How Long Does It Take To Break In A Memory Foam Mattress

To answer the question of how long a memory foam mattress will take to break in, know that the time frame might go up to 60 days. But before you raise an eyebrow, know that this is not a hard and fast time frame. Some may reach their final form more quickly than others.

You can speed up the process of breaking in a mattress by following certain procedures. We’ll go over them too, so you know you’re giving memory foam the finest care possible. Here, without further ado, is a comprehensive breakdown of how long memory foam mattresses need to be broken in before they are fully comfortable.

How Long Does It Take To Break In A Memory Foam Mattress And What To Expect

It can take up to 60 days for a memory foam mattress to fully break in, as we discussed before. You should also keep in mind that the break-in time for various models can vary. It may take less than two months on some beds to fully benefit from the memory foam.

Signs that your memory foam mattress has not finished the break-in period yet

It’s important to give a new memory foam mattress a chance to break in before you can experience the full benefits of its superior comfort and support. You can also use this time to get used to your new mattress. Indeed, you will feel a difference with the new mattress.

A new memory foam mattress will feel stiff at first, but after a month or two it will relax and settle into its ideal shape. This, however, does not imply that you must wait that long to put it to use. However, it is not unusual to experience some discomfort during the first few weeks of using the bed.

How Do You Break In A Memory Foam Mattress?

#1: Apply Some Pressure to the Surface

You undertake most of the work of breaking in your mattress by delivering the necessary pressure with your body weight when you sleep on it each night. Nonetheless, there are some tricks you may use to speed up the process of “breaking in” your bed and begin sleeping more soundly.

One way to gradually break in your mattress is to walk lightly across it several times daily. If you feel like walking on your bed is too serious, you can always opt to crawl on your hands and knees instead.

Although at first you might feel uneasy about using these methods, we have discovered that they are actually quite enjoyable and a great way to supplement your current fitness routine.

If actually getting on the bed seems too extreme, you can also use the stack of books or the filled shoeboxes as a substitute.

#2: Increase Your Bedroom Temperature

Memory foam’s ability to mold to your shape is due in large part to the material’s sensitivity to heat and the pressure your body exerts on it.

Memory foam beds have a temperature sensitivity that can be used to your benefit.

Your new memory foam mattress will respond more favorably to the weight of your body if the temperature in your bedroom is raised by a few degrees.

However, you should be aware of the trade-off you will be making, as a warmer bedroom can disrupt your sleep.

As an alternative to raising the temperature of your bedroom before bed, you can use this second trick. To do this, you can either stroll, crawl, or put a pile of books on your mattress while the room is hot throughout the day.

This method allows you to considerably speed up the breaking in of your memory foam mattress during the day without sacrificing any of the benefits you’d get from using the mattress at night.

#3: Opt for Breathable Sheets

Memory foam mattresses owe a great deal of its pliability and softness to the amount of body heat that is transferred to the foam. As a result, the rate at which your memory foam bed breaks in and becomes more comfortable can be greatly influenced by the sheets you use.

If you want the foam to conform to your body’s shape and temperature for optimal comfort, it’s preferable to sleep on sheets that allow as much heat to escape as possible.

sheets with a thread count between 350 and 500 are a decent compromise between warmth retention and softness, as they offer both without sacrificing breathability.

#4: Select the Right Mattress Protector

Your new memory foam mattress’ initial comfort may also be heavily influenced by the mattress protector you choose.

The mattress protector you choose could either help or hinder your efforts to maintain a clean and fresh mattress on your new bed. High-insulating fabrics are ideal for use in protectors because they allow very little heat to pass through. Therefore, you should choose for a thin shield that allows as much heat to pass through as feasible.

The mattress protector’s stretchability is another critical factor to think about.

Since it does not restrict the contour of the foam, an extremely stretchable cover helps to maximize the mattress’ conformability. Consequently, if you get a cover that is particularly elastic, you may find that the new mattress is noticeably less firm than you had anticipated.

Similarly to how non-stretchy mattress coverings can compact memory foam, so can tightly fitting sheets. These two methods can diminish the foam’s adaptability and firm up the mattress. Choose a fitted sheet with at least an inch of extra height beyond the height of your mattress.

#5: Use a Brand Specific Bed Foundation

If you want your new mattress to last as long as possible and feel its best, use a bed frame or base recommended by the manufacturer.

It’s possible that your mattress will slide about if you buy an off-brand. Memory foam mattresses are designed to provide a consistent feel across the mattress when partnered with a non-flexing support system, so an unstable bed can drastically alter how the mattress feels.

#6: Use A Mattress Topper

A mattress topper can help alleviate the initial discomfort of sleeping on a memory foam mattress. A mattress topper is an extra layer of bedding placed on top of an existing mattress to increase the level of comfort.

These mattress toppers, which frequently incorporate gel-infused memory foam, can serve as a welcome relief from sleeping on a bare bed during the first “breaking in” period.

However, keep in mind that a topper will prevent some of your weight from directly impacting the bed, which will greatly slow down the break-in process and lengthen the necessary time.

Because of this, a thicker topper will reduce the amount of heat transferred to the memory foam mattress. Due to the reduced quantity of heat entering the foam from a thicker topper, the mattress will initially feel firmer.

Considering these costs and benefits, it’s possible that utilizing a topper will slow down or even halt the breaking-in procedure.

This piece of advice is most useful when combined with the first. Here, you apply pressure to the bed during the day to hasten the break-in process and utilize a topper at night for more comfort and to reduce the risk of strain on your body during the initial “breaking in” stage.

At the point where one may sleep on the bed without experiencing significant discomfort, the topper can be removed in order to fully break in the mattress.

For people new to the feel of memory foam, you can also get a thin topper from another material like latex or wool. This extra layer can give your outfit a new spin while keeping you warm.

#7: Sleep on it Consistently

For people new to the feel of memory foam, you can also get a thin topper from another material like latex or wool. This extra layer can give your outfit a new spin while keeping you warm.

If you’ve never slept on memory foam before, you may want to try a thin topper made from a different substance, such as latex or wool. This extra layer might provide a new level of comfort without sacrificing too much of your natural body heat.

One of the best methods to ensure you start loving your bed as soon as possible is to sleep on it nightly.

#8: Optimize all Other Parameters

With most new mattress purchases, we often stick to our old accessories like the bed foundation, sheets, and beddings. In certain cases, the aforementioned factors, in addition to the new mattress’ firmness, may amplify the discomfort you’re feeling from the latter.

Our habit is to keep using the same bed frame, linens, and comforters even after purchasing a new mattress. There are a number of factors outside the firmness of your new mattress that could exacerbate any pain you might be feeling from it.

#9: Give it time

Memory foam mattresses can be broken in fast with regular use. Therefore, although the break-in process might be very frustrating, you should take comfort in the knowledge that the foam will eventually conform to your body and provide you with the finest sleep possible.

How Long Do You Have To Wait To Use A Memory Foam Mattress?

Consider the density

Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for when the memory foam mattress can be used for the first time. Foam mattresses with a higher density will take more time to compress than those with a lower density. However, there are manufacturers who boast that their products are ready for use after only a couple of days.

Consider your comfort

The mattress’s firmness can also be evaluated for its potential to promote restful sleep. If you or someone you know is very sensitive to the scent of chemicals, you may want to think about whether or not the product has stopped off-gassing. Only get a CertiPUR-US certified foam mattress if the chemical odor is an issue for you.

This will give you peace of mind that the bed is free of any potentially dangerous materials. We have a suggestion for you: sprinkle baking soda over the mattress, wait a few hours, and then vacuum it up. Use of baking soda to refresh the mattress will allow you to start using it sooner and help you break it in.

What if the mattress takes too long to break in?

Mattresses can be returned or exchanged after the allotted break-in period has passed, regardless of whether or not they have been fully used. However, we must stress that you must use your mattress for at least a week before the company can accept it for return or exchange. Never get the bed dirty or damaged in any way, since this will void the guarantee.

Do Memory Foam Mattresses Break Down?

Mattresses made of memory foam have one of the longest lifespans currently available. How long they last after that depends on the quality of the device and how well you take care of it, but it may be as long as 15 years. But don’t think for a second that this means your memory foam mattress is done with its useful life.

Changes in the surface’s appearance, such as bumps, folds, or even dents, are inevitable with time. As a result, your resting position and the quality of your sleep will suffer. Furthermore, the layers of memory foam will lose their pliable qualities with time.

Memory Foam Mattress Do’s and Don’ts

In the long run, it will be worth the time and work you put into maintaining your memory foam mattress so that your bed maintains its original level of comfort and support for many years to come.

Do the following to maintain your mattress clean and fresh:

1. Do Rotate It Regularly

Unlike many other multilayer foam mattresses, our memory foam mattresses are not meant to be flipped over. However, to avoid depressions from forming in places of intense pressure, we advise you to rotate it head to foot every three months or so.

2. Don’t Get it Wet

Try not to spill any liquids directly onto the mattress, since this can cause the foam to break down more quickly. If you tend to be a spiller, a mattress protector is a must-have for your bed!

3. Do Use a Suitable Bed Base

The bed’s base should be solid, level, and free of any large gaps. If the base is made of slats, they should be 10–15 cm broad and no more than 5 cm apart. Over time, the mattress will wear down faster if the gaps are too big. Figure out here what kind of bed frame would work best with your mattress.

4. Don’t Keep it Near Strong Heat Sources

Memory Foam is a heat-sensitive material, which is why it conforms so well to each individual’s body. So, keep your memory foam mattresses apart from any major heat sources.

Memory foam mattresses should not be used with any type of electric blanket or hot water bottle since the intense heat from these items can compromise the foam’s performance and even break down the foam’s structure over time.

5. Do Protect it With a Washable Mattress Cover

Most of our mattresses have a removable, machine-washable cover to keep them clean and safe from accidents. When washed at 40 degrees, a mattress can retain its cleanliness for far longer than when washed at a lower temperature.

6. Don’t Make Your Bed!

Finally, we recommend breaking yet another guideline by not making your bed as soon as you wake up. If you do this, the night’s perspiration won’t be trapped in your mattress or bedding but rather allowed to dissipate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to break in my memory foam mattress?

Consistent pressure is needed on a memory foam mattress in order to provide the best firmness and contouring results.

Is my new mattress too firm?

If you frequently wake up with tingling or soreness in your shoulders, hips, or arms, it may be a sign that your bed is too firm. Too much softness or firmness in a mattress can lead to painful pressure points.

That’s why most households should choose a medium-firm mattress.

Can I get back pain from a new mattress?

A new memory foam mattress may cause little pain at first, but this is to be expected. However, other lifestyle variables, such as an overly sedentary lifestyle, may contribute to chronic pain, especially in the back.

Conclusion

Specifically, do you sleep on a brand-new memory foam mattress? If you have a memory foam mattress, you may be curious about how long it takes to break it in. The bed may take up to 60 days to take its final shape.

However, after the mattress has off-gassed for a day or two, you can start using it. Your new foam bed’s break-in period can be shortened and your adjustment to it facilitated by regular use.