How To Open Leesa Mattress: Step‑by‑Step FAQ Guide

If you’ve just had a new boxed mattress delivered and you’re wondering how to open Leesa mattress correctly without damaging it, you’re in the right place. This guide walks you through each step, explains what to expect, and answers the most common questions people have when unboxing a compressed foam mattress.

What does “opening” a boxed mattress actually involve?

When people search “How To Open Leesa Mattress”, they’re usually asking about:

  • How to safely cut open the packaging
  • Which side goes up
  • How long it takes to expand
  • Whether they can sleep on it right away

“Opening” in this context means unboxing, unrolling, and allowing the mattress to expand on your bed frame or foundation.

Step-by-step: How To Open Leesa Mattress safely

1. Prepare your space and bed frame

Before you cut any plastic, set up the area where the mattress will go.

  • Clear the room so you have space to move around
  • Make sure your bed frame or foundation is ready and stable
  • Remove any sharp objects from the area

A clear, flat, supportive surface helps the mattress expand evenly.

2. Move the box to the bedroom

It’s usually easier to move the box to the room where the mattress will stay before opening it. Boxed mattresses are compressed and often heavier than they look, so you may want help carrying it.

Place the box near the frame or base so you don’t have to drag the mattress far once it’s out.

3. Remove the outer box and plastic wrap

Carefully open the top of the box and slide the rolled mattress out. It will usually be wrapped in one or more layers of plastic.

  • Lay the rolled mattress on the foundation or frame
  • Position it roughly where you want the finished mattress to sit

Use scissors with blunt tips to cut the outer plastic. Avoid knives or anything very sharp that could cut into the fabric.

4. Unroll and cut the inner plastic

Once the first layer of plastic is off, the mattress will be rolled or folded inside a tighter plastic wrap.

  • Gently unroll or unfold it
  • Again, use scissors to snip the inner plastic along an edge

As you cut the final layer, the mattress will begin to expand quickly. Keep your fingers clear of the foam and cut slowly and carefully.

How long does it take for the mattress to fully expand?

After you’ve followed the steps above for how to open Leesa mattress, expansion usually happens in stages:

  • First few minutes: The mattress takes shape and looks mostly full
  • First few hours: Corners and edges continue to rise and firm up
  • First 24–72 hours: The feel may continue to settle as foam regains its intended shape

You can typically sit or lie on the mattress soon after opening, but some users prefer to give it more time to expand before regular use, especially if they notice slightly softer edges or unevenness right after unboxing.

Is there a right side or direction when opening it?

Most foam or hybrid mattresses are designed with:

  • A top side (sleep surface with the cover)
  • A bottom side (usually less detailed or more textured for grip)

When you place and unroll the mattress:

  • Make sure the branded or finished fabric side faces up
  • Align any labels or tags near the foot or side of the bed if you prefer a specific orientation

If you realize it’s upside down, you can carefully flip or rotate it once it’s partially expanded, but it is usually easier to check orientation before you cut the inner plastic completely.

What about the “new mattress” smell?

Many people notice a light “new foam” or “factory” smell after opening a compressed mattress. This is common with vacuum‑sealed products.

To help with this:

  • Open windows or doors to improve airflow
  • Leave bedding off for a few hours so the mattress can air out
  • If possible, keep the room ventilated during the first day

The scent typically fades over time, often becoming less noticeable after the first day or two in a well‑ventilated space.

Can you roll or compress it again after opening?

Once you open and expand a compressed mattress, it is not designed to be re‑rolled or re‑compressed at home. Trying to do this yourself can:

  • Damage the foam
  • Put stress on seams and the cover
  • Make the mattress less comfortable or supportive

If you need to move it, carry or bend it gently, but avoid tightly folding or binding it.

Common concerns when learning how to open Leesa mattress

What if the corners look slightly misshapen?

Right after opening, some corners or edges may appear:

  • Slightly rounded
  • Not fully risen

This often improves as the mattress continues to expand over the next 24–72 hours on a flat, supportive surface.

What if I accidentally cut the mattress?

If the fabric or foam is cut while opening:

  • Stop cutting immediately
  • Inspect the area to see how deep the cut is

A small nick in the cover or foam may not affect basic use, but a deeper cut could influence durability or comfort. Being slow and careful with scissors while cutting away from the surface is the best way to prevent this.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Open Leesa Mattress

  • Prepare first: Clear your space and set up the bed frame before you open the box.
  • Use safe tools: Use blunt‑tipped scissors and cut away from the fabric to avoid damage.
  • Unroll on the bed: Place the wrapped mattress directly on the frame or base prior to unrolling.
  • Expect fast expansion: The mattress will take shape within minutes, but may refine over 24–72 hours.
  • Ventilate the room: A mild “new mattress” smell is common and usually fades with good airflow.
  • Don’t re‑compress: Once opened and expanded, the mattress is not meant to be re‑rolled at home.
  • Check orientation: Make sure the finished sleep surface is facing up before finalizing placement.

By following these steps for how to open Leesa mattress, you give your new mattress the best start and help it expand as evenly and comfortably as possible.