since we paid $2966 for the mattress and boxspring.  I contacted where we got it and they came and looked at it.  They said they have never seen anything like it and would talk to the Sealy Rep.  They called me back and said the Sealy Rep said, they have never had any moisture, mold complaints.  They offered to replace the box spring only. They said because we live around a creek and have a crawl space under our house and probably humid in our area, it must be our problem and not the mattress.  They also recommened selling us a moisture proof boxspring cover (thankfully at their cost). They also recommended we take off the cover on the latex foam and get it drycleaned.  We are very disappointed.  Don't they sell these mattress is humid areas like Florida?  Obviously from all the posts here about mold and moisture between the mattress and boxspring, there are issues. We'll be lifting the very heavy mattress every week to check for new mold.  There are probably many more people with this problem but since its a no flip mattress people turn it an don't lift it up.  So sad since we can't get a new mattress again so soon. 
Re: Problems with new Sealy Memory Foam Mattress and moisture condensation underneath
Reply #49 May 10, 2013 7:06 PM
Joined: May 10, 2013
Points: 3
This problem primarilly affects foam mattresses and is caused by perspiration and poor ventillation under the mattress.

Almost everyone perspires constantly, and depending on temperature, much of this can happen at night. Some of this moisture goes into the mattress and, if ventillation below the mattress is good, it simply evaporates.

Poor ventillation (a waterproof boxspring, carpeted floor, plywood, etc.) is a different story. Moisture will pool between the mattress and the surface below, encouraging mould to grow. Darkness and bodyheat compound the problem. Air usually penetrates 10-12 inches into the mattress evaporating moisture around the edges and focusing the mould towards the center.

Unfortunately there is no effective way to clean a mattress after mould has appeared. Prevention is the best method:

  • Buy a mattress with corrugated airflow layers
  • Use a breathable boxspring
  • Use a slatted bed-base (no more than 2" between slats for best support)
This message was modified May 13, 2013 by novosbed
Re: Problems with new Sealy Memory Foam Mattress and moisture condensation underneath
Reply #50 Jul 22, 2013 12:44 AM
Joined: Jul 22, 2013
Points: 1
My husband and I also bought the Macy's MemoryWorks mattress along with the worrynomore plan in January 2011! I am terrified because we just noticed mold sad Apparently the plans covers up to 10 years, so if you all could please pray for me and my husband, I would really appreciate it. Any word on a class action suit? I can't believe this. I am in shock.
Re: Problems with new Sealy Memory Foam Mattress and moisture condensation underneath
Reply #51 Aug 30, 2013 5:14 PM
Joined: Aug 30, 2013
Points: 2
ValCWilliams wrote:

 

 

Did you ever get anything figured out with this.  And class action lawsuits?  People can seriously get sick from this.  My husbands asthma has been acting up more and I don't want him anywhere near this bed!  Please any advice would be good advice.


 

This message was modified Aug 30, 2013 by Sunshine7641
Re: Problems with new Sealy Memory Foam Mattress and moisture condensation underneath
Reply #52 Aug 30, 2013 6:34 PM
Joined: Aug 30, 2013
Points: 2
 

 

 

 I do not have a bed from sealy , but I have a memory works , olive works ultra soft.  from Macy's . I have had my bed for about three years and when I went to change the bed skirt I noticed mold growing in mine. I freaked out and called Macy's. they are giving me a 100% refund to go pick out a new bed since they can't replace my bed due to they don't make it my style anymore. I was gonna research to see enynthrybstopped making it and found that there is a problem with the seakys as well. Does anyone know if its  all the memory foam mattress ? I would call Macy's they have life time warranties on all mattress .. 

 

Re: Problems with new Sealy Memory Foam Mattress and moisture condensation underneath
Reply #53 Oct 4, 2013 4:23 PM
Joined: Jun 18, 2013
Points: 9
iComnfort is actually a Serta product.  Rates quite well.  Think it may even be a step above Tempurpedic at the moment!
Re: Problems with new Sealy Memory Foam Mattress had moisture condensation underneath
Reply #54 Oct 7, 2013 12:16 PM
Joined: Sep 27, 2013
Points: 27
looking through this thread bubbles up a couple of questions:

 

  1. is this mold problem strickly related to Memory Foam, or have people also experienced the problem with Latex?
  2. If the answer is yes to Latex, is the problem associated to synthetic foams (be it Latex or Memory foam) or do people see this with 100% natural foams as well?
  3. the thread specifically mentions Sealy?  Is this JUST a Sealy problem?  That is to say, a bad manufacturing formula for their foam? or is this more systemic?
  4. One person mentioned that the iComfort was highly rated.  Since the indication was that this was really a Serta product, would one expect similar problems with this line as well?

We are looking at purchasing a foam mattress of some sort, but my wife is handicapped, and the LAST thing we need (as many of you would agree to) is to have mold growing on the mattress.  I had been looking at 100% organic latex, but had seen the iComforts which my wife found comfortable as well.  Depending on the answers, this could drive my decision one way or the other.

This message was modified Oct 7, 2013 by charnlar
Re: Problems with new Sealy Memory Foam Mattress and moisture condensation underneath
Reply #55 Nov 6, 2013 6:20 PM
Joined: Nov 6, 2013
Points: 1
I found the same problem lurking between my Sealy box spring and memory foam firm mattress today, so i called Macy's. At first Macy's said that they would have to send a technician out to confirm the problem was in fact the mattress and not my doing. So i told the customer service rep about this forum, and pointed out all the youtube videos online (which both showed up with my first google search). She still tried to tell me a tech would have to come by my house, so i asked to talk with the manager. I did not get to talk with the manager, but instead the same rep came back and told me that Sealy has had problems with this type of mattress and that they (Macy's) will take the whole king size set back and replace it no charge to me. I guess if you have this problem point out the facts that are readily available online, and talk to the manager of the place you purchased your moldy mattress from. good luck

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