Mattress Expansion
When it comes to purchasing a mattress, it can be exciting to finally have a comfortable place to rest your head at night. A new mattress that is just right can transform your life. If your old mattress was lumpy, too firm, or too soft, you probably didn’t get the comfort and support you need for a good night’s sleep.
So, if you’ve bought a new mattress, you probably want to sleep on it as soon as possible. But, it's important to remember that some new mattresses needs time to expand and adjust before they’re at their full potential.
While it can be tempting to start using your mattress right away, you have to keep in mind that when mattresses are packed for transportation, their size and firmness are affected until they have expanded. Therefore, it may be a good idea to get your new mattress before you throw your old one away. All of this considered you may choose to sleep on your new mattress before it’s expanded.
In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of sleeping on a latex or hybrid mattress, the process of mattress expansion, what happens if you sleep too soon on a new mattress (if anything), and the importance of letting your mattress expand before you sleep on it. We will also cover breaking in a new mattress, the use of mattress toppers, and the benefits of purchasing a mattress from Latex For Less.
Benefits of Sleeping on a Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses offer a number of benefits for sleepers.
Durability
Latex mattresses are widely known for their durability. As with most of the benefits of latex mattresses, this benefit is much greater with natural latex mattresses, rather than synthetic latex mattresses.
Hypoallergenic
Latex mattresses are naturally hypoallergenic, and resistant to dust mites, making them a great option for those with allergies or sensitivities. Additionally, latex mattresses are also resistant to bacteria and mold, which helps to keep them clean and hygienic.
Pain Relief
Latex mattresses are comfortable and supportive. They cradle your body, allowing your muscles and joints to relax, and simultaneously relieve pressure points, which can ease pain in the body.
Promoting Healthy Spinal Alignment
Latex mattresses contour your body, similar to a memory foam mattress. However, latex mattresses provide more support than memory foam mattresses, allowing these mattresses to promote a healthy spinal alignment, where a memory foam mattress may not.
Eco-Friendly
Natural latex mattresses are some of the most eco-friendly beds available. Unlike other beds, like memory foam mattresses or polyurethane mattresses, latex mattresses are made from a renewable source. Latex foam is derived from the sap of rubber trees to form an environmentally-friendly and natural final product.
When shopping for latex mattresses, always make sure the mattress is 100% natural latex. Synthetic latex is less durable, eco-friendly, supportive, and could contain toxic chemicals.
Benefits of a Sleeping on a Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of different materials, such as memory foam, coils, and latex. The Latex for Less Hybrid Latex Mattress combines the benefits of both a latex and an innerspring mattress. They are very supportive, and also conform to the body's shape to provide excellent pressure relief.
Plus, they retain the springy responsiveness that innerspring mattresses have. Hybrid latex mattresses are the perfect mattress for anyone who wants to upgrade from their traditional innerspring bed. Hybrid mattresses also have a longer lifespan than traditional innerspring mattresses, and they are a great option for those who prefer a firmer mattress.
What is the Mattress Expansion Process?
Mattress expansion refers to the process in which a mattress returns to its full shape and size after it has been compressed, and packaged for shipping. When a mattress is manufactured, it is compressed and rolled up to make it smaller, and therefore easier to transport.
Once the mattress is unboxed and removed from its packaging, the mattress expansion process begins, and the bed starts to return to its full size and shape. If your mattress is not expanded when you sleep on it, you may think it’s a defective mattress, but it may just be that it hasn’t expanded yet.
How Long Should You Wait Before Using a New Mattress?
Different mattress types require varying amounts of time to expand fully and reach their optimal feel. Memory foam mattresses, for example, typically take 24–48 hours, while latex mattresses often reach their intended firmness faster, often within 6–12 hours. Hybrid mattresses, which combine both coils and foam or latex layers, may need a full day to settle into their shape. Waiting the recommended amount of time not only ensures that your mattress is fully expanded but also that its support and comfort features function as intended from day one.
Unboxing Your Mattress
When you receive your mattress, the first step is to unbox it. It is shipped in a box for ease of delivery. It’s best to always move your boxed online mattress to the room where you want it to be first. That’s because your mattress is easier to handle and move while it’s still in the box. You may want help to move your mattress, especially if you have a Queen or King-sized mattress. Be sure there is enough space, as the mattress will require more room as it expands.
Once you’ve placed the mattress in the room where it’s going to stay, open it carefully to ensure you don’t damage it.
Sliding Your Mattress out of the Box
Once the mattress is out of the box, you’ll find that it’s wrapped in plastic sheeting. This plastic sheeting keeps the bed tightly compressed, and prevents the mattress from expanding. While it’s still in the plastic sheeting, unroll the mattress, and place it top-side up on your mattress foundation, box spring, or bed frame.
Also, keep in mind that while your old mattress may have needed a box spring, your new one may not. Then, carefully cut one side of the plastic sheeting, and pull it off. Once this step is complete, your mattress will begin expanding.
Can You Sleep on a Mattress Before it’s Expanded?
While it is usually recommended to wait until your mattress is fully expanded, you can sleep on it before it’s finished expanding. Sleeping on a mattress before it has expanded shouldn’t alter the shape or comfort of the bed.
The reason mattress manufacturers recommend avoiding sleeping on your mattress before 24 hours after you’ve unboxed it isn’t because they think you may damage it. In fact, this recommendation is in place so that new customers won’t sleep on their beds until the mattress has regained its normal firmness, support, and comfort.
So, if you’re sleeping on your mattress before it’s fully expanded, keep in mind that it may feel like a very firm mattress until the mattress takes its expansion process.
What Are the Consequences of Sleeping on a Mattress Too Soon?
Sleeping on a mattress too soon after unboxing can lead to a few noticeable drawbacks, affecting both comfort and mattress performance. For foam and latex mattresses, sleeping on them before they’ve fully expanded may result in a temporary firmness imbalance or inconsistent support, as the materials haven’t fully recovered their intended shape. Over time, this can reduce the comfort level initially promised by the manufacturer. Moreover, premature use might extend the expansion process or make the mattress feel uneven in specific areas. To enjoy your mattress as designed, it’s best to allow it to reach full expansion.
How Long it Takes for a Latex Mattress to Expand
Latex mattresses typically take up to 24 hours to fully expand, though the expansion time can vary. So, it's important to keep in mind that this can vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity. Some latex mattresses may take up to 72 hours to expand fully, while others make require just a few hours before the first night of sleep.
How Long it Takes for a Hybrid Mattress to Expand
Hybrid mattresses usually don’t take as long to expand fully as normal latex mattresses. Most hybrid innerspring mattresses should be fully expanded in a matter of a few hours.
Why You Should Let Your Mattress Expand First
It's important to let your mattress fully expand before you sleep on it if you want to receive the maximum comfort and support during your first night of sleep. However, there’s nothing stopping you from sleeping on your mattress before then.
What Happens if You Don’t Let a Mattress Expand Fully?
Not allowing your mattress to fully expand before sleeping on it can result in reduced firmness and compromised support, as the materials haven’t had time to regain their intended structure. For memory foam and hybrid mattresses, this can mean that certain areas feel softer or lack the pressure relief expected. Over time, this incomplete expansion can even affect the longevity of the mattress, causing it to wear out more quickly. By ensuring your mattress fully expands, you can enjoy its full support capabilities, as well as an even and comfortable sleeping surface.
The Memory Foam Mattress Expansion Process
If you sleep on a memory foam mattress, you may consider buying a memory foam mattress the next time you purchase a mattress. Memory foam mattresses have certain benefits, but generally, natural latex mattresses are a better option.
Why Some People Choose to Sleep on a Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses are a popular choice for many people because they provide pressure relief, and conform to the body's shape. New memory foam mattresses are often available at a wide range of prices. However, memory foam beds do not last as long as latex or hybrid latex mattresses.
Some people choose to sleep on a memory foam bed because they tend to be on the softer side, and contour to the body. Yet, a new memory foam mattress is not great for people who have trouble controlling their body heat. If you are a hot sleeper, and like to avoid higher temperatures, a memory foam mattress may not be the best choice. A memory foam mattress will trap your body heat, and make it hard to stay cool during the night.
Also, unlike natural latex, a memory foam mattress is made from synthetic materials, making it a less healthy and eco-friendly option. If you like a soft memory foam mattress, consider a softer latex mattress.
New Memory Foam Mattress Expansion versus Latex and Hybrid Mattress Expansion
A new memory foam mattress typically takes around less than 24 hours for full expansion time, but it may take up to 48 hours for certain memory foam mattresses. However, it's important to keep in mind that this can vary, depending on the firmness and type of the new memory foam mattress.
Off Gassing
When purchasing and unboxing new mattresses, it’s important to know what off gassing is. Off gassing is a necessary part of the mattress expansion process, and results in the mattress producing what is known as an off gassing smell. Natural latex beds have a smell, but unlike other synthetic mattresses, these fumes are harmless.
Off-Gassing: What to Expect with a New Mattress
Off-gassing is a common occurrence with new mattresses, particularly those containing synthetic materials. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses may emit a noticeable “new mattress smell” due to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they settle. While this smell is typically harmless, it can be unpleasant for some. Latex mattresses, particularly those made from natural materials, generally have minimal off-gassing, with any scent being more subtle and natural. To help dissipate any smells, consider placing the mattress in a well-ventilated area and allowing it to air out for 24–48 hours.
Tips to Speed Up Mattress Expansion and Off-Gassing
If you’re eager to start using your new mattress, there are a few ways to speed up the expansion and off-gassing process. First, remove all packaging materials immediately after unboxing to allow airflow around the mattress. Placing it in a warm room can also aid in faster expansion, as warmth helps foam and latex regain their shape more quickly. For those concerned about the new mattress smell, ensure the room is well-ventilated. A fan can help move air around the mattress, helping to reduce off-gassing faster, so your mattress is ready to provide a fresh, comfortable sleep.
Breaking in a Mattress
After your mattress has expanded, you may still need to break it in. Breaking in a good mattress is the process of adjusting to the new bed.
How to Break in Your Mattress
Breaking in a mattress is a process that typically can take between 30 to 100 days. The key to breaking in your mattress is to give it time, and use it regularly with proper care.
How Long Does it Take to Break in Your Mattress?
It can take up to 100 days to break in a mattress, or as few as 30. It’s different for everybody and every mattress. It's important to keep in mind that this can vary depending on factors such as the person's sleeping habits, sleeping position, body weight, and how different your new bed is compared to your old one.
How to Make Breaking in Your Mattress Easier
There are a number of ways to make the process of breaking in your mattress easier.
If you use a mattress topper, you can use it on your new bed to make the mattress feel more familiar. Consider using a mattress protector as well to increase the lifespan of your bed.
Also, it’s important to make sure you are ready for bed every night before you get onto your mattress. If you don’t have a bedtime routine, consider adopting one. This can involve doing relaxing things like reading, drinking herbal tea, meditating, and more. Also, you can try exercising more during the day to make sure you are tired at night.
Why You Should Always Choose Mattress Companies that Offer a Free Sleep Trial
Choosing mattress companies that offer a free sleep trial is important because it allows you to test out the mattress before making a final decision. Most manufactures advise this. It can help to ensure that you're getting the right mattress for you, and that you'll be comfortable sleeping on.
But always make sure to break in your mattress before you return it. At Latex For Less, we offer a 120-night sleep trial on all of our beds, so that customers can fully break in their mattresses before making any decisions. Doing so allows our customers to be sure they’ve made the right decision before they commit.
Mattress Expansion FAQs
Can You Damage a New Mattress by Sleeping on It Too Soon?
While it’s unlikely that you’ll cause lasting damage to a new mattress by sleeping on it too soon, using it before it has fully expanded may prevent it from reaching its ideal shape and firmness. This can temporarily reduce its comfort and support. For foam and hybrid mattresses, premature use might lead to uneven density across the surface, which could result in a slightly altered feel over time. Giving the mattress ample time to expand ensures optimal performance and longevity.
How Can You Tell if a Mattress Has Fully Expanded?
A fully expanded mattress will appear even and free of compressed or sunken areas, and it should feel consistent across its surface. If you notice areas that feel unusually soft or firm, or if the mattress still has visible folds or creases, it may need more time to reach its final form. Checking the manufacturer’s guidelines on expansion times can give you an idea of how long your specific mattress type should take to expand fully.
Is Off-Gassing Harmful to Your Health?
Off-gassing from new mattresses, particularly foam and synthetic hybrids, involves the release of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can cause a “new mattress smell.” For most people, these emissions are harmless and dissipate within a few days in a well-ventilated space. However, if you’re sensitive to odors or chemicals, you might consider choosing a natural latex mattress, which generally has minimal off-gassing, or ensuring your mattress airs out before use.
Why Do Mattresses Take Longer to Expand in Cold Weather?
Mattresses, especially those made from foam, expand faster in warmer temperatures because heat helps the material regain its original shape more quickly. In cold environments, the foam may feel stiffer, slowing down the expansion process. If you’re setting up your mattress in a cooler room, allowing extra time for expansion or slightly warming the room can help the mattress expand to its full size more effectively.
What’s the Best Way to Air Out a New Mattress?
To air out a new mattress and speed up the off-gassing process, place it in a well-ventilated room with open windows, or run a fan nearby to improve airflow. Positioning the mattress upright or moving it occasionally can also help release trapped odors more quickly. For natural latex and organic mattresses, odors typically fade within a few hours, but synthetic mattresses may need a day or two for complete airing.
What Should You Do if a Mattress Doesn’t Fully Expand?
If your mattress hasn’t fully expanded after the recommended time, try adjusting its position, gently pressing on any compressed areas, or increasing the room’s temperature. Some manufacturers also suggest giving the mattress an additional 24–48 hours. If these steps don’t work, contacting customer service can provide specific guidance or potential warranty support.
How Can You Make Sure a Mattress Lasts as Long as Possible?
Properly expanding your mattress before use is the first step in extending its lifespan. Regularly rotating your mattress (every three to six months), using a mattress protector, and following care instructions—such as avoiding excessive moisture and exposure to direct sunlight—can further preserve its durability and comfort.
Latex For Less
When it comes to purchasing a mattress, whether it’s for your spare room or master suite, it's important to look for a mattress company that offers high-quality products at an affordable price. Latex For Less offers latex and hybrid mattresses that are designed to provide excellent support and comfort. We also offer a latex mattress that has two levels of firmness on it. Additionally, we offer a free 120-night sleep trial, and a 20-year warranty manufacturer guarantee, which means that you can be confident in your purchase.
Enjoy a good night’s rest every night with Latex For Less! Browse our website and purchase your mattress online today!
