Can You Sleep on a Mattress Straight Away?

When you purchase a new mattress, the excitement of trying it out immediately can be overwhelming. However, there are several factors to consider before jumping into bed on your new mattress right away. Let's explore the advice from industry experts and the reasons behind their recommendations. ## Expert Opinions on Sleeping on a New Mattress ### Dr. John Breese, Sleep Specialist Dr. John Breese, a noted sleep specialist, points out that while it might be tempting to sleep on a new mattress as soon as it's delivered, it's often best to wait. New mattresses, especially those vacuum-sealed or rolled up, need time to expand and return to their intended shape and size. This process, known as off-gassing, also allows any chemicals used in manufacturing to dissipate. ### Emma Douglas, Mattress Industry Expert Emma Douglas, an expert in the mattress industry, agrees and adds that letting the mattress "breathe" can lead to a more comfortable first night's sleep. She emphasizes the importance of airing out a new mattress in a well-ventilated room to ensure that any residual new mattress smell diminishes. ### Mark Levine, Consumer Advocate Consumer advocate Mark Levine highlights the consumer's experience, noting that many customers report an improved experience after letting the mattress rest for at least 24 to 48 hours. According to Levine, this resting period can also extend the life of the mattress by allowing the materials to settle properly. ## Why Does a Mattress Need to Rest? A new mattress might take up to 72 hours to fully expand and reach its optimal size and firmness. This waiting period not only allows the mattress to adjust to your room's temperature and humidity levels but also helps in off-gassing. Off-gassing is the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used during the manufacturing process, which can cause an unpleasant odor and potential health risks if not allowed to dissipate. ### Benefits of Letting Your Mattress Rest 1. **Full Expansion**: Ensuring your mattress reaches its full size helps in providing consistent support and comfort. 2. **Odor Removal**: Airing out helps eliminate any chemical smells from the manufacturing process. 3. **Material Settling**: Allows the materials inside the mattress to settle and evenly distribute, leading to improved durability and comfort. ## Steps to Expedite Mattress Expansion Yes, there are a few things you can do to help expedite the mattress expansion process. First, remove the mattress from its packaging and allow it to fully expand in a well-ventilated room. You can also gently massage the mattress to help distribute the filling and encourage expansion. Although we thought the effect would be close to zero, it is still worth a try. Additionally, applying a bit of heat to the room, such as using a space heater or opening windows to let in sunlight, can help speed up the process. Check now ## Conclusion and Final Recommendations While the desire to sleep on a new mattress immediately is understandable, allowing it to rest and expand properly can significantly enhance your overall sleep experience. Following expert advice to air out your mattress in a well-ventilated area and giving it time to off-gas and fully expand is crucial. This not only ensures maximum comfort and support but also extends the lifespan of your mattress. Remember, a little patience now can lead to countless nights of restful sleep in the future.