{"id":7385,"date":"2021-02-05T18:31:26","date_gmt":"2021-02-06T01:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zomasleep.com\/blog\/?p=7385"},"modified":"2023-08-18T08:59:46","modified_gmt":"2023-08-18T15:59:46","slug":"breaking-in-memory-foam-mattress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zomasleep.com\/blog\/breaking-in-memory-foam-mattress","title":{"rendered":"6 Tips to Break in Your Memory Foam Mattress"},"content":{"rendered":"

A new memory foam mattress may initially feel stiff, flat, and uncomfortable. Not only is this understandably disappointing, but some of us may assume the mattress is just bad and that we need to return it. But don\u2019t be so quick to judge.<\/p>\n

Even if your new memory foam bed is better for you than your old mattress, your body has grown accustomed to its old sleeping surface and needs to adjust.<\/p>\n

Not everyone goes through a break-in period with their mattress, but for others, it can take 30 to 60 days to get accustomed to a new bed. Also, memory foam mattresses take at least 24 hours to expand after being vacuum-packed for shipping.<\/p>\n

Still, you don\u2019t need to suffer while you wait for your body to adjust to your bed. We\u2019ve laid out some simple steps to break in your memory foam mattress, making your bed easier to sleep on and boosting your comfort.<\/p>\n

1. Let Your Bed Breathe<\/h2>\n

\"\"When you first receive your memory foam mattress<\/a>, give it 24 to 48 hours to fully expand. After being vacuum-sealed, memory foam can feel stiff, flat, and sometimes off-gas\u2014that unpleasant and intense factory smell.<\/p>\n

Sleeping on your mattress while it\u2019s still expanding can affect its ability to expand properly, as well. During this time, wait to add protectors, bed sheets, pillows, and blankets to your bed so the smell can dissipate and your mattress isn\u2019t weighed down.<\/p>\n

2. Use the Right Foundation<\/h2>\n

\"\"If you switched from a traditional innerspring mattress to a memory foam mattress but still have your box spring, we recommend switching out your foundation as soon as possible. Not only do box springs harm memory foam beds\u2014and void mattress warranties\u2014but they make your mattress feel too firm. Box springs are not compatible with a memory foam mattress<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Memory foam mattresses work with slatted wood foundations, platform bed frames, bunkie boards, and adjustable bed bases. The right mattress foundation<\/a> will make breaking in your new bed easier.<\/p>\n

3. Sleep on Your Mattress Consistently<\/h2>\n

\"\"You\u2019ll never break in your mattress if you never use it! When a new mattress feels uncomfortable at first, it can be tempting to sleep on the couch for a night or two. Sometimes you have to push through the discomfort and just start sleeping on it regularly.<\/p>\n

With frequent usage, your mattress will become more flexible and your body will adapt to the feel of the bed.<\/p>\n

4. Adjust the Temperature of Your Bedroom<\/h2>\n

\"\"Memory foam mattresses are temperature sensitive. When in contact with heat, memory foam grows soft, while cold air causes memory foam to stiffen.<\/p>\n

Raising your room temperature may be a good idea to loosen up the memory foam and help you sleep comfortably, at least until you\u2019ve properly broken in your mattress.<\/p>\n

However, avoid making your bedroom overly hot\u2014over 70 or 80 degrees. The best temperature for sleep<\/a> is 60 to 67 degrees, and any temperature hotter than this makes it increasingly difficult to fall asleep.<\/p>\n

5. Use a Mattress Topper<\/h2>\n

\"\"Mattress toppers<\/a> are large pads that cover the surface of your mattress. They\u2019re designed to alter the feel of your bed\u2014whether it\u2019s too soft or firm.<\/p>\n

Using a mattress topper saves you from the discomfort of a brand new mattress while still placing enough pressure on the bed to properly break the foam in. With this in mind, using a mattress topper extends the mattress break-in period since the topper absorbs a majority of your weight.<\/p>\n

6. Be Patient<\/h2>\n

\"\"Although new mattresses can be exciting, they won\u2019t always feel great the first few times you sleep on them, especially if they\u2019re a different firmness than you\u2019re used to. Don\u2019t be so quick to assume your mattress is bad for you until you\u2019ve fully broken it in.<\/p>\n

Be sure to sleep on your mattress for at least 30 days before deciding whether or not you want to switch out your mattress. After 30 days of consistent usage, your mattress will be properly broken in and your body will have had the time to get accustomed to bed.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, use high-quality sheets<\/a>, blankets, mattress protectors<\/a>, and pillows<\/a> to help you stay comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\t

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FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\t\t
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How long do memory foam mattresses last?<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Memory foam mattresses last between 7 to 10 years<\/a> on average. With regular maintenance, memory foam mattresses can last as long as possible. We recommend using a mattress protector over your mattress and spot cleaning your mattress<\/a> every 6 months. Be sure to wash your bed sheets every 1 to 2 weeks as well.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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How do you air out a memory foam mattress?<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Some memory foam mattresses tend to off-gas, an unpleasant and strong odor caused by the chemicals in memory foam. Minimize the off-gassing issue by purchasing a CertiPUR-US\u00ae<\/a> certified mattress, meaning the memory foam is free from toxic and smelly chemicals.<\/p>\n

Otherwise, try opening the windows in your bedroom to air out your mattress after you\u2019ve taken it out of the packaging. Ideally, place your mattress somewhere the sun can hit it. If possible, prop your mattress up against a wall so air can flow through it from all sides.<\/p>\n

Another solution is to sprinkle baking soda directly over all sides of the mattress. Let it sit for an hour or more before vacuuming your bed. Baking soda will deodorize your mattress and reduce the intense factory scent.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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How can you tell if your mattress is too soft?<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Your mattress can feel too soft for a variety of reasons, including the bed being old and having a sleeping position incompatible with your body weight or sleeping position.<\/p>\n

Here are some signs indicating your mattress is too soft:<\/p>\n