How To Break In A New Mattress: What To Do And How Long It Takes
If your new bed feels uncomfortable, these tips can help you break it in faster.
Picture this: You buy a new mattress and set it up on your bed, adorned with freshly washed cotton sheets and a newly fluffed pillow. You slip into your bed with high hopes, close your eyes and then… you toss and turn all night and wake up sore.
Wait a minute. That’s not the magical experience you envisioned when you shelled out a month’s worth of rent on a new bed. So what gives? Did you make a huge mistake? Did you pick the wrong mattress? Not necessarily.
Discomfort after sleeping on a new mattress is actually quite common. That’s because it can take some time for your body to adjust. But how long does it take? And is there anything you can do to speed up the process if you’re impatient ? Read on to find out.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
How to effectively make a hard mattress softer?
Readers often ask us how to effectively make a hard mattress softer. Using a mattress topper or pad appears to be the most popular method, though many who dont want the extra cost have worked around their problem in a variety of ways, such as walking up and down the mattress several times each day and more at the weekends when they have more time! Although it sounds strange, it does work by accelerating wear.
How to make minimal changes to the firmness of a mattress?
Sometimes a mattress feels OK at first and then tends to feel slightly firmer the longer you lie on it. This can often be due to gradual compression of the foams or other top fillings in the mattress. The top layer of the mattress can be compressed and begin to feel harder than they were initially. The answer to this is to use a memory foam topper even less than 2 inches in thickness. This will compensate for any foam compression, though you should make yourself aware of the overall level of compression and how firmer the mattress has become. You should then be able to assess the thickness of extra foam you need in the form of a mattress topper.
Why Do Hotel Beds Feel So Good
The bed sheets used in the hotel beds accentuate the sense of comfort and relaxation , so you can rest assured completely. Not only are they soft, but they also have a great scent, thanks to special detergents, fabric softeners, cleaners, and other deodorants that enhance the overall relaxation experience.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Most Popular Mattress In America
How Do You Firm Up A Soft Mattress
Too soft of a mattress can lead to sinking and possible spinal misalignment. Similar to when your mattress is too firm, we suggest using a mattress topper to firm up your bed. Be sure to use a firm topper with supportive materials, such as foam or latex, not cotton or down.
You can also place a bunkie boarda thin plywood board wrapped in fabricbeneath your mattress. Bunkie boards act as a mattress foundation and can also firm up a soft bed.
Another option is to try cooling down your bedroom. With heat-sensitive mattresses such as memory foam, keeping your room brisk can prevent your mattress from feeling uncomfortably soft.
If you prefer a soft mattress, be sure to select one with a responsive support layer designed to prevent over sinking and spinal misalignment.
How Do You Know If You Need A Soft Or A Firm Mattress
Choosing the right softness or firmness in a mattress to suit your needs can be a tricky thing. Even though youll take the time to go to a mattress store and try out different mattress types, five minutes on a bed is not the same as eight hours, night after night. While this may seem an impossible task, you can take heart in knowing that there are some key factors to consider that will help you to decide if you need a softer or a harder mattress. For example, your body weight can be a determining factor. Thats because generally speaking, heavier people prefer a firmer mattress. Soft foams may sink in too much for comfort and not offer adequate support. Conversely, someone who is more of a lightweight may sink in less and find firm beds to be uncomfortably hard, so they generally prefer soft to medium-firm options. Another factor to consider is your sleep position. Back and stomach sleepers tend to prefer a firmer mattress, while if you are a side sleeper, you may be better choosing a softer mattress. While these position preferences are not hard and fast universal rules, they are a good starting point. Finally, if you are sharing a bed with a partner and you are of significantly different weights and have different sleep positions, then you may have to compromise on the firmness or softness of a mattress. If a compromise cannot be found, then consider a specialized mattress where each side of a mattress can be customized.
Recommended Reading: Do You Need A Mattress Topper
What Is Causing My Mattress To Feel Hard
A firm mattress is generally caused by denser foams and a firmer support foam or innerspring unit. Firmer mattresses generally have less comfort layers on top of their support system or base foam, which makes them feel firmer. By simply adding additional comfort layers on top of your mattress you can achieve a softer feel, while still benefitting from the support system of your mattress.
Sweaty Sleepers This Is For You
Throughout the night I tend to run hot and the wrong bedding can turn me into a sweaty sleeper. The Coop Retreat was made to combat this as it can regulate your temperature no matter the season. This winter, Ive felt myself sinking into it and soaking up that extra warmth but on artificially hot nights when my heater is blasting, I surprisingly found myself not overheating at all. Thats because the brand specifically designed it with a cross-cut foam blend made with microfiber that promotes breathability and air flow.
Now I sleep at the perfect temperature, have that dreamy plush feel, and it all cost less than $300. This doesnt even compare to the price I would have forked over for a new mattress. Whether youre looking for a refreshed feel or you’re on the fence about getting a new mattress, this is worth a try first.
You Might Also Like
Also Check: How Much Is A Queen Memory Foam Mattress
S To Make Your Firm Mattress Softer
Do you think you’d get a better night’s sleep on a softer mattress but don’t want to buy a brand new one? You might be wondering ‘how do I make a firm mattress softer?’ – don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Discover the 9 steps we recommend to make your firm mattress softer. You can also find out the effects of having a mattress that is too hard and how to know if your mattress is too firm.
Final Words On Breaking In A New Mattress
A break in period is simply intended to make your new mattress feel comfortable and easy to sleep on. Over time and with some patience, the firmness should slowly fade away, and you will eventually enjoy the comfort of your mattress that you have always dreamed of.
Note that it is important that you check with the mattress retailer regarding the make, material, and overall design of your mattress and the suitable break-in process for it. You can get all the information you need online or in mattress stores near you.
Even with these tips, you may not obtain the desired results with respect to breaking in your mattress. This time may come and elapse, and your mattress may still not feel comfortable for you.
In this case, it may mean that the mattress quality and material are not what you expected or wanted, or you may just need a different kind of firmness level for a mattress. Before you make a mattress purchase, check to see whether you can test the new bed for a few months. Many retailers offer sleep trials. Keep searching! Happy mattress hunting and good luck breaking it in!
Also Check: Wedge Pillow With Arm Hole
New Mattress Too Firm Heres How To Break In A New Mattress
This research is supported by you, our readers, through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission with no extra cost to you. Learn More
If yournew mattress appeared to be too firm, dont fall into despair:
You can break it in and make it comfortable for sleeping just in a couple of days.
The first thing to do would be to air the mattress out thoroughly, especially if you bought a bed in a box. Also, you can try other tricks, such as warming up your bedroom, applying weight on your mattress, or even changing the bed frame to a more suitable one.
Have no idea how exactly you should perform these steps? Then here are the detailed tips on how to break in a new mattress.
to watch out for new product reviews and guides in video format or follow us .
How To Make Your Mattress Firmer
If you feel stuck in your mattress or dont get enough support at night, your mattress may be too soft. Adding some type of firmness to a soft mattress may improve your sleep quality.
A firmer surface may also reduce back pain by providing consistent support, though its important to keep the mattress from feeling too stiff and unyielding. A too-hard mattress can also cause pain and other discomfort, just as a too-soft mattress can.
Don’t Miss: Is Icomfort A Good Mattress
Making Your Hard Memory Foam Mattress Soft
A hard mattress is one of the most common complaints among sleepers. While many factors can contribute to a persons experience with their bed, there are steps you can take to soften your memory foam mattress.
Memory foam mattresses can be an excellent choice for some people, but they are not suitable for everyone. If you find that your memory foam mattresses are so hard, consider these tips to help soften it:
How Do You Firm Up A Sagging Mattress
The cheapest way to firm up a sagging mattress is to place bunkies beneath it. This can prolong your mattress life a bit, but its not a long term solution. If you notice sagging while the mattress is within the warranty period, its better to reach out to the mattress company and get it fixed or replaced. Most mattress companies repair or replace mattresses with a sag greater than 1 inch, within the warranty period. Usually, warranties are 10, 20, or 25 years long but some brands may offer lifetime warranties.
Recommended Reading: Why Buy A Mattress Topper
Turn Up The Thermostat
Many foam mattresses are sensitive to room temperature, softening when warm and firming up when its cool. This is a side effect of a foams sensitivity to body heat, enabling the material to mold to a sleepers curves. Memory foam is especially temperature sensitive.
If you have a memory foam mattress, raising the room temperature by a few degrees can give the bed a plusher feel. You canboost the effect by keeping warm flannel sheets or a wool blanket on the bed, preventing ambient heat from escaping the mattress.
Will A New Mattress Improve Your Back Pain
A new mattress can go a long way toward easing your existing back painif you choose the right one for the way you sleep.
Keep in mind, though, that a new mattress isnt always an instant fix for back pain. It can take time for your body to adjust, especially if youve been sleeping on your current mattress for years.
It’s also important to note that if your back pain was being caused by something else other than your old mattresslike, say, an injury or a health condition such as arthritisa new mattress may not completely resolve the issue.
Additionally, no one mattress is best for back pain. But whether you prefer innerspring, memory foam, latex, or another type, there are three main things to consider when shopping for a new mattress if you have back pain.
Don’t Miss: How To Dispose Of Mattress In Ct
A Princess And The Pea Moment
Too soft, too hard, too memory foamy. Then there are the ones that are endorsed by celebrities. They lead you to the Tom Brady diamond dust memory foam mattress. Umm what?
First of all, dust is dust and what does Tom Brady have to do with mattresses? To be clear the mattress has micro diamonds that are part of the memory foam, and apparently wick heat away from the body to prevent overheating. Ok, whatever. I suppose they say whatever it takes to sell a mattress.
Understanding The Mattress Break In Process
We want you to fully understand how the mattress will change over time. Our mission is to show you how it will actually feel throughout the majority of its lifespan rather than the short-term initial feel. Every mattress is different and some will even have little to no body impressions. Some naturally begin to sag sooner than others due to the quality of the materials. This presents us with the opportunity to have an open dialog about what to expect and how well the mattress will fit your sleep needs and body shape as you sleep.
We believe a mattress should age like a fine wine rather than going sour shortly after sleeping on it. So we present reality in all its glory to prevent you from waking up frustrated and confused as your mattress begins the natural process of softening up and taking on your form.
To be perfectly clear, you may not fall in love with your new mattress at first. It may not feel like the bed you tried when you visited our showroom. But the good news is that your mattress will adjust to your body and it will take on the showroom feel after the proper amount of time and pressure. In the end, your new bed will feel like it did the day you first fell in love with it. This way, you will continue to fall in love with it again and again every night.
Also Check: How To Get The Best Deal On A Mattress
Is A Plush Mattress Good For Your Back
When you sleep on your back, your weight is more evenly distributed than when you sleep on your side. This means that any mattress type, including a plush mattress, could work well for you, especially if you are on the petite side. However, most people who sleep on their backs or who have back issues will do better with a medium or firm mattress.
Consider A Split King Mattress
For couples with different sleep preferences, a split king mattress is a perfect solution. Split king beds are two twin XL mattresses placed side by side. Each person can choose their mattress with customized comfort and support without having to compromise.
To enhance comfort, you may want to think about purchasing an adjustable base. An adjustable base allows you and your sleep partner to elevate your side of the bed without disturbing each other. Adjustable beds are more expensive than other mattress foundations, but you may find its worth it.
You May Like: How To Find The Right Firmness Of Mattress
If All Else Fails Just Get A Softer Mattress
Like we talked about in the intro, the firmness level of your mattress is very important for your spinal health. Having a bed thats worn out, sagging, or much too firm can lead to body stiffness or trouble sleeping, which can lead to other issues. If these tips and tricks offered arent helping, it can mean its time to just get a new bed. Feel free to take our Mattress Finder Quiz if you need some help figuring out which bed might be best for you.
Related Content
Break In Your New Mattress
If your bed is new and feels too firm, it may just need more time to break in a bit. Just like new shoes need to be worn in, so does your mattress. You can break it in by simply sleeping on it night after night like you normally would, or if you want to speed up the process, you could literally walk around your bed for a couple minutes a day. You could even have your kids come and jump on it to soften it up quicker. Most mattress companies state that it can take up to 60 days to break in a new mattress. wont even accept returns before the first 60 days, and then offers to send you a Comfort+ Kit if you feel the firmness of the bed isnt soft enough for you.
Recommended Reading: What’s The Best Time Of Year To Buy A Mattress
Practical Tips To Break Your New Mattress
Lets say you just bought a new mattress, brought it home, and now its time to sleep. The moment you lie on it, you find that its too firm and probably, not as comfy as you expected.
This can leave you worried: how will I break this mThis can leave you worried: how will I break this mattress? Well, the experience may not be so good, but the good thing is that the break-in period for your new mattress can be short.
Its normal for many new mattresses to be too firm because the elements have not yet become flexible decreasing the comfort level. So dont worry. We are here to spill more details on new mattress firmness and mattress materials, and how you can break it and how long it the break-in period can take. Keep reading.
