The truth is, it shouldn't damage a quality mattress if you go against the 24-hour rule and sleep on it a couple of hours after unboxing. The rule mostly exists to make sure you get a good night's sleep on your mattress, as the bed is hardly at its most comfortable when it's still expanding.
Sometimes it only takes a few hours, but other times it can take up to 48 hours to fully expand. The safe and easy rule we follow is to just eye-ball it. Once your mattress looks fluffy and comfortable, it's safe to sleep on and that's usually on the first night.
Why does a mattress need to rest? A new mattress can take up to 72 hours to fully come up to size and thickness. Quality mattresses considerably less, unless they are packed for too long. The Stellar mattress, for example, has little difference to the final result after just a few hours.
The unpacking process can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have a distinct smell, known as off-gassing. Allowing the mattress to expand for 24 hours helps to dissipate these odors and improves the overall sleep experience.
Some manufacturers recommend airing out a new mattress for three to seven days in a garage or well-ventilated room before sleeping on it, while others claim that you can start using your mattress within the first few hours after opening it.
Can you damage a memory foam mattress by sleeping on it too soon? Sleeping on a memory foam mattress while it's decompressing might be uncomfortable. You won't damage your new mattress, however, by sleeping on it too soon.
Typically, that new mattress smell will go away somewhere within a few hours to a few days. The best way to avoid inhaling off-gas is to open your mattress outside and let it breathe for at least two days. Some suggest letting it air out for a week or two if possible.
The truth is, it shouldn't damage a quality mattress if you go against the 24-hour rule and sleep on it a couple of hours after unboxing. The rule mostly exists to make sure you get a good night's sleep on your mattress, as the bed is hardly at its most comfortable when it's still expanding.
Add some weight
Walk gently on your new bed for a few minutes each day. Memory foam can be walked on with your feet. For an innerspring mattress, it is recommended to move across it with your hands and feet to avoid shifting or damaging the springs.
All of our mattresses can be used immediately, but keep in mind that a packaged mattress only regains its full shape and comfort after approximately 72 hours. Your body also needs a couple of weeks to adapt to the new mattress.
If you can't fall asleep in a new bed, it may be the result of the first-night effect (FNE), a scientific phenomenon that causes part of your brain to remain active and awake as the rest of your body drifts off.
Why is this important? It's because the mattress materials need time to soften and conform to the contours of your body. Although the materials in your new mattress are flexible and strong, they can be rigid especially when they are brand new. This can cause some discomfort during the first month or two.
Your old mattress has conformed to your body type, so it might be a while for your body to consider the new mattress to be as comfortable as the old mattress. It can take up to eight weeks for your body to adjust to the new surroundings.
The mattress can take 48-72 hours to expand to its full dimensions. The break-in period for the mattress is usually about 2-3 weeks. During this time, the foam of the mattress expands fully and becomes both softer and more supportive with use, providing the best pressure relief for your sleep.
3 hours before bed: No more food or alcohol. 2 hours before bed: No more work. 1 hour before bed: No more screen time (shut off all phones, TVs and computers). 0: The number of times you'll need to hit snooze in the AM.
Most mattresses have a 30–90 day break-in period as your body adjusts to your new mattress. This feels especially long if you're struggling to sleep. The amount of time it takes you to break in a mattress depends on your mattress type and sleep habits.
New mattresses take time to break in
Just like a good pair of shoes, a new mattress has a break-in period. Components like springs and foams can be stiff at first but will soften up and conform to your body over time. It's a sign, in fact, that the mattress is doing its job.
Brand new mattresses often start off a little firmer than you might anticipate, so you need to sleep on them to give them a chance to soften up. This is because sleeping on the mattress helps to distribute the fillings and make the mattress more comfortable overall.
Please be aware that after unwrapping any rolled mattress will take anywhere between 4-8 hours to expand to 90% of its full size. It can take further 6-8 hours to reach its maximum. We advise that you don't sleep or sit on it during this time to ensure it has time to fully expand to its correct size.
Sleeping early or late, the study said, adversely affects the body's internal clock or what is known as 'circadian rhythm' — a natural process that regulates sleep-wake circle — and certain metabolic processes.
According to the Sleep Council, older mattresses—typically 10 years or older—provide a breeding ground for a variety of bacteria, including staphylococcus, enterococcus, norovirus, and, in rare cases, MRSA. Mold can also be an issue if your room gets humid.
The reason manufacturers recommend waiting so long before sleeping on it is because unrolling the mattress sets off a process referred to as the 'off-gassing' period which can give off toxic fumes that can be harmful to humans. So, the faster it expands, the faster the off-gassing period completes.
If you're especially sensitive to scents, a bed with strong off-gassing odors may cause unwanted symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness. Individuals with respiratory issues, such as asthma or allergies, could also experience irritation of the airway and difficulty breathing.
Sprinkle baking soda all over the entire mattress
Baking soda will break down acid and absorb any remaining moisture or odor. The longer you can leave baking soda on the mattress, the better it will work! As the mattress sits with the baking soda, open any windows in the room to let the light and sunshine in.