Your New Mattress: What to Expect in the First 30 Days
A new mattress should be a big improvement, yet many people feel slightly unsure after the first few nights. That is normal. Your body has spent years adapting to your old mattress, sagging and all, and it needs time to adjust to proper support.
Here is what to expect in the first month, and how to get the best from your new mattress from day one.
Week one: it feels different
A new mattress often feels firmer than the one it replaced. That is usually because the old one had softened and sagged, not because the new one is too hard. You may notice slight stiffness in the morning as your back and hips get used to being held in a straighter position. For most people this settles within two to four weeks.
Give it time before you decide. Changing several things at once, such as a new mattress, new pillow and new sleeping position, makes it hard to tell what is helping.
The new mattress smell
New foam and fabric can have a mild smell for the first few days. Remove all the plastic wrapping straight away, open the windows and let the mattress air for a few hours before you make the bed. The smell fades quickly.
Settling and body impressions
Comfort layers settle slightly in the first months and shape to your body. Shallow impressions where you sleep are normal, especially on pillow top and plush mattresses. Rotating the mattress from head to foot every few months spreads the wear evenly. Check whether your mattress is one-sided or can be turned over; our guide to mattress care and warranty explains the difference.
Protect your new mattress from night one
Stains are one of the most common reasons a warranty claim is turned down. A mattress protector keeps spills, sweat and accidents out of the mattress, and it can be washed. Fit it before the first night.
The base matters too
A new mattress on an old, sagging base will sag with it. Use a firm, flat base in good condition. If your base is more than a few years old, consider a full bed set rather than a mattress only. Our guide to bed set or mattress only helps you decide.
Check your pillow
An old pillow can undo the good a new mattress does, because your neck and shoulders are part of the same alignment. A firmer mattress often needs a different pillow height. See our pillows, including a side sleeper pillow and memory foam and latex options.
Still not comfortable after a month?
If you have given it a few weeks and it still does not feel right, talk to us rather than putting up with it. A mattress overlay can soften a mattress that feels too firm. Our comfort exchange policy and mattress firmness guide explain your options.
Want to see it first? Visit our showroom at 100 Van Riebeeck Avenue, Edenvale, call our sales line on 087 654 6082 or WhatsApp us on 071 188 2132. Delivery is free in Gauteng on orders over R3,999, and you can spread the cost with our pay later and credit options.
