Learn the proper way to "break in" a new mattress.

Suppose you go out and purchase a new mattress and place it on your bed, dressed in clean sheets. 100% Cotton Sheets in addition to a freshly puffed pillow Optimistically, you climb into bed and close your eyes. You have trouble sleeping and wake up in pain.

To pause for a moment Spending the equivalent of one month's rent on a bed probably wasn't supposed to feel like that. What gives, then? Is this a major blunder on your part? To what extent did Mattress not right I wouldn't say that right off the bat

It's not uncommon to experience discomfort in the first few nights of using a new mattress. The reason for this is that your body may need time to adjust. What is the time frame, though? And, for the impatient (like myself), is there anything we can do to hasten things along? Just keep reading to find out

A breaking-in period is required for all mattresses. Typically 30 days but sometimes up to 90 How long it takes to break in and adjust to a new mattress varies greatly from one type of mattress to another, and even from one person to another.  

Most mattress stores won't accept returns or offer exchanges on new mattresses for the first 30 days because of the crucial "breaking-in" period. That's why lots of businesses provide free sleep trials right in your own home.

High-density memory foam takes the longest to break in because it is more dense and heavier than low-density memory foam, but even low-density memory foam can take a few weeks. Give your new memory foam mattress at least 60 days before making a decision about whether or not you like it.  

For the most part, the longer the break-in time, the higher the density of the memory foam.

Spring

Because they contour to your body's unique shape and weight, traditional spring mattresses are often immediately comfortable (especially if they have a pillow top). However, they may need to be worn in for up to a month.

Every three to six months, depending on how quickly the springs in your mattress wear out (springs wear out faster than memory foam), you should rotate your mattress to ensure an even break-in and prevent the dreaded mattress sinkhole.

Latex

The break-in time for latex mattresses, commonly found in high-end luxury bedding, is the shortest of any material. From two weeks to two months is typical, but this can vary depending on the quality of the latex used and whether or not the mattress is made up of 100% latex or some type of hybrid.

For more, click here: Which air mattress is best in 2020? A look at the SoundAsleep, the REI, and others   

Useful advice for adjusting to a new bed

Having patience and giving a new mattress some time to settle is the best way to break it in. But if you, like me, have a hard time practicing patience, you can hasten the process by taking these steps:

Alter your base

Although your mattress's foundation or bed frame is often overlooked, it can make a huge difference in comfort. Make sure the mattress and foundation you plan to use are compatible before proceeding. Typically, traditional spring mattresses are compatible with foundation cushions (box springs) But memory foam and hybrid mattresses typically require platform-style bases

To ensure a comfortable night's sleep on your new mattress, check for damage, sagging, or wear on your foundation. In that case, you should probably get a new one that can support your weight more evenly and adequately.

Please allow some space for it to settle.

Don't rush into sleeping on a brand new mattress; instead, let it breathe for a few hours. This is especially crucial if you ordered a mattress online and it arrived compressed and in plastic.  

Some companies recommend waiting 24 to 72 hours if you have the option, so that your compressed mattress can fully expand. This can take anywhere from four to ten hours.

Putting your entire weight on a new mattress too soon can prevent it from expanding to its full size, leaving you tossing and turning all night.

You can walk or roll on it.

Your weight acting as pressure on the mattress while you sleep is what actually "breaks it in." Mattresses can be broken in more quickly if you spend several minutes each day walking, crawling, or rolling like a pin on them. Rapid material relaxation may result from this.

During this settling-in period, you may also want to make it a priority to spend more time in bed. The new mattress is much more comfortable than the couch for watching TV or reading.

Think about it every night in your sleep.

For the first 30-60 days, regardless of 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 faster, but also helps your body adjust to the new mattress. Switching back and forth between your old and new mattresses can slow down the transition.

Intensify the pressure

To a certain degree, memory foam reacts to heat. The heat makes it pliable, while the cold makes it rigid. In case you invested in a hybrid or memory foam mattress, Increasing the temperature by heating it to 72 degrees in your bedroom, you can make the material more pliable and better able to conform to your body.

A mattress topper is a good choice if you either have a short trial period for your new bed, or if you love everything about your mattress except for the firmness or softness. It can alter your mattress's feel, making it more plush or firm, and increase or decrease its thickness. There is a wide variety of materials to choose from, and they are much more affordable than a brand new bed.   

Is There a Time to Go Back?

But what if, after 60 days of regular use, you still can't find a comfortable sleeping position on your new mattress, despite your best efforts? It could be an indication that you need to start over and look for a new mattress. As a result, even used mattresses can often be returned or exchanged at mattress and furniture stores.

As a result of your previous bad mattress purchase, you may no longer trust your gut when shopping for a new one. Luckily, there are some simple tests you can perform to determine the cause of your discomfort.  

Warnings that your bed is too firm

• You wake up with soreness in your neck, shoulders, or upper back.
• Pain or stiffness in your hips, thighs, or knees
• Symptoms of numbness and tingling in the limbs
  
• A lack of body conforming support or pressure relief from the mattress.
  

All of these are indicators that your mattress is too firm and that you could benefit from switching to a softer one.

Read more: Lessons on how to soften a mattress that's too firm

Warnings your bed is too soft

• When you wake up, you'll find a dent in your mattress.
  
• A sore lower back greets you in the morning.
  
• You have trouble staying in one position while you sleep.
• You have trouble getting in and out of bed because you sink into the mattress.
• You feel like you're sinking through the mattress.

If these issues sound more familiar, a firmer mattress may be in order.

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 are still unsure and need guidance.

Disclaimer: the content of this article is not to be taken as health or medical advice. If you have concerns about your health or want to set some goals in that direction, you should always talk to a doctor.