How to Break in a New Mattress?

You’ve made an exciting investment in a new mattress, but lying down for the first time might reveal that it feels firmer than you anticipated. If you’re having second thoughts or questioning whether you made the right choice, don’t worry! It’s completely normal for new mattresses to have a break-in period, and there are effective ways to help soften it up and enhance your comfort.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about breaking in a new mattress: the dos, the don’ts, and some practical tips to ease the process. Keep reading!

Why Do New Mattresses Feel So Firm?

If you’ve ever broken in a new pair of shoes, you’ll know that fresh materials need time to mold and adjust to you. Mattresses are similar, especially because the foam, coils, or hybrid layers need to adapt to your body’s unique shape and weight. When a mattress is new, it hasn’t yet had a chance to soften up in all the right places, so it can feel firmer than expected.

For most mattresses, this adjustment period can last anywhere from 30 to 90 days. But with the tips and tricks below, you can ease into this period more comfortably and help your mattress feel like home a lot sooner.

How Long Does It Take a New Mattress to Break In?

One of the first questions people have after buying a new mattress is: How long will it actually take to break in? While there isn’t an exact answer since everyone’s sleep habits, body weight, and preferences vary, we can offer some general guidelines based on mattress type.

Here’s a breakdown of how long you might expect each type of mattress to feel “just right,” along with what to expect during that period:

1. Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses are known for their contouring properties, meaning they take time to mold to your body’s unique shape. However, memory foam can feel quite firm out of the box, especially in colder temperatures.

• Typical Break-In Period: About 30–60 days, though it may soften up within a few weeks of consistent use.
• What to Expect: The first few nights might feel firmer than you anticipated. Body heat helps memory foam soften over time, so the more you sleep on it, the more comfortable it will get. If you live in a colder climate, consider slightly warming up your room to help accelerate the break-in process.

2. Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses, especially natural latex, are a bit more resilient and responsive compared to memory foam. They can feel bouncy initially, but they adapt to the body well with time. Because latex is a denser material, it often takes longer to feel fully broken in.

• Typical Break-In Period: Around 30–90 days, depending on the type of latex (natural or synthetic) and the mattress thickness.
• What to Expect: Latex mattresses often feel firm initially, though this should ease with regular use. Over time, the latex will start to adapt to your body’s shape, becoming more comfortable. Natural latex may take longer to adjust than synthetic latex.

3. Innerspring Mattress

Innerspring mattresses, with their coil-based support systems, often feel comfortable more quickly than foam or latex options. Since the springs provide a lot of the support, the materials around the springs (like the pillow top or foam layer) are what really need to soften up.

• Typical Break-In Period: Around 30 days for the top comfort layer to adjust, but the mattress may feel right within a week or two.
• What to Expect: Initially, the mattress may feel bouncier or firmer, depending on its design. However, because of the support from the springs, many people find innerspring mattresses comfortable with minimal break-in time. The upper layers may still need a month to adapt to your body’s pressure points.

4. Hybrid Mattress

A hybrid mattress combines the support of coils with layers of foam or latex, so they tend to fall somewhere between innerspring and foam mattresses in terms of break-in time. They’re designed for comfort and support, so they may feel a bit more adaptable initially, but the foam layers still need time to adjust.

• Typical Break-In Period: Roughly 30–60 days, though some users may find it comfortable within a few weeks.
• What to Expect: Hybrids are generally easier to adjust to compared to all-foam or all-latex mattresses, but the foam layers may still feel firmer initially. Expect the mattress to feel more “broken in” and comfortable as the foam layers adapt to your body shape and sleeping position.

5. Pillow-Top Mattress

Pillow-top mattresses have an extra layer of padding sewn on top of the mattress, often making them feel plush and cozy from day one. However, like any mattress, they still require a little breaking in to reach optimal comfort. The extra cushioning layer needs to adjust to your body’s weight and pressure points to provide the softness and support you expect.

• Typical Break-In Period: Usually about 20–30 days, although some pillow-tops feel comfortable within a week or two.
• What to Expect: Expect some initial firmness that will gradually soften as the pillow top settles. Since the comfort layer is already plush, you may find the break-in period is faster than with other mattress types.

The Dos of Breaking in Your Mattress

Here are the things you should be doing to make the break-in process smoother.

1. Do Sleep on It Consistently

This may sound obvious, but the best way to break in a mattress is to simply use it every night. The more time your body spends on the mattress, the more it will conform to your specific weight and shape. So, even if it doesn’t feel “just right” immediately, try not to skip a night. Think of it as a commitment: the more time you spend together, the better it’ll get!

2. Do Adjust the Temperature as Needed

Temperature can actually play a significant role in how comfortable your mattress feels. For instance, memory foam softens in warmer conditions. If your bedroom tends to be cold, the foam might feel firmer and take longer to break in. Try keeping your room a little warmer, especially during the first few weeks of breaking in the mattress. Over time, the foam will start to retain some of your body heat, making it naturally softer.

3. Do Rotate Your Mattress (If Advised)

Not all mattresses can be flipped, but many of them can be rotated. Rotating a mattress every couple of weeks during the break-in period helps distribute wear and tear evenly. If one side of your bed sees more action than the other (like if you always sleep on the left or right side), rotating will help prevent one side from softening too much, which can lead to sagging down the line.

To rotate, simply turn the mattress 180 degrees so that the head becomes the foot, and vice versa. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific recommendations—some brands may advise a monthly rotation, while others may only recommend it every few months.

4. Do Use a Mattress Topper for Extra Comfort

If your mattress feels too firm and you want immediate comfort without skipping the break-in process, adding a mattress topper is a great option.

Think of a topper as a temporary “softener” that won’t interfere with the natural breaking-in of your mattress underneath. It’ll give you some cushion while you wait for your new mattress to feel just right.

5. Do Allow at Least 30 Days Before Judging

New mattresses need time to adjust, so give it at least a month before deciding if it’s a too-firm or too-soft mattress. Thirty days might seem long, but this is especially important because some materials, like high-density memory foam or latex, can take a bit longer to adapt. Most mattress companies also have a trial period, which usually lasts between 90 and 120 days, so you can really get a sense of how it’ll feel long-term.

Pro Tips for a Comfortable Transition

Now that you know the dos and don’ts, here are a few extra tips to make the adjustment period even smoother.

• Use a Humidifier in the Bedroom

This might sound surprising, but air quality and humidity can affect your comfort level while breaking in a mattress. Dry air can make the room feel colder, which might make certain types of foam mattresses feel firmer. Using a humidifier can help maintain a cozy, balanced environment in the bedroom, which could make the break-in process a little more comfortable, especially in colder seasons.

• Be Aware of Your Sleep Position

When breaking in a mattress, some positions are better than others. If you’re primarily a back or stomach sleeper, switching to your side occasionally can apply pressure to different areas of the mattress. This can encourage even softening across the surface. Over time, the mattress will shape itself more comfortably to your natural sleep position.

• Check Your Base and Foundation

The right foundation is key for mattress support. If your bed base isn’t providing enough support, your mattress could start sagging or feel uneven, which can make the break-in process feel uncomfortable. Most modern mattresses work best with a sturdy, flat foundation, so make sure to double-check that yours is compatible with your new mattress.

The Bottom Line

Breaking in a new mattress is like making a new friend—at first, things can feel a bit stiff, but over time, you’ll both start to relax and get comfortable. With a bit of patience and by following these dos and don’ts, you’ll get through the break-in period with minimal discomfort and maximize your sleep quality in the long run.

So, to recap:

• Do sleep on your mattress nightly, rotate it (if recommended), and consider a topper for extra comfort.
• Don’t flip it if it’s not designed for it, overload it with heavy objects, or use it for anything other than rest.
• Take advantage of pro tips like adjusting room temperature, using a humidifier, and checking your bed base for a fully optimized sleep setup.

Trust us, your mattress is worth the wait. In just a few weeks, you’ll likely be sleeping comfortably than ever, and that new-bed firmness will be a distant memory. Happy sleeping!

FAQs

1. How long does it take for a memory foam mattress to break in?

Memory foam mattresses take somewhere around 30-60 days to fully break in. This time allows the mattress materials to adjust to your body shape and weight, becoming softer and more comfortable over time.

2. How can I make a firmer mattress softer?

If you find your mattress too firm, consider using a mattress topper or pad to add immediate softness while you wait for the mattress materials to break in naturally. Sleeping consistently and rotating the firm mattress regularly will also help it adjust more quickly.

3. Do hybrid mattresses require a break-in period?

Yes, hybrid mattresses usually require a break-in period of about 30-60 days. The foam or latex layers will soften with use, while the innerspring support system adapts to your body. Practice patience during this time, as consistent use will make the mattress more comfortable.

4. What’s the difference between an innerspring mattress and a latex mattress in terms of break-in?

An innerspring mattress generally has a shorter break-in period of about 30 days, as the springs adjust more quickly to your body weight. Latex mattresses may take longer, around 30-90 days, as the denser materials need time to become more pliable.

5. Why does my new mattress feel so firm?

New mattresses often feel firmer due to the materials being fresh and uncompressed. The firmness will decrease as the mattress expands and the materials soften. Try sleeping consistently on the mattress and rotating it regularly to help it break in faster.

6. How does body weight affect the break-in process?

Body weight puts pressure on the mattress, which helps soften and shape it. Heavier sleepers may find their mattresses breaking in faster, while lighter sleepers might take a bit longer to notice the difference.

Related blog posts:

1. Mattress Thickness Guide

2. Mattress Glossary

3. How to Choose a Mattress?

4. Mattress Firmness Scale

5. How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?

Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.