Do Mattresses Really Need a “Break-In” Period?
When you buy a new mattress, you expect to bring it home, sleep like a dream and feel instantly well-rested. But many people are surprised when their new bed feels firmer, different or even less comfortable than expected in the first few nights.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you bought the wrong mattress. Like a new pair of shoes, mattresses often come with a “break-in” period.
What Is a Mattress Break-In Period?
The term “break-in” may sound unusual when applied to mattresses, but it’s actually quite normal. It typically takes between 30–60 nights after you start sleeping on your new mattress for it to truly be broken in.
During this time:
- The materials adjust – Foam, coils or hybrid layers soften and conform to your body.
- Your body adjusts
– If you’ve been sleeping on an old, sagging mattress, your posture and muscles may need time to adapt to better support.
- The feel evolves – What feels overly firm at first often becomes comfortably supportive after a few weeks.
In short, the break-in period is your mattress and your body learning to work together.
Why Mattresses Feel Different at First
Several factors contribute to that initial “new bed” feeling:
- Compressed shipping
– Break-in periods can be especially harsh for people who buy mattresses that are rolled, compressed and shipped in boxes. It can take a few days for the materials to fully expand.
- Firmness perception – A brand-new mattress tends to feel firmer than its long-term comfort level, especially with memory foam or latex.
- Body alignment – If your old mattress was sagging, your spine and muscles may need time to adjust to healthier alignment. This can temporarily feel strange.
How Long Does the Break-In Period Last?
Some materials, like memory or latex foam, may take longer as they respond to your body heat and weight. In contrast, traditional innerspring mattresses may feel comfortable more quickly. The key is patience. Just because your mattress doesn’t feel “perfect” right away doesn’t mean it won’t become the best bed you’ve ever owned.
Tips to Speed Up the Break-In Process
If you’d like to help your new mattress reach its full comfort potential more quickly, here are some simple steps:
- Use it consistently – Sleep on your new mattress every night, rather than alternating with another bed.
- Give it time to breathe – If you did order a mattress online that was rolled up in a box, give it time to fully expand after unboxing, and keep your bedroom well-ventilated.
- Apply gentle pressure – Walking carefully across the surface (with clean socks) or spending time sitting on different areas can help soften materials faster.
- Rotate if needed – Some mattresses benefit from being rotated during the break-in period to ensure even wear.
Why Sleep Trials and Guarantees Matter
Since mattresses need time to adjust, a sleep trial period is essential. At Twilight Bedding, we encourage customers to spend at least 30 nights on their new mattress before making a final decision. That’s because the way a mattress feels after the first week isn’t always how it will feel after the first month.
Without a trial guarantee, you might give up too soon on a mattress that would have become the perfect fit. With a guarantee in place, you can relax knowing you have the flexibility to evaluate your mattress over time.
When to Be Concerned
While some discomfort during the adjustment period is normal, there are cases when a mattress may not be the right fit:
- Persistent back or neck pain that doesn’t improve after 4–6 weeks.
- Obvious sagging, lumps or quality defects.
- A mattress that feels too soft or too firm even after the break-in period.
If these issues occur, your warranty or sleep trial policy becomes especially valuable.
Find Your Perfect Sleep With Our Luxury Mattresses in Spokane
At Twilight Bedding, we believe buying a mattress should be a stress-free experience. That’s why we provide not only high-quality mattresses built to last, but also guarantees that let you test your new bed with confidence. We know that comfort takes time, and our mission is to help you find the mattress that truly delivers the sleep you deserve.
Contact our North Spokane showroom at (509) 413-2431 or our Spokane Valley showroom at (509) 926-2333 to learn more about our 90-Day Comfort Layer Exchange policy. You can also visit one of our showrooms in person to explore our collection and discover the perfect mattress for your needs.
