From multiple sources over the years. Its even worse with down products than foam.
But its just common sense when you think about it - if you keep products compressed for long periods, they lose their springiness.
You can find all sorts of references, e.g.:
Here are a few tips on how to store sleeping pads and bags for winter hibernation without compromising their next-season performance.
www.thermarest.com
memoryfoamlab.com
5. How long can you keep a memory foam mattress in the box?
Ideally one should unbox the foam mattress within 3-4 days of arrival. However, the time frame varies from brand to brand.
The exact duration for which you can keep a memory foam mattress in the box is mostly indicated by the manufacturer which may approximately range somewhere between less than a week to 3 months.
One should also be aware of the risks involved with a long waiting period to unbox the mattress that are as follows:
- The memory foam mattress might not expand fully,
- Possibility that the foam may not feel the same.
- You could end up voiding the warranty.
Ordering a new memory foam mattress always brings a new level of hype and excitement. If you recently moved home and you’re bringing in new furniture, it’s likely you also shopped for a new mattress.
www.terrycralle.com
What Will Happen If Memory Foam Mattress Stays in a Box for Too Long?
Memory foam mattresses have a certain time under which they should be unboxed, as said earlier. But, what are the consequences? Here we review the potential risks of leaving a mattress in the box for too long.
1. Damage to Mattress
Memory foam mattresses usually consist of multiple foam layers. Some include support foam, gel foam, comfort foam, base foam, and others. All these layers together form a memory foam mattress and make it sit together nicely.
If the mattress spends too much time encased, folded, and rolled, the memory foam inside of it may start losing its contouring properties and not feel so comfortable once you start laying on it.
Companies that allow for longer enclosure of memory foam mattresses usually use a better quality foam that is more durable and can last longer in such conditions. Still, not all companies can guarantee that.
There’s a good reason why we don’t wash memory foam products. For example, it’s not advisable to wash memory foam pillows in the washing machine, as the material could degrade. The same goes for compressed memory foam. It could start losing its properties and qualities over time.
2. It Won’t Expand
As we said earlier, memory foam sits compressed for more convenient shipping and placement at home. That also makes it easier to carry and store, unlike innerspring mattresses that feel huge. However, if you keep it rolled and compressed for too long, the memory foam quality will not only degrade but also disallow the mattress from expanding.
Usually, after getting a memory foam mattress, it can take between 24 hours and up to 3 days for it to completely expand. It may either take a ridiculously long time to expand over your bed’s frame or expand only partially, leaving other parts of the mattress either too soft or degraded.