Written by Olivera Jancikin, Content Writer
You finally ditched your worn-out mattress and got yourself a fresh new bed. Congratulations, now you can get the restful night of sleep that’s been eluding you for months.
As you lie down and wait to doze off, you may start to notice that the minutes are ticking by and you’re not falling asleep. You toss and turn, looking for a comfortable position. Did you make a mistake? Is your new bed a dud?
Not exactly. More than likely, you just need to break in your new bed. Similar to a new pair of stiff shoes, your bed needs time to soften up, too.
How to Break in a New Mattress
Let Your Mattress Breathe
If you bought your bed online, chances are it came compressed or rolled in a box. At the very least, it’s been wrapped tightly in plastic.
The materials may give off an off-gassing odor for a day or two, and if your mattress was compressed for shipping, it can take some time to expand to its full size.
Depending on the exact model you bought, it can take up to 24 to 72 hours to expand its full size. Sleeping on it too soon may not only feel uncomfortable but can also affect the bed’s ability to properly expand. With this in mind, try to let your mattress sit on the bed frame without anyone using it or any bedding on it for the first 24 hours.
Related: Best Mattress in a Box
Put on the Pressure
If you are eager to soften the surface of your bed, try walking on it — after that initial expansion window. This technique can work well on latex and memory foam surfaces.
If your mattress is an innerspring or hybrid, crawl on your hands and knees instead. Springs can buckle or deteriorate more rapidly when your body weight is overly concentrated.
If you don’t feel comfortable walking along your bed, try stacking piles of books on it instead.
Be Patient
Try not to get discouraged if you don’t initially love the way your new bed feels. Your favorite pair of shoes might have given you a blister the first day you wore them, too. Remember, it can take 30, or even 60, days for your new mattress to feel like home.
Plus, the higher the quality, the longer it might take due to the durability of the materials.
Warm it Up
Memory foam tends to soften and become more malleable when it gets warm. So, if you’re in a particular hurry to break in a new memory foam mattress, try keeping your bedroom a few degrees warmer than normal. It should make your bed feel softer.
The tradeoff here is that warmer temps aren’t the most comfortable to sleep in. This trick works best if you’re in a colder room, and you had planned on warming it up anyway.
Learn more: Best Temperature for Sleep
Sleep on It Consistently
If you’re feeling discouraged, you might be tempted to take a break from this and spend a night on the couch or in the guest room. However, consistent use of your mattress can accelerate the breaking-in process, which should allow you to enjoy your new bed that much sooner.
Use the Right Foundation
Before plopping your bed on an old frame, check that the two pieces are compatible and that your foundation isn’t worn out, sagging, or broken. While you may not always need a new foundation, you might need to get a replacement if you’ve switched the type of bed you’re now sleeping on.
Find the best bed frames here if you decide you need a new one.
Trust Your Gut
If you know that deep down this bed isn’t for you, then by all means, don’t suffer through it. At least give it a chance,though, before rushing to judgment.
Give It the Full Time
Most companies ask customers to spend a specific number of nights sleeping on a new mattress before initiating a return or exchange. These brands know that many people require an adjustment period for a new bed. If they say to sleep on it for 30 nights before asking for a return, then why not give it a go? If you’re concerned about being locked into four or more weeks of sleeplessness, look for a company that doesn’t have this requirement.
Why Do You Need to Break in Your Mattress?
Think of it this way: you’re used to your old mattress. The saggy indents, the worn-out springs, and the frayed materials are all familiar to you. When you lie down on a new, stiff surface, it’s bound to take some time to adjust to it.
Your body may have been compensating and may not be used to what it feels like to be in proper alignment. Or, the mattress may be particularly firm for the first month or two.
Expect the first few nights or weeks on your new bed to feel different. Some people are cozy the first night, while others may struggle for a month or longer. The good news is that most trial periods among trusted mattress brands are at least 90 to 100 nights, so you’ve got plenty of time to decide if it’s up to snuff.
How Long Does It Take to Break In Each Mattress Type?
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are typically broken in relatively quickly. The springs are naturally designed to adjust to your weight, and the pillow top section above them isn’t overly thick or firm. You may be comfortable your first night, though it could take up to four weeks.
One thing to keep in mind with these beds is that the springs can degrade more quickly than high-density memory foam. Because of this, remember to rotate your mattress from head to foot every three to six months.
Latex
There’s some variation in the break-in time periods for latex. It may depend on whether the latex is natural or synthetic and whether the product is pure latex or a hybrid.
Generally speaking, there is a fair amount of air in these beds, causing them to be broken in more quickly. With this in mind, your latex mattress should be fully broken-in within two to 14 days.
Memory Foam
Low-density memory foam often feels like a comfortable cloud the first night, but it could leave you feeling like you’re sinking into a hole a few months later.
Higher-density models may take longer to break in, but they should last you a lot longer. The higher the density, the longer the break-in period of the memory foam bed. It could take up to 60 days.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are often really durable, and the combination of coils and foam can provide s a very comfortable sleep space. However, these can take their time when it comes to breaking in. This can typically look like 45 days, or a month and a half.
What if My Mattress Never Breaks In?
Wait
It’s a good idea to at least wait the minimum amount of time required by the manufacturer. After that, if your new mattress is still not a match, then contact the company for a return or exchange.
Exchange
Most companies offer more than one model. Check and see if you can exchange what you have for something softer or firmer. After all, they’d probably rather deal with the expense of supplying you with a different bed than lose you as a customer altogether.
Return
If there’s no other available or suitable model from the manufacturer or retailer, then you may have to return your bed and start the shopping process over again. Make sure that you’ve got your receipt to initiate a return.
Also, during your trial period, take extra care not to stain, soil, or damage the mattress. While most companies will donate your returned item rather than resell it, they might reject your claim if you’ve damaged the product.
Get More Info: How To Return a Mattress
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to make a firm mattress soft?
The fastest way to soften up a firm mattress is to spend as much time on it as possible. So, in addition to sleeping on it, sit or lie on the bed while you’re watching television, reading, working, etc. If you can’t spend that much time on it, pile it with books when you’re not at home.
Find Out More: How to Make Mattress Softer
Is it effective to walk on it?
Yes, walking on a new mattress can help break it in, especially with memory foam and latex models. For innerspring or spring hybrids, crawl around on your hands and knees instead of your feet to distribute the weight more evenly and prevent excess concentrated pressure on the springs.
How can I tell if my mattress is too firm?
If you wake up feeling numbness or pain in your shoulders, arms, or hips, your mattress may be too firm. Conversely, if your biggest complaint is low back pain, that’s a sign that the bed is too soft.
Is it normal for a new mattress to cause back pain?
While you might feel discomfort associated with a new mattress, if you are experiencing back pain every morning, there’s probably another explanation. You might have purchased a firmness level that’s not compatible with your weight or sleeping position.
Another explanation is that the back pain could be caused by your lifestyle or another back-related issue. Take a look at how much time you spend sitting or slouching or whether you engage in high-impact athletic activities. Any number of these factors could be responsible for your back pain.
Learn More: Is Your Mattress Causing You Back Pain?
Final Word of Advice
You shouldn’t have to compromise when it comes to comfort. Before committing to your purchase, make sure you do your research. Here are some helpful hints that can help you out before hitting the purchase button:
- Read customer reviews. Pay particular attention to those that mention situations similar to yours (low back pain or having arthritis, for example).
- Review the return/exchange policy. Are you required to sleep on the mattress for a certain number of nights? Does the company give you ample time to make a final decision?Find out if the company has an exchange policy. They may allow you to switch your bed out for a firmer or softer model.
- Check to see if there’s a local showroom. Showrooms may not always provide a real-life experience, but they can let you try before you buy.
- Find out if the company offers any accessories. Some manufacturers provide “comfort kits” that can make your mattress softer or firmer, depending on your preferences.
Still bed shopping? Explore our picks for the best mattresses of 2024.
The Advisor Says
Give your new mattress some time to win you over. If you can wait 30 days, this should generally be long enough to see if it’s going to be a good match for you.
Olivera Jancikin
Content Writer
About Author
Olivera is a content writer for Sleep Advisor and is enthusiastic about sleep. She firmly believes in the benefits of daytime naps on top of getting a full 8-hour sleep at night.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach