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How Long Does A Memory Foam Mattress Take To Expand

How Long Does A Memory Foam Mattress Take To Expand

Written by: Daniel Connell · Updated on: January 19, 2024

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Key Takeaways

Memory foam mattresses can be a hassle to wait for them to completely expand.

The solution is quite simple - choose a brand that delivers and sets your mattress up directly in your home. The Loom and Leaf is the #1 memory foam mattress (that isn't a bed in a box).

Most foam mattresses are now primarily shipped in boxes.

Once your mattress in a box arrives at your doorstep, simply pop the airtight seal, unroll the mattress, and watch the expansion process begin.

If after 48 hours, your mattress still isn't comfortable for you, you could return it (if the mattress comes with a sleep trial).

If you can't return your mattress, you can change its feel with a mattress topper.

In general, the expansion duration depends on the overall construction of the mattress (see below).

Why You Should Avoid Bed In A Box Foam Mattresses

There are 5 primary reasons why you should avoid bed-in-a-box memory foam mattresses:

• Bed-in-a-box mattresses compress the materials over time, causing damage.
• They need more time to expand and become comfortable.
• You can't try a bed in a box before buying it.
• Mattresses in a box emit an off-gassing smell as they expand to their full size.
• Unless you opt for white glove delivery, you must maneuver to unpack and place the mattress (this requires at least 2 people).

Choose a reputable, high-quality non-bed-in-a-box mattress. Loom and Leaf is by far the best non-bed-in-a-box mattress available for several reasons, including:

• It's unbelievable comfortable
• Built to last 10-15 years
• Incredible pressure relief properties
• Minimal off-gassing
• No need to wait for it to expand

Note: Quality mattresses simply cannot be stuffed into a box (which is why we oppose most bed-in-a-box mattresses today).

Why Wait 24 Hours For Your Memory Foam Mattress To Expand?

It is generally okay not to wait 24 hours if you decide it isn't necessary.

In fact, sleeping on your new memory foam bed in the first 24 hours can speed up the adjustment process.

The rule exists to make sure you get a good night's sleep on your mattress, as the bed is not at its most comfortable state while expanding.

Your mattress can only develop deficiencies as a result of regular wear and tear while you sleep.

Laying on your bed before it fully spreads won't do any damage to it.

If a mattress fails to expand:

• It is advisable to observe for another day before returning it or seeking a refund.
• If it fails to expand after 48 hours, it's most likely a fault on the manufacturer's end. In this scenario, you should return it.

A rotated mattress, much like rotated tires, typically wears more evenly and reduces indentions or support issues.

What Will Happen If You Don'T Wait 24 Hours?

Nothing bad will happen if you don't wait 24 hours. If you notice the mattress is near its final form within the first few hours, you can lie on it.

How Long Does A Memory Foam Mattress Take To Inflate?

It takes 4-6 hours for the foam to expand 90%, and another four-six hours to expand fully. It is recommended to wait 24 hours before sleeping on the new mattress.

Memory foam mattresses fully inflate within 24-48 hours.

Fresh-out-of-the-box mattresses are ready for use when they reach 90 percent enlargement within 12 hours.

As soon as the bed is fully stretched out with all its corners defined, it will be ready to use.

Memory foam is sensitive to varying temperatures. Memory foam can feel firmer in cooler rooms. In this case, raise the room temperature a few degrees.

Factors Determining a Mattress's Expansion:

• Thickness: Memory foam expands in proportion to its thickness. The thicker it is, the longer it takes for it to expand fully.
• Density: In terms of density, beds come in three versions: low, medium, and high. The denser the foam, the more compact it is.
• Temperature: Memory foam is susceptible to heat effects because of its specific elastic properties. Foam expands faster at higher temperatures.

Why Does My New Memory Foam Mattress Smell?

The unpleasant odor is caused by the petrochemicals used to make the mattress.

This smell is most common for bed-in-a-box mattresses, and it usually dissipates within the first week.

In some cases, it may last up to 4 weeks.

If the off-gassing/odor persists, replace the mattress.

Loom and Leaf is the best non-bed-in-a-box mattress available in the US. Limited-no off-gassing!

Can I Speed Up The Expansion Process?

Yes, you can speed up the expansion by following these steps:

1. Place your mattress in a warm room
2. Lay and roll around on it
3. Gently pat and plump the edges to expand them

About X

X is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. X has personally tested over 268+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

See Our #1 Researched Mattress in 2024

Rated best for comfort and hotel-feel

Get 450$ OFF Mattresses

References

How Long Does A Memory Foam Mattress Take To Expand

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Memory foam mattresses can be a hassle to wait for them to completely expand.

The solution is quite simple - choose a brand that delivers and sets your mattress up directly in your home. The Loom and Leaf is the #1 memory foam mattress (that isn't a bed in a box).

Most foam mattresses are now primarily shipped in boxes.

Once your mattress in a box arrives at your doorstep, simply pop the airtight seal, unroll the mattress, and watch the expansion process begin.

If after 48 hours, your mattress still isn't comfortable for you, you could return it (if the mattress comes with a sleep trial).

If you can't return your mattress, you can change its feel with a mattress topper.

In general, the expansion duration depends on the overall construction of the mattress (see below).

Why You Should Avoid Bed In A Box Foam Mattresses

There are 5 primary reasons why you should avoid bed-in-a-box memory foam mattresses:

• Bed-in-a-box mattresses compress the materials over time, causing damage.
• They need more time to expand and become comfortable.
• You can't try a bed in a box before buying it.
• Mattresses in a box emit an off-gassing smell as they expand to their full size.
• Unless you opt for white glove delivery, you must maneuver to unpack and place the mattress (this requires at least 2 people).

Choose a reputable, high-quality non-bed-in-a-box mattress. Loom and Leaf is by far the best non-bed-in-a-box mattress available for several reasons, including:

• It's unbelievable comfortable
• Built to last 10-15 years
• Incredible pressure relief properties
• Minimal off-gassing
• No need to wait for it to expand

Note: Quality mattresses simply cannot be stuffed into a box (which is why we oppose most bed-in-a-box mattresses today).

Why Wait 24 Hours For Your Memory Foam Mattress To Expand?

It is generally okay not to wait 24 hours if you decide it isn't necessary.

In fact, sleeping on your new memory foam bed in the first 24 hours can speed up the adjustment process.

The rule exists to make sure you get a good night's sleep on your mattress, as the bed is not at its most comfortable state while expanding.

Your mattress can only develop deficiencies as a result of regular wear and tear while you sleep.

Laying on your bed before it fully spreads won't do any damage to it.

If a mattress fails to expand:

• It is advisable to observe for another day before returning it or seeking a refund.
• If it fails to expand after 48 hours, it's most likely a fault on the manufacturer's end. In this scenario, you should return it.

What Will Happen If You Don'T Wait 24 Hours?

Nothing bad will happen if you don't wait 24 hours. If you notice the mattress is near its final form within the first few hours, you can lie on it.

How Long Does A Memory Foam Mattress Take To Inflate?

It takes 4-6 hours for the foam to expand 90%, and another four-six hours to expand fully. It is recommended to wait 24 hours before sleeping on the new mattress.

Memory foam mattresses fully inflate within 24-48 hours.

Fresh-out-of-the-box mattresses are ready for use when they reach 90 percent enlargement within 12 hours.

As soon as the bed is fully stretched out with all its corners defined, it will be ready to use.

Memory foam is sensitive to varying temperatures. Memory foam can feel firmer in cooler rooms. In this case, raise the room temperature a few degrees.

Factors Determining a Mattress's Expansion:

• Thickness: Memory foam expands in proportion to its thickness. The thicker it is, the longer it takes for it to expand fully.
• Density: In terms of density, beds come in three versions: low, medium, and high. The denser the foam, the more compact it is.
• Temperature: Memory foam is susceptible to heat effects because of its specific elastic properties. Foam expands faster at higher temperatures.

Why Does My New Memory Foam Mattress Smell?

The unpleasant odor is caused by the petrochemicals used to make the mattress.

This smell is most common for bed-in-a-box mattresses, and it usually dissipates within the first week.

In some cases, it may last up to 4 weeks.

If the off-gassing/odor persists, replace the mattress.

Loom and Leaf is the best non-bed-in-a-box mattress available in the US. Limited-no off-gassing!

Can I Speed Up The Expansion Process?

Yes, you can speed up the expansion by following these steps:

1. Place your mattress in a warm room
2. Lay and roll around on it
3. Gently pat and plump the edges to expand them