Can You Sleep on a Mattress While It's Expanding?

Getting a new mattress feels great, until you wonder if you can sleep on it while it’s still expanding. You’re tired, it looks ready, but is it safe? Will it ruin the mattress? In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know so you can rest easy, starting from night one.

• Give your mattress time to expand fully for optimal comfort and support.
  
  

• Sleeping on an unexpanded mattress may affect its durability and structure.
  
  

• Letting your mattress expand reduces off-gassing and improves air quality.
  
  

• Proper expansion helps prevent lumps, unevenness, and premature wear.
  
  

• Adjust your sleep environment (temperature) to speed up expansion.

• Memory foam fits your body like it was made for you: A memory foam mattress adjusts to your shape by using your body heat and weight, giving you support exactly where you need it. This makes it feel like the mattress is hugging your body, reducing pressure on joints and improving comfort while you sleep.

• You won’t find any springs inside a memory foam mattress: Unlike traditional mattresses with metal coils, memory foam uses thick, soft foam that molds to your body. It reacts to movement by gently compressing and expanding, which gives it that soft, cushion-like feeling.

• It’s a great choice if you sleep on your side: Side sleepers often deal with shoulder and hip pressure, but memory foam helps by gently supporting those areas. It allows your body to sink in just enough to relieve pain and keep your spine in a better position.

• There’s more than one type of memory foam: You can choose from traditional, gel-infused, and plant-based memory foams. Gel-infused foam keeps you cooler at night, while plant-based options use natural materials like soy or bamboo, which are better for the environment and more breathable.

• Some memory foam mattresses come with springs too: If you like the softness of memory foam but also want some bounce and support, hybrid mattresses are a good option. They combine memory foam with spring coils to give you a balance of comfort and firmness.

• Innerspring mattresses use metal coils for body support: An innerspring mattress uses metal coils or springs to support your body, offering a classic feel. When you lie on an innerspring mattress, the coils compress and adjust to your weight.

• Foam or fiber layers add extra comfort on top: These mattresses often have a comfort layer made from foam or fiber on top to make lying down more comfortable.

• Different coil types change how the mattress feels and lasts: Innerspring mattresses come with different coil designs like Bonnell, pocketed, or continuous coils, which affect how supportive, durable, and motion-free the mattress is.

• Innerspring mattresses are firmer than memory foam or hybrid options: Innersprings are usually firmer compared to memory foam, while hybrid mattresses mix coils and foam for a soft but supportive feel.

• Latex mattresses use natural or synthetic rubber: Latex mattresses are made from either natural or synthetic rubber. Natural latex is eco-friendly, while synthetic latex costs less but may not last as long.

• Different types of latex give different feels: Talalay latex feels light and bouncy, while Dunlop latex is firmer and denser. The choice depends on whether you like a springy or sturdy mattress.

• Latex mattresses come compressed and expand quickly: They are packed tight in a box for easy delivery and expand to full size within a few hours after unboxing.

• Latex mattresses usually don’t have a strong smell: Unlike memory foam, latex mattresses rarely have a strong chemical odor when new, so you can use them sooner without waiting for off-gassing.

• Hybrid Mattress Support and Comfort Combo: Hybrid mattresses blend the support of innerspring coils with the comfort of foam or latex layers, aiming to deliver the best of both worlds.

• Common Materials in Hybrid Mattresses: Typical hybrids include memory foam, gel-infused foam, or latex layers placed over a coil base to enhance comfort and pressure relief.

• Ideal Thickness for Balanced Comfort and Support: Most hybrid mattresses range from 10 to 14 inches thick, with about 12 inches often offering an optimal balance between cushioning and support.

• Why Hybrids Stand Out From Traditional Innersprings: Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, hybrids incorporate foam layers to provide extra pressure relief and comfort.

• Growing Popularity Due to Versatile Sleep Support: Hybrid mattresses have become more popular as they cater to diverse sleep positions, offering enhanced comfort and support for most sleepers.

• You adjust support by inflating or deflating air chambers: Air mattresses use air-filled chambers you can pump up or let out to make the bed firmer or softer, unlike a foam or spring mattress with fixed feel.

• You can fold it up and take it anywhere: Because you simply deflate an air mattress, it packs down small and fits in a closet or car trunk, perfect for camping or extra guest bedding.

• You might feel sore if you have back pain or arthritis: Without solid structure, air mattresses can form pressure spots and don’t hold your spine as well, so they aren’t the best daily pick for chronic aches.

• You won’t get the squishy comfort of foam or springs: Air beds tend to feel more “flat” than plush, so they lack that soft, cushy hug you get from traditional mattresses.

• You give guests a comfy night but not a permanent fix: Guests often prefer an air bed over a roll-out futon, but air mattresses wear out faster and don’t last as long as regular beds meant for everyday use.

• Pillow-tops add a soft layer on top of the mattress: Pillow-top mattresses have an extra soft layer stitched on the surface, making the bed feel softer without making it taller.

• Pillow-tops feel soft and help side sleepers stay comfortable: These mattresses feel plush and are great for side sleepers because they reduce pressure on shoulders and hips.

• Pillow-tops come with different softness levels: You can find pillow-tops with thin or thick padding, so you can pick how soft or firm you want your mattress.

• Pillow-tops are softer but have less strong edges: They feel very soft but don’t support the edges as well as euro-top mattresses, which have firmer sides and lie flat with the bed.

• Pillow-tops are a good choice if you want extra softness: If you want your mattress to feel extra cushioned and soft, pillow-top mattresses are a good option

• Gel Layer for Cooling Comfort: Gel-infused mattresses feature a special gel layer incorporated into the foam. This gel helps regulate temperature, providing a cooler sleep experience.

• Ideal Choice for Hot Sleepers: These mattresses are especially beneficial for people who tend to overheat during sleep. The gel absorbs and disperses heat, keeping you cool throughout the night.

• Combined Comfort and Support: Typically infused within memory foam, the gel not only controls temperature but also offers balanced comfort and support for restful sleep.

• Most mattresses need some time to settle before you sleep on them: When you first unpack a new mattress, especially memory foam, it usually needs 24 to 72 hours to fully expand. This settling time helps it reach its proper shape and comfort level.

• Sleeping on the mattress too early might make it feel uncomfortable: If you're really tired and want to use it right away, you can lie on it, but it might feel too firm or uneven at first. That’s just because it hasn’t finished expanding yet.

• Using the mattress before it fully expands can reduce its quality over time: While sleeping on it early won’t completely ruin the mattress, it might stop it from expanding properly. Over time, this could affect how long it lasts and how well it supports your body.

• Different types of mattresses have different wait times, so always read the label: Not every mattress is the same. Some types like hybrid or spring mattresses might be ready faster, while others need more time. It’s always best to check the instructions that come with it.

• Full Expansion Unlocks True Comfort: Letting your mattress expand fully allows it to reach its optimal shape, which significantly enhances comfort and support. Without full expansion, the mattress may feel firmer or uneven, affecting how it conforms to your body.

• Uneven Mattresses Can Disrupt Support: A mattress that hasn’t expanded completely can lead to pressure build-up in your back and neck. This imbalance in support may cause discomfort and potentially lead to long-term health concerns if left unaddressed.

• Proper Expansion Enhances Spine Alignment: Once the mattress reaches its full size, it adapts better to your body’s curves. This alignment helps reduce strain on your spine and provides more consistent pressure relief throughout the night.

• Better Sleep Begins with Full Expansion: Sleeping on a fully expanded mattress results in improved sleep quality. The increased comfort and joint support contribute to a more restful and healthier night’s sleep.

• Avoids Permanent Mattress Deformation: Using a mattress before it fully expands can lead to uneven surfaces or lumps. This damage often becomes irreversible, affecting both comfort and durability.

• Reduces Unnecessary Wear and Tear: Premature use adds pressure to the still-expanding materials, increasing wear and tear that could easily be avoided by waiting.

• Preserves Long-Term Comfort and Durability: A mattress that doesn’t expand fully may lose its intended structure over time, causing discomfort and shortening its usable life. Letting it expand ensures a better return on your investment.

• Letting the mattress expand improves air flow: When a mattress fully expands, the material opens up, allowing air to pass through easily. This helps keep the mattress cooler and more comfortable to sleep on.

• Expanding the mattress reduces moisture buildup: Allowing the mattress to breathe stops moisture from getting trapped inside, which helps prevent bad smells and keeps the mattress fresher.

• A fully expanded mattress stays cooler at night: If the mattress hasn’t expanded, it can trap heat and make you feel too warm. Letting it expand fully helps stop overheating while you sleep.

• Off-Gassing Explained: What Happens When Your Mattress Expands: One of the main concerns with new mattresses is off-gassing, the release of chemicals from foam or materials. As the mattress expands, chemicals, especially from memory foam, are released into the air.

• Common Chemicals Released During Off-Gassing: Common chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene can off-gas during this process. These substances may cause health issues for sensitive individuals, both short-term and long-term.

• Minimizing Off-Gassing Exposure with Proper Expansion: Letting the mattress expand fully helps reduce off-gassing. Avoid using the mattress while it expands to minimize exposure to these chemicals.

• Ventilation Speeds Up Chemical Dissipation: Ventilating the room by keeping windows open improves air circulation, which speeds up off-gassing. This process usually lasts a few hours to a few days, depending on the mattress materials.

• Organic Mattresses Offer a Non-Toxic Alternative: Mattresses made with organic or naturally derived fibers like bamboo, hemp, and coconut coir avoid chemical off-gassing altogether, providing a non-toxic option without synthetic smells or chemical exposure.

• Letting the mattress expand helps it get to the right size: It’s crucial for your mattress to reach its full size for maximum comfort and durability. Without full expansion, the mattress may feel uncomfortable or misshaped.

• A fully expanded mattress feels even and comfortable: A mattress that hasn’t expanded properly can feel uneven, which leads to poor sleep quality. Allowing it to expand fully ensures it reaches the right firmness and shape.

• Giving the mattress time to expand keeps it lasting longer: By letting your mattress expand completely, you help it last longer and stay comfortable, so you can enjoy all its benefits

• Mattress needs to fully expand for better comfort: A mattress that hasn’t fully expanded may not provide the level of comfort needed for quality sleep. Fully expanding allows the mattress to contour to your body more effectively, which improves sleep quality.

• Full expansion helps the mattress support your spine: With proper expansion, the mattress becomes better at supporting your spine and reducing pressure points, leading to a more restful night’s sleep.

• Waiting for full expansion reduces aches and improves rest: If you experience aches and pains from an under-expanded mattress, waiting for it to fully expand can significantly improve your overall comfort and well-being during the night.

• Letting the mattress expand helps it stay strong for years: When you allow your mattress to fully expand, the materials inside get time to settle properly. This keeps the mattress in good shape and helps it stay supportive for a long time.

• Skipping expansion can damage the mattress early: If you use the mattress too soon while it’s still compressed, it might lose its shape faster. This can lead to dips, sagging, and less support over time.

• A fully expanded mattress stays comfortable longer: Taking the time to let your mattress expand isn’t just about comfort on day one, it helps the mattress stay comfortable and supportive for many years ahead

• Sleeping on the mattress too soon can mess up how it expands: When you unbox a memory foam mattress, it’s still growing into its full shape. If you lie on it too early, it might not expand properly. This can make the mattress uneven and affect how comfortable it feels later.

• Using it right away can make it feel harder and less comfy: Memory foam needs time to soften and take its proper shape. Sleeping on it too early can make it feel firmer than expected, and some parts might stay pressed down for good.

• Most companies say to wait at least one full day: Almost all mattress makers suggest you wait at least 24 hours before using the mattress. This gives it time to fully expand and settle the way it’s supposed to.

• New mattresses can release strong smells that need time to fade: Fresh out of the box, memory foam often gives off a chemical smell. This process, called off-gassing, can be annoying or even irritating for some people. Letting the mattress air out before sleeping on it is a safer choice.

• Waiting just one or two days gives you better sleep in the long run: If you can hold off for 24 to 48 hours, your mattress will be more comfortable, healthier to sleep on, and will last longer. A little patience now means better rest later.

• Sleeping too soon can slow down the mattress puffing up: When you lie on the mattress before it's fully expanded, your body weight pushes it down and slows the rising process.

• The mattress will still rise fully, just takes more time: Even if you sleep on it early, the mattress will eventually expand completely, it just needs extra time to finish inflating.

• A warm room helps the mattress open up better: If it looks stuck halfway, moving it to a warmer spot can help the foam expand faster and more evenly.

• No damage in the long run, just be patient: Using the mattress too soon won’t hurt its quality or life, it just needs a little patience for the best comfort and shape.

• Unboxing it early gives your mattress a head start: The sooner you take the mattress out of the box and let it unfold, the quicker it begins to expand. Don’t let it sit rolled up, air exposure is what helps it rise properly.

• A warm room helps your mattress expand faster: Mattresses expand better in warmth. If your room is above 70°F (21°C), the foam loosens and fills out quicker. In cold weather, this becomes even more important.

• Using a space heater speeds things up in winter: If your room feels chilly, especially during winter, running a space heater can create the warm environment your mattress needs to fully expand before bedtime.

• A hair dryer can loosen tight foam spots: Gently using a hair dryer on low heat over any flat or slow-rising areas can help. Just don’t hold it too close, keep it moving to avoid overheating the material.

• Too much moisture in the air slows expansion:  High humidity makes it harder for foam to expand properly. If you live in a damp area, using a dehumidifier can dry out the air and help your mattress open up faster.

• Warm, dry air is the perfect combo for quick results: When the air is both warm and dry, your mattress responds much better and reaches its full shape more quickly, helping you get to bed sooner with better comfort.

• Understanding the Adjustment Period: Adjusting to a new mattress can take time, and it’s normal to feel some discomfort initially. On average, it takes about 2 to 4 weeks to fully adjust.

• Easing Into the New Mattress Gradually: You don’t need to gradually sleep on the mattress every night; however, if you feel uneasy, try alternating between your old and new mattress to ease the transition.

• Listening to Your Body for Faster Adaptation: Sleeping on the mattress nightly can help speed up the adjustment process, but always listen to your body’s signals.

• Recognizing Positive Signs of Adjustment: Signs that you’re adjusting well include reduced aches and pains and improved sleep quality.

• Optimal Sleeping Positions for Spine Health: Proper alignment is key to a restful night’s sleep. Sleeping on your back or side tends to be the best for spinal alignment.

• Using Pillows to Enhance Support: If you’re on your side, use a pillow between your knees for extra support.

• Choosing a Mattress That Supports Posture: To ensure your mattress supports proper posture, it should feel comfortable yet firm enough to keep your spine aligned. Memory foam mattresses often excel at this.

• Adjusting Position When Mattress Support is Insufficient: If your mattress isn’t providing the right support, consider adjusting your sleeping position or using pillows for added support.

• Your Mattress Needs Time to Settle and Expand: New mattresses take a few days to a couple of weeks to fully expand and become comfortable. It’s normal for the firmness to change a bit during this time.

• Don’t Disturb the Mattress While It’s Settling: Avoid jumping or moving the mattress too much during the first days. Let it settle naturally to reach its best comfort.

• Rotating the Mattress Helps It Wear Evenly: Turning your mattress occasionally can prevent uneven wear, but flipping it is usually not needed.

• The Mattress Feels More Comfortable After Settling: After settling, the mattress will adjust to give better support and comfort that suits your body.

• Going to bed at the same time makes it easier to sleep well: When you follow a regular sleep schedule, your body gets used to sleeping and waking up at certain times. This helps you fall asleep faster and feel more rested, especially when adjusting to a new mattress.

• Waking up at the same time every day helps your body stay in rhythm: Even on weekends, sticking to your wake-up time keeps your body clock steady. This steady rhythm improves sleep quality and makes your new mattress feel more comfortable over time.

• A steady sleep routine helps your brain stay sharp: Sleeping at regular times not only improves your rest, it also boosts your focus, mental clarity, and energy levels during the day.

• Your mattress supports good sleep when your habits are steady: A new mattress works best when you have a regular sleep routine. The support it provides helps your body rest better, making your sleep more refreshing and comfortable.

Choosing the right pillow can make a huge difference in your sleep quality. The best pillows for neck support are usually medium-firm, as they help align your neck with your spine. 

If you suffer from neck pain, a pillow with the right height and firmness can alleviate discomfort. 

Side sleepers may benefit from a higher pillow to fill the gap between the neck and mattress.

• Regular Mattress Rotation Prevents Uneven Wear: Rotating your mattress every 3 to 6 months helps prevent uneven wear and extends its lifespan. By giving each area of the mattress a break, you maintain its firmness and support longer.

• Early Signs Indicate When to Rotate: If one side of the mattress starts to dip or feel less supportive, it’s a clear sign it needs rotating. Doing this every three months helps keep the fillings even and the surface comfortable.

• Rotating vs Flipping Mattresses: While most mattresses don’t need to be flipped, regular rotation ensures they stay comfortable and supportive for a longer time.

• Mattress Cleaning and Protection Maintain Quality: Regular maintenance like vacuuming the mattress and using a mattress protector keeps it in top condition. These care practices contribute to lasting support and a better night’s sleep

When transitioning to a new mattress, it’s important to recognize the difference between mattress discomfort and adjustment discomfort. 

Temporary soreness or mild aches can be expected as your body gets used to the new surface. 

However, persistent pain, especially in your lower back or hips, might indicate that the mattress isn’t the right fit for you. 

In that case, you may need to explore a different firmness or material type.

• Uneven or Lumpy Appearance Indicates Incomplete Expansion: When your new mattress arrives, it can be tricky to tell if it’s fully expanded. A mattress that isn’t ready yet may look uneven or lumpy right after unboxing. That uneven look usually means the foam hasn’t settled completely.

• Height Check Confirms Full Expansion: You’ll also notice it hasn’t reached its full height, check the label or product page to see the correct thickness, then measure it with a ruler or tape to confirm.

• Squished Corners and Curled Edges Show It Needs More Time: Corners that stay squished or curled edges are signs the mattress still needs time to fully expand.

• Typical Expansion Time Requires Patience: Most mattresses take between 24 to 72 hours to fully expand, depending on the material and brand, so a little patience can make all the difference.

• Waiting Ensures Best Comfort and Support: Don’t worry, this is normal. Just give it time to rise fully before using it for the best comfort and support.