How To Open a Lull Mattress: Step‑by‑Step FAQ Guide

If you’ve just received a bed‑in‑a‑box and you’re wondering how to open a Lull mattress safely and correctly, you’re in the right place. This guide walks through each stage of the process, answers common questions, and explains what to expect as the mattress expands.

What Does “Opening” a Lull Mattress Actually Involve?

When people search “How To Open a Lull Mattress”, they usually want to know:

  • How to safely cut the plastic
  • Which side goes up
  • How long to wait before sleeping on it
  • Whether there will be an odor or noise when it expands

A compressed foam mattress is tightly rolled and sealed in multiple layers of plastic. Opening it means:

  1. Unboxing the mattress.
  2. Unrolling it on your bed frame or foundation.
  3. Carefully cutting away the plastic so it can expand to its full size.

The process is simple, but doing it correctly helps protect the foam and makes setup smoother.

Step‑by‑Step: How To Open a Lull Mattress Safely

1. Prepare the Room and Bed Frame

Before cutting any plastic, get the space ready:

  • Clear the area around the bed.
  • Set up your supportive, flat foundation or frame.
  • Make sure there’s enough room for the mattress to fully unfold.

This helps you avoid dragging or bending the mattress more than necessary.

2. Unbox the Mattress

Place the box in the bedroom where the mattress will be used. Then:

  • Lay the box on its side on the frame or nearby floor.
  • Gently slide the rolled, wrapped mattress out of the box.
  • Position the roll so it’s centered on the foundation.

The mattress will still be tightly wrapped in plastic at this point.

3. Position and Unroll

Once the roll is on the bed:

  • Look for any label or tag that indicates head/foot or top side.
  • Place the roll so that when it’s unrolled, it aligns with the head of the bed.
  • Carefully unroll it until it’s lying flat, still wrapped in plastic.

Most compressed foam mattresses will look thinner and shorter before the final plastic layer is removed.

4. How To Open a Lull Mattress: Cutting the Plastic

This is the step many people worry about. To avoid damage:

  • Use scissors or a dull‑tipped cutting tool rather than a sharp knife.
  • Start with the outer plastic layer, snipping carefully along the edge.
  • Avoid pressing the tool deep into the plastic; stay close to the surface.
  • Work slowly around the perimeter until the plastic loosens.

As soon as the inner seal is broken, you’ll notice the mattress begin to expand and draw in air.

What Happens After You Open the Mattress?

How Long Does It Take to Expand?

Most compressed foam mattresses:

  • Start to expand within minutes.
  • Reach a usable shape and feel relatively quickly.
  • May continue to settle and fully expand over the next several hours or more.

It’s common for corners or edges to look slightly compressed at first. They typically round out as the mattress finishes expanding.

Can You Sleep on It Right Away?

Many sleepers choose to lie on their mattress shortly after opening it. However:

  • The feel may slightly change over the first day as it fully decompresses.
  • If possible, letting it rest for several hours allows the foam to open up more completely.

This is a preference rather than a strict rule.

Will There Be a Smell?

It’s normal for a new foam mattress to have a temporary “new mattress” odor after it’s unwrapped. To help:

  • Open a window or allow some air circulation in the room.
  • Give it a bit of time before tightly covering it with heavy bedding.

The scent usually fades as the mattress airs out.

Common Questions About How To Open a Lull Mattress

Do I Need Any Special Tools?

No special tools are required. Most people use:

  • Household scissors
  • A plastic opener provided in the box (if included)

The key is to avoid sharp blades that could cut into the foam or fabric.

Which Side Is the Top?

Foam mattresses often have:

  • A textured or patterned top cover
  • A simpler, darker, or non‑quilted bottom

Look for tags, stitched patterns, or any labeling near the corners. The more finished or detailed surface is typically the sleeping side.

Can I Open It on the Floor?

You can open a mattress on the floor, but:

  • Ensure the surface is clean and dry.
  • Move it onto the frame or base carefully once it’s partially expanded.

Opening it directly on the bed frame or foundation is usually easier.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Open a Lull Mattress

  • Prepare first: Clear the room and set up a flat, supportive base before unboxing.
  • Unbox on the bed: Slide the rolled mattress out of the box onto the frame or foundation.
  • Unroll, then cut: Unroll it flat while still wrapped, then carefully cut the plastic.
  • Use safe tools: Choose scissors or a dull‑tipped cutter to avoid damaging the fabric or foam.
  • Expect expansion: The mattress begins to expand immediately and may continue settling for hours.
  • Normal odors: A light “new foam” smell is common right after opening and usually fades with ventilation.
  • Check orientation: Use tags, patterns, or labels to confirm the top side before adding bedding.

Final Thoughts on How To Open a Lull Mattress

Knowing how to open a Lull mattress correctly makes the process smoother and protects your new bed. By preparing your space, unrolling the mattress carefully, and cutting the plastic slowly with safe tools, you can set up your mattress with minimal stress. A brief expansion period and a short airing‑out time are normal parts of the experience, and once complete, the mattress is ready to be used as part of your everyday sleep setup.