Have you just purchased a new mattress and your finding out that it’s just not as comfortable as it was in the showroom? You probably need to give your new bed the time it needs to break in properly and conform to your body. Here’s how to break in that new mattress so that you start getting the better sleep that you wished for when you originally purchased that new bed.
Why Does Your New Mattress Need Breaking In?
Once your new mattress is in your bedroom, you might notice that it feels a bit different from what you remember. No need to worry! It’s completely normal for the mattress to seem firmer than when you saw it in the store. The mattresses in the store have had time to adjust. With a little time and moving around on it, your mattress will become just as comfortable as you were hoping for.
How Long Will It Take the Mattress to Break In?
Breaking in a new bed takes time. It might not feel perfect immediately, but with time, it will become more comfortable as the materials adjust to your body’s contours. This process usually takes two or three weeks.
Generally speaking, our bodies need time to adjust to anything new, whether it’s new clothing, a new car, or a new bed. Anything that is designed for comfort is done so with a large number of people in mind usually. Considering that you’ll spend, on average, a third of your life in bed, it makes sense that adjusting to a new mattress can take a little time.
Can I Do Anything to Speed Up The Break-In Period?
Yes! Here are a few tips to help speed up the process of breaking in your new mattress. Try these:
- Allow for Expansion: Many mattresses, especially foam and hybrid mattresses, need time to expand fully after being removed from their packaging. Give your bed 24-48 hours to reach its full size before using it.
- Rotate or Flip: If your mattress is double-sided or flippable, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on when and how to rotate or flip it. This helps distribute the wear and tear more evenly across the sleep surface, ensuring it wears in more evenly.
- Use a Mattress Protector: Consider using a mattress protector to prevent spills, stains, and other damage. A good mattress protector can help extend the life of your bed and keep it in better condition as it breaks in.
- Be Patient: Getting a mattress comfortable takes a while. It might not feel just right immediately, but as time goes on, it should start feeling better as the materials get used to the shape of your body.
- Sleep on It Regularly: Use the bed regularly for sleeping, as this is the best way to break it in. Your body weight and movements will help to compress and soften the materials over time.
“Buying a new mattress can sometimes be a pain, literally. Research has shown that for every year you slept on your previous mattress, it can take two days or more for your body to adjust to your new mattress. Replacing a 10-year-old mattress can mean 20 days or more for your body to adjust and your new sleep surface to break in. Be patient and understand that if your body was not being supported properly before, the discomfort means your new mattress is doing what it needs to do, and you won’t be uncomfortable for long!”
— Kevin Aldred, Mattress Expert at Gardner White
Conclusion
Remember that personal preferences vary, and what feels comfortable to one person might not feel the same to another. If, after a reasonable amount of time, you find that the mattress is not providing the comfort and support you need, you might need to consider contacting the manufacturer or retailer to explore your options for exchanges or returns.
Need More Help?
You can contact one of Gardner White’s experts at (248) 481-2208, chat with one online, or visit one of our local Michigan stores.
