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Mattresses

Published February 21, 2022

7 min

How To Break In A New Mattress

Did you know that breaking in your brand new mattress can take up to thirty days before it feels right? For our generation that can feel like an eternity, especially as we are always after that instan
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Table of contents
The Length of the Break-In Period for a New MattressStep-By-Step Guide on How to Break In a New MattressBreak-In Time Periods for Different Mattress TypesFinal Words On Breaking In A New Mattress
Did you know that breaking in your brand new mattress can take up to thirty days before it feels right? For our generation that can feel like an eternity, especially as we are always after that instant gratification. But, if you come to think about it, 30 days is nothing compared to the time you will have to own and use this mattress, at least seven years. In this guide, you’ll learn how to break in a new mattress and why it is important to do so. Now that you have finally decided to get rid of the old mattress and get a new cooling hybridor memory foam mattress , things will never ever be the same again. For a new mattress, breaking in for a period of time is required to ensure you have maximum comfort. Breaking in your brand new mattress is easy if done correctly. Bear in mind that the entire process may entail a good deal of time and patience.Straight from the store, a new mattress is stiff and very firm. It has not been used, and it has been kept in storage for a period of time. While it was in inventory, the mattress itself has not been exposed to air due to its factory wrapping. Breaking in a mattress makes the bed softer and more comfortable for sleeping.Even a high-quality mattress needs a breaking in period. It is vital that it goes through the whole break-in process. A brand new mattress will often have hard sections that will require some time before your body gets accustomed to them. Because of this, you will need some time before you are comfortable in it, especially when considering your body shape and your sleeping position .

The Length of the Break-In Period for a New Mattress

Breaking in a new mattress isn’t just about softening the materials—it’s also about allowing your body the necessary time to adjust to the new sleeping surface. This period, typically lasting around 30 days, plays an important role in determining whether your new mattress truly meets your needs in terms of comfort and support.When transitioning from an old mattress, your muscles, joints, and spine may need time to adapt to the different firmness, pressure relief, and alignment provided by the new one. Initially, the mattress may feel either too firm or unfamiliar, leading to temporary discomfort. However, as your body adjusts, you’ll begin to notice whether it effectively supports your preferred sleeping position and overall comfort needs.Similarly, the mattress itself requires time to break in. Just like a new pair of shoes, the materials—whether foam, springs, or hybrids—soften and conform to your body over time. Sleeping on it consistently throughout the break-in period helps the mattress reach its intended comfort level.Additionally, the adjustment period provides an opportunity for a more accurate assessment of the mattress. Sleep conditions vary due to factors such as changing sleep positions, fluctuating body temperature, and daily stress levels. Testing the mattress for a full month ensures that you experience it under different conditions, allowing you to make a more informed decision about its suitability.Beyond physical comfort, there’s also a psychological component to consider. Many people develop habits and expectations around their old mattress, and the transition to a new one can take time. The 30-day period helps with this mental adjustment, allowing you to get used to your new sleeping environment.Finally, most mattress retailers offer a 30-day trial period as part of their satisfaction guarantee. This allows customers to return or exchange the mattress if it doesn’t meet their expectations after a full month of use. Additionally, certain physical benefits—such as reduced back pain, improved sleep quality, and less tossing and turning—may take weeks to become noticeable.

Step-By-Step Guide on How to Break In a New Mattress

Here are some tips you can follow to help shorten and expedite the entire break-in process.

1. Enable Some Breathing Time

After the delivery of the mattress, it can feel very stuffed due to the way it was packaged. Many are vacuum sealed. Immediately open and place it in an area in your room and then let it expand for a few hours. During this time, freed from its packaging and plastic wrapping, it freely absorbs air. This can help get the break-in process started faster.

2. Sleep On It Often

It is perfectly understandable that you are not used to your brand new mattress; however, it will help if you put some effort into it by sleeping every single night. Over time, your mattress will become softer, flexible, and more comfortable to your liking.

3. Keep The Room Warm

Make sure your room is warm to facilitate the quick break-in of your mattress, especially with memory foam mattresses. Keeping the room warm helps soften the mattress, making it more comfortable to sleep on.

4. Consider Your Sleeping Style

Depending on your sleeping style, the mattress will feel the pressure if you sleep more on one side, but the other side of it will be very firm. It is strongly suggested that you rotate or move around at least every 2-3 days. This will aid in distributing your body weight around the areas of the mattress that are very high density. At the end of the break-in process, the mattress will feel softer and more comfortable for sleeping.

5. Use A Mattress Topper

You can use a mattress topper to facilitate the break in of the mattress faster. This is the spread you will have to place on your mattress as you sleep. When the break in time is done, you can remove the topper. Here’s what you need to know while shopping for a memory foam mattress topper.

Break-In Time Periods for Different Mattress Types

The time it takes to break in a mattress depends on its make, design, and material. Here are some important factors to consider:

Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses are made from synthetic or natural, blended materials. It comes with an elastic texture and feel. A latex mattress can break in faster than the other types as the air can remain in the synthetic foam, and the whole break-in process may take only a few weeks. Check out Awara’s latex hybrid mattress.

Memory Foam Mattress

Breaking in a memory foam mattress takes time, as this type of mattress is very high-density. It can take as long as 60 days to fully break in. As mentioned above, you can warm up the room to speed up the process, as memory foam layers become firmer when the room temperature drops.

Conventional Innerspring Mattress

The whole break in time for this kind of mattress is often short, as it is usually offered with a pillow top cushion. The typical break-in period takes approximately four weeks for this kind of mattress. Remember to flip your spring mattress every three months or so.

Final Words On Breaking In A New Mattress

A break-in period is intended to make your new mattress feel comfortable and easy to sleep on. Over time, with patience, the firmness should gradually soften, and you will eventually enjoy the comfort of your mattress as you had envisionedIt is important to check with the mattress retailer regarding the make, material, and overall design of your mattress to determine the most suitable break-in process. You can find all the information you need online or in mattress stores near you. Even with these tips, you may not always achieve the desired results in breaking in your mattress. If, after the break-in period, your mattress still does not feel comfortable, it may mean that the mattress quality and material are not what you expected or needed, or that you require a different firmness level.Before purchasing a mattress, check to see if you can test it for a few months. Many retailers offer sleep trials. Keep searching! Happy mattress hunting, and good luck breaking it in!