Why Does My Bed Buddy Smell, and When to Replace It

Quick answer

A warm, grainy or lightly herbal smell is normal, because the filling is natural grain and some models include herbs, flowers or fragrance. A musty, sour or burnt smell is not normal. Stop using the wrap and replace it if the smell stays after it has dried.

Applies to: all grain-filled Bed Buddy wraps. Filling varies by model, so the normal smell varies too.

What is a normal smell

• A warm grain smell when the wrap is heated.
• A light scent on aromatherapy models. Scents fade with use over time.
• Nothing at all on unscented models, though they may smell faintly of grain when warm.

What is not normal

How to freshen a wrap safely

1. Wipe the cover with a damp cloth. See how to clean your Bed Buddy.
2. Let it dry in a ventilated place, away from direct heat.
3. Smell it again when it is completely dry.
4. Do not add water, oils or perfume to the filling.

If the odor returns once the wrap is dry, replace it. Do not mask it with fragrance.

When to replace your Bed Buddy

Replace the wrap if you see any of these:

1. Scorch marks, a dark spot or a burnt smell.
2. A musty or sour smell that stays after drying.
3. Holes, torn seams or leaking filling. Loose filling can overheat in the microwave.
4. Clumps or a hard, uneven texture in the filling.
5. Fabric that is brittle, discolored or damaged.
6. A missing or unreadable tag and no way to confirm the model.

We do not publish a lifespan for the wrap. How long it lasts depends on how often you use it, how carefully you heat it and how it is stored.

To make a wrap last longer

• Heat only by your tag and avoid extra long bursts.
• Keep it dry and clean.
• Store it flat, away from food, pets and damp spots.

Related guides

• How to clean your Bed Buddy
• Safety guidelines
• Where to buy the original Bed Buddy