Memory Foam Mattress Not Expanding & How To Fix It

Memory foam mattresses are widely recognized for their unmatched comfort and support. However, many users experience frequent issues with their mattress not expanding to its full size after unboxing. This may be due to various reasons, such as the temperature of the room or the time elapsed since the mattress was manufactured. Fortunately, most of these issues can be resolved with time and patience.

Why Isn't My Memory Foam Mattress Expanding?

Memory foam is a heat-reactive material. Its unique properties enable it to mold to your body shape in response to body heat, providing superior support. However, these characteristics can cause challenges when a mattress is unpacked from its compressed, rolled packaging.

Commonly, mattresses are compressed for shipping to reduce their space, making them easier to manage and cheaper to transport. However, when unboxed, they need time to expand to their actual size, which can take from a few hours to a week. A failure to expand completely may be due to the following reasons:

Temperature: Memory foam expands faster and more thoroughly at room temperature or warmer. If your room is cold, it could slow down the expansion process.
Humidity: Low humidity can cause the foam cells to stick together, inhibiting expansion.
Age of the mattress: If the mattress has been packed for a long time, it could take more time to expand.
Compression: If the mattress was compressed too much or for too long, it might not return to its original shape.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Fix a Memory Foam Mattress Not Expanding

Although it can be frustrating when your new memory foam mattress isn't expanding as expected, there are several steps you can take to help speed up the process.

Step 1: Give It Time

The most crucial step is patience. Although most mattresses will begin to expand as soon as they're unpacked, some may require up to 72 hours to fully inflate. This is especially true if your mattress was compressed for an extended period.

Step 2: Increase the Room Temperature

As mentioned earlier, memory foam responds to heat. By increasing the room temperature, you're helping the foam expand more quickly. Set your thermostat to a warm yet comfortable setting and give the mattress a few hours to react.

Step 3: Massage the Mattress

Gently massaging the mattress can help stimulate the foam cells and speed up the expansion process. Using your hands, gently press down on the mattress's surface and work your way from the center towards the edges. Be careful not to push too hard; you don't want to damage the foam.

Step 4: Use the Mattress

Laying on the mattress can stimulate the foam and speed up the expansion process. But avoid sleeping on it until it fully expands as it might not provide the necessary support and could lead to discomfort or pain.

Step 5: Add Humidity

If you live in a dry climate, a humidifier can help by making the foam cells more pliable and easier to separate, thus aiding in expansion. Just be careful not to overdo it; excessive moisture can lead to mold or mildew problems.

Step 6: Let It Breathe

Take off any mattress covers or sheets, and let your mattress breathe. This allows air to circulate freely around the mattress, encouraging it to expand.

Step 7: Flip and Rotate the Mattress

Turn your mattress over and rotate it end-to-end. This can help promote even expansion and prevent one area from being more compressed than others.

Step 8: Seek Professional Help

If you've followed all the above steps and your mattress still hasn't expanded to its full size, it's time to reach out to the manufacturer or retailer. They might have additional advice or may need to replace the mattress if it's defective.

Conclusion

Remember, patience and the appropriate environment are the key to fixing a memory foam mattress that isn't expanding fully. Monitor your mattress closely over the first few days after unboxing it.

If it doesn't begin to expand after a reasonable time, or if it seems uneven or damaged, contact the seller or manufacturer. A good night's sleep is worth the wait and the effort.