Can You Sleep On a New Mattress Straight Away

Written by Nectarsleep Editorial Team

Last updated on Jul 08, 2025

Better Sleep Blog
Can You Sleep On a New Mattress Straight Away

In this article:

So, your new mattress has just arrived. It's unwrapped, looking all fresh and inviting — and you're wondering… Can I sleep on it tonight? Or should you give it time to breathe, rise, or do whatever new mattresses do before you dive in?

Let’s clear things up.

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The short answer?

Yes — but it depends on the type of mattress.

Memory foam or hybrid mattress?

If your mattress came vacuum-packed in a box, chances are it's made of memory foam, or it's a hybrid (which combines foam and springs). These types are compressed during shipping and need a bit of time to fully expand once unpacked.

Most brands say to wait 24 to 72 hours for the mattress to reach its full size and firmness — but you can still sleep on it the first night.

In fact, your body heat can help it expand faster.

That said, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • It might feel softer or firmer than expected on night one. Don’t panic. It can take a few days (or even weeks) for it to settle — and for you to get used to it.

  • There could be a bit of a smell. This is totally normal for foam mattresses and is called “off-gassing.” It’s not harmful, just the scent of the materials airing out. Open a window and let it breathe.

Pocket spring mattress?

If your mattress isn’t boxed and arrives full-size — usually the case with traditional pocket-sprung mattresses — then you’re good to go right away. No waiting. No expanding. Just pop on the sheets and jump in.

A few tips for that first night:

  • Let it air out for a few hours if you can.

  • Use a breathable mattress protector to keep things fresh.

  • Don’t be surprised if it feels different from what you tried in-store or expected online. New mattresses often need a breaking-in period — just like new shoes.

So, what’s the verdict?

Yes, you can sleep on a new mattress straight away.
Just be aware it might take a bit of time to feel “just right.” Give it a week or two before you make any big decisions — your back (and your sleep) will thank you.

Now, the only thing left to do?
Fluff the pillows, dim the lights, and enjoy your first night on cloud nine.

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