How to Break in a Mattress
Are you the proud new owner of a mattress but don’t know what to do next? If breaking into your bed seems like an intimidating task, fear not! With just a few simple steps and some patience, you’ll be sleeping like royalty in no time.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to break in a mattress – from which techniques are best for different types of mattresses to where the optimal position should be while breaking it in. Read on, and soon you’ll be snuggling up in your new bed with ease!
Do New Mattresses Need to Be Broken in?
The answer to this question is not a definitive yes or no. If you’re buying a traditional innerspring mattress, it will likely need some time to be “broken in, in” or used and adjusted to your body over the weeks following purchase. New mattresses of any type generally feel quite firm when first purchased and may take some getting used to.
It is recommended that you give it at least two weeks to allow your body to become accustomed to the new surface before deciding if the mattress is right for you.
During that period, certain adjustments can be made for optimum comfort. For instance, rotating the mattress every few days can help break in all areas evenly. Additionally, placing a softer top layer on top of the mattress can help to further reduce any uncomfortable firmness. Placing a mattress topper, such as a featherbed or memory foam, over the top of your new mattress can also provide additional comfort and help break in the mattress more quickly.
In some cases where you’re sleeping on a very soft material like memory foam, breaking it in may not be necessary. But if you are used to sleeping on an innerspring mattress with coils and springs, then breaking in the new mattress is important. Breaking in your new mattress will ensure that it lasts many years and provides adequate support for your body throughout its lifetime.
10 Effective Methods How to Break in a Mattress
1. Sleep on It Regularly
The most straightforward way to break in a mattress is to use it regularly. This allows your body weight to compress the mattress and help it mold to your shape. Depending on the type of mattress, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for the mattress to break in fully.
During this time, the mattress may still feel stiff, and the pressure points may become more noticeable. If this is the case, try to sleep in various positions to help even out the pressure distribution. Additionally, if you experience any discomfort, try placing a mattress topper on top of the mattress for an extra layer of cushioning.
2. Walk on It
Walk on your mattress with clean feet to help break in the foam or springs. This can help loosen up any stiffness in the mattress. You should walk around for a few minutes or as long as you can until the mattress conforms to your body’s shape.
Don’t forget to turn around and walk the other way to ensure that the mattress is broken in evenly. If you have a partner, both of you can walk on it together. This will help the mattress break in faster and ensure that it is comfortable for both of you when sleeping. While this may seem like a strange thing to do, it is actually one of the best ways to break in a mattress.
3. Use a Mattress Topper
A mattress topper can help break in a new mattress by softening the surface and allowing it to contour to your body. Choose a topper made of materials that will provide pressure relief. Memory foam toppers will provide the most comfort and help cushion the mattress surface. Place it between the bottom sheet and mattress, following instructions from the manufacturer.
Make sure to periodically change the topper for optimal comfort and support. Additionally, some mattress protectors can also help break in your mattress. Buy one that will provide a comfortable layer between you and your mattress.
4. Jump on It
Gently jumping on your mattress can help break in the springs. This can also help compress the foam to conform to your body shape. Start by lying down on your mattress and then jump up, landing two feet at a time. Pay attention to how the mattress feels after each jump. If it feels too firm, then add a few more jumps until you get the right level of comfort.
Just keep in mind that jumping too hard can damage your mattress and override the effect of breaking it in. If your mattress feels too soft after a few jumps, lie down and wait for the foam to spread out and adapt. Remember that it will take some time for the mattress to break in, so be patient and give it time.
5. Rotate the Mattress
Regularly rotating your mattress can help ensure that it wears evenly and breaks in uniformly. Most mattresses should be rotated every three months or so, turning it end-to-end and flipping it over.
This helps to ensure that any depressions formed by your body’s weight are spread out and not concentrated in one spot. If you have a two-sided mattress, flip it as well since this will help to reduce any sagging or to sink on either side. If you have a single-sided mattress, it can still benefit from being rotated periodically.
6. Use a Weighted Blanket
A weighted blanket can help compress the foam in a mattress, allowing it to conform to your body more quickly. Be sure to use a blanket that is not too heavy for your size, as an overly-heavy blanket may damage your mattress.
Place the weighted blanket on top of the mattress and let it sit for several hours before sleeping. This will help to break in your mattress much faster than simply using your own body weight. To get the most out of this method, you may want to consider placing a mattress topper over your weighted blanket.
7. Use a Heating Pad
Heat can help soften the foam in a mattress, making it easier to break in. Place a heating pad on the mattress for a few hours before using it. This will help loosen up the mattress and allow it to adjust to your body more easily
Be careful not to overheat the mattress, as this can cause damage. Remove the heating pad after a few hours and let the mattress cool before using it. To get the most out of your heating pad, place it directly on the mattress rather than under a sheet.
This will help the heat penetrate more deeply into the mattress and make it easier to break in. However, if you’re concerned about potential overheating, it’s best to place the heating pad under a sheet.
8. Apply Pressure to the Edges
Applying pressure to the edges of the mattress can help compress the foam or springs, allowing them to conform to your body more quickly. To do this, use both of your hands to press down firmly on either side of the mattress.
Hold for about 30 seconds, and then move to a different spot. Keep repeating this process until the entire mattress has been compressed and broken in. This can take some time, but it will be worth it in the long run. You may find that sleeping on a broken-in mattress is much more comfortable than sleeping on one that hasn’t been properly broken in.
9. Roll a Tennis Ball on It
Rolling a tennis ball on the mattress can help break in the foam or springs. This can help loosen up any stiffness in the mattress. Start by using light pressure and increasing the intensity of the rolling as necessary.
This can be a great way to break in a mattress without putting too much strain on it. Make sure to roll over the entire mattress surface and pay special attention to any areas that feel particularly stiff or uncomfortable. This will help the mattress conform more to your body and can result in a better night’s sleep.
10. Use a Mattress Break-in Service
Some mattress retailers offer a break-in service that involves using a machine to compress the foam or springs, helping the mattress conform to your body more quickly. While this option may be more expensive, it could provide you with a faster and better break-in experience.
Make sure to ask your mattress retailer if they offer this type of service. To ensure that you don’t run into any problems, ask for referrals or reviews from other customers who have used the service.
Some Common Mistakes When Breaking in a Mattress
1. Not Making Sure the Mattress Is Completely Dry before Sleeping on It
It’s important to make sure that your new mattress has been allowed to air out fully in a well-ventilated area after being removed from its packaging, as moisture can compromise the comfort and longevity of your mattress.
2. Sleeping in One Spot for Extended Periods of Time
If you spend most of the night in one spot, it can cause that area to become overly compressed and less comfortable than other areas. It’s important to move around on your mattress so that it breaks in evenly.
3. Not Using a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector will protect your new mattress from everyday dirt and debris and help extend its lifespan. It’s also important to use a waterproof protector for added protection against sweat and spills.
4. Not Rotating the Mattress
Rotating your mattress periodically (usually every 3-6 months) will ensure even wear over time and minimize sagging or soft spots from forming throughout the lifetime of your mattress.
Conclusion
Breaking in your mattress is essential for getting the full benefit of it. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can do it easily and without damaging or marring your new bed. It may take a few days, but once all is said and done, you’ll have a much better sleep knowing that you’ve made the effort to break in your mattress correctly.
We hope this guide on how to break in a mattress was helpful. Please share it with your friends on social media if you find it useful. And be sure to check back here soon for more informative guides like this one.
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
