How Long does it Take for a Latex Mattress to Expand?

August 19, 2022

Getting your mattress shipped to your door is the best way to purchase your mattress, right? It means you don’t have to lug your mattress from a store all the way home. Plus, it means that you bought online, possibly after reading a latex mattress buyer's guide, rather than at a retail store, which comes with it’s own set of perks. Buying online directly from the mattress manufacturer usually means big savings for the customer.

If you’re used to buying a mattress at the store, or you’ve never bought a mattress before, you may have questions when it comes to unboxing your delivered mattress. For one, when you look at the box you may at first be worried that they sent you a much smaller mattress.

Fortunately, that is not the case. The online mattress retailer compresses the mattress before shipping, so it can fit in a container that is smaller than its maximum size. Once you unbox it, you’ll see that your latex mattress will begin to expand.

So, how long does it actually take for latex mattresses to expand? And, do I have to break it in? In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about your latex mattress from the moment you get it.

How are Mattresses Boxed?

Here at Eco Terra Beds, our latex mattresses are boxed before shipping. In order to fit latex mattresses into a reasonably sized box, they are compressed and rolled into an airtight bag to minimize their size for shipping.

Why are Mattresses Boxed?

Without boxed mattresses, ordering mattresses online and having them shipped to your door would be next to impossible. This is because mattresses are so large that shipping them would be too expensive and too difficult for delivery drivers to handle. Boxed mattresses allow for mattresses of all sizes to be shipped and delivered without any issues.

Are Boxed Mattresses Different Than Unboxed Mattresses?

There is nothing fundamentally different about a boxed mattress compared to an unboxed mattress. Boxed mattresses are simply regular mattresses that are compressed and rolled up for shipping purposes. However, the main difference is that boxed mattresses need time to expand after unboxing to return to their normal size.

Opening the Box

Before you open the box and get your new mattress out, you should first move the box to the room where it’s going to stay. Moving the mattress is much easier while it’s still in the box, so placing the box where you want the mattress will make carrying it and placing it much easier. Latex mattresses are heavier than other types of mattresses, so if you have a larger size like a Queen, King, or Cal King, you may want the help of another person to move it.

Then, place the box on the ground near your bed frame. Use a box cutter or knife to carefully open the box. Make sure not to cut into the mattress itself.

Sliding Your Mattress Out of the Box

Inside the box, the mattress will be tightly rolled in plastic sheeting to maintain its shape, and keep it from expanding while in the box. Once you open the box, you should find that it slides out easily.

Once the mattress is out of the box, place your mattress on your bed frame, or box spring mattress, while it is still in the plastic sheeting. Then, using your knife or box cutter, carefully cut the outer layer of the plastic sheeting. Once this is done, you’ll notice that your mattress will immediately begin to expand.

How Long does it Take for Latex Mattresses to Expand?

Every mattress expands differently, and takes a certain period of time to fully expand. Some memory foam mattresses, for example, may take many hours or days to fully expand. Latex mattresses usually don’t take as long to expand. It is usually recommended that you allow your mattress to fully expand before you sleep on it. However, you should note that this is only suggested because mattress companies want you to experience the full comfort of the mattress on your first night. Also, mattress off gassing during the expanding period is not harmful to your health, especially with our natural latex mattresses.

Sleeping on a mattress before it is fully expanded should not affect its shape or comfort later on. So if you purchase a mattress that takes 72 hours to fully expand, you can sleep on it the first night, and over time it will expand to its normal size. However, you may notice that the firmness of the mattress changes as it reaches its maximum size.

At Eco Terra, we offer hybrid latex mattresses with a fabric-encased coil core. Our latex mattresses are quick to expand, and will be fully expanded after only an hour! That means you can sleep on our latex mattresses without a problem the same day you unbox them.

How Long does it Take for Other Mattresses to Expand?

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses don’t have many foam layers. These mattresses usually expand very quickly.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses have innerspring coils. Our latex hybrid mattress includes latex foam paired with innerspring fabric-encased coils. These mattresses also expand quickly.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses can take as quickly as 6 to 24 hours to expand, up to 72 hours on the long end. Usually, the cheaper memory foam mattresses take longer to expand than higher-quality ones. Cheaper memory foam mattresses usually use lower quality memory foam compared to higher-end memory foam mattresses.

Breaking in a New Mattress

When people get a new mattress, they often talk about breaking it in. But what exactly does breaking in a new mattress entail? Simply put, breaking in a new mattress is the adjustment period after you get a new mattress.

How do You Break in a New Mattress?

Unlike breaking in a new pair of shoes or hiking boots, breaking in a mattress does not require the mattress itself to change. Breaking in a new mattress is simply adjusting to the new mattress. Your new mattress is almost certainly different than your old mattress. Even if you purchase the same model, the feel of your last mattress probably changed over time with wear and tear.

Breaking in a new mattress isn’t wearing it down. It’s simply getting both your body and mind used to the new feel of it. Even the best mattresses can feel uncomfortable as first, as it is a new sleeping experience. You probably got used to the same mattress over years, so using a new one can suddenly feel unfamiliar. It’s like when you sleep in a hotel bed. You may find it comfortable, or like the mattress itself, but sometimes just the new and unfamiliar sensation can make it harder to get comfortable and fall asleep.

How Long does it Take to Break in a New Mattress?

The break in period for a new mattress depends on the mattress, how different your old mattress was, and you. For example, if you were used to a soft memory foam mattress, and switched to a firmer hybrid latex model, the change will likely be significant. Even if the new mattress is better suited to your needs, and provides better support, getting used to it may take a while.

The break in period for mattresses is extremely common, that’s why most mattress companies give customers a free trial period. This is because it takes time to decide whether your new mattress is right for you. Breaking in a new mattress takes longer than just a few nights, and can take a month or two. If it’s taking longer than two months to break in a new mattress, then it could be because the mattress isn’t suited to you. At Eco Terra, we offer a 90-night trial period, so we can ensure that all of our customers are satisfied with their latex mattresses before they commit.

How can You Make the Break in Period Easier?

The break in period for a new mattress is different for everyone. If you regularly find it difficult to sleep in a bed other than your own, then this break in period may be more difficult. Your body weight and body shape may also play a factor during this initial period. Others may find that they get used to their mattress right away.

However, if you want to make the break in period easier for you, there are some steps you can take to make it better, and get a good night’s rest on your first night.

1.   Exercise

Exercising during the day will tire out your body, so you’re ready for bed at night. It will make falling asleep in your new mattress easier, and give you a good night’s rest. If you already work out regularly, try extending your workout, or increasing the intensity.

If you don’t like to work out, try an activity instead. For example, go on a long walk in a nearby park or forest, go on a hike, try kayaking, or go on a run.

2.   Mindfulness

Mindfulness activities are great for improving your quality of sleep, and making it easier to fall asleep at night. Mindfulness activities like yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, or Qi Gong will help you to relax, and reduce anxiety. Try doing it throughout the day or right before getting into bed.

3.   Relaxing Routine

If you don’t already have a relaxing bedtime routine, you should consider developing one once you have your new mattress. It will make getting comfortable in your bed easier. Regularly doing a bedtime routine will naturally make your body and mind sleepy, and make falling asleep quickly much easier. Relaxing routines to try include mindfulness activities, taking a warm bath, drinking herbal tea, reading a book, and more.

4.   Listen to a Podcast or White Noise

Sometimes, the simple act of listening to something calming while you’re in bed can help you to fall asleep. You can try podcasts that are aimed at helping people fall asleep, meditation podcasts, ASMR, or white noise with relaxing sounds like rain or crashing waves.

5.   Massage

Who doesn’t love an excuse to get a massage? Breaking in a new mattress is the perfect time to get a massage. You can seek a professional massage from a masseuse, or ask a family member or your partner to massage you. If that’s not an option, you can always try giving yourself a massage. Apply pressure to your neck or shoulders with your fingers, and rub out any knots. Also, try giving yourself a hand massage. A good massage before bed will help to wash away any stress, and get you relaxed and ready to fall asleep.

6.   Temperature Control

Temperature is another thing to keep in mind after you get a new mattress. Temperature can greatly affect your quality of sleep, and how fast it takes you to fall asleep. Also, your new mattress may be warmer or cooler than you’re used to, so experiment with blankets to see what makes you most comfortable through the night. You should be neither hot nor cold while you sleep.

If you’re too cold at night, add another blanket, or consider wearing thicker pajamas. If you’re too warm, turn up your AC, shed layers, and consider using a bedside fan.

7.   Pillows

Consider your pillows. If your pillows aren’t giving you the comfort you need, you may find it harder to fall asleep at night, and blame your mattress. Pillows of every shape, size, and firmness are available from feather pillows to memory foam pillows. Trying a new pillow that is more comfortable may make the first week and longer of breaking in your new mattress easier.

Should I Get a Mattress Topper?

Buying a mattress topper with a new mattress is a common practice for some people. A mattress topper is placed directly on top of the mattress, and underneath the bed sheets, to adjust the feel of the mattress. Mattress toppers can target pressure points, and give you additional pressure relief. They are also commonly used to make mattresses feel slightly more plush, or more firm.

If you used a mattress topper with your old mattress, consider using the same one on your new mattress, or purchasing a new mattress topper. You can try using the mattress topper some nights, and going without it other nights, to find out which is best for you.

Eco Terra Mattress Topper

At Eco Terra, we don’t only supply high quality latex mattresses, but we sell top-of-the-line mattress toppers, too. Our latex mattress topper is pure, and natural latex of the finest quality latex foam.

Just like our mattresses, we never use synthetic latex. It comes in different sizes, so that it can fit any mattress, although we recommend that you use it with one of our latex mattresses.

Plus, we offer three firmness levels: soft, medium, and medium-firm, so that everyone can select the firmness that is right for them. If you need a softer mattress topper or a firm mattress feel, we have you covered.

Our mattress topper comes with free shipping, and a 5-year warranty.

How Long do Mattresses Last?

Considering how long most mattresses last, the break in period for a new mattress is a blink of an eye compared to the lifespan of a good mattress. The lifespan of a mattress depends on the type of mattress, and its quality.

Cheaper mattresses could last you only about 8 years, while high quality mattresses often last about 10-12 years. Memory foam mattresses usually last for about 10 years depending on the quality.

Eco Terra Natural Latex Hybrid Mattress Lifespan

At Eco Terra, we craft only the finest, most comfortable, and most durable mattresses for our customers, so our mattresses not only feel great, but they last for a long time, too. Our natural latex mattress comes with a 15-year warranty, so you can rest assured that your mattress will last for many years to come, and that you will continue to receive ultimate comfort, adequate support, and a good night’s rest from it every night.

Takeaway

Every mattress and mattress company is different. But at Eco Terra, we ensure that all of our mattresses are of the highest quality, and consistently deliver the comfort and support that our customers love. Also, our mattresses are eco-friendly, and made from only natural latex foam.

While many mattresses can take days to fully expand, our natural latex hybrid mattress should expand after only 1 hour after unboxing and unwrapping it. Although it shouldn’t take long to get used to your comfortable and supportive all-natural latex mattress, we recommend that you give it some time to break in. It’s for this reason that we offer a 90-night trial period, so that all of our customers can give themselves some time to adjust to the mattress before they make their decision. If you decide you aren’t happy with our mattress, we will provide you with a full refund.

At Eco Terra, we stand by our products. That’s why we use only the finest quality natural latex from sustainable sources and organic cotton and organic wool for our covers. If you think it’s time for an upgrade, order one of our latex mattresses today. We know you won’t regret it.

Take a look at our customer videos sharing their Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress unboxing!

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