Your new mattress just got there—fulfilling that ready-to-unwrap excitement, and, like a lot of new things, it even has its own distinctive "new mattress" smell. But now you're left with a familiar question: Can you throw on some sheets and sleep on it tonight, or should you let it air out and fully expand first? What exactly do you need to do before your new mattress is ready for its sheets and a good night's sleep?
Let's break it down together.
The short, yet sweet answer—yes. You can put sheets on a new mattress, but it's smart to consider the mattress type and the possibility of that new-mattress smell before making any decisions.
Is the Mattress a Hybrid or a Memory Foam?
If your mattress arrived tightly rolled up in a box, it's probably made of memory foam or is a hybrid (a combination of foam and springs). These mattresses are compressed for shipping and easier transportation, so they need a little time to puff back up once you set them free from the packaging. Most brands say you should wait 1 to 3 days for your mattress to reach its expected dimensions and firmness—but you can usually sleep on it the very first night. Actually, your own body heat can actually help the mattress expand more quickly.
With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you get the best start with your new mattress:
- On the first night, your mattress might feel softer or firmer than you expected. Don't stress—this is normal. It can take a few days (or even weeks) for the mattress to feel right, and for your spine, body, and muscles to get used to the new feel.
- You might catch a bit of a new-mattress smell at first. No need to Google search or "ask Alexa"—this is totally normal for foam mattresses and is known as "off-gassing." It's just the scent of new vapor airing out, and it isn't harmful. Most brands, like Bed Tech mattresses, are CertiPUR-US® certified.
- If you can, open a window and let your mattress breathe for a bit before making the bed. Giving it a few hours without sheets can help that new-mattress smell fade even faster.
Is The Mattress a Traditional Spring or Pocketed Coil?
Whether your new mattress came tightly packed in a box or arrived fully expanded—like most traditional pocketed coil mattresses—you'll likely notice that classic "new mattress" smell at first. With a traditional mattress, you can skip the wait for it to expand and put your sheets on right away. Still, some people prefer to let any mattress air out for a while before making the bed.
For boxed mattresses, it's best to let them air out and expand for a bit, but you can often still sleep on them the first night if you like. Either way, you're just a few steps away from a comfy night's sleep on a new mattress! Believe the Bed Tech Sleep Experts, once you get older, almost nothing sounds better than a good night's rest with an adjustable bed!
Unpackaging Your New Mattress
- Brand Recommendations: Before you get started, it's worth looking into any care instructions from your mattress brand. Every mattress is a little different, and some brands share helpful tips or special steps to make sure you get the comfiest experience and help your mattress last. Even a quick glance at the instructions could save you hiccups down the line.
- Allergies or Sensitivities: If you're sensitive to smells or chemicals, it's a good idea to let your mattress air out for a bit longer before putting your sheets on. It's also recommended to use a mattress protector to adopt good sleep hygiene. Opening the windows, using a fan, or running your HVAC system with fresh air can also help the new-mattress smell dissipate, making it more possible to get into bed to sleep sooner.
- Airing It Out: As soon as you unbox your mattress, set it (right side up) on your bed frame straight away, then remove all the plastic packaging as soon as possible. By doing this, it gives your mattress a chance to air out and lets any new-mattress scent or "off-gassing" fade quickly.
- Temperature and Humidity: Keep in mind that the climate can affect how quickly a mattress expands and airs out—a warm, well-ventilated room will speed up the process. A little fresh air goes a long way toward making your first night more comfortable.
- Give It Time: You can usually sleep on your new mattress the very first night, but keep in mind it might need anywhere from a few hours up to three days to fully expand to its true size and feel. Don't worry if it seems a bit different at first—your mattress is just breaking in and finding its place.
- Wait Before Adding Bedding: Try to hold off on putting on a mattress protector or heavy sheets right away. Letting your mattress air out, uncovered, for a few hours helps any lingering odors dissipate and keeps things feeling fresh from the start. Still, it's not really recommended to sleep on a mattress without a protector or set of sheets, like Bed Tech Thread™ Sheets.
- Choose Breathable Bedding: When you're ready to make the bed, pick light, breathable sheets—like bamboo or Tencel—to help keep you not too hot or too cold. These types of materials let air flow freely, so you get the full benefit of your new mattress without excess moisture or overheating.
Getting Cozy: Your First Night With a New Mattress & Beyond
- Before you make the bed, give your mattress a little time to breathe—ideally, a few hours in a well-ventilated room before you put sheets on. This helps the new-mattress scent disappear faster and allows the materials to fully expand and settle into place. Opening the windows or using a fan in the room can make a big difference, especially if you're sensitive to smells or want your mattress to feel new but without odors, as much as possible.
- Add a cooling mattress protector once the mattress is aired out. Using a mattress cover or protector helps keep your mattress clean and comfortable from the very first night. A worthwhile mattress protector not only shields against spills and dust, but also allows air to flow, so you won't wake up feeling too hot or stuffy.
- It's also normal for your new mattress to feel different than what you expected from online reviews or from what you tried in-store. Mattresses, just like new shoes, need some time to break in. Over the next few days or even weeks, the materials will adjust to your body, and you'll get used to the new level of support and comfort. If it feels a little too firm or too soft at first, give it a little time— rotate the mattress every couple of weeks when you first get it, chances are, it'll soon feel just right.
- Don't overlook your mattress base or foundation—it plays a big role in how supportive and cool your bed feels. A sturdy, slatted base or an adjustable bed each lay a solid foundation for all types of mattresses, from memory foam to hybrids to traditional spring or pocketed coil styles. Not only does this improve comfort and support, but it also lets air flow underneath for breathability and helps you sleep cooler.
- If you're tempted to sleep right on your new mattress without sheets to let it air out as much as possible, that's okay for a night or two. Just remember, adding a clean set, like Bed Tech Thread™ Bamboo Sheets and a Blue Ice™ Mattress Protector as soon as possible, will help keep your bed cozy, like-new, and long-lasting.