Can You Sleep On a New Mattress Straight Away? What to Expect and What’s Normal

If you’ve just unboxed a mattress, it’s natural to wonder: Can you sleep on a new mattress straight away, or do you need to wait hours (or even days) before using it? This guide explains what really happens with a new mattress and how to get the most comfortable start.

Can You Sleep On a New Mattress Straight Away?

In many cases, yes, you can sleep on a new mattress straight away, especially if the manufacturer says it is ready for use once fully opened and unwrapped.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Some mattresses need time to expand to their full size and feel.
You may notice a temporary smell (often called off-gassing) from foam materials.
The mattress might feel firmer than expected for the first few nights.

So while it’s usually safe and acceptable to sleep on it the first night, the comfort and feel may improve over the next few days or weeks.

Why Do Some Mattresses Need Time to Expand?

Many modern mattresses, especially those that are compressed and rolled for shipping, are designed to slowly regain their full size after being unboxed.

How long does expansion usually take?

Some reach near full height within a few hours.
Others may be closer to their final feel after 24–72 hours.

If you’re asking, “Can you sleep on a new mattress straight away if it hasn’t fully expanded?” it often comes down to the maker’s instructions. Many allow immediate use, but the mattress might:

Feel firmer or slightly uneven at first.
Offer less contouring until the foam finishes expanding.

When possible, check the care tag or included instructions to see what’s recommended for that specific type.

What About the New Mattress Smell?

Is the smell normal?

A new mattress smell is common, especially with foam layers. This is typically the scent of materials and adhesives used in manufacturing being released into the air after the mattress is unwrapped.

Is it okay to sleep on it while it smells?

For many people, the smell is mainly an annoyance rather than a functional issue. If you’re sensitive to odors or prefer to minimize it:

Open windows and air out the room.
Remove any plastic wrapping completely.
Let the mattress breathe for a few hours before putting sheets on.

If the scent bothers you, it may be more comfortable to let it air out during the day and sleep on it the following night.

Why Does a New Mattress Feel Different at First?

Even if you can sleep on a new mattress straight away, it might not feel “perfect” immediately. This is often due to:

1. Break-in period for the mattress

New materials can feel stiffer or more structured. Over time, regular use can:

Soften surface layers slightly
Allow foams and fibers to conform more closely to your body
Create a more familiar, consistent feel

2. Adjustment period for your body

If your old mattress was sagging or uneven, your body may be used to a very different level of support. A new, more supportive surface can feel:

Unusually firm at first
Different in pressure points and alignment

This adjustment period is common and often lasts a few nights to a few weeks.

Can Sleeping Too Soon Damage a New Mattress?

In typical use, sleeping on a new mattress straight away does not damage it, as long as:

It is fully unwrapped and lying flat.
You follow any weight or base/foundation recommendations.
You avoid bending, folding, or standing on concentrated areas.

The main “risk” of sleeping on it immediately is more about comfort and performance, not permanent damage.

How to Get the Best First Night on a New Mattress

To make your first sleep as comfortable as possible:

Let it expand for a few hours, if you can.
Air it out in a ventilated room.
Use breathable bedding to help with temperature and comfort.
Give yourself a few nights to adjust to the new feel before judging it.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about “Can You Sleep On a New Mattress Straight Away”

Yes, generally you can sleep on a new mattress the first night if it is fully unboxed and lying flat.
Expansion time matters: some mattresses feel and perform best after 24–72 hours of expansion, but most are usable sooner.
A new mattress smell is common; airing out the room and removing all packaging can help reduce it.
The mattress may feel firmer or different during the first few nights as both the materials and your body adjust.
Sleeping on it right away typically does not harm the mattress when used on a suitable base or foundation.
For the most comfortable start, combine short expansion time, good ventilation, and a few nights of patience.

Understanding what’s normal with a brand-new bed can make the first nights easier to navigate. When you know that some firmness, scent, and adjustment time are typical, it’s easier to relax and let your new mattress settle in while you do the same.