How to Break in a New Mattress: Tips for Better Sleep and Faster Comfort

Buying a new mattress is a big step toward improving your sleep, but the first few nights might not feel quite as dreamy as you hoped. That’s perfectly normal! Just like a new pair of shoes, a mattress often needs a little time to break in before it feels just right.

At American Mattress, one of the most common questions we hear is: “How do I break in a new mattress?” We’ll walk you through what to expect, why the break-in period matters, and how to speed up the adjustment process so you can start sleeping better, faster.

Why Does a Mattress Need to Be Broken In?

When you get a new mattress—especially one made with high-quality memory foam, latex, or hybrid materials—those fresh layers are still firm and uncompressed. Your body also needs time to adjust from your old mattress, which may have softened unevenly over time.

This adjustment period is totally normal. In fact, it can take anywhere from 30 to 60 nights for your body and your mattress to fully sync up.

How to Break in a Mattress: 7 Simple Tips

1. Sleep on It Every Night

The best way to break in a mattress is to use it consistently. Your body heat, weight, and movement help soften the materials and mold them to your shape over time.

2. Give It Time to Breathe

Unbox your mattress and let it fully expand before use. Most mattresses—especially memory foam—need 24–48 hours to reach their full shape and firmness level after being compressed for shipping.

3. Walk on It (Gently!)

For foam or hybrid mattresses, you can speed things up by gently walking or crawling on the surface for a few minutes each day. Just be careful—avoid jumping or putting all your weight in one spot.

4. Warm Up the Room

Memory foam becomes more pliable in warmer temperatures. If your room is very cold, try warming it up slightly to help the foam respond more quickly to your body.

5. Rotate Your Mattres

Rotating your mattress every 1–2 weeks during the break-in period can help ensure even wear and encourage the materials to adapt more uniformly.

6.Be Patient

Your body needs time to adjust to a new sleep surface—especially if your old mattress was sagging or unsupportive. Give yourself at least 30 nights before deciding if it’s the right fit.

7.Make sure your mattress is placed on a proper foundation or bed frame.

A weak or incompatible base can impact how your mattress feels and performs.

How Long Does It Take to Break in a Mattress?

On average, most new mattresses will feel significantly more comfortable within 3 to 6 weeks. If you’ve chosen a high-density memory foam or luxury hybrid, it might take a bit longer—but that extra durability means it will support you better in the long run.

Still Not Comfortable? Here’s What to Do

If you’ve given your mattress at least 30 nights and it’s still not comfortable, it may not be the right match for your sleep style. That’s why many mattress brands—including American Mattress—offer risk-free sleep trials so you can test it out with peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Breaking in a new mattress is part of the journey to better sleep. With a little patience and the right techniques, you’ll soon enjoy the full comfort and support your mattress was designed to deliver.

Need help finding the right mattress or foundation for your sleep needs? Our team at American Mattress is here to help. Contact us anytime or explore our mattress collections to learn more.

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