A guide to easing into a new bed.

Imagine this: you go out and purchase a new bed mattress and place it on your bed, dressed in clean sheets. 100% Cotton Sheets ...and a freshly re-puffed pillow You close your eyes on the promise of sleep and slip into bed. You have trouble sleeping and wake up in pain.

Hey, hold on Spending the equivalent of one month's rent on a bed probably wasn't supposed to feel like that. If that's the case, then what gives If so, did you make a major error? When deciding, did you go with the improper mattress Doubtless not

It's not uncommon for people to experience discomfort after their first few nights on a brand-new mattress. Because it may take time for your body to readjust. If so, how long does it take? If you're impatient like me, is there anything you can do to hasten the procedure? Learn more by reading on!

A breaking-in period is required for all mattresses. Typically, it's 30 days, but it can go as high as 90. The time it takes to break in a new mattress and adjust to it depends on the new mattress's specific characteristics and how they differ from those of your old mattress.  

Most mattress stores won't accept returns or exchanges for at least 30 days after purchase due to the importance of the breaking-in period. That's why lots of businesses give you the option of a trial run in your own bed.

The longest time to "break in" a mattress is typically associated with memory foam and hybrid models, especially high-density memory foam which is bulkier and more dense than low-density memory foam. Give your new memory foam mattress at least 60 days before deciding if it's the right choice for you.  

The longer the break-in time, the higher the density of the memory foam.

Spring

For many, the traditional spring mattress (especially one with a pillow top) provides instant comfort. However, they may need to be worn in for up to a month.

Mattresses with springs should be rotated every three to six months to ensure even wear and prevent the dreaded "sinkhole." Memory foam mattresses don't require this maintenance because they wear out much more slowly.

Latex

The break-in period is shortest for latex mattresses, which are commonly found in high-end luxury bedding. Timeframes range from two to fourteen days, with some variation depending on whether the latex is natural or synthetic and whether the mattress is made up of 100% latex or a hybrid of the two.

Learn more here: Compare the SoundAsleep, REI, and other top air mattresses of 2020.   

Instructions for adjusting to a new bed

Patience and time are the best tools for breaking in a new mattress. But if you're impatient like me, there are steps you can take to move things along more quickly.

Changing your base

You might not give much thought to your foundation or bed frame, but it can make a huge difference in the comfort of your mattress. Make sure your mattress and foundation are a good fit before moving forward. The best results from a traditional spring mattress can be spring boxes However, platform-style bases are recommended for memory foam and hybrid mattresses.

You should check that your new mattress and foundation are a good fit by ensuring that the foundation is in good condition and is not damaged, sagging, or otherwise worn. In that case, you may want to replace it with one that can support your weight more evenly.

Relax and let it settle in

Avoid the temptation to jump right into bed with your new mattress by waiting a few hours before you do so. Particularly relevant if your mattress arrived compressed and in plastic from an online mattress retailer.  

A compressed mattress may take anywhere from four to ten hours to fully expand, though some manufacturers advise waiting 24 to 72 hours if you have the luxury of choosing your sleeping environment.

Putting all of your weight on a new mattress before it has fully expanded can leave you tossing and turning all night.

Walk or roll around on it

Your weight, when applied to a new mattress, aids in the "breaking in" process. If you want to get there faster, try walking or crawling on your mattress like a rolling pin for a few minutes every day. Rapid material relaxation may result from this.

During the settling-in period, you may want to prioritize sleeping more. As an alternative to lounging on the sofa, your new bed is the perfect spot for any leisure activity.

Every night, let your mind ruminate on it.

For the first 30 to 60 days, despite how uncomfortable it may be, you should not sleep anywhere else or return to your old mattress. Sleeping on your new mattress night after night not only helps the materials break in more quickly, but it also helps your body adjust to the new mattress. There is a delay in transitioning to a new mattress if you keep switching back and forth between the old one and the new one.

Raises the temperature

Temperature can affect memory foam. Softens in warm temperatures and hardens in cold ones. In case you invested in a hybrid or memory foam mattress, Increasing the temperature room temperature to 72 degrees, the material can be pliable enough to conform to your body.

There are times when a mattress topper is the best option, such as when you have a short trial period for a new bed or when you love everything about your mattress except for the firmness or softness. It can alter the feel of your mattress from plush to firm by adding thickness. Furthermore, they are much more affordable than a brand new bed, and they are available in a plethora of different materials.   

Is There a Time to Go Back?

But what if, after 60 days of regular use, you still can't find comfort in your new mattress despite your best efforts? It could be a sign that you need to go back to the store and get a new mattress. Most mattress stores and manufacturers allow for returns or exchanges, even on used mattresses, because of how common this problem is.

Since you've already made a bad decision on a mattress, you might not listen to your gut in the future, but there are some simple tests you can take to figure out what's wrong.  

Warnings that your bed is too firm

• There's pain in your upper back, neck, or shoulders when you wake up.
• You're experiencing pain in your hips, knees, or shoulders.
• Feelings of numbness or tingling in one's limbs
  
• There is no give at the mattress's pressure points, and thus no contouring to the body.
  

To put it simply, if you're experiencing any of these issues, it's probably time to upgrade to a softer mattress.

Read more: The secret to softening a firm mattress

Warnings that your bed is too soft

• When you wake up, your mattress has a dent in it.
  
• You feel a sharp pain in your lower back when you first open your eyes.
  
• Frequently, you toss and turn in bed.
• You have a hard time getting in and out of bed because you tend to sink into the mattress.
• A sinking sensation pervades the entire bed.

Invest in a firmer bed the next time around if these are issues that you regularly face.

Read more: A firmer mattress from a softer one

Many stores provide custom mattress fittings with sleep advisors or specialists to help you find the right mattress if you're still having trouble finding one on your own.

This article's content is not to be taken as professional medical or health advice. If you have any concerns about your current health or want to set some goals related to your health, you should always talk to a doctor.