Can I Sleep On My New Mattress Right Away? What To Expect First Night

If you’ve just unboxed a new bed and are wondering “Can I sleep on my new mattress right away?”, you’re not alone. Many people are unsure whether they should let a mattress “rest,” expand, or air out before using it. This guide explains what usually happens with different mattress types, what’s safe, and how to get the most comfortable first night.

Can I Sleep On My New Mattress Right Away?

In many cases, yes, you can sleep on your new mattress the same day you open it. However, the ideal wait time depends on:

The type of mattress (foam, hybrid, innerspring, etc.)
Whether it was compressed and rolled in a box
Your comfort preferences, including sensitivity to smells

Most compressed foam and hybrid mattresses are designed to be slept on within hours, but they often continue expanding and softening for several days.

How Long Should I Let a New Mattress Expand?

Foam and Hybrid “Bed-in-a-Box” Mattresses

Foam and hybrid models that arrive compressed usually need time to fully expand to their intended height and feel.

Many reach usable shape within a few hours.
They may keep settling and softening over 24–72 hours.
Some brands suggest a certain number of hours before use, but this is typically for optimal performance, not basic safety.

You can usually sleep on them the first night, but expect the feel to improve over the first week.

Innerspring and Non-Compressed Mattresses

Traditional innerspring or non-compressed mattresses are often ready to use right away. They might still have a slight “new” smell or feel a bit firmer at first, but they typically don’t need an expansion period like foam.

Is It Safe To Sleep on a New Mattress Immediately?

For most people, sleeping on a new mattress right away is considered safe, especially when it meets common safety and manufacturing standards. However, there are a few comfort-related considerations:

Off-Gassing and New Mattress Smell

Many new mattresses, especially foam types, can have a noticeable factory or “new mattress” smell when first opened. This is often called off-gassing.

The smell usually fades over hours or days.
If you are sensitive to odors, you might prefer to:
- Open windows and air out the room.
- Let the mattress breathe without bedding for a few hours.
- Sleep on older bedding or a guest bed the first night if the smell bothers you.

Firmness and Initial Feel

New mattresses, especially foam and hybrid models, can feel firmer than expected at first. This doesn’t mean the mattress is wrong for you; it’s often just:

Materials relaxing and adjusting.
Your body adapting to a different support system.

It can take a few nights to a few weeks for the mattress to feel more natural and for you to judge its true comfort.

Will Sleeping on It Immediately Damage the Mattress?

For a typical, quality mattress, sleeping on it right away will not damage it, as long as:

It has had enough time to unfold and take shape after unboxing.
The surface is even and flat, without large dips or bends.
You’re using an appropriate supportive base or bed frame.

Some foam mattresses may look slightly uneven right after unboxing. Giving them a few hours can help them smooth out before full use.

What If My New Mattress Feels Uncomfortable on Night One?

It’s common for a new mattress to feel different or even slightly uncomfortable initially, especially if you’ve been sleeping on an older, sagging bed. When wondering “Can I sleep on my new mattress right away if it feels odd?”, consider:

Adjustment period: Your body may need time to adapt to better support.
Bedding choices: A mattress protector or softer sheets can slightly change how the surface feels.
Room temperature: Foam can feel firmer in cooler rooms and softer in warmer rooms.

If you’re unsure if the discomfort is from the mattress or from the change itself, it often helps to give it at least a couple of weeks of regular use.

How Can I Make My First Night on a New Mattress More Comfortable?

Here are a few simple ways to improve your first-night experience:

Air it out for a few hours to reduce new-mattress smell.
Make sure your bed frame or base is sturdy and level.
Use familiar pillows and bedding to keep some consistency.
If it feels very firm, try a light mattress protector or soft top sheet to adjust surface feel.
Give yourself time to get used to the new support before deciding if it’s right for you.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about “Can I Sleep On My New Mattress Right Away”

Yes, you can usually sleep on your new mattress right away, especially after it has expanded for a few hours.
Foam and hybrid mattresses may keep expanding and softening for 24–72 hours, even if you sleep on them the first night.
A new mattress smell (off-gassing) is common; airing out the room can make your first night more comfortable.
Sleeping on the mattress right away typically does not harm it, as long as it has unfolded properly and is on a suitable base.
It’s normal for a new mattress to feel firmer or different at first; both the mattress and your body often need a short adjustment period.

When you ask, “Can I sleep on my new mattress right away?”, the practical answer is usually yes—with a bit of patience for expansion, some airing out, and realistic expectations about an adjustment period. Taking these simple steps helps your new mattress feel more comfortable from the very first night and continue to improve over time.