How Long Does It Take to Get Used to a New Mattress?

You just got rid of your old, uncomfortable mattress, and you’re ready to get some better sleep on a new one. 

But instead, you keep tossing and turning and wondering – did you buy a mattress that’s too firm? 

The likely answer is – no. Most mattresses need some time to break-in. 

Here’s how long it will take and what you can do to speed it up. 

How Long Will It Take to Break in a New Mattress?

If you want ultimate comfort, you’ll have to give your new mattress (and body) some time to adjust!

Typically, it takes about 30 to 90 days to adjust to a new bed, depending on factors like mattress type and your sleep habits.

It can take longer to break-in a new, high-quality bed, but it will also give you more long-term comfort. 

Be patient and give your new mattress the time it needs to reach its full potential. 

This is why a lengthy sleep trial is a must! When shopping for a mattress, get a good sleep trial that’ll let you return or exchange the bed after you break it in and realize it’s not for you. 

Mattress Types – How Long Does It Take to Break Them In?

As mentioned before, different mattress types have different break-in periods. It mainly depends on the material and its quality. Now, let’s address the break in time for different mattress types. 

Innerspring Mattresses

For most people, innerspring mattresses provide instant comfort. They quickly adjust to your body weight, so you should sleep peacefully from day one. 

But that’s only the case for some. It can take up to 30 days for innerspring mattresses to break in thoroughly. 

Remember to rotate your innerspring mattress every three to six months to ensure even wear and avoid sinking over time! 

Foam Mattresses

Foam mattresses, particularly memory foam mattresses, may have a longer break-in period. 

Just be patient; it could take up to 60 days for the memory foam to mold perfectly to your contours and provide the ultimate coziness. 

Low-density memory foam can feel like a cloud on the first night, but it may lose its supportiveness after a few months. On the other hand, breaking in a new high-density memory foam may take longer, but it’ll last longer in the long run. 

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are quick to adjust! 

Typically, these mattresses take about two to 14 days to adapt to your body entirely. The time may vary depending on whether it’s made from synthetic or natural latex and if the mattress is 100% latex or a hybrid. 

The air in a latex mattress allows for a quicker break-in process, creating a comfortable sleeping experience from the get-go. 

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine various mattress types, and their breaking-in time can differ based on their specific composition. 

But fear not! Hybrid spring mattresses tend to break in faster compared to other models. If you’re curious about the specific timeline for your hybrid mattress, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer for some expert advice.

Breaking in a Mattress – Tips and Tricks

The good news is that you can speed up the process! Here are some tips for breaking-in your new mattress.

Let The Mattress Breathe & Give It Some Time

Breaking in a mattress takes patience. So here’s the scoop: Give it some time! It may take around 30 to 90 days for your new bed to truly feel comfortable, and it can take some time to adjust your body. 

Quality matters, too, since more durable materials can have a longer breaking-in period. To speed things up, let your mattress breathe by allowing it to fully expand, especially if it was compressed during shipping. 

Remember that higher-density models tend to have a longer break-in time. And keep in mind that you need to give your bed some time to air out and breathe! 

Add Pressure

If you’re eager to speed up the process of breaking in a new bed, try rolling back and forth, using a rolling pin, or walking and crawling around on it. 

For latex or memory foam mattresses, walk or crawl to help soften and conform the materials, while for spring mattresses, crawling is recommended to protect the springs.

Want to accelerate the process even further? Lightly place boxes or small furniture on top of your new mattress to help break in the mattress materials. 

But remember, gentle pressure is crucial. So, no jumping! Jumping can damage the mattress. 

Keep Your Bedroom Warm

If you want to soften your new memory foam mattress, here’s a tip: Turn up the heat! Memory foam is temperature-sensitive and becomes softer and more malleable when heated. It also reacts to body heat!

Set your bedroom temperature higher to help the material conform to your body shape. However, remember that higher temperatures can affect your sleep quality, depending on how you handle the heat. 

It works best if your room is initially colder and you plan on warming it up. Aim for a comfortable sleep temperature without making your room unbearably hot! 

You can also use a heated blanket or place a bottle filled with warm water under the mattress a few hours before bed. 

Use the Right Bed Base

If you want comfort, your new mattress and bed foundation must be compatible! The proper mattress support can also help you break it in. 

Box springs work well with traditional spring mattresses, while platform-style bases are suitable for hybrid and memory foam beds. 

Please take a moment to inspect your foundation and ensure it is not broken, sagging, or worn out. If so, consider investing in a new one to provide proper support. Using the correct foundation and bed frame will prevent discomfort, maintain mattress support, and extend its lifespan.

Stay Consistent

And most importantly – use the mattress consistently! If you don’t, the material will never break in. 

Refrain from returning to your old mattress or finding alternative sleeping spots during the first month or two. Consistently sleeping on your new bed is critical to speeding up the break-in process and allowing your body to adjust.

Try watching TV or reading on your new bed instead of anywhere else. And if you’re uncomfortable, invest in a mattress topper. 

Why Do You Need to Break in Your Mattress?

Getting a new mattress is exciting, but giving it some time to break in and reach peak comfort is essential. Mattresses, like a new pair of shoes or baseball gloves, need an adjustment period.

Your old, worn out mattress had a unique shape and worn-out springs, so a new, firmer surface will feel different. Don’t worry if the first few nights feel weird. 

Remember that this process is different for everyone. You need to give it some time and some pressure. 

What if It Never Breaks In?

But what if your mattress never breaks in? What if it doesn’t get softer? Are you stuck with a firm mattress forever? Here’s what you can do if this happens. 

How Long Should You Wait?

It takes about 20 to 30 nights to break in a bed completely. But how long exactly it takes to break in a mattress depends on factors like mattress materials, how much you use it, and even your sleeping position. 

Your safest bet is to contact the manufacturer and follow their instructions. Please wait at least the recommended minimum amount for the break in period to end before you do anything else. 

Sleep Trial

Most mattress companies offer a sleep trial period – a certain period you can use to test a bed and then return it free of charge. 

If the sleep trial period for your bed is still up, you can contact the seller and return it or exchange it. The length of the sleep trial and other rules for exchanges and returns depend on the seller, so do your research beforehand! 

Make Your Mattress More Comfortable

If you can’t return a mattress, you can make it more comfortable. One of the ways to do it is by investing in a mattress topper. 

Mattress toppers are made of a couple of inches of thick material. They make your mattress softer or firmer, more contouring, or relieve pressure. In other words, they make your mattress more comfortable. 

Get a New Mattress

And if all else fails and you just got the wrong mattress and can’t make it more comfortable, you should just get a new mattress. 

Choose a new mattress that will suit you and your body. You need to choose the right mattress because you’ll spend a fair amount on it – about one third of your life! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Make My Mattress Softer?

Try a cozy mattress topper made of memory foam or plush latex for instant comfort on your firmer mattress. You can also opt for a thicker mattress pad for a softer feel. 

If your mattress is too firm, other options to make it softer include using the right foundation, warming your room, and flipping or rotating your mattress regularly. 

Do you want to know more about how to make your mattress softer? Check out our guide!

Does a New Mattress Cause Back Pain?

Don’t worry; a new mattress shouldn’t be the culprit for back pain. While it’s possible to feel temporary discomfort as your body adjusts, a good mattress should provide proper support and help alleviate back pain in the long run. 

If you’re still experiencing any lingering discomfort, chatting with a healthcare professional for advice is always a good idea. 

Is My Mattress Too Firm?

If you’re wondering if your mattress is too firm, watch for a couple of clues. 

Waking up feeling achy or experiencing uncomfortable pressure points could be signs of excess firmness. If you’re tossing and turning all night and have similar sleep issues, your mattress might need more softness. 

Remember, your mattress should give you both support and cozy comfort. Trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to explore options like mattress toppers to find that perfect balance. 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, getting used to a new mattress is a unique experience for everyone, but you’ll find the comfort you need with patience. 

Remember, it can take 30 to 90 days for your body to fully adjust to the new sleeping surface. 

Try all these tips to speed up the break-in process: sleep on it consistently, give it time, check your bed base, and raise the room temperature. 

Take your time and sleep tight!