How to Transition to a New Mattress: Tips and Tricks

You’ve finally invested in that dream mattress, the one promising blissful nights of uninterrupted sleep and waking up feeling rejuvenated. But as you eagerly await that first night of slumber, you might find yourself wondering: how do you break in a mattress? How long does it take to adjust to a new mattress? We've got you covered with all the answers and some handy tips to make the transition smoother than ever.

How Long Should You Wait Before Sleeping on a New Mattress?

It's tempting to dive right into the comfort of your new mattress but giving it some time to decompress and air out is crucial. Most mattresses require 24 to 48 hours to fully expand and air out any odors from packaging. Check the manufacturer's guidelines for specific recommendations regarding your mattress type.

How Do You Break In a Mattress?

Breaking in a mattress involves more than just sleeping on it. Here are some tips to help expedite the process and ensure optimal comfort:

Rotate Regularly: Rotate your mattress regularly during the break-in period. This helps distribute wear evenly and prevents sagging in specific areas. 

Increase Room Temperature: If your new mattress feels a bit too firm, try increasing the temperature in your room. This will help the mattress materials to soften up a bit.

Apply Gentle Weight: You can also help to break in your new mattress by applying pressure or weight to it. Spend some time reading or watching TV in bed, or even walk or crawl around on the mattress for a few minutes.

Light Jumps and Play: For a more playful approach, consider spending a few minutes gently jumping or bouncing on the mattress. This can help settle the filling materials and encourage them to conform to your body shape. Remember to keep it light!

Massage and Flex: Spend a few minutes each day massaging and flexing your mattress to help loosen up the materials and promote even wear.

How Long Does It Take to Break In a Mattress?

Breaking in a mattress typically takes around 30 days of regular use. During this time, you'll notice the mattress becoming more comfortable as it conforms to your body's shape and sleeping habits. During the break-in period, the mattress undergoes a fascinating transformation as it adapts to your body and sleep habits. Here's a closer look at what's happening:

Material Adjustment: The materials within the mattress, whether it's memory foam, innerspring coils, or a hybrid combination, start to settle and conform to your body's shape. Initially, these materials may feel firm or rigid, but over time, they become more pliable and responsive to your movements.

Compression and Decompression: As you lie on the mattress night after night, it experiences compression in the areas where your body weight is concentrated. This compression gradually leads to a redistribution of the materials, allowing them to conform more closely to your body contours. During the day, when the mattress is not in use, it decompresses slightly, allowing it to regain its original shape and readiness for the next night's sleep.
 
Support Enhancement: The break-in period also involves a refinement of the mattress's support system. Initially, the mattress may feel firmer than expected as it adjusts to your body's weight distribution and sleeping positions. However, with regular use, the support system becomes more attuned to your body's needs, offering tailored support where it's needed most.
 
Temperature Regulation: Some mattresses may also experience changes in temperature regulation during the break-in period. As you sleep, the mattress absorbs your body heat, gradually adjusting its temperature to match your comfort preferences. This helps create an optimal sleep environment, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable throughout the night.

Odor Dissipation: For mattresses made with certain materials, such as memory foam or latex, there may be a period of off-gassing during the break-in period. This is the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) trapped within the mattress from the manufacturing process. With regular use and proper ventilation, these odors dissipate over time, resulting in a fresher and more comfortable sleeping environment.

How Long to Adjust to a New Mattress?

Transitioning to a new mattress requires patience and dedication as your body adjusts to the new sleeping surface. It may take anywhere from a few days to a month for your body to fully adapt to the feel and support of the mattress. By giving yourself and your mattress the necessary time to sync up, you'll soon experience the full benefits of a restful night's sleep. So, remember to listen to your body's cues and allow it the time it needs to find comfort on your new sleep sanctuary.

Ready to embark on this journey to better sleep? Explore our range of mattresses at Sit 'n Sleep today and discover the perfect fit for your unique sleep needs!