How To Open Emma Mattress: Step‑by‑Step FAQ Guide
If you’ve just received a boxed mattress and are wondering how to open Emma mattress safely and correctly, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through every stage, from unboxing to first night, and addresses the most common questions and concerns along the way.
What does “opening” a boxed mattress actually involve?
When people search for “How To Open Emma Mattress,” they’re usually asking about:
- How to unbox it without damaging the mattress
- What tools (if any) to use
- How long it takes to expand
- When it’s safe to sleep on
Opening a boxed mattress simply means:
- Taking it out of the shipping box
- Carefully removing the plastic wrap
- Allowing the compressed foam to expand to its full size
The process is straightforward, but a few small details make it smoother and help protect your new mattress.
How To Open Emma Mattress: Step‑by‑Step
1. Prepare the room and bed base
Before you cut open any packaging, set up the space where the mattress will stay.
- Clear the floor around the bed frame
- Make sure the bed base is flat, stable, and supportive
- Remove old bedding and mattresses
Placing the rolled mattress directly on your bed base before unwrapping it makes moving it much easier, since a fully expanded mattress is bulkier.
2. Move the box to the bedroom
Boxed mattresses can be heavy and awkward to carry.
- Lift with care or ask for help
- Keep the box upright if possible
- Set the box close to your bed frame to limit dragging
Sliding the box instead of lifting the entire weight at once can be easier on your back.
3. Open the box and remove the rolled mattress
Use a blunt object or your hands to open the cardboard box.
- Avoid sharp knives near the inner roll
- Gently pull or slide the rolled mattress out of the box
- Lay the roll lengthwise on your bed frame or base
At this stage, the mattress is usually wrapped in several layers of plastic to keep it compressed.
4. Cut the outer plastic carefully
This is the part many people worry about when asking how to open Emma mattress without damaging it.
Tips for safe cutting:
- Use blunt-tipped scissors or a safety cutter
- Start at a corner or edge where the plastic lifts away from the fabric
- Cut only the plastic, keeping the blades facing outward and away from the mattress surface
Once the outer layer is cut, the mattress will begin to unroll but will still be compressed in an inner plastic sleeve.
5. Unroll and remove the inner plastic
- Gently unroll the mattress so it lies flat on the bed base
- Find the end of the inner plastic and cut along the sealed edge
- Pull the plastic away and out from under the mattress
As soon as the inner plastic is opened, the mattress will start expanding and taking in air. You’ll usually see it rise noticeably within a few minutes.
How long does it take to fully expand?
Most foam mattresses begin to expand immediately and become sleepable within a few hours. However, full expansion and final feel can take longer.
Common expectations:
- Initial shape: usually within minutes
- Usable for rest: often within several hours
- Near full expansion: typically within a day or so
Some corners may look slightly rounded or compressed at first. These usually even out as the foam relaxes.
Is there an odor when I open the mattress?
Many new foam mattresses release a temporary “new mattress” smell when first opened. This is often more noticeable in small or poorly ventilated rooms.
To reduce this:
- Open windows and allow fresh air to circulate
- Leave the bed bare (no sheets or covers) for a few hours
- Avoid placing heavy toppers on immediately, so air can move freely
The scent typically fades as the materials air out.
Can I sleep on the mattress the same day?
In many cases, yes, you can rest on the mattress the same day you open it, once it has had some time to rise and regain shape. However:
- Expect the feel to change slightly over the first few days
- Heavier pressure (like sitting on the edge for a long time) may temporarily affect full expansion at that spot
If possible, give the mattress as much time as you can on the first day before using it for a full night’s sleep.
Common issues when opening a boxed mattress
The mattress looks smaller than expected
Right after opening, the mattress may appear:
- Slightly shorter or narrower
- Not as tall as the listed depth
This often improves as it completes its expansion phase. Allow at least a day or two before judging final dimensions.
There are creases or folds in the cover
Lines or folds in the cover are common from being tightly rolled.
- These usually smooth out as the mattress expands and the fabric relaxes
- Lightly stretching the cover by hand can help, but avoid pulling forcefully
How to protect your mattress after opening
Once you’ve figured out how to open Emma mattress correctly, the next step is keeping it in good condition:
- Use a breathable mattress protector to guard against spills
- Ensure the bed base has adequate support across the entire surface
- Rotate the mattress occasionally if recommended for your type
These simple steps can help maintain an even feel across the surface over time.
✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways
Key points consumers should understand about How To Open Emma Mattress
- Prepare first: Clear space and set up your bed base before opening the box.
- Move safely: Bring the boxed mattress to the bedroom before unwrapping to avoid lifting a fully expanded mattress.
- Cut with care: Use blunt-tipped scissors or a safety cutter and avoid cutting close to the fabric.
- Expect gradual expansion: The mattress usually becomes usable within hours, but full expansion can take longer.
- Ventilate the room: A temporary new-mattress smell is common and usually fades with airflow.
- Be patient with shape: Slight dips, creases, or rounded corners often resolve as the mattress fully expands.
By following these steps, you can open and set up your mattress calmly and confidently, giving it the best start for long-term use.

