Just got your brand new mattress home and wondering whether to take the plastic off or leave it on? Well, the answer is simple:
Yes, you should always take the plastic off your new mattress as soon as you get it home. The plastic covering is only there to protect the mattress during storage and transportation, and can actually harm both the mattress and your sleep if you leave it on in use.
Why do mattresses come wrapped in plastic?
Mattresses are wrapped in plastic for several reasons. One of the primary purposes is to protect the mattress from dirt, stains, and other damage. Plastic provides a barrier between the mattress and any potential hazards it may come into contact with during storage or transit. The plastic also helps retain the shape of the mattress and can help reduce any sagging that may occur over time due to compression.
Another reason why mattresses come wrapped in plastic is to make them easier to store and transport. The plastic compresses the mattress which makes it smaller in size, making it easier to move around or fit into smaller spaces such as closets or vehicles. The plastic also serves as a protective layer while in transit, which helps prevent dirt and dust from collecting on the surface of the mattress. It can even help keep out moisture which can cause mold or mildew growth if left unchecked.
Finally, wrapping mattresses in plastic can help preserve their freshness for longer periods of time. This is beneficial for those who store their mattress for long periods of time before using them again, or when purchasing a new mattress from a retailer where it has been sitting in storage for an extended period of time. The plastic helps protect against moisture and will limit exposure from dust mites, allergens and other microorganisms that could potentially contaminate it over time.
Why would you keep the plastic on a new mattress?
Some people believe that keeping the plastic on a new mattress will extend its lifespan. Unfortunately this is not true and in fact not removing the plastic will actually shorten the life of your mattress as it never fully expands – damaging the materials as you use it.
Reasons why you should take the plastic off a new mattress:
You should always take all the packaging off your mattress as soon as possible once you take delivery of it. The packaging is there for protection during storage and transit and not to be left on in use.
The reasons for this are:
1. The plastic film stops the mattress expanding
Although it’s convenient to reduce the mattress size when it is being stored and transported, once you want to use your new mattress it is important that the materials in it are allowed to expand fully. If this doesn’t happen then the mattress will not be comfortable and ultimately it may be damaged by the compression of being used while not expanded.
Also, in the case of a memory foam mattress, the whole function of the mattress will be suppressed whilst it is still wrapped tightly in the plastic sheeting.
2. Wrapping prevents off-gassing
The plastic wrapping on a mattress can limit the amount of off-gassing that occurs when you first open your new mattress. Off-gassing is a natural process that happens when you open most foam mattresses and it should subside within several hours. If the mattress is kept wrapped in plastic, however, then this process will not occur as easily, leading to an unpleasant odor lingering in your bedroom.
3. Plastic prevents the ‘breaking in’ process
It’s important to break in a new mattress so that it is comfortable to sleep on. This requires the mattress to be fully expanded and then have your body weight over it for a period of time.
4. Leaving plastic on a mattress can cause mold or mildew growth
Leaving the plastic on your mattress will stop the air from circulating through it and prevent natural ventilation. This will cause condensation to build up over time. If moisture accumulates inside the mattress where it is wrapped in plastic, this can ultimately lead to mold or mildew growth.
5. Comfort
Sleeping on plastic can make you hot and sweaty, which is uncomfortable and may even prevent you from sleeping properly.
As well as this, plastic sheeting can be slippery and cause your bed sheets to move throughout the night, again making you less comfortable.
Do you take the plastic off a memory foam mattress?
Yes, it is important to take the plastic off a memory foam mattress in order for it to function properly.
It is essential for a memory foam mattress to expand fully so that it can contour to your body properly, thus providing maximum comfort and pressure relief. Allowing the mattress time to expand will also help increase its lifespan and improve its performance.
When unpacking a new memory foam mattress, you should cut open the packaging carefully, remove the plastic wrap and discard it. You should then allow your mattress at least 24-48 hours to expand and air out before using it. During this time, you may notice a slight odor coming from the mattress; this is normal as the foam off-gasses harmless fumes which dissipate after some time.
It is important not to skip this step as part of proper care for your memory foam mattress; if you do, it will not reach its full potential in terms of both comfort and durability. By taking off the plastic wrap when unpacking your new mattress, you can ensure that your memory foam mattress has all of its advantageous properties fully realized: contouring support and improved sleep quality thanks to perfect pressure relief!
How to safely unwrap your new mattress
When it comes to safely unwrapping your new mattress, the first step is to locate any tools that may have been included in the box with it. These tools are specifically designed for removing the plastic packaging from a mattress and using them can help you avoid damage to the mattress itself. If no tool has been provided, you can use a small knife to gently knick the corner of the plastic. Be extra cautious and make sure that you do not touch the mattress itself with the knife and keep it away from any other fabric materials around it. Once you have broken through the corner seal of the plastic wrap, carefully tear down the seam with your hands and expose your new mattress.
When handling your new mattress, it’s important to be mindful in order to prevent any damage during unwrapping. Make sure not to drag or pull on any part of the material as this can cause tears or rips in its surface. Instead, gently lift and slide out your new mattress from its packaging for a smooth transition onto whatever surface you may be placing it on.
Make sure that any lingering materials such as tape or packaging are completely removed away from your new mattress before proceeding with use. This can help prevent things like irritating fibers or foam particles getting stuck in sheets or blankets used on top of your mattress which would not only be uncomfortable but could also cause allergies in some cases. So be sure to take extra caution when cleaning up after unwrapping your brand-new mattress.
Read also: How long to adjust to a new mattress
Should I use plastic wrap to store my mattress?
You can use plastic wrap to protect your mattress if you are going to be storing it for a short time or transporting it. Wrapping your mattress in a plastic cover is a good idea for protection, but remember you should never use the plastic wrap on once you are using it.
Also, if you are going to be leaving your mattress wrapped up for a while then you should use a breathable cotton material to wrap it in rather than plastic film. This is because any moisture within the mattress (since it has already been used) could be trapped and cause mold and bacteria to build up within the mattress. Using cotton will allow for air circulation and the mattress to be ventilated while it is in storage.
What should I use to protect my new mattress?
Given that you shouldn’t use plastic film to protect your mattress during everyday use, what is the best thing to do instead?
Using a waterproof mattress protector will help protect your new mattress and keep it feeling new for longer.
Keeping your mattress clean from sweat, excess moisture and stains can help extend the life of your mattress. A mattress protector, which goes under your fitted sheet, will keep the mattress covered but still allow ventilation and can be removed for washing.
A clean mattress protector will not breed bacteria and will also prevent bed bugs and dust mites from getting into the internal structure of the mattress.
Conclusion: Should you take the plastic off a new mattress?
In conclusion, it is important to take the plastic off a new mattress as soon as possible after delivery. This will ensure that your mattress is comfortable and fully expanded for use, and that no mold or mildew growth occurs inside the mattress due to trapped moisture from the plastic wrapping.