Adjusting to a new mattress takes time, and it’s normal if it doesn’t feel perfect right away. For most people, the break-in period lasts between two weeks and two months as both the mattress and your body adapt to the new level of support and firmness.
You may also need time to get used to the mattress’s feel, height, and any initial new-mattress smell. The good news is that you can often speed up the process by airing out the mattress, using it regularly, and making small comfort adjustments.
In this guide, we’ll explain how long it typically takes to adjust to different types of mattresses and share simple tips to help you get comfortable faster.
Things to Get Used to in a New Mattress
Smell
If you’re buying a new mattress, it will likely have a noticeable smell when first unpacked. Part of this comes from the plastic packaging, but it can also result from a process known as off-gassing.
Off-gassing occurs when certain materials used during manufacturing release small amounts of chemical odors into the air. This is more common in mattresses made with synthetic foams, adhesives, and flame-retardant treatments. These substances can be present in the outer cover, the bonding between layers, and other components used during production. Some of the compounds associated with off-gassing include benzene, formaldehyde, and naphthalene.
Although these chemicals can sound concerning, they are typically released in very small amounts in modern mattresses. For most people, the main effect is a temporary odor rather than a health risk, and the smell usually fades within a few days as the mattress airs out.
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Thickness
If your new mattress is a different thickness to your old one, you will notice the difference in your body.
This table shows the different common mattress thicknesses and how they are categorized.
| Height in inches | Classification |
| 5-8 | Slim |
| 8-12 | Standard |
| 12-20 | Medium/thick |
| 20+ | Thick |
The thicker the mattress, the more comfortable it will feel to sleep on. Thicker mattresses can support the back while providing more comfort.
However, thin mattresses are better for people with mobility issues and shorter people. They are much easier to get on and off.
If your new mattress is significantly thinner or thicker than your previous one, it could take some time for you to get used to it.
Firmness
A mattress fresh out of the box will usually feel much firmer than your old one.
Over time, a mattress naturally conforms to your body shape, creating soft spots and indentations. While this isn’t ideal for proper support, it can feel familiar and comfortable simply because you’ve gotten used to it.
When you switch to a new mattress, the surface is firmer, flatter, and more supportive. This difference can feel uncomfortable at first, and you may even wake up with mild aches or stiffness during the first few weeks. As your body adjusts to the improved support and alignment, these discomforts typically fade and sleep quality improves.
Break-In Times and Challenges for Different Types of Mattresses
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are designed to contour closely to your body, providing personalized support by responding to pressure and heat. As you move during the night, the foam gradually returns to its original shape, allowing it to adapt to your sleeping position and support needs.
Many memory foam mattresses (especially those with pillow tops or thick comfort layers) can produce a noticeable off-gassing smell when new. This is due to the polyurethane foam and other synthetic materials used in their construction.
While the odor is usually temporary, memory foam mattresses often need more time to air out than other types. Keeping the room well ventilated during the first few days can help the smell fade faster.
Memory foam is also denser than most other mattress materials, which means it typically takes longer to break in. The foam layers gradually soften and become more responsive as they adjust to your body weight and sleeping patterns.
Depending on the density and construction, a memory foam mattress can take several weeks to fully break in, and in some cases up to two months before it feels completely comfortable.
Polyfoam
Polyfoam mattresses are typically made from polyurethane-based foam and are often used in all-foam or hybrid mattress designs. They can offer a balance between the contouring feel of memory foam and the responsiveness of more traditional materials.
Like many foam mattresses, polyfoam models may release a mild odor when first unpacked due to off-gassing from manufacturing materials. For this reason, it’s a good idea to let the mattress air out in a well-ventilated room for a few days after purchase to help any initial smells dissipate more quickly.
Polyfoam mattresses can also take some time to break in. As the foam layers adjust to your body weight and sleeping patterns, the mattress gradually softens and becomes more comfortable. In most cases, a polyfoam mattress may take up to two months to fully break in.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are built with a coil support core and a thinner comfort layer on top, usually made of foam or padding. This design provides a more responsive and breathable sleeping surface compared to all-foam mattresses.
There are several types of innerspring mattresses. Models that include memory foam or synthetic comfort layers may produce some initial off-gassing similar to foam mattresses. However, some manufacturers use more environmentally friendly or plant-based materials, such as soy-based foams, which tend to produce less noticeable odor.
Because the comfort layers in innerspring mattresses are typically thinner and the coil systems are flexible, they usually don’t take as long to break in. The springs adapt quickly to body weight and movement, while the thinner foam layers soften with regular use.
In most cases, an innerspring mattress takes about a few weeks to one month to fully break in and feel more comfortable.
Latex
Latex mattresses are made from either synthetic or natural material. They contain a lot of air between their layers.
This high air content allows the mattress to soften to your weight and shape of your body easily.
Latex mattresses usually off-gas less than their memory foam counterparts. The construction is more natural, especially if the latex is sourced from an actual rubber tree. This means there are fewer chemicals that produce smelly gases.
You can break in a latex mattress within two weeks.
Organic
Organic mattresses are typically made from natural materials such as cotton, wool, and other plant-based fibers. Because they contain fewer synthetic components, they are far less likely to produce strong chemical odors. While some natural materials may have a mild scent at first, it is usually subtle and fades quickly with normal use.
Organic mattresses generally have a break-in period similar to natural latex mattresses. Since natural fibers and latex are more responsive and breathable than dense synthetic foams, they tend to adjust more quickly to your body.
In most cases, you should begin sleeping comfortably within about one to two weeks.
How to Get Used to a New Mattress More Quickly
Give It Some Air
It’s important to air out a new mattress to help reduce any initial odors from packaging and off-gassing. Allowing the mattress to breathe will help the smell fade faster and make it more comfortable to use.
You can follow these steps to air out your mattress properly:
- Remove the plastic covering as soon as the mattress is unpacked.
- Place the mattress in a well-ventilated room and open windows to improve airflow.
- Turn on ceiling or standing fans and direct them toward the mattress to speed up the process.
- Let the mattress air out for several hours each day until any noticeable odor has faded.
Most new mattress smells disappear within a few days, though some may take a bit longer depending on the materials and room ventilation.
Use Pressure
Applying gentle pressure to a new mattress can help speed up the break-in process by softening the materials and helping them settle more quickly. Regular use naturally does this over time, but there are safe ways to encourage the process.
If you want to help the mattress air out and break in faster, try the following:
- Place the mattress in a well-ventilated room so any initial odors can dissipate.
- Walk gently across the surface of the mattress to help the materials loosen and adjust.
- Sit or lie on different areas of the mattress to distribute pressure evenly.
- Rotate the mattress occasionally to ensure even wear and softening.
If your goal is to soften the mattress more quickly, consistent, moderate pressure works best. Using the mattress daily, changing sleeping positions, and occasionally placing light, evenly distributed weight (such as folded blankets or pillows) on firmer areas can help it adjust more comfortably.
Repeat these steps regularly during the first few weeks. With consistent use, most mattresses gradually become softer and more comfortable within the first month.
Use Heat
Memory foam and polyfoam mattresses are sensitive to temperature, which means heat can help soften them during the break-in period. These materials tend to become more flexible in warmer conditions and firmer in cooler environments, so a slightly warmer room can make a new mattress feel more comfortable sooner.
There are several simple ways to use heat to help the mattress adjust:
- Raise the room temperature slightly with normal home heating or a space heater
- Place an electric blanket on the mattress for a short time before use
- Cover the mattress with thick blankets to help retain warmth
Warming the mattress can make the foam more responsive and help it conform to your body more quickly.
However, be careful not to overheat the room, as excessively warm sleeping conditions can make it difficult to rest comfortably. Aim for a balanced temperature that helps the mattress soften while still allowing you to sleep well.
Check the Base
Sometimes a new mattress feels uncomfortable not because of the mattress itself, but because it’s placed on an unsuitable base.
If your bed frame or foundation is damaged, uneven, or sagging, the mattress can begin to mirror those same issues. Over time, this can affect support, comfort, and even shorten the mattress’s lifespan. A weak or uneven base may also prevent the mattress from breaking in properly.
It’s also important to make sure the base is the correct size and provides proper support for your new mattress. Slats should be sturdy and evenly spaced, and the frame should sit level on the floor. If your current base is worn out or incompatible, it may be worth replacing it or purchasing a matching set to ensure your mattress performs as intended.
Adjust the Break in Process for Your Mattress
Some of the break in methods are more suited to one kind of mattress than the others.
If you have a memory foam mattress, your top priority should be temperature control. This is the speediest way to reduce stiffness in the structure.
If you have an innerspring mattress, break in will be fast. However, this can lead to excessive wear and tear, so you should take care to regularly rotate the mattress.
With a natural latex mattress, break in is minimal. However, you should make sure to sleep on both sides so that the mattress is evenly broken in.
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In Summary
New mattresses can take anywhere from two weeks to two months to break in, depending on the type. You need to adjust to the smell, thickness, and firmness. Thankfully, you can speed up the process by using several break-in methods.
The process of breaking in a new mattress can be frustrating, especially if it’s affecting your quality of sleep. However, it’s important to be patient and consistent.
By persisting with the above methods for the recommended time, you’ll be sleeping comfortably before you know it.
