How Long Does It Take To Break In A Mattress

Written by Nectarsleep Editorial Team

Last updated on Jul 08, 2025

Better Sleep Blog
How Long Does It Take To Break In A Mattress

In this article:

(Spoiler: It’s not love at first lie-down for everyone.)

Ahh, new mattress day. You’ve done the research, made the investment, waved goodbye to the lumpy one that’s been with you since uni… and now it’s here. Time to sleep like a dream, right?

Well… not always straight away.

Because — and nobody talks about this enough — even the best mattress can feel a bit “meh” at first.

Yep. That brand-new, high-tech, memory-foam-hybrid-cushioned-cloud might feel firmer than expected. Or squishier. Or just plain different. And that’s totally normal.

Save Up To 45% On Mattresses!*

*Savings compared to Similar Brands Avg Prices
Shop Mattress

So how long does it take to break in a new mattress?

Roughly 30 to 60 days is the sweet spot for most people.
That gives your mattress time to soften and settle — and your body time to adjust.

Think of it like new jeans. At first, they’re stiff and slightly awkward. A few wears in, though, they mould to your shape, soften in the right places, and you can’t imagine life without them.

Same with mattresses. They need time to get to know you. (Cute, right?)

But here’s the twist… it might take longer.

Because your comfort isn’t one-size-fits-all.

  • If you’ve been sleeping on a saggy old mattress for years, your body might go through a “what is this firm nonsense?” phase.

  • Got back pain, joint issues, or recovering from an injury? That can make the adjustment period a bit longer (and that’s OK).

  • Your sleep style — whether you starfish, curl into a ball, or flip like a pancake — will also affect how quickly you settle in.

So what should you do in the meantime?

Simple: make the most of your in-home trial.
Most mattress companies offer generous try-before-you-commit periods — think 100 nights, sometimes more (365 nights with Nectar). It’s your time to sleep on it (literally), move around, test it out, and really see if it’s The One.

Some tips to help the process:

  • Be patient. Give your body and the mattress a fair chance.

  • Try sleeping in different positions if you’re not comfy at first.

  • Don’t judge it on night one. Or night two. Let it breathe, settle, and soften.

And if, after a proper go, it still feels off? That’s why the trial exists. You're not stuck.

Bottom line?

Give it 30 to 60 nights. But trust how you feel.
Because it’s your sleep, your body, and your decision.

Now go fluff your pillows and get cosy — your mattress love story is just beginning.

Back to blog