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, sagging mattress, your posture and pressure points have likely adapted to that worn-out surface. Switching to proper support might initially feel unfamiliar, but trust us, it's a change for the better!
Compressed Mattresses Need Time to Expand
If your mattress arrived compressed as a bed in a box, it would first need 24 to 72 hours to fully expand and reach its intended shape and firmness. During this time, you may notice the mattress looking slightly smaller or feeling firmer than expected—again, don’t worry! 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 break-in at different rates based on their materials and construction:
- Memory Foam and Latex Mattresses: These mattresses typically take 2 to 4 weeks to fully break in. Memory foam and latex are temperature-sensitive materials that soften as they respond to your body heat and weight. Over time, you’ll notice them conforming more closely to your body's unique contours.
- Innerspring and Hybrid Mattresses: These options usually break in faster, often within 1 to 2 weeks. As you sleep on an innerspring or hybrid mattress, the coils and comfort layers start to loosen slightly, providing a more balanced blend of support and cushioning.
No matter the type, using your mattress consistently will help speed up this process.
What You Might Notice
During the break-in period, you might experience:
- A firmer feel than expected: This is especially true for memory foam and latex mattresses.
- Slight body impressions: As the mattress materials begin to conform to your body, you may notice slight indentations where you sleep most often—this is a normal part of the adjustment.
- Better spinal alignment and pressure relief over time: As your body adjusts to the improved support, you should start noticing better sleep quality and less discomfort.
Tips to Help Break In Your New Mattress
Want to help your mattress settle in faster? Here are a few tips:
- Sleep on it every night. Consistent use helps the materials adapt more quickly.
- Gently walk or crawl on it. Spending extra time lying or lightly pressing different areas can help soften the mattress more evenly.
- Be patient. Great things—like amazing sleep—are worth the wait!
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 the journey toward better sleep. Trust the process, be patient, and soon, you'll wonder how you slept without it.
Have questions about your new mattress or need help finding the perfect one? Our experts at City Mattress are always here to help!
