Can you sleep on a mattress while it is expanding? How long to wait

Sleeping on a new mattress can be exciting, especially if your old one has become uncomfortable. Your new mattress may come rolled and packaged in a box or tube, especially if you have ordered it online. Once unpacked and unrolled, the mattress needs time to expand to its full size and shape.

As tempting as it is to use the mattress straight away, it is generally best to wait until the mattress has fully expanded. This typically takes between a few hours and a few days, depending on the type of mattress.  

Why are mattresses compressed?

Not too long ago, buying a new mattress meant heading to your local store and trying out a few different models. This process could be quite time-consuming. With the rise of online shopping, bedding manufacturers needed to adapt and explore ways to sell mattresses online.

This presented two main challenges: first, convincing shoppers to buy mattresses online without testing them beforehand, and second, making the delivery process more efficient, as mattresses are bulky and require a significant amount of van space.

To overcome these challenges, bedding manufacturers began offering sleep trials on new mattresses, allowing shoppers to return a mattress if they were not satisfied. They also focused on ways to manufacture mattresses so that they could be rolled without damaging the components or compromising quality or comfort. This eventually led to the creation of the mattress-in-a-box concept.

Mattresses are compressed primarily for shipping and handling. Reducing their size allows them to easily fit inside smaller packaging, like a box or tube, for transportation. They also occupy less storage space, which reduces delivery costs and makes them much easier to manoeuvre. This is particularly beneficial for homes with access restrictions, such as narrow stairs and tight corners, where traditional flat mattresses might be difficult to manoeuvre into the bedroom.

How long does it take for a new mattress to expand?

It can take anywhere from 2 hours to 72 hours for a new mattress to fully expand. The exact timeframe depends on the type of mattress and its thickness. For example, thick memory foam and hybrid mattresses may take longer to decompress.

Refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions for specific details regarding your mattress’s expansion time. Some manufacturers may also share this information on their websites, such as on a dedicated ‘frequently asked questions’ page.

Why you should avoid sleeping on a new mattress while it is expanding

Although some manufacturers may allow you to sleep on a new mattress straight away, it is generally best to wait until it has fully expanded for several reasons.

Discomfort

A new mattress that hasn’t fully expanded is unlikely to provide enough cushioning. It may feel uncomfortable and firmer than expected, which could lead to aches, pains, and pressure points.

Poor support

A rolled-up mattress is unlikely to provide adequate support if you sleep on it straight away. It may not allow the body to sink into it, and you may even feel the base or surface underneath the mattress, a sensation often described as ‘bottoming out’. Furthermore, excessive weight or force could damage your bed base, since the mattress does not provide enough cushioning.

Poor-quality sleep

Using a rolled-up mattress before it has fully expanded could also affect your sleep. Your mattress may feel uncomfortable and fail to support you properly, which can cause restlessness and disrupt your sleep. You may wake up tired, groggy, and feeling worse than when you went to bed.

Off-gassing

Like many household products, new mattresses, particularly those containing foam, may release a slightly unpleasant odour when unpacked. This process is known as off-gassing and occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in manufacturing are released into the air after being trapped inside the packaging. While the smell is generally not harmful, it is best to wait a few hours for it to dissipate.

Durability

Using your mattress before it has fully expanded can lead to premature wear and tear. It may develop unnatural creases and indentations, resulting in an uneven sleeping surface. Furthermore, your mattress might not fully return to its original size or shape.

Void your mattress warranty or guarantee

If you sleep on your new mattress too soon, you could void its warranty or guarantee.                           

How to ensure your mattress expands properly

Always refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions when unpacking and setting up your new mattress, as this will help prevent damage to both yourself and your mattress. In the meantime, here are some general steps to follow.

Clear the space

The first thing to do when preparing for your new mattress is to ensure there is a clear path to your bedroom to avoid any issues during the move.

Remove any items that might be in the way while manoeuvring your new mattress, such as furniture, pictures, rugs, and light fixtures. Remove your old mattress if you have one, and ensure there is plenty of space in the bedroom to unpack and unroll your new mattress.

Unpacking

Remove the mattress from its packaging and place it on your bed base. Carefully cut the plastic mattress wrapping with scissors, taking care not to cut into the mattress.

Avoid propping your mattress on its side, as this can put unnecessary strain on the components and may cause the mattress to lose its shape. Always keep the mattress flat and supported.

Unrolling

After removing the plastic packaging, the mattress will quickly unroll and expand. Ensure the mattress is positioned correctly on the bed base and that there is enough room to unroll it, so you won’t need to adjust its position afterwards.

If you’re using a slatted bed base, it’s often a good idea to place a breathable blanket or mattress pad over the slats to protect your mattress from splinters or sharp edges.

Expanding

Compressed mattresses may take up to 72 hours to fully expand, so be patient. In the meantime, avoid placing or stacking any items on top of the mattress as this can leave marks, indentations and prevent the mattress from expanding properly. Inspect the mattress regularly to ensure it is expanding as expected, and there are no signs of unevenness or defects.

How to help your mattress expand faster

Waiting for your new mattress to expand can be frustrating, especially if you’re not sleeping well. However, allowing your mattress to fully expand before using it will help ensure it remains comfortable, supportive, and in good condition. While it’s helpful to stay patient, there are steps you can take to accelerate the process.  

Unpack your new mattress straight away

Unpack your new mattress as soon as you can. Leaving it boxed for too long may damage its components and prevent it from expanding properly. 

Apply gentle pressure

Once unrolled, applying gentle pressure to the mattress by crawling or rolling on it may help it expand more quickly and evenly. Avoid using excessive force, though, as this can damage the mattress.

Slightly increase the room temperature

Increasing the room temperature slightly may help to soften any foam layers inside the mattress and speed up the expansion process.

What happens if the mattress does not fully expand?

In some cases, a new mattress may not fully expand if it was vacuum-packed too tightly. It may need a few extra days to expand fully. If, after this time, the mattress hasn’t expanded properly, contact the manufacturer or retailer for further advice.

How to take care of your new mattress

After investing time and money in choosing a new mattress, you’ll want to take proper care of it once it has fully expanded and is ready for use. Some practical tips to ensure your mattress remains in good condition include using a mattress protector, turning it regularly to even out the wear, and placing it on a supportive bed base.

Use a mattress protector

Most manufacturers recommend using a good-quality mattress protector with your bed to protect the sleeping surface from stains and spills.

A standard mattress protector typically fits over the mattress like a fitted sheet, with either elastic straps or a stretchable skirt that fits over the corners. A mattress encasement, on the other hand, covers the entire mattress, including the underside, and, once sealed, can help prevent bed bugs from entering.

Compressed or rolled-up mattresses often contain foam comfort layers that closely conform to the body. Using an overly thick mattress protector can create a barrier, so it’s advisable to use a relatively thin mattress protector that protects the surface without affecting how the mattress feels and performs.

Turn your mattress

All mattresses, whether they contain foam or loose fillings, will settle over time. Turning your mattress helps distribute the fillings evenly. Compressed or rolled-up mattresses are typically one-sided and cannot be flipped. Always refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions to ensure you turn your mattress correctly.

As a general guide, rotate your mattress weekly for the first three months, then monthly thereafter.

Airing your mattress

You may notice a slightly unpleasant smell when unpacking your new mattress. This happens because volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in materials like foam are released into the air after being trapped inside the packaging. The smell is perfectly normal and should dissipate once the mattress has been well-aired. Allow the mattress to air in a well-ventilated room for a few hours. If necessary, open doors and windows to let in fresh air.

Ensure your mattress is correctly supported

Ensure you place your mattress on a suitable bed base that provides adequate support. Compressed or rolled-up mattresses typically contain foam layers and perform best on firm, flat surfaces such as platform tops or slats. The base should be well-ventilated to allow air to circulate freely.

Avoid using an old bed base, as it may not support your mattress properly and could void its warranty.

How long does it take to get used to a new mattress?

It takes time to adjust to a new mattress.  It might feel uncomfortable initially, and you may even experience some back pain. This is normal, and after a month or so, it should start to feel more comfortable.

Final thoughts

While some manufacturers allow you to sleep on a compressed mattress straight away, it’s generally best to wait until it has fully expanded. Always refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions for guidance on caring for your mattress and extending its life.