Mattress Care
August 2025What to expect from your new mattress?
It can be really exciting waiting for your new mattress to arrive. Especially if you’ve done your new mattress research and taken expert advice. Finally, you’re ready to jump into your new bed!
Since you don’t change your mattress that often we thought it may be helpful to give you some hints and tips for when your new bed arrives so you can rest assured you’ll be sleeping soundly.
- How long does it take to get used to a new mattress?
- My new mattress feels uncomfortable
- Have I picked the right new mattress?
- My new mattress smells – what to do
- How often should I turn my mattress?
- My new mattress has developed a ridge
- How deep should a new mattress be?
Understanding the Mattress Break-In Period
The term “break-in period” refers to the time needed for your mattress materials to soften and adjust to your body’s contours. This differs from your personal adjustment period, although both occur simultaneously. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses typically require the longest break-in time (30-90 days), whilst traditional pocket spring models like our Origins and Artisan ranges may feel comfortable within just 2-3 weeks. Latex mattresses often feel consistent from day one, requiring minimal break-in time.
Your new mattress arrives with materials that are brand new from manufacturing, packaging and transport, meaning they need a bit of time to relax!
Natural fibres need time to expand and settle, whilst synthetic materials like memory foam require body heat to reach their optimal responsiveness. Understanding this process helps set realistic expectations for your first few weeks with a new mattress.
How long does it take to get used to a new mattress?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions.
A new mattress can take around 4-5 weeks to fully get used to.
Don’t be alarmed though, like a new pair of shoes a brand new mattress will take some time to get used to. Some people adjust far quicker than others too. It’s probably going to feel vastly different to your old worn mattress and it will take you some time to fully adjust to it. Sleeping on it for a couple of nights is not long enough to truly work out if the mattress is for you, you need to give it more time.
Often sleepers on old uncomfortable mattresses have become so used to awkward sleeping that when they get a new quality mattress it feels odd. You’re not alone. However, bear in mind that after a few nights you are bound to start to feel far more at home in it. Given a mattress lasts on average 7 years, though our models fair considerably longer with the correct maintenance, a few nights of possible uncertainty is worth it in the long run.
Pocket Spring Mattresses: 2-3 Weeks
Traditional innerspring mattresses typically break in quickly, particularly those with pillow tops or Euro tops. The comfort layers on top soften within days, whilst the spring system provides immediate support.
Hybrid Mattresses: 4-6 Weeks
Combining springs with foam layers, hybrid mattresses fall between innerspring and memory foam for break-in time. The spring system provides immediate support whilst foam layers gradually conform to your body.
Latex Mattresses: 1-2 Weeks
Natural latex mattresses require minimal break-in time and often feel consistent from the first night. Any adjustment period typically relates to your body adapting rather than the mattress materials changing significantly.
Memory Foam Mattresses: 30-90 Days
Memory foam requires the longest break-in period due to its dense, heat-responsive properties. These mattresses will feel quite firm initially but gradually soften as they adapt to your body temperature and weight distribution. Higher-density memory foams take longer to break in than lower-density versions.
My new mattress feels nothing like the one in the showroom?
You may find that when you get your new mattress it doesn’t feel like the one you ‘tried’ in the showroom. The issue is most people don’t spend any longer than 2 minutes on the showroom models at any one time. This is relatively useless in telling you whether the mattress is suitable for you in the long term. If you’re choosing a mattress solely on lying on it fully clothed in a showroom, the chances are you’re still just guessing about what mattress to buy.
A new mattress may feel much firmer than one in a showroom. This is entirely normal and it takes a week or two for a new mattress to completely settle. It’s worth bearing this in mind before thinking about sending it back. You too will also need to adjust to the new mattress!
Secondly, the models in the showroom may be a week old or 3 years old, which means that they have had hundreds of people each day jumping, slouching and sitting on them. Very few of these mattresses are ever really turned or rotated meaning that the feel of them can be vastly different from your new mattress initially. This is why trying a mattress in a showroom is pretty much meaningless.
Also, don’t forget to ask what kind of bed base they are on. Is it a slatted entry-level base? A platform top or sprung divan? The differences between them are quite significant and will affect the feel of the mattress considerably.
Maximising Your Sleep Trial Period
Most reputable mattress retailers offer sleep trials ranging from 14 to sometimes 60 nights, recognising that adjustment takes time. These trials offer ‘return periods’ that allow you to return or exchange your mattress if it’s genuinely not suitable, but understanding how to make the most of this period is crucial. This period is different to an ‘exchange window’, which ‘bed in the box’ companies use or proportional warranties for returns.
During your sleep trial:
- Keep a sleep diary, noting comfort levels
- Make any records of new discomfort points
- Sleep quality changes
- Times you went to bed
- Any new bedding or mattress toppers you’re using since your new mattress has arrived
Many people experience that any initial niggles resolve within 30 days, which is why most retailers require a minimum trial period before accepting returns. Don’t make hasty decisions based on your first week’s experience.
If you continue to experience issues after 60 days, please contact your retailer. Many offer comfort exchanges or additional toppers to fine-tune the feel before processing a full return. This personalised approach often resolves comfort issues without the environmental impact of returning a perfectly good mattress. We’ve heard from people in the past who also changed their bedding to polyester non-breathable sheets, which were causing them to overheat, not the mattress!
A new mattress is like a new pair of shoes…
It can take 4-5 weeks to get used to your new bed.
Have I picked the wrong new mattress?
The only way to properly assess which mattress is suitable is by following our quick guide to selecting the best mattress for you. It may very well blow your mind! This guide shows you that you need to choose the right spring tension for your weight, upholstery layers for your prefered comfort and know exactly what the retailer has put in their mattresses along with the GSM of the fibres. If you can’t find this out then, unfortunately, you’re still left guessing.
If you’re going to buy a bed from a showroom you need to make sure the salesperson has taken into consideration your body weight. Look at the product description of the mattress you’re looking at as well. if there is no GSM then you have no idea as to the depth or amount of fillings.
Accelerating the Mattress Break-In Process
Whilst patience is key, several techniques can help accelerate your mattress break-in period naturally and safely.
Regular Use Throughout the Surface: Don’t just sleep in your usual position. Spend time reading, watching television, or relaxing across different areas of the mattress. This helps ensure even break-in and prevents premature indentations in high-use areas.
Temperature Considerations: Foam materials respond to warmth, so maintaining a comfortable room temperature (around 18-21°C) can help memory foam soften more quickly. However, avoid extreme temperatures, which could damage the materials.
Proper Foundation Support: Ensure your mattress sits on an appropriate base. Inadequate support can prevent proper break-in and may void your warranty. Our mattresses require solid support or correctly spaced slats (no more than 7.5cm gaps) to perform optimally.
Gentle Movement: Light, gentle pressure across the surface can help materials settle. Never jump on your mattress or use excessive force, which could damage internal structures and void warranties.
My new mattress has a new smell? Is it normal?
It’s perfectly normal for a new mattress to have a ‘new’ smell. Be aware though that synthetic mattresses such as foams, polyester and other man-made materials may have a stronger and longer off-gassing period than a Natural Fibre mattress. Some people are really sensitive to this initial chemical smell so again it is worthwhile finding out the exact contents of the mattress before you buy it. If in doubt, Natural fibre filled mattresses are less likely to fill your house with that ‘new’ smell. Ventilation is the key to help your new bed offgass quickly.
Sometimes Natural Fibre mattresses may have an earthy smell at first, some people likening it to the outdoors. Again this will pass over time and good ventilation during the first week or so should help it dissipate and this smell is completely natural.
When should I turn my new mattress?
You should turn and rotate your new mattress after the 1st month and each month after that. This ensures that over the lifespan of the mattress you are evening out wear and settlement. Remember all mattresses will initially settle and this is normal. By turning and rotating the mattress frequently you minimise the initial impact of this.
If you have a one-sided mattress, like pillowtop and memory foam versions you can’t turn it. So you can only rotate it. One-sided mattresses have a considerably shorter lifespan than a two-sided mattress so bear this in mind when choosing one. The benefit of No turn is simply a marketing scam.
My new mattress has developed ridges?
Settlement in a new mattress will start to happen as soon as you start to sleep on it. This is perfectly normal as the fillings ‘settle’ inside. It’s easy to ignore mattress care but if you do you may find a ridge, especially in the middle of the bed where no one usually sleeps forms. Care and maintenance can completely reduce this is followed diligently.
By turning and rotating your mattress each month you can even out these settlements. Bear in mind as well that in very large mattresses, such as Superking models, there may be areas of the bed that simply don’t get used, usually the very middle. In this case, you need to make sure you turn and rotate the minimise it. A Zip and link model is usually a better solution as you tend to get less of this issue as the bed is made of two separate mattresses which are zipped together. It also reduces movement and transference.
New Mattress Commonly Asked FAQ
Q: Is it normal for my new mattress to feel firmer than in the showroom?
A: Absolutely. Display mattresses have been softened by numerous customers, whilst your new mattress needs time to adjust to your specific body contours.
Q: Should I use a mattress protector during the break-in period?
A: Yes, using a breathable protector from day one maintains your sleep trial eligibility whilst protecting your investment.
Q: What if I’m still uncomfortable after 60 days?
A: Contact your retailer’s customer service team. Many offer comfort adjustments or exchanges beyond the standard return process.
Q: Can room temperature affect my mattress break-in period?
A: Yes, particularly for memory foam. Consistent temperatures between 18-21°C help materials reach optimal comfort levels more predictably.
My new mattress is much thicker than expected?
Our mattresses have considerably more fillings than the average retail model. So if you’re buying a High-end Luxury mattress like a John Ryan, then you need to bear this in mind with sheets. We always advise you check out mattress sizes and weights page to see the exact dimensions.
Our Origins range are 12-13 inches deep, 30-33cm and the Artisan range are 11-12 inches deep 27-30cm. So you will need to use Extra deep fitted sheets. Also please bear in mind if you’re putting a John Ryan mattress onto an existing base that it can cope with the increased weight. We squeeze far more fillings into our beds than other retailers so bear this in mind!
| Mattress Size | Origins Comfort | Origins Reflex | Origins 1500 | Origins Latex 1500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 23kg | 25kg | 28kg | 32kg |
| Double | 35kg | 37kg | 42kg | 48kg |
| King | 40kg | 44kg | 49kg | 56kg |
| Superking | NA | 51kg | 58kg | 67kg |
| Mattress Size | Artisan 1500 | Artisan Tailored Pocket | Artisan Naturals | Artisan Latex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 28kg | 35kg | 33kg | 35kg |
| Double | 43kg | 52kg | 50kg | 57kg |
| King | 51kg | 62kg | 58kg | 65kg |
| Superking | 62kg | 74kg | 70kg | 78kg |
| Mattress Size | Artisan Bespoke 004 | Artisan Luxury | Artisan Bespoke | Artisan Bespoke 002 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 35kg | 35kg | 39kg | 36kg |
| Double | 52kg | 52kg | 58kg | 54kg |
| King | 61kg | 58kg | 65kg | 63kg |
| Superking | 74kg | 74kg | 78kg | 75kg |
Summary
It’s completely normal for your brand new mattress to feel a little unusual at first. Like a new pair of shoes, you need to give yourself some time to get used to it. Given you’re probably undoing years of awkward sleeping positions on your old failing mattress you need to give yourself some time to adjust.
If you’ve taken expert advice and chosen a mattress suitable for both your weight and your comfort layer preferences then you should be able to find your dream mattress. If you’re stuck deciding between models why not give our team a shout, we can tell you everything that goes into our mattresses and advice on competitor models too. Here’s to many years of perfect sleep!
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