Why Is My New Mattress So Hard?

Purchasing a new mattress can be an exciting experience, but many people are often surprised to find their new mattress feels much firmer than anticipated. This initial discomfort is quite common and usually not cause for concern. The main reason your new mattress feels hard is that it hasn’t yet broken in, meaning it needs time to adapt to your body and for the materials to loosen up. Let’s explore the different aspects that contribute to this firmness and what you can do to speed up the break-in process.

Understanding Mattress Firmness

Material Characteristics

Different mattress materials have distinct properties that influence how they feel right out of the box. For example, memory foam mattresses often feel firmer initially because the foam is dense and designed to conform to your body over time. Latex mattresses, though usually more immediately comfortable, also have a break-in period due to their natural resilience. Innerspring mattresses tend to feel more consistent from the get-go, yet they too can be firm at first because the coils need time to adapt to your weight and sleeping positions.

Manufacturing and Storage Conditions

Mattresses are often compressed and rolled before being shipped. This can make them feel firmer when they are first unwrapped and need time to decompress fully. Additionally, the materials, especially foam, may take several hours to days to expand completely to their intended size and feel, contributing to that initial hardness.

The Break-In Process

Expectations vs. Reality

Most new mattresses come with a break-in period that can range from a few days to a couple of months. This is because the materials need time to adapt to your body heat, weight, and sleeping style. During this period, foam layers soften, springs become more responsive, and the mattress generally adjusts to your unique shape. It’s quite similar to breaking in a new pair of shoes or a new car.

User Adaptation

Just as the mattress needs to adapt to you, your body also needs to adapt to the new sleeping surface. If you’ve switched from an old, saggy mattress to a firmer, new one, your body, especially your spine and joints, could initially find it uncomfortable. It might take several nights for you to get used to the improved support and alignment your new mattress provides.

Things You Can Do to Speed Up the Break-In Process

There are various methods to help your mattress soften more quickly, ensuring you get to enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep sooner rather than later.

Regular Use

Using your mattress every night is the simplest way to break it in. The regular pressure and heat from your body expedite the softening of the materials. If possible, spend additional time on the mattress during the day by sitting or lying down on it to increase the exposure.

Physical Assistance

Another method to speed up the break-in process is to walk or roll gently across the mattress surface. This can help to distribute pressure more evenly across different areas, making the mattress adapt quicker. Be careful not to exert too much force as it could damage the materials.

Room Temperature

The temperature of your room can also impact how quickly a mattress breaks in, particularly for memory foam. Cooler temperatures tend to make memory foam firmer, while warmer temperatures can help it soften. Ensuring your bedroom is warm can aid in breaking in foam mattresses more quickly.

Additional Factors Influencing Mattress Firmness

Mattress Quality

The firmness and how it changes over time also depend on the quality of your mattress. Higher-quality mattresses generally have better, more adaptive materials that might feel firm initially but adjust more aptly and last longer. On the other hand, a lower-quality mattress may take longer to break in and might not offer as consistent comfort.

Foundation and Support

The type of foundation or bed frame you use can significantly impact how your mattress feels. A solid, flat foundation might make the mattress feel firmer, whereas a slatted base with some give can offer a softer feel. It’s important to pair your mattress with the right type of foundation recommended by the manufacturer to ensure optimal performance.

When to Consider a Mattress Topper

Temporary Solution

If the firmness of a new mattress is unbearable, using a mattress topper can be a good temporary solution. A topper, usually made of memory foam, latex, or down alternative, can add an extra layer of comfort and help you transition more smoothly while your mattress continues to break in. Make sure to choose a topper that complements your need for either pressure relief or additional firmness.

Long-Term Comfort

Sometimes, even after the break-in period, a mattress might remain too firm for comfort. In such cases, a long-term solution could involve investing in a high-quality mattress topper that aligns with your preferences. This option provides you with the necessary comfort without the need for replacing the entire mattress.

How to Recognize If Your Mattress Is Actually Too Hard

Extended Discomfort

If you’ve given your mattress ample time to break in and you’re still experiencing discomfort, it may genuinely be too firm for your body type and sleeping style. Extended discomfort, particularly consistent pain in your lower back, hips, or shoulders, is a strong indicator that the mattress firmness is not right for you.

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Interrupted Sleep

Another sign that your mattress might be excessively hard is if your sleep quality has significantly deteriorated. If you’re tossing and turning, waking up frequently throughout the night, or waking up feeling unrested and sore, it’s probably time to reconsider the firmness of your mattress.

Making the Most of Sleep Trials

Manufacturer’s Policies

Most mattress manufacturers offer sleep trials ranging from 30 to 120 days, during which you can return the mattress if it doesn’t meet your comfort needs. Make sure you’re fully aware of these policies when purchasing a new mattress. Use this period effectively to determine if the firmness is something you can adapt to or if a return or exchange is necessary.

Customer Support

If you’ve gone through the break-in period and find the mattress remains too firm, contacting customer support is always a viable option. Many companies offer solutions like sending a mattress topper, offering an exchange for a softer model, or providing additional advice on how to make the mattress more comfortable.

Conclusion

Finishing Thoughts

While a new mattress often feels harder than expected, understanding the various contributing factors and utilizing proactive steps can help smooth the transition to a more comfortable sleep. Break-in periods are necessary for the materials to adapt to your unique body, and periods of adjustment are normal for your own body as well. By using the methods outlined above, you can ensure a quicker transition to improved, long-lasting comfort. Remember to take advantage of sleep trials and manufacturer support if you’re unable to adjust to the new firmness, ensuring that your investment in restful sleep is well worth it.

Author

  • Ollie Lane

    My name is Ollie Lane, the zestful spirit and sleep enthusiast editor at GoodSleepHub. Blending my expertise in Sleep Technology with a dash of whimsy, I'm all about transforming your nights from blah to ta-da! I believe great sleep is a blend of science, art, and a bit of fairy dust. When I'm not knee-deep in the latest sleep gadgetry or jotting down notes for my next blog post, you can find me strumming on my ukulele or chasing after my mischievous beagle, Benny. My approach to sleep is like my music: playful, innovative, and always in tune with your needs.

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