What to Expect - New Mattress Break-In Period

Congratulations on your new mattress from City Mattress! Here's what to expect next.

So, your brand-new mattress from City Mattress has just arrived—exciting times ahead for your sleep quality! Whether you’ve upgraded to a luxurious memory foam bed, a supportive hybrid, or a classic innerspring, you’re probably eager to dive right in and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. But before you do, it’s helpful to know that a new mattress often comes with a short break-in period. Don’t worry—this is totally normal and part of the process of allowing both the mattress and your body to adjust.

Here’s everything you need to know about the break-in period, how long it typically lasts, and some tips to help you settle into sleep bliss as quickly and comfortably as possible.

What is the Mattress Break-In Period?

Just like a new pair of shoes or a leather couch, mattresses need time to soften and conform to your body. When your mattress first arrives, it might feel firmer or different than you expected. This is because:

Materials need to relax: Memory foam, latex, and even springs often feel firmer right out of the box. With use, they gradually soften and contour to your shape.
Compressed mattresses need time to expand: If your mattress arrived compressed in a box, it can take 24–72 hours to fully expand and reach its intended shape and firmness.
Your body needs to adjust: If you’ve switched from an older mattress, your body will need time to get used to the new support system. This adjustment period is completely normal, especially if you’ve been sleeping on a sagging or unsupportive surface for a while.
A slight scent is normal: When you unbox your mattress, you may notice a faint, “new mattress” smell. This is common with foam and hybrid mattresses due to the materials used. It’s harmless and should dissipate within a few days. To speed this up, keep the room well-ventilated.
It won’t feel like the showroom model—yet: When you first sleep on your new mattress, it may feel firmer or less plush than the one you tried in the showroom. That’s because the display model has already been broken in by dozens of people lying on it. Over time, your mattress will soften and contour similarly.

How Long Will It Take to Break In?

The break-in period varies depending on the mattress type and the individual, but generally:

Memory foam and latex mattresses: Typically take 2 to 4 weeks to fully break in. These materials soften over time as they respond to your body heat and weight.
Innerspring and hybrid mattresses: Often break in a bit faster, usually within 1 to 2 weeks, as the coils and foam layers loosen up.
Body adjustment period: Even if the mattress itself breaks in quickly, it can take your body up to 30 days to fully adjust to a new level of support and comfort.

✅ Pro Tip: City Mattress recommends sleeping on your new mattress for at least 30 nights before considering a return or exchange. This gives both your body and the mattress time to adapt.

What About Body Impressions?

As your mattress breaks in, you might notice slight body impressions where you sleep. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.

Why it happens: High-quality foam and pillow-top materials naturally settle and contour to your shape over time.
What’s normal: Shallow impressions (up to 1 to 1.5 inches) are expected and indicate that the mattress is adapting to your body.
What’s not normal: Deep sagging or uneven support could be a sign of a defect. Check your warranty if you notice impressions deeper than the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Tips for Speeding Up the Break-In Process

If you’re eager to get to that cloud-like comfort faster, here are some easy ways to help your mattress settle in:

Give it some air: If your mattress was compressed, allow it to expand in a well-ventilated room. This also helps dissipate any new mattress smell.
Spend time on it: The more time you spend on your mattress, the quicker it will break in. Sit, lay, and roll around on it during the day to help loosen the materials.
Use your body heat: Memory foam softens with warmth. Sleeping on the mattress nightly will help the foam contour and adapt more quickly.
Be patient: Even if it feels a little too firm at first, give your body time to adjust. A new, supportive mattress often feels firmer than your old, worn-out one.

Protect Your Investment with a Waterproof Mattress Protector

To keep your mattress in pristine condition, we highly recommend investing in a waterproof mattress protector. Here’s why it’s a smart addition:

Keeps your mattress clean: Protects against spills, sweat, and other accidents that can lead to stains or odors.
Preserves your warranty: Most mattress warranties require your mattress to be free of stains and damage. Using a mattress protector ensures you meet this condition, safeguarding your warranty coverage.
Improves hygiene: A protector helps prevent dust mites, allergens, and bacteria from building up, keeping your sleeping surface fresh and clean.
Extends mattress lifespan: By reducing wear and tear, a protector helps your mattress maintain its comfort and support for longer.

✅ Pro Tip: Choose a breathable, waterproof protector to maintain mattress comfort without trapping heat.

How Do You Know It’s Fully Broken In?

You’ll know your mattress has fully broken in when:

The surface feels more comfortable and consistent.
You wake up without aches or stiffness (or with noticeably less).
You’re sleeping soundly without tossing and turning.
The mattress feels less firm than it did on day one but still offers support.

Final Thoughts: Better Sleep Is on the Way

Breaking in a new mattress takes a little time and patience, but it’s worth it. Stick with it, follow the tips above, and soon enough, your new mattress from City Mattress will feel like it was made just for you. Sweet dreams!