If you’ve recently purchased a new mattress, you may wonder how long it will take to break it in for optimal comfort and support. Breaking in a new mattress is important to ensure you get the maximum lifespan from your investment. When you first purchase a new mattress, it may feel firmer than you expected. However, with time and use, the mattress will begin to conform to your body shape, providing a more comfortable sleep surface.
Many factors can affect how long it takes to break in a new mattress, including its construction, materials and your body weight and sleeping habits. Generally, it takes around 30 to 90 days for a new mattress to break in fully. However, some mattresses may take longer, and others may feel comfortable from the very first night. We’ll provide you with the inside scoop on the factors that affect how long it takes to break in your mattress and offer tips on speeding up the process. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your new mattress will provide you with the ultimate sleep experience as quickly as possible.
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Factors Affecting How Long It Takes to Break in a Mattress
1. Mattress Type and Material
Different mattress types and materials have unique properties that affect how quickly the mattress will break in. For instance, foam mattresses tend to be more responsive to body heat and weight but still may take up to 60 days to break in, while break-in time for innerspring mattresses is closer to 30 days. For natural materials like latex, breaking in a mattress can take longer due to their density. This is regardless of your bed frame type, whether you're using adjustable beds or traditional boxsprings.
2. Mattress Firmness
The firmness level of a mattress will also play an important role in how long it takes to break in. Generally, firmer mattresses take longer to break in compared to softer mattresses, as more time is needed for the mattress material to conform to your body shape.
3. Size and Weight of the Sleeper
The size and weight of the person sleeping on the mattress can also influence the break-in period. Heavier individuals may break in a mattress more quickly, while lighter individuals may take longer to do so. In addition, couples with different weights or sizes may experience different levels of comfort or support during the break-in period.
4. Frequency of Use
This may sound like a silly one, but it’s worth noting. The frequency of use plays a significant role in breaking in a mattress. To speed up the process, it’s important to consistently sleep on the mattress during the break-in period. This will help the mattress conform more quickly to your body shape and provide you with better comfort and support. If you’re a solo sleeper with a queen bed mattress or larger, you should also ensure you evenly distribute your weight across the entire mattress surface and switch up your sleep location. Otherwise, some areas will be broken in more quickly than others.
5. Use of Mattress Toppers and Pads
Another factor that can influence a mattress’s break-in period is the use of mattress toppers and pads. These additional layers of cushioning and support can make a bed feel more comfortable or protect a mattress, but they also impact break-in periods. While they may help soften up your bed, they also add an extra layer that needs time to adjust. So, if you’re using a mattress topper or pad, it could take longer for your mattress to break in fully.
Tips for Breaking in a Mattress More Quickly
1. Use Your Mattress Regularly
One of the most effective ways to break in your mattress more quickly is simply to use it regularly. As you sleep on your new mattress, your body weight and movement will cause the materials to conform to your shape. Try to use your new mattress every night, allowing it to adjust to your body and sleep habits.
2. Rotate Your Mattress
Rotating your mattress regularly can also speed up the breaking-in process. Try rotating your mattress 180 degrees every two weeks for the first few months. This will help distribute your weight more evenly and allow the materials in the mattress to break in more quickly.
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3. Increase Heat and Humidity
If your room temperature or humidity level is low, consider increasing both to help speed up the breaking-in process. To increase humidity levels, you can use a humidifier in your bedroom. To raise temperatures, consider using extra blankets or increasing the thermostat. However, make sure the changes are not too extreme, as they can damage the mattress.
Mattress Maintenance and Lifespan
Proper maintenance is key to extending your mattress’s lifespan and ensuring optimal comfort once your mattress has been broken in. Regular cleaning, rotating, flipping and addressing spills or stains are all important steps in maintaining a healthy mattress.
One of the best ways to clean a mattress is with steam cleaning. Using high-temperature steam can effectively remove dust mites, dirt particles, bacteria and other allergens from the surface of your mattress without using harsh chemicals. It’s an effective way to keep your bed fresh and protect it from premature wear and tear. So when is a good time to steam clean a mattress? You should aim to steam clean your mattress at least twice a year or as needed. Before and after the change of seasons is a great time for cleaning and freshening up your bed for optimal comfort. With regular care and maintenance, as well as occasional deep cleaning with steam cleaning, you can ensure that your mattress stays comfortable for years to come!
Unlock the Ultimate Sleep Experience on Your New Mattress
With these insights and tips, you can speed up the process of breaking in your new mattress, ensuring a comfortable and supportive sleep experience sooner than you thought possible. Remember to maintain and care for your mattress, including regular steam cleaning, to enjoy blissful slumber for years to come. Sleep tight!