Mattress Guides

Breaking in Memory Foam Mattress

Did you know a memory foam mattress can take up to 60 days to reach its true comfort level? Many sleepers expect instant softness the first night, only to feel disappointed when the mattress seems firmer than expected. This experience is extremely common, and completely normal when breaking in a memory foam mattress.

Unlike spring or pillow-top mattresses, memory foam is designed to respond gradually to heat and pressure. It needs time to relax, expand fully, and contour to your body. At the same time, your muscles and spine also need time to adjust to a new sleep surface. This article explains why memory foam mattresses feel firm at first, how long the break-in process takes, and tested methods you can use to speed it up safely.

Key Takeaways

• A new memory foam mattress often feels firm at first, which is normal and not a defect.
• Breaking in a memory foam mattress usually takes 30–60 days, depending on foam density and usage.
• Sleeping on the mattress every night is the best and safest way to help it soften naturally.
• Heat, gentle pressure, and regular rotation can speed up the break-in process.
• Cold room temperatures can make memory foam feel firmer, while warmer rooms help it soften faster.

Why Memory Foam Needs a Break-In Period

Memory foam mattresses are different from traditional mattresses. They need time to adjust after you start using them. This break-in period is normal and helps the mattress reach its true comfort level.

How memory foam reacts to heat and pressure

Memory foam changes with heat and pressure. When you lie on it, your body heat warms and softens the foam. The mattress slowly shapes itself around your body instead of bouncing back right away.

If the room is cold or air-conditioned, memory foam may feel firm at first. As it warms up, it feels softer and more comfortable. This is why many people feel a gentle “hug” when sleeping on memory foam.

Why a new memory foam mattress feels firm

A new memory foam mattress often feels firmer than expected. This is completely normal. It happens because:

• The foam was tightly packed during shipping
• The materials are new and not yet relaxed
• The mattress hasn’t adjusted to your body weight
• Temperature changes haven’t softened the foam yet

Mattresses in stores usually feel softer because many people have already tested them. Your new mattress needs time to loosen up.

Do you need to break in a memory foam mattress?

Yes, breaking in a memory foam mattress is completely normal and necessary. It’s not a problem or defect. In fact, higher-quality memory foam often takes longer to break in, but it usually lasts longer and provides better support.

During this time, the mattress adjusts to your body, and your body also adjusts to the mattress. Some mild discomfort at the beginning is normal as your muscles and joints get used to the new support.

Most memory foam mattresses take 30 to 60 days to fully break in. Thicker or denser foams may need the full 60 days. With a little patience, you’ll enjoy the comfort, pressure relief, and support the mattress was designed to provide.

Read Also: Memory Foam Mattress Density Guide

8 Tested Methods for Breaking In Memory Foam Mattress

Is your new memory foam mattress feeling too firm? Don’t worry. There are ways to help it soften faster. These methods help the foam adjust to your body so you can enjoy better comfort sooner.

1. Sleep on it every night from day one

The most effective way to break in your memory foam mattress is consistent use. Your body weight naturally conditions the foam, helping it adapt to your unique sleep position. Even if initially uncomfortable, sleeping on your new mattress nightly applies much-needed pressure to speed up the breaking-in process. Avoid alternating between beds as this only prolongs the adjustment period.

2. Gently walk or roll across the surface

Carefully walking or crawling across your mattress surface accelerates conditioning. Use clean socks or bare feet and gently move across all areas of the bed. This technique mimics what mattress showrooms do to prepare display models. Additionally, you can use your body like a rolling pin – roll from side to side, then from top to bottom, spending 3-5 minutes on each quadrant.

3. Increase room temperature slightly

Memory foam responds remarkably well to heat. The temperature-sensitive material becomes more pliable and flexible when warmed. Raising your bedroom temperature to 68-72°F can help your mattress soften faster and mold to your body more readily. This approach particularly helps during colder months when memory foam tends to feel firmer.

4. Rotate the mattress regularly

During the initial break-in period, rotate your mattress 180 degrees every 2-4 weeks rather than the usual 3-6 months. This practice distributes pressure more evenly across the mattress, preventing premature sagging in specific areas and ensuring the entire surface breaks in uniformly.

5. Use a mattress topper for temporary comfort

A mattress topper can serve as “training wheels” while your memory foam mattress breaks in. Toppers add immediate plushness without interfering with the long-term breaking-in process. For optimal comfort, select a topper that complements your mattress, softer options for overly firm mattresses or cooling ones if heat retention is an issue.

6. Spend more time lying or sitting on the bed

Besides sleeping, deliberately lounging on different parts of your mattress can help break it in faster. Reading, watching TV, or relaxing on the bed applies additional pressure to the foam. Specifically, target the middle area of the mattress where you may not normally sleep.

7. Use an adjustable base to flex the foam

An adjustable bed base can significantly accelerate the breaking-in process through controlled movement. For the first 10-14 days, run 1-2 light cycles daily: raise the head section to a comfortable reading position for 2-3 minutes, then return flat; afterward, raise the foot section for 2-3 minutes, then return flat. This gentle flexing helps the comfort layers relax faster without causing excessive wear.

8. Let the mattress air out fully before use

Before adding sheets, allow your new mattress to breathe in a well-ventilated room. This practice helps release any manufacturing odors and allows the foam to fully expand if it was compressed during shipping. Proper airing typically takes 3-7 days and creates optimal conditions for the foam to settle into your bed frame.

How Long Does It Take to Break In a Memory Foam Mattress?

Patience is essential when adjusting to a new mattress. Most people want to know exactly how long they’ll need to wait before experiencing optimal comfort from their investment.

Typical memory foam mattress break in period

Memory foam mattresses typically require 30-90 days to fully break in. The average timeframe specifically for memory foam models hovers around 60 days. This period allows the materials to adapt to your body’s unique contours and weight distribution patterns. Although some people might notice improvements within just a few days to a couple of weeks. Most manufacturers recommend giving the mattress at least 30 days before making final comfort assessments.

Factors that affect break-in time

Several factors can change how fast your mattress breaks in:

• Room temperature: Warm rooms (around 68–72°F) help memory foam soften faster
• Body weight: Heavier people may break in the mattress more quickly
• How often you sleep on it: More use speeds up the process
• Sleeping position: Side sleepers often notice comfort sooner
• Climate: Cold weather can make memory foam feel firmer

The mattress brand also matters. For example, Tempur-Pedic mattresses use very dense foam and may take up to 4 months to fully break in.

How long to break in memory foam mattress based on density

Density plays a crucial role in determining break-in duration. High-density memory foam mattresses usually take about 60 days to fully adjust. These mattresses last longer and offer better support, but they need more time to soften and shape your body. Lower-density memory foam mattresses break in faster. Traditional memory foam often takes around 30 days, while gel-infused or plant-based memory foam usually feels comfortable sooner.

Overall, breaking in a memory foam mattress is a two-way process. The mattress adjusts to your body, and your body adjusts to the mattress. This is why many mattress companies offer 90-night sleep trials.

Break-In Time by Foam Type

What to Do If Your Mattress Still Feels Too Firm

Despite trying various breaking-in techniques, some memory foam mattresses might still feel too firm after the recommended break-in period. Before giving up on your investment, consider these practical solutions.

Check your bed foundation

The foundation supporting your mattress plays a crucial role in how your memory foam feels. A solid foundation without sagging or broken parts is essential for proper mattress support. Yet, surprisingly, some foundations actually make mattresses feel firmer than intended:

• Solid or fixed slats can make a mattress feel firmer
• Traditional box springs often make mattresses feel softer
• Sprung slats add slight cushioning and reduce firmness

Box springs are commonly used with memory foam mattresses because they offer balanced support. Avoid placing your mattress directly on the floor, as it blocks airflow and may void the warranty.

Try removing the mattress cover

Some memory foam mattresses feature removable covers that can be unzipped. Removing this layer might help your mattress feel less firm. Yet proceed with caution.

• Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first
• Tempur-Pedic covers are usually removable
• Brands like Zinus and Tuft & Needle do not recommend removing covers, as it can damage safety layers and void the warranty

Only remove the cover if the brand clearly allows it.

When to consider a return or exchange

If your mattress still feels uncomfortable after trying all break-in methods, it may be time to think about a return or exchange. Most mattress brands offer a sleep trial of 100–120 days. Many companies ask you to use the mattress for at least 30 days before starting a return.

After this period, you may be allowed one free exchange, but delivery or pickup fees might apply. Keep your receipt and make sure the mattress stays clean and undamaged. Experts recommend waiting 60–90 days before deciding, as some mattresses take longer to adjust.

Caring for Your Mattress After Break-In

Once your memory foam mattress feels perfectly broken in, proper maintenance becomes crucial for extending its lifespan. Ongoing care ensures your mattress maintains its supportive properties for years to come.

Rotate every 3–6 months

After completing the break-in period, establish a regular rotation schedule. Memory foam mattresses should be rotated 180 degrees (head to foot) every 3–6 months. This practice prevents permanent indentations and distributes body weight more evenly across the surface. 

Higher-density memory foam mattresses benefit from rotation every 6–12 months, while hybrid mattresses containing memory foam should be rotated more frequently, every 3-6 months. Proper rotation significantly slows natural wear and tear, maintaining consistent support levels.

Use a breathable mattress protector

A quality mattress protector serves as an essential shield against spills, stains, and allergens that could damage memory foam. Opt for breathable materials like cotton, bamboo, or TENCEL that wick moisture without trapping heat. Machine-washable protectors offer convenience, plus they prevent warranty avoidance due to staining. Remember to wash protectors regularly on gentle cycles with low heat settings.

Read Also: Do All Memory Foam Mattresses Have Fiberglass?

Avoid heavy objects or jumping on the bed

Jumping or standing on memory foam mattresses strains the material’s structure, causing premature compression. Similarly, placing heavy objects on the bed creates permanent indentations. Memory foam relies on its ability to contour properly, excessive weight compromises this functionality.

FAQs

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

The adjustment period typically ranges from 30–90 days, depending on the mattress material, your sleep habits, and body type. Higher quality memory foam mattresses often take longer to break in completely, up to 60 days in many cases.

Do memory foam mattresses get softer over time?

Yes, memory foam mattresses do soften with regular use. However, it’s your body that adjusts to the mattress. The softening rate varies based on mattress type, firmness level, body weight, and even room temperature.

Can you speed up the breaking-in process?

Yes! Regular use from day one is most effective. Other methods include applying gentle pressure across the surface, slightly increasing room temperature, and rotating the mattress every two weeks during initial use.

How long does a memory foam mattress take to expand?

Most memory foam mattresses expand fully within 24-72 hours. Some can be slept on immediately after unboxing, although they continue expanding for up to 72 hours to reach optimal comfort.

How can I tell if my mattress is too firm?

Key indicators include uncomfortable pressure points (numbness in limbs), morning pain that improves throughout the day, restless sleep, and sleeping better on other mattresses. Side sleepers especially need adequate softness to cushion shoulders and hips.

Conclusion

Breaking in a memory foam mattress takes patience, but the results are worth it. Initial firmness is normal and temporary. With consistent use, proper temperature control, regular rotation, and gentle conditioning, comfort improves steadily over time. Give your mattress at least 30–60 days before making a final judgment. Once fully broken in, memory foam delivers excellent pressure relief, proper spinal alignment, and long-lasting sleep comfort.