Purchasing a new mattress isn't something we do every day, so when we decide to spend our hard earned cash it's very exciting and just like any new parcel that arrives, you'll want to open and use it straight away.
However, should you be sleeping on your brand new mattress right away?


Can you sleep on a new mattress straight away?

The simple answer is, no. Most mattress labels, especially a rolled mattress, will state it's not supposed to be used within the first 24 hours, which as a rule is the recommended time you should wait after opening your brand new mattress - this is for good reason. After you've spent your hard earned cash on a sumptuous new bed, the last thing you would want to do is damage it, sleeping on it straight away could do just that.

Why wait to sleep on your new mattress?

Often, new mattresses will come rolled or compressed for delivery so it will need to expand to it's full usable size before you sleep on it. The process of the mattresses expanding to a useable size typically takes 24 hours but of course this can vary per manufacturer, some will take less time but some will take longer.

Before using your new mattress, check the specifications on the exact model you have purchased for the exact depth in inches. You can then measure the mattress to ensure it is suitable for sleeping on.

It is also advised to leave the sheets off your new mattress to help the mattress breath and 'air out', to ensure your new mattress recovers and any packaging smell can disperse.

Some mattress do indeed produce a smell whilst in the packaging, this is most commonly found with mattresses that contain memory foam or chemicals. To ensure these smell have left, it's recommended you leave the mattress to air out, however if you wanted to avoid mattress with fire retardant chemicals then head over to our Harrison Spinks range full of naturally fire retardant, chemical free beds.


Can I sleep on my pocket sprung mattress right away? 

Not right away, but there's good news. If you have purchased a fully natural mattress that doesn't arrive vacuum packed and is naturally fire retardant, you'll only need to air your mattress for a few hours to allow the natural materials time to breath before fitting your sheets. However as mentioned above, if your mattress contains foam it's best to air your new purchase for a longer period of time. This means whatever material or type of mattress you buy, it should be aired properly before use.


How do I break in my new mattress?

Initially your new mattress might feel a little firm, but this is completely normal. The materials in your new mattress will need time to adjust to your body, to soften and stretch out in order to provide you the full support you require. It can take a couple of weeks for the mattress to settle, and you'll be required to take some steps to break in your new mattress. 

First you'll need to let your mattress breath without any sheets fitted, laid down flat with a window slightly open to help the new mattress smell disperse.

Your existing bedframe/base will also need to be considered as your mattress will need to adjust and conform to the shape of this also. If your base is old and worn out if could negatively affect the mattresses performance. If possible, before making your purchase, you should think about whether your also need a new bedframe/base.

Once you've aired out your mattress, make sure you sleep on it every night for the first few weeks. It needs to be laid on often to help the fillings settle, this will also help both your mattress and your body adjust to one another. If your new mattress is for the spare room, please bear this in mind.

Conclusion

At the very least, your new mattress should be left to expand, reshape and air out after your delivery. If you really want to get the most comfort out of your mattress, prolong its life and have the best sleeping experience then this should be done for 24 hours before using.

This will cover all bases to ensure that whatever type of mattress you have bought has the best chance of being everything you had hoped for...and more! It's what you, and your new mattress deserve.