At City Mattress, we know that investing in a new mattress is a big decision—one that's all about getting better sleep, night after night. But just like a new pair of shoes needs a little time to feel just right, your brand-new mattress also needs a short break-in period. But don’t worry—this is entirely normal and a crucial step toward experiencing the full comfort and support your mattress was designed to provide.
Let’s walk through what you can expect during the break-in period, why it happens, and how you can help speed up the process.
Why Does a Mattress Need a Break-In Period?
When you first lie down on your new mattress, it may feel firmer or different than what you experienced in the store. That’s because showroom models have been softened up over time by hundreds of shoppers testing them. Your mattress, on the other hand, is fresh from the factory—its materials, from memory foam and latex to innersprings and pillow tops, are brand-new and need time to adapt to your body’s unique contours and sleeping habits.
Additionally, your body needs time to adjust, too. If you've been sleeping on an older mattress, switching to a new sleep surface and different level of support may initially feel unfamiliar. Giving yourself time to adjust can help you better evaluate the comfort of your new mattress.
Compressed Mattresses Need Time to Expand
If your mattress arrived compressed as a bed in a box, it may need 24 to 72 hours to fully expand and reach its intended shape and feel. During this time, you may notice the mattress looking slightly smaller or feeling firmer than expected. Let it breathe and recover naturally before assessing its true comfort level.
How Long Is the Break-In Period?
Typically, the break-in period for a new mattress lasts about 30 to 90 days. The exact timeline can vary depending on:
- Mattress type (memory foam may take longer than innerspring)
- Materials and construction
- Your body weight and sleeping position
At City Mattress, we encourage you to consistently sleep on your new mattress during this period to allow your body and the mattress to adjust properly.
Break-In Timeline by Mattress Type
Different types of mattresses can break in at different rates based on their materials and construction:
- Memory Foam and Latex Mattresses: These mattresses may take several weeks to settle into their expected feel. Memory foam and latex respond differently to body weight, temperature, and regular use, so their feel may change somewhat as you become accustomed to your new mattress.
- Innerspring and Hybrid Mattresses: These options may begin to feel more settled within the first few weeks. As you sleep on an innerspring mattress or hybrid mattress, the comfort layers can gradually settle with regular use.
No matter the type, using your mattress consistently gives you and your new sleep surface time to adjust.
What You Might Notice
During the break-in period, you might experience:
- A firmer feel than expected: A brand-new mattress may initially feel different from the showroom model you tried.
- Slight body impressions: As the mattress materials begin to settle with regular use, you may notice slight impressions where you sleep most often. Some settling can be a normal part of the adjustment process.
- A changing comfort experience: As both you and your mattress adjust, the overall feel may become more familiar and comfortable over time.
Tips to Help Break In Your New Mattress
Want to help your mattress settle in? Here are a few tips:
- Sleep on it every night. Consistent use gives you and your mattress time to adjust.
- Spend time on different areas of the mattress. Regular, normal use can help the comfort layers settle more evenly.
- Be patient. It can take time for a new mattress to feel familiar and for you to determine whether its comfort level is right for you.
City Mattress Expert Tip: We recommend sleeping on your new mattress for at least 30 nights before considering a return or exchange to ensure your body and the mattress have enough time to adapt.
Our Comfort Guarantee
At City Mattress, your satisfaction means everything to us. That's why we offer a 90-night comfort guarantee. If you’ve given your new mattress the proper time to adjust but still feel it’s not the right fit, we’ll work with you to find the perfect solution. Your best night's sleep is our ultimate goal.
Final Thoughts
Remember, giving your new mattress time to break in is part of adjusting to a new sleep setup. Be patient and give yourself enough time to experience how the mattress feels with regular use.
Have questions about your new mattress or need help finding the perfect one? Our experts at City Mattress are always here to help!