According to experts, it's generally safe to sleep on a new mattress while it’s still expanding, but you might not experience its full comfort and support right away. Most mattress manufacturers recommend waiting until the mattress has fully expanded to avoid potential discomfort or body aches.

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You can sleep on a mattress while it’s still expanding, but it’s better to let it fully puff up before using it for its intended purposes. This way, you avoid body aches and misaligning your spine while you rest. It also guarantees a comfortable night’s sleep.

But don’t take our word for it. In this post, we’ll chat about how exactly mattresses puff up and give you some helpful tips to make it happen faster.

Let’s figure out those head-scratching concerns so you can snuggle up in cozy comfort ASAP!

Should You Not Sleep on a Mattress While It’s Expanding?

Thinking about snoozing on a mattress that’s still puffing up? It’s not exactly the best idea.

Let’s break it down: It’s not recommended because the mattress might feel too firm as it hasn’t really taken its true comfy shape yet.

There’s a reason mattress companies say, “Wait a day for it to puff up”—it’s all about giving you the best sleep.

So, if you do snooze on your new mattress while it’s puffing up, you won’t wreck or damage it, but your sleep might not be as dreamy.

Why You Should Let Your Mattress Expand Before Sleeping on It

You’re probably wondering why waiting is important, right? Especially if you’re like most of us and patience isn’t your strong suit.

Here’s the thing: it’s not just about comfort—it’s about your health too. When a mattress is all squished up for shipping, it needs time to breathe and plump up properly.

Why, though? Let’s take a look:

1. Getting the Right Firmness and Shape

Your mattress needs time to fluff up to get just the right mix of softness and support. When you sleep on it before it’s fully expanded, it might not feel as cozy and might not keep your back in line.

2. Looking After Your Body

Sleeping on a mattress that’s still squishing into shape might make your body ache. See: your mattress should hug your shape, but if it’s still puffing, it might not do that right away. That could mean a few uncomfortable spots or even some pains in the morning after.

3. The Smell Factor

When mattresses are all new and squished, they might have a weird, factory mattress smell—and rarely does anyone like that scent.

Waiting lets the mattress breathe and gets rid of the smell of organic compounds used in manufacturing. Otherwise, you might end up with irritated eyes and nose – sometimes even a headache!

How Long Does It Take for a Mattress to Expand Anyway?

Curious about the expansion time for your new mattress? Here’s the rundown:

The period of time it takes for a mattress to fluff up completely depends on the materials, thickness, and even the weather when you unbox it.

But generally, most mattresses reach about 90% of their original shape within a few hours. Then they take another 24 to 72 hours to get to their ultimate cozy state.

Let’s take a peek under the covers and see the expansion time of each mattress type:

Memory Foam Mattress

Ever seen those squishy memory foam mattresses? They take their time through the expansion process to reach their full comfy potential.

So, how long does it take a memory foam mattress to expand? A good 24 to 72 hours should get it all plump and ready for the perfect quality sleep.

Especially if your bed is on the larger side, give it those hours to unfold properly. If it’s only been a couple of hours since unpacking, don’t fret about the corners taking a little longer—they’ll catch up!

Shop our wide collection of memory foam mattresses here.

Latex Mattress

Now, latex mattresses, the more expensive mattress types, are a bit speedier than memory foam buddies. They often need to hit that 24-hour mark to fully fluff up, but sometimes they might need up to 72 hours to reach their cozy peak.

Remember, this time can swing depending on the weather and how your mattress was packed.

Hybrid Mattress

Hybrid mattresses, the cool mix of innersprings and other stuff, tend to expand faster than regular latex mattresses. Most of them might reach full expansion within a few hours. But like other mattresses, it’s good to wait up to 72 hours to make sure they’re at their best.

Browse our range of hybrid mattresses today!

Spring Mattress

Spring mattresses, often comprising coil springs, foam, and fabric, typically take about 4 to 10 hours to reach full expansion after being compressed for shipping.

Some companies recommend waiting for 24 to 72 hours for complete expansion, considering various factors such as the mattress design, size, and materials used.

Air Mattress

Air mattresses generally take approximately 48 to 72 hours to fully expand after unboxing. While it’s fine to sleep on them right away, for the mattress to reach its ultimate size and optimal comfort, allowing this expansion time is advisable for the best sleeping experience.

6 Tips to Decompress Your Mattress Faster

Eager to dive into dreamland on your new mattress? Let’s speed up the decompression process! Here are tips to get you snoozing sooner:

1. Check Bed Frame Compatibility

Your bed frame matters! Ensure your mattress and foundation match up. Memory foam and hybrids might need a platform-style base, while spring mattresses love box springs.

Plus, a saggy or worn-out foundation can mess with the whole expansion process, so check that first.

Don’t know which foundation is right for you? Browse through our foundations & frames selection or head on down here and test them out yourself!

2. Order the Mattress Early

Once you get a new mattress, you know now that you should hold off diving in right away.

So why not order the mattress a few days early and let it take as much time as it needs to expand? This way you get that blissful night sleep without any complications!

And with ‘No Bull’, this couldn’t be easier. Schedule your delivery with one of our stores and our excellent customer service team will take care of you.

3. Stick to the New Snooze Spot

For the first 30 to 60 days, resist the temptation to hop back to your old mattress. Consistently sleeping on the new one helps it break in faster and lets your body adjust properly. Body heat and weight helps as well.

4. Warm Up for Comfort

If your mattress is memory foam, warmth helps! Set the room temperature to around 72 degrees to soften the material. It makes the mattress more adaptable to your body shape too.

Goto Changyuan to know more.

5. Consider Mattress Toppers

Want a quicker fix? A mattress topper can alter the feel of your mattress, making it softer or firmer. It’s like a mini makeover for your bed without breaking the bank.

6. Roll or Walk Around It

You can help speed up the expansion process by rolling back and forth on your mattress like a rolling pin.

Or get some steps in—walk or crawl around on it for a few minutes each day. This helps loosen up the materials, making the mattress comfier quicker.

Wrap It Up!

In a nutshell, letting your mattress expand properly is key for ultimate comfort. While it may be okay to sleep on it before it puffs up and reaches its optimal comfort levels, it’s best you wait for it to breathe.

After all: patience, and the 6 other tips we gave you here, are the secret ingredients for a cozy night’s rest.

Now, for your dreamy sleep, explore our products or locate a store near you. Find your sleep haven today and make bedtime the highlight of your day!

What Happens if You Sleep on a Memory Foam Mattress Before 24 Hours?

Memory foam mattresses have become increasingly popular due to their ability to conform to the body, providing exceptional comfort and support. However, when you first unpack a memory foam mattress, it’s generally recommended to wait for a 24-hour expansion period before sleeping on it. But what if you’re eager to try out your new mattress and can’t wait for the full 24 hours?

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the suggested expansion time, the potential consequences of sleeping on a memory foam mattress before it has fully expanded, and tips to ensure you get the best possible sleep experience from your new investment.

What Happens if You Sleep on a Memory Foam Mattress Before 24 Hours?

If you sleep on a memory foam mattress before the recommended 24-hour expansion period, you might experience a few temporary issues:

Reduced comfort

The mattress may not have reached its optimal shape and firmness yet, which could lead to a less comfortable sleeping experience.

Slower expansion

Applying pressure on the mattress before it has fully expanded may slow down the expansion process. However, this effect is generally temporary, and the mattress should continue to expand after you get up.

Off-gassing

Memory foam mattresses often have a distinct smell when first unpacked, known as off-gassing. It’s caused by the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the foam material. Allowing the mattress to air out and expand for 24 hours can help dissipate the odor. Sleeping on the mattress too soon might expose you to a stronger smell, which can be bothersome for some people.

SUMMARY:
While it is not ideal to sleep on a memory foam mattress before the recommended 24-hour expansion period, doing so for one night is unlikely to cause significant long-term damage.

However, you may experience reduced comfort, slower expansion, and stronger off-gassing odors.

It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and wait for your memory foam mattress to fully expand before sleeping on it, as this ensures optimal comfort, support, and longevity.

By being patient and allowing your mattress to reach its full potential, you can enjoy the many benefits of memory foam for years to come.

Why Does a Memory Foam Mattress Need 24 Hours for Expansion?

A memory foam mattress needs around 24 hours to expand for several reasons:

Compression during packaging

Memory foam mattresses are often vacuum-sealed and compressed for easy shipping and handling. The foam needs time to decompress and regain its original shape after being unpacked.

Temperature sensitivity

Memory foam is a temperature-sensitive material. It becomes softer and more pliable when exposed to body heat and firmer in colder environments. Allowing the mattress to acclimate to room temperature helps it achieve its optimal level of support and comfort.

Cell structure

Memory foam consists of an open-cell structure that allows air to flow in and out of the material. When the mattress is compressed, the cells become squeezed and filled with the packing air. It takes time for the cells to release the packing air and draw in fresh air from the room, which helps the mattress regain its original size and shape.

Off-gassing

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.

While it’s generally recommended to wait for 24 hours, the actual time needed for a memory foam mattress to expand can vary depending on the brand, thickness, and room temperature. Some mattresses may expand within a few hours, while others might take up to 48 hours or more. It’s always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the best performance and longevity of your mattress.

What to do if your mattress isn’t expanding

If your memory foam mattress isn’t expanding as expected, you can try a few steps to help it along:

Be patient

In some cases, memory foam mattresses may take longer than 24 hours to expand, especially if the mattress is thicker or if the room temperature is cool. Give it more time, up to 72 hours, to see if it reaches its intended size and shape.

Adjust room temperature

Memory foam is temperature-sensitive, and a cooler room can slow down the expansion process. Try increasing the room temperature to help the foam become more pliable and encourage expansion.

Apply gentle pressure

Gently pressing or walking on the surface of the mattress can help the foam release trapped air and regain its shape. Be careful not to apply too much force, as this could damage the foam.

Massage the foam

Gently massaging the foam, particularly in the areas that seem compressed, can help to break up any trapped air and promote expansion.

Rotate or flip the mattress

Sometimes, rotating or flipping the mattress can help redistribute the foam and encourage it to expand more evenly.

Air circulation

Make sure there’s adequate airflow around the mattress. Remove any plastic wrapping, sheets, or mattress protectors to allow the foam to breathe and expand more effectively.

If you’ve tried these steps and your mattress still hasn’t expanded to its intended size after 72 hours, there could be a manufacturing defect or damage during shipping. In such cases, it’s best to contact the retailer or manufacturer to discuss your concerns and explore the possibility of a replacement or refund, depending on their warranty and return policies.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take the Zinus mattress to expand?

Zinus mattresses generally take about 24-72 hours to fully expand after being unpacked. However, the exact time can vary depending on factors such as the specific model, mattress thickness, and room temperature. It’s a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and allow the mattress to expand for at least 24-48 hours before sleeping on it. This ensures that the mattress reaches its optimal shape, firmness, and comfort level.

Keep in mind that some Zinus mattresses might expand more quickly, while others may take slightly longer. If you find that your Zinus mattress hasn’t fully expanded within the 72-hour window, you can try some of the previously mentioned tips to encourage expansion or contact Zinus customer support for further assistance.

Q: What Are the Possible Reasons Why your Lucid Memory Foam Mattress is Not Expanding?

If your Lucid memory foam mattress is not expanding, there could be a few possible reasons:

1. Insufficient time: Memory foam mattresses can take 24-72 hours to fully expand. Ensure that you’ve given the mattress enough time to regain its shape and size.
2. Room temperature: Memory foam is sensitive to temperature. If the room is too cold, the expansion process might be slower. Increasing the room temperature can help the foam become more pliable and expand more quickly.
3. Packaging compression: Mattresses