You arrive home to find your new memory foam mattress at your doorstep. Your excitement is high as you begin to unbox the newest addition to your home. As you read the directions, your excitement hits rock bottom when you realize you are not supposed to sleep on it for 24 hours.Everything is ready for this mattress to takes its place in your sleep sanctuary. Slats are placed perfectly for a firm foundation. The old mattress and box spring have been removed and discarded. Mattress topper and protector are ready. You just can not wait to crawl into this great mattress and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.You’re thinking, it’s only a couple of hours before bedtime.So, is it true that you should wait 24 hours? What would happen if you did sleep on it before 24 hours has elapsed? Will it be ruined after the first night? This is exactly what we will be discussing. Keep reading to learn why 24 hours is the target number and what happens when you sleep on your new memory foam mattress before 24 hours have elapsed.What is Bed in a Box?Memory foam mattress manufacturers found success in the online market. The internet allows consumers to research, shop, and buy almost anything. Your purchases are paid for and then shipped, in a box, right to your door. Some companies are so large and efficient they can do all this in 24-48 hours.You may wonder how a mattress is going to fit in a box. Well, the box is now the primary mode of shipping for memory foam mattresses. This means manufacturers can compress, deflate, fold, and stuff a mattress in a box. Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, memory foam is known for easy shipping and added comfort.Getting a mattress in a box has changed the way we shop and sleep. Memory foam’s ability to be compressed, rolled, and folded is remarkable. All this action and the memory foam does not lose any of its quality. Once your bed in a box has reached your doorstep, all you need to do is pop the airtight seal, unroll the mattress and watch the expansion process begin. A good night of sound sleep is in your future.Why is it Recommended to Wait 24 Hours Before Use?Waiting 24-48 hours is standard for a memory foam mattress to completely take on its full shape. The reason for this instruction is to cover the manufacturer’s responsibility.They prefer customers to wait 24 hours to allow for the expansion process to be completed. Only after the mattress has reached its full shape can a customer ensure they received the product they paid for. If there is cracking or splitting in the memory foam layer, it will not be visible until the expansion process is complete.This 24-hour recommendation is to ensure customer satisfaction and manufacturer guarantees. It also gives any off-gassing time to dissipate. Usually, off-gassing happens in the first couple of hours.What Will Happen if you Don’t Wait 24 Hours?If you decide that waiting 24 hours is out of the question, have no fear. While the instructions say wait, it is generally okay if you don’t. The manufacturer always errs on the side of caution. Consumers need to follow instructions while understanding that some instructions are recommendations. If you only have a couple of hours, it is okay.In fact, sleeping on your new memory foam bed before 24 hours can speed up the process. Body heat can make the memory foam more pliable, making it expand faster.Only regular wear and tear from sleep can cause deficiencies in your mattress. This is not going to happen in one night. Remember that if you do choose to sleep on your mattress before it is fully expanded, you may not get the full set of benefits that particular night. A memory foam mattress can only provide a plush supportive feel at its full shape. This is why so many online companies offer lengthy sleep trials. A customer-friendly sleep trial allows you to give your new mattress an honest try before deciding if it’s for you or not.To sum it all up, you can expect a rolled up, folded memory foam mattress upon unboxing. If your new bed beckons you before 24 hours, it’s perfectly safe to drift off upon it.If after 24 hours your new mattress has not expanded or you notice defects in the foam, call the manufacturer.Frequently Asked QuestionsHow long does a memory foam mattress take to inflate?Generally, manufacturers say it takes 24-48 hours for a memory foam mattress to fully inflate. This time frame is not set in stone as each memory foam mattress is unique. Some new mattresses will take longer or even less time. You also do not have to wait a full 24 hours to put on your mattress protector or topper. Also, you can sleep on a mattress on the first night, just know the bed may feel different on night two or three.Does heat help memory foam expand?Memory foam is sensitive to varying temperatures. In cooler rooms, memory foam can seem more firm. If this is the case, you may want to raise the room temperature a few notches. Once memory foam becomes warmer, it tends to be more flexible and thus expand faster. Body heat can also aid in the expansion process.How long should you leave a memory foam mattress before sleeping on it?Once you have received your new memory foam mattress, it is best to open immediately. It takes 4-6 hours for the memory foam to expand 90% and could take another 4-6 hours to get close to full expansion. It is recommended to wait 24 hours before sleeping on it, but don’t worry if you can’t.So, What Happens if You Sleep on a Memory Foam Mattress Before 24 Hours?Memory foam is a product that has given rise to the bed in a box phenomenon. Most manufacturers boast about their bed in a box offers. It is completely possible to compress, roll, and even fold a memory foam mattress and place it in a box. No matter what size your mattress is, full size, twin XL, or king, it will fit in a box.It is recommended to wait 24-48 hours before sleeping on a new, memory foam mattress. It is up to the consumer whether to wait or not. Defects will not be as obvious before the expansion process has been completed, but expansion should not slow down because you slept on your new memory foam mattress.The short and simple answer is nothing. Your new mattress may not feel exceptional the first night. As the expansion process continues, it will only get better. Once 24 hours have passed, you should have a new bed with what you will call the best mattress you’ve ever owned.This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional. CommentsLeave a comment Carleene January 12, 2020 at 8:46 pm ReplyI just purchased my new 4″ memory foam topper with a copper infusion from Walmart. When we opened it, there were no instructions inside. Just wondering if this is normal with the Alllswell king size topper. I can’t wait to try it out, but I wish it had come with a cover. Maybe there is a reason for this. I will leave a review after we have slept on it. Jim January 30, 2020 at 8:48 am Reply4″ mattress? Sounds like you’re going to be sorely disappointed. Branden February 15, 2020 at 2:25 am ReplyThe Allswell is a 12-inch mattress, the first 4 inches are memory foam and the bottom is made of springs. Sara May 10, 2020 at 2:59 pm ReplyIt’s a mattress TOPPER. Jen May 18, 2020 at 12:57 pm ReplyShe said topper, not mattress Jesse February 16, 2020 at 10:46 am ReplyI just brought mine home from Walmart, my king size 4-inch copper gel didn’t come with a cover, total cost 169.34. I don’t know if I got a deal or not? But I’m satisfied Wendy Hankins November 16, 2020 at 8:20 pm ReplyI bought a 12 inch memory foam mattress from Amazon for $220. I’ll be sleeping on it for the first time tonight Eve July 15, 2020 at 7:23 pm ReplyAt Walmart? ? Mark May 1, 2020 at 6:14 am ReplyWe have purchased a hybrid mattress and it has not expanded to its advertised size, we have contacted the manufacturer and not really get the resolution that helps, what are the reasons? why it has not expanded correctly and how will to affect its performance? Thanks M Tonie January 11, 2021 at 1:06 am ReplyOur mattress never fully inflated. What a disappointment. Terry Eisenhauer May 2, 2020 at 8:59 am ReplyIm looking for a bed in a box that is SOFT. WHAT DO U SUGGEST AND REASONABLE Roman July 25, 2020 at 1:21 pm Replylayla ! i just bought one and its is most definitely soft as heck Kelley September 24, 2020 at 1:46 pm ReplyZinus brand. We just got it. 12 inch memory foam for only $369. And it’s awesome!!! Best bed I’ve ever had!!! Jeff Cook September 27, 2020 at 12:35 pm ReplyThe Brooklyn Bedding Signature in soft = amazing! I also have their Propel Sleep mattress and it’s amazing as well! Terry Evans December 3, 2020 at 8:51 am ReplyI recommend the the Sleep Cool Plush 13 inch mattress or higher. Maggie May 3, 2020 at 4:35 pm ReplyWhy do they smell Julia November 21, 2020 at 3:54 pm Replymemory foam naturally has a smell and whenever it’s put in a bag and a box the smell will be isolated I guess you could say, so it just needs time to air out ( I recommend opening a window too to air the smell out of your room). I’m fourteen but have joint issues in my back, and I got a memory foam mattress and topper a while ago, and it’s heaven! Bill Ireland May 11, 2020 at 5:08 pm ReplyWe just got a king Puffy Lux 12″ and after unfolding and initial expansion (20 min!) we couldn’t resist the temptation. If it gets any better than this (24 hrs!?) I may never leave the house again! My wife and I are meeting with an arbitrator next week to determine which of us gets buried with it! Annie H December 6, 2020 at 6:42 pm ReplyLol! Rita Harris May 11, 2020 at 8:15 pm ReplyI had to check online to see how long to wait for the mattress to expand. There were no instructions. Jill May 20, 2020 at 12:29 pm ReplyWill A Mel foam mattress expand if I put it in a protector? Judi May 27, 2020 at 7:54 pm ReplyI’m going to have to pick this bed up and take it home. Will it fit in a regular sedan? Debra Palmer June 11, 2020 at 9:41 pm ReplyI was gifted with a Novaform Plush memory foam mattress. It is 14″ thick. I had a memory foam mattress prior to this one, but there is no comparison. I researched the “Bed in a Box” mattresses, and for my money, went with this one. Sleep is very hard for me. I am a 20 plus yr. Chronic Patient who has Fibromyalgia, severe osteo and rheumatoid Arthritis, have had over 110 broken bones, and Multiple Sclerosis. These ruin a good nights’ sleep. This mattress has given it back. My horrible pressure points are unfelt. Moving while sleeping doesn’t awaken me, screaming in pain. I cannot believe the blissful sleep that comes with true comfort. Thank you, Rebecca & David, and thank you, Costco. Radames M. Sosa September 11, 2020 at 1:59 am ReplyMartha, What????? Morticia September 13, 2020 at 3:13 pm ReplyLOL Karenteed September 18, 2020 at 12:35 pm ReplyMe too! Lol Patricia lee December 5, 2020 at 8:28 am ReplyMy mattress sages in the middle? Its been 24 hours . We bought two however the other one is fine. Please help!! NiColla C. September 15, 2020 at 6:13 pm ReplyHuh? John Evans September 18, 2020 at 6:25 pm ReplyIs it bad if you leave it in the plastic during the 24 hour wait period Yvonne Washington September 25, 2020 at 3:09 pm ReplyI don’t have a vacuum cleaner now can I return this mattress ,I almost fell on the floor. Too soft I can’t hardly move like I want to. Kal November 9, 2020 at 1:49 am ReplyIt’s important to take into account your body weight and sleeping posture if you sleep on your back a minimum 10 inch memory foam may be ok but if you are big and you sleep on your side then a minimum of 12 inch upwards is recommended Matt November 25, 2020 at 7:38 pm ReplyThe 14” Lucid gel and memory foam mattress (in a box) is the best mattress my wife and I have ever owned. We went with medium vs plush because we like sleeping on our back and sides, not just sides. Spent just over $500 for the King size mattress and absolutely LOVE it. I have severe back pain and severe arthritis as does my wife. This new mattress is incredible! Also recommended to wait 24 hrs before sleeping on but we slept in after 16 hrs. Opened up. Mattress at least 90% open to full capacity and research shows body heat from 1st night will get full optimum expansion by nt 2. Bought on Amazon. C cameron January 14, 2021 at 7:57 pm ReplyJust got my mattress from wayfair havent slept on it yet its been opened for 8 hours feels fantastic Leave a comment Cancel replyLeave a CommentYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment Name Email I agree to the Privacy Policy of this website.
Carleene January 12, 2020 at 8:46 pm ReplyI just purchased my new 4″ memory foam topper with a copper infusion from Walmart. When we opened it, there were no instructions inside. Just wondering if this is normal with the Alllswell king size topper. I can’t wait to try it out, but I wish it had come with a cover. Maybe there is a reason for this. I will leave a review after we have slept on it.
Jim January 30, 2020 at 8:48 am Reply4″ mattress? Sounds like you’re going to be sorely disappointed.
Branden February 15, 2020 at 2:25 am ReplyThe Allswell is a 12-inch mattress, the first 4 inches are memory foam and the bottom is made of springs.
Jesse February 16, 2020 at 10:46 am ReplyI just brought mine home from Walmart, my king size 4-inch copper gel didn’t come with a cover, total cost 169.34. I don’t know if I got a deal or not? But I’m satisfied
Wendy Hankins November 16, 2020 at 8:20 pm ReplyI bought a 12 inch memory foam mattress from Amazon for $220. I’ll be sleeping on it for the first time tonight
Mark May 1, 2020 at 6:14 am ReplyWe have purchased a hybrid mattress and it has not expanded to its advertised size, we have contacted the manufacturer and not really get the resolution that helps, what are the reasons? why it has not expanded correctly and how will to affect its performance? Thanks M
Terry Eisenhauer May 2, 2020 at 8:59 am ReplyIm looking for a bed in a box that is SOFT. WHAT DO U SUGGEST AND REASONABLE
Roman July 25, 2020 at 1:21 pm Replylayla ! i just bought one and its is most definitely soft as heck
Kelley September 24, 2020 at 1:46 pm ReplyZinus brand. We just got it. 12 inch memory foam for only $369. And it’s awesome!!! Best bed I’ve ever had!!!
Jeff Cook September 27, 2020 at 12:35 pm ReplyThe Brooklyn Bedding Signature in soft = amazing! I also have their Propel Sleep mattress and it’s amazing as well!
Terry Evans December 3, 2020 at 8:51 am ReplyI recommend the the Sleep Cool Plush 13 inch mattress or higher.
Julia November 21, 2020 at 3:54 pm Replymemory foam naturally has a smell and whenever it’s put in a bag and a box the smell will be isolated I guess you could say, so it just needs time to air out ( I recommend opening a window too to air the smell out of your room). I’m fourteen but have joint issues in my back, and I got a memory foam mattress and topper a while ago, and it’s heaven!
Bill Ireland May 11, 2020 at 5:08 pm ReplyWe just got a king Puffy Lux 12″ and after unfolding and initial expansion (20 min!) we couldn’t resist the temptation. If it gets any better than this (24 hrs!?) I may never leave the house again! My wife and I are meeting with an arbitrator next week to determine which of us gets buried with it!
Rita Harris May 11, 2020 at 8:15 pm ReplyI had to check online to see how long to wait for the mattress to expand. There were no instructions.
Judi May 27, 2020 at 7:54 pm ReplyI’m going to have to pick this bed up and take it home. Will it fit in a regular sedan?
Debra Palmer June 11, 2020 at 9:41 pm ReplyI was gifted with a Novaform Plush memory foam mattress. It is 14″ thick. I had a memory foam mattress prior to this one, but there is no comparison. I researched the “Bed in a Box” mattresses, and for my money, went with this one. Sleep is very hard for me. I am a 20 plus yr. Chronic Patient who has Fibromyalgia, severe osteo and rheumatoid Arthritis, have had over 110 broken bones, and Multiple Sclerosis. These ruin a good nights’ sleep. This mattress has given it back. My horrible pressure points are unfelt. Moving while sleeping doesn’t awaken me, screaming in pain. I cannot believe the blissful sleep that comes with true comfort. Thank you, Rebecca & David, and thank you, Costco.
Patricia lee December 5, 2020 at 8:28 am ReplyMy mattress sages in the middle? Its been 24 hours . We bought two however the other one is fine. Please help!!
John Evans September 18, 2020 at 6:25 pm ReplyIs it bad if you leave it in the plastic during the 24 hour wait period
Yvonne Washington September 25, 2020 at 3:09 pm ReplyI don’t have a vacuum cleaner now can I return this mattress ,I almost fell on the floor. Too soft I can’t hardly move like I want to.
Kal November 9, 2020 at 1:49 am ReplyIt’s important to take into account your body weight and sleeping posture if you sleep on your back a minimum 10 inch memory foam may be ok but if you are big and you sleep on your side then a minimum of 12 inch upwards is recommended
Matt November 25, 2020 at 7:38 pm ReplyThe 14” Lucid gel and memory foam mattress (in a box) is the best mattress my wife and I have ever owned. We went with medium vs plush because we like sleeping on our back and sides, not just sides. Spent just over $500 for the King size mattress and absolutely LOVE it. I have severe back pain and severe arthritis as does my wife. This new mattress is incredible! Also recommended to wait 24 hrs before sleeping on but we slept in after 16 hrs. Opened up. Mattress at least 90% open to full capacity and research shows body heat from 1st night will get full optimum expansion by nt 2. Bought on Amazon.
C cameron January 14, 2021 at 7:57 pm ReplyJust got my mattress from wayfair havent slept on it yet its been opened for 8 hours feels fantastic