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what happens if you sleep on memory foam before it expands

by Kiara Hauck Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

The short and simple answer is nothing. Your new mattress may not feel exceptional the first night. As the expansion process continues, it will only get better. Once 24 hours have passed, you should have a new bed with what you will call the best mattress you've ever owned.4 days ago

Full Answer

How long to wait to sleep on memory foam?

Once you have received your new memory foam mattress, it is best to open immediately. It takes 4-6 hours for the memory foam to expand 90% and could take another 4-6 hours to get close to full expansion. It is recommended to wait 24 hours before sleeping on it, but don’t worry if you can’t.

What are the benefits of sleeping on memory foam?

  • It is comfortable for side, back and front sleepers.
  • It helps relieve body aches.
  • It has little to no chance of sagging.
  • It conforms well with the body.
  • It keeps the allergens at bay.
  • It provides excellent support.
  • It is durable.
  • It can isolate motion.
  • It can be moulded and bent in seconds.
  • It is very responsive.

Is it healthy to sleep on memory foam?

The benefits of memory foam range from pressure relief to better sleep. Depending on the brand and model, some products may also reduce or prevent bacteria and mold growth. High-end memory foam is often made from materials with antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties.

Why is memory foam bad for You?

Memory Foam Mattresses: 7 Causes Of Back Pain

  1. The Mattress is Too Firm or Soft. Mattress ‘firmness’ describes how ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ a mattress feels when you lie down on it. ...
  2. There’s Not Enough Support. If your memory foam mattress is giving you back pain then a lack of support is one of the major causes.
  3. You’re Using the Wrong Base. ...
  4. You’re Sleeping On Your Front. ...
  5. Excessive Sinkage. ...

More items...

Can you damage a memory foam mattress by sleeping on it too soon?

The truth is, it shouldn't damage a quality mattress if you go against the 24-hour rule and sleep on it a couple of hours after unboxing. The rule mostly exists to make sure you get a good night's sleep on your mattress, as the bed is hardly at its most comfortable when it's still expanding.

Can you sleep on a mattress before it expands?

Truth is, you can sleep, roll around, and step on your mattress as much as you want while it expands. Regular mattress use will only decrease the material's expansion time. If you want to sleep on it before the 24-hour mark, just remember the mattress won't feel its very best until it expands to its full size.

Can you sleep on a mattress topper before it expands?

It is safe to sleep on a memory foam mattress topper on the first day if the mattress topper has been allowed to expand and settle for at least 4-6 hours. The recommended expansion time for a memory foam mattress topper is 24-72 hours, so the topper might feel different after the first night.

Do I really need to wait 48 hours for memory foam?

But memory foam, and the plastic it's wrapped in, may still have a slight smell in the beginning. If you are sensitive to smells, let your mattress air out in a well-ventilated room for 24-48 hours before sleeping on it. Another reason to wait the full recommended time, is just to be extra cautious.

How can I speed up my memory foam expansion?

Most memory foam responds well to warm temperatures as heat makes the foam more malleable. If you've purchased a mattress during colder months, place a space heater in the same room as your mattress to help it expand faster. Bedroomstylereviews.com recommends shooting for at least 20 °celsius (68 °Fahrenheit.)

How long do you have to let a memory foam mattress expand?

It takes 24-72 hours to expand a memory foam mattress completely but it expands up to 90% in about 4-6 hours, according to mattress manufacturers. It takes 24 hours for memory foam mattress toppers to expand 100%. Memory foam pillows take about 48-72 hours to expand fully because they are denser.

Can you sleep on just a memory foam topper?

Yes, a mattress topper can be used as a mattress. However, there are several factors you should consider before making the jump. If the mattress topper is going to be a temporary replacement for your bed, then it will do just fine.

Is the smell from memory foam toxic?

Is off-gassing from memory foam toxic or dangerous? The short answer is no. While the odor from mattress off-gassing is unpleasant, it's not harmful to most people. A small percentage of owners report difficulty breathing, headaches, nausea, eye and throat irritation, and asthma.

How long do you have to wait for a mattress to inflate?

Waiting 24-48 hours is standard for a memory foam mattress to completely take on its full shape. The reason for this instruction is to cover the manufacturer's responsibility. They prefer customers to wait 24 hours to allow for the expansion process to be completed.

Do you have to let a new mattress breathe?

Typically, that new mattress smell will go away somewhere within a few hours to a few days. The best way to avoid inhaling off-gas is to open your mattress outside and let it breathe for at least two days. Some suggest letting it air out for a week or two if possible.

Can I sleep on IKEA mattress straight away?

All of our mattresses can be used immediately, but keep in mind that a packaged mattress only regains its full shape and comfort after approximately 72 hours. Your body also needs a couple of weeks to adapt to the new mattress.

How long do you leave a mattress before use?

Although most roll-up mattresses will expand within an hour, they usually take up to 8 hours to be ready for use. Aspects such as fillings and size all affect the amount of time it takes a roll-up mattress to expand. In some circumstances, mattresses can take up to 24 hours to regain their original shape.

How long does a memory foam mattress take to inflate?

Generally, manufacturers say it takes 24-48 hours for a memory foam mattress to fully inflate. This time frame is not set in stone as each memory f...

Does heat help memory foam expand?

Memory foam is sensitive to varying temperatures. In cooler rooms, memory foam can seem more firm. If this is the case, you may want to raise the r...

How long should you leave a memory foam mattress before sleeping on it?

Once you have received your new memory foam mattress, it is best to open immediately. It takes 4-6 hours for the memory foam to expand 90% and coul...

How long does it take for a foam mattress to expand?

If a foam mattress doesn’t expand after five or seven days, then you most likely have a defective bed. A mattress not expanding is very rare; but if you’ve given your mattress a whole week to expand and it hasn’t, call customer service to inform them of the defect and initiate the return policy.

How far apart should a bed frame be for memory foam?

Memory foam needs a bed frame with either a solid flat surface or a slatted base. Platform beds are a good option, as long as the slats are less than 3 inches apart to prevent the foam material from dipping; this could cause the mattress to deteriorate quickly and product indentations in the material.

How Do I Speed Up the Expansion Process?

Constant movement, bodyweight, and heat activate the foam, loosening the material. Laying down on the mattress and rolling around for a few minutes as well as standing on the end of the mattress and walking around the edges should make it expand fast er.

Why do people wait to sleep on their mattresses?

The second reason why brands want you to wait to sleep on their beds is the risk of off-gassing . Nobody wants to fall asleep on a chemical-smelling bed, and jumping to sleep on a freshly unpackaged mattress may be unpleasant. While most foam mattresses are CertiPUR-US® certified, there still are slight off-gas smells. Letting your bed air out for the allotted time prevents you from dealing with any unpleasant scents.

How long after you unboxed a mattress should you use it?

Most companies ask you not to use the mattress until 24 hours after you’ve unboxed the bed to ensure the quality of their product is at its fullest potential when you sleep on it for the first night. But when nighttime rolls around and its time to go to sleep, waiting to use your new bed can be inconvenient. So, what happens when you sleep on ...

When to put mattress protector on new bed?

A few bloggers suggest waiting to put your mattress protector and sheets on your new bed only after the corners have fully extended. However, in our experience, we’ve found you don’t have to wait for the corners to take shape to go to bed, as you’re typically not sleeping on the corners of the mattress; this lets those corners continue to expand throughout the night. Mattress protectors and sheets are not tight enough to prevent the corners from expanding and should not have an impact on your bed’s expansion time.

Can you wash a foam mattress?

Some foam mattresses have removable, machine-washable covers. If you have a mattress without a removable mattress cover, you’ll have to spot clean it with room temperature water mixed with mild detergent.

How long can you sleep on memory foam?

Technically, you can sleep on memory foam right away. Most mattresses in a box reach about 90% of full expansion within 4—6 hours after opening . Manufacturers still say no and they have their reasons. We aren't saying they are wrong.

How to get memory foam to expand?

If you don't want to sleep on it quite yet, at least give the mattress a little body weight. Move around the bed or let the kids romp around on it for a little bit. This will help activate the memory foam, encouraging faster expansion to full capacity. Give It Plenty of Room.

Why do you Have to Wait 24 Hours to Sleep on a Memory Foam Mattress?

Manufacturers ship memory foam mattresses compressed in a box. You'll find a skinny box on your doorstep that you'll swear there's no way it can contain a mattress. But upon opening it, you'll see that it does.

How to make a mattress firmer?

Can you make memory foam firmer?#N#Memory foam is naturally cushioning and comforting. If you find it too soft, try one of the following: 1 Place plywood between the mattress and the foundation 2 Turn down the temperature in the room 3 Add a firm mattress topper 4 Switch out your box spring for a foundation with even and flat slats

How long does it take for a memory foam mattress to break in?

You may find that you have to break the mattress in, which could take a matter of a few weeks. Overall, your memory foam mattress will look and perform its best once you start using it.

What does it mean to break in a memory foam mattress?

Brand new foam is stiff and if left in cold temperatures, it can become brittle. Nurture the mattress by giving it heat, movement, and time to truly settle into its full form.

How to speed up expansion of memory foam mattress?

Aside from sleeping on the mattress before the manufacturer recommends it, there are a few other ways to speed up the expansion process: Turn Up the Heat. If your bedroom is notoriously cold at night, it may cause the memory foam to stiffen. This may delay the expansion time.

How long does it take for memory foam to expand?

It takes 4-6 hours for the memory foam to expand 90% and could take another 4-6 hours to get close to full expansion. It is recommended to wait 24 hours before sleeping on it, but don’t worry if you can’t.

How long does it take for a memory foam mattress to take shape?

Waiting 24-48 hours is standard for a memory foam mattress to completely take on its full shape. The reason for this instruction is to cover the manufacturer’s responsibility.

How long does it take to ship a memory foam mattress?

Your purchases are paid for and then shipped, in a box, right to your door. Some companies are so large and efficient they can do all this in 24-48 hours. You may wonder how a mattress is going to fit in a box. Well, the box is now the primary mode of shipping for memory foam mattresses.

How long does it take to put on a mattress protector?

Some new mattresses will take longer or even less time. You also do not have to wait a full 24 hours to put on your mattress protector or topper. Also, you can sleep on a mattress on the first night, just know the bed may feel different on night two or three.

Can you put a memory foam mattress in a box?

It is completely possible to compress, roll, and even fold a memory foam mattress and place it in a box. No matter what size your mattress is, full size, twin XL, or king, it will fit in a box.

Is memory foam a mattress?

Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, memory foam is known for easy shipping and added comfort. Getting a mattress in a box has changed the way we shop and sleep. Memory foam’s ability to be compressed, rolled, and folded is remarkable. All this action and the memory foam does not lose any of its quality.

Does memory foam lose its quality?

All this action and the memory foam does not lose any of its quality. Once your bed in a box has reached your doorstep, all you need to do is pop the airtight seal, unroll the mattress and watch the expansion process begin. A good night of sound sleep is in your future.

Why a Memory Foam Mattress?

A memory foam mattress is one of the best mattresses to relieve pressure points. The material responds to weight and heat, which allows it to conform to your body. No part of you is unsupported when you sleep on a memory foam mattress, leaving you waking up refreshed and pain-free.

How long does it take for a memory foam mattress to smell?

The smell typically vanishes within three to seven days. If the smell bothers you the first night, try encasing your mattress in ...

What if the Mattress isn’t Comfortable?

You waited 24 hours, and your mattress still isn’t as comfortable as you’d like. That’s natural, as many sleepers take at least a few days to adjust to a new bed. When you slept on your old mattress, your body adapted even as the mattress wore out, leaving you with bad sleeping postures that a new, improved mattress has to correct.

What to do if your mattress is not expanding?

However, if your mattress has not finished expanding after a week, you most likely have a defective mattress. If you have a defective mattress, reach out to the company’s customer service for a replacement or a refund.

How to break in a mattress faster?

If you want to break in your mattress quicker, then you need to do more than just lie down on it at night. The foam responds to heat and body weight, so stretch out, roll around, and walk across your mattress during the day. Raising the room temperature can also soften the foam.

What happens if you sleep on an old mattress?

When you slept on your old mattress, your body adapted even as the mattress wore out, leaving you with bad sleeping postures that a new, improved mattress has to correct. If you find after a month, you’re still not comfortable on your new mattress, you can try returning it within the sleep trial. If you can’t return your mattress, you can change ...

Can you roll a mattress up in a box?

No matter what mattress size you buy, whether it is as small as a twin or as large as a king, the manufacturers can compress and roll it up inside a box.

How to Know a Fully Inflated Mattress

If you're a patient fellow and can find other sleeping alternatives pending your bed's full expansion, here's the tell-tale sign to know when your fresh-out-of-the-box mattress is ready for use

Factors Determining a Mattress's Expansion

The thickness of memory foam is proportional to the length of time it takes for expansion. That is, the thicker a mattress, the lengthier the time for enlargement.

How to Quicken Mattress Inflation

You can shorten the duration it'll take for a bed to fully expand by doing the following.

When a Mattress Fails to Expand

Using a memory foam before it fully spreads doesn't stop its inflation. Typically, most beds require one full day to inflate completely. However, if the memory foam is not expanding, it's advisable to observe for another day before returning it or seeking a refund.

Conclusion

It’s okay to sleep on a memory foam mattress before 24 hours. However, you might not experience true comfort from a bed that's yet to expand fully.

Why Do You Have to Wait 24 Hours to Sleep on A Memory Foam Mattress?

Risks of Not Waiting to Sleep on A Memory Foam Mattress

  • The manufacturer will tell you there are risks in not waiting. Most notable of the issues are the smell and discomfort. Are they true risks? You can decide. In reality, sleeping on the mattress or at least using it may help speed up the expansion process. The memory foam needs activation. This occurs with regular movement and body heat, both of whi...
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Can You Speed Up The Expansion Process?

  • Aside from sleeping on the mattress before the manufacturer recommends it, there are a few other ways to speed up the expansion process: 1. Turn Up the Heat If your bedroom is notoriously cold at night, it may cause the memory foam to stiffen. This may delay the expansion time. For at least the first few days that you have the mattress, consider cranking the heat slightly. The mattr…
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does it mean to break in a memory foam mattress? Just like shoes take a few "wears" before feeling comfortable, mattresses need a little time. Brand new foam is stiff and if left in cold temperatures, it can become brittle. Nurture the mattress by giving it heat, movement, and time to truly settle into its full form. How long does it take for a memory foam mattress to stop smelling…
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Bottom Line

  • Whether you should sleep on your memory foam mattress before the 24-hour mark is up to you. If you want the full effect of a fully expanded mattress, wait at least a day. You may find that you have to break the mattress in, which could take a matter of a few weeks. Overall, your memory foam mattress will look and perform its best once you start using it.
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1.What Happens If You Sleep on a Memory Foam Mattress …

Url:https://sleeperssolutions.com/what-happens-if-you-sleep-on-a-memory-foam-mattress-before-24-hours/

31 hours ago The manufacturer claims it can take between 24-72 hours to fully expand a memory foam mattress, but a firm mattress may increase its size up to 90% in just 4-6 hours. Mattresses are expanded by 24 hours in memory foam when made with toppers. Having denser pillows increases the diameter of the pillow by 48-72 hours.

2.What Happens if You Sleep on a Memory Foam Mattress …

Url:https://www.creditdonkey.com/sleep-memory-foam-mattress-24hrs.html

1 hours ago  · Roll around and walk on the mattress— almost as if you’re giving the bed a massage— and sleep on it for a few days. Afterward, it should expand to its correct size. The Mattress Hasn’t Expanded After a Week! If a foam mattress doesn’t expand after five or seven days, then you most likely have a defective bed.

3.What Happens if You Sleep on a Memory Foam Mattress …

Url:https://bestmattress-brand.org/sleep-on-a-memory-foam-mattress-before-24-hours/

31 hours ago  · If you only have a couple of hours, it is okay. In fact, sleeping on your new memory foam bed before 24 hours can speed up the process. Body heat can make the memory foam more pliable, making it expand faster. Only regular wear and tear from sleep can cause deficiencies in …

4.What Happens if You Sleep on a Memory Foam Mattress …

Url:https://zomasleep.com/blog/sleep-on-a-memory-foam-mattress-before-24-hours

3 hours ago In the event that you purchase a new memory foam mattress, it would be best to open it as soon as possible. If the memory foam expands 90% within 4-6 hours, the expansion process will take another 4-6 hours or perhaps another day for full expansion to occur. You should wait 24 hours before you sleep on it, however, do not be worried if you don’t.

5.What Happens if You Sleep on a Memory Foam Mattress …

Url:https://www.sleepingocean.com/sleep-on-a-memory-foam-mattress-before-24-hours/

23 hours ago  · If you choose to sleep in the first 24 hours of the mattress arrival, keep in mind you’re potentially shortening its lifespan. Also, if it hasn’t expanded to its full volume, you may be risking it to lose its firmness and start sagging before its time is over.29 Mar 2022 How long does a 10-inch memory foam mattress last? 8-10 years

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