The mild odor you may catch when you open your Derila pillow is caused by a process called off-gassing, which happens when the chemicals in the pillow break down and disperse in the air. These chemicals are called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and they are used to make the pillow flame retardant and the memory foam more dense and viscous.

Make sure to air out your Derila pillow in a well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours before sleeping on it to reduce the initial odor—no worries, it typically fades within a few days! Regularly airing it out and using a pillowcase can further aid in reducing any lingering scent.