Nectar Mattress Expansion: How Long It Really Takes (And What I’d Do)

If you just unboxed a Nectar, congrats. Here’s the thing—memory foam needs a little breathing room to puff up. If you’re specifically wondering how long does it take a nectar mattress to expand, I’ve got the honest timeline, what actually speeds it up, and when to raise an eyebrow.

The short answer

Most Nectar mattresses hit full shape in 24–48 hours. Some take up to 72 hours—especially in cooler rooms. You can usually sleep on it the first night. Just know it may feel a touch firmer until the foams finish opening up. If you asked me how long does it take a nectar mattress to expand in everyday terms: plan for a day, give it two if you can.

Why the time varies

Temperature matters. Warm air (around 68–72°F) helps the foam relax; chilly rooms slow everything. Humidity and airflow count too—stuffy spaces trap the factory air and make off‑gassing hang around. How long it sat compressed during shipping can add a few hours as well. And yes, model and thickness play a part: classic Nectar is typically 12 inches, Premier around 13, Premier Copper up to 14. If you’re timing how long does it take a nectar mattress to expand precisely, those extra layers can stretch the process.

How to help it expand faster (without babying it)

Pop it out of the box the day it arrives—don’t let it sit. Place it on a supportive, slatted or solid platform so the foam isn’t fighting saggy springs. Crack a window or run a fan for the first afternoon. Keep the room comfortably warm. Ditch heavy mattress pads and thick quilts on day one; go light and breathable so air can move. If you’re still asking yourself how long does it take a nectar mattress to expand while watching it, give the corners a gentle fluff with your hands and rotate the mattress 180° after a few hours.

Sleeping on it tonight? A realistic timeline

Hour 0–4: It’ll rise fast to most of its height, but edges can look a little soft. The new-foam smell is normal and fades with airflow. If you’re sensitive to scents, give it the evening to breathe.

24 hours: Feel settles closer to the true firmness. Pressure relief improves, and edge shape fills out. This is where most sleepers won’t notice any difference from “fully done.” If you were calculating how long does it take a nectar mattress to expand for comfort, this is the sweet spot for many folks.

48–72 hours: Everything evens out. Height should match the spec, corners look tidy, and the residual scent is basically gone.

When to worry—and what to do

If after 72 hours your Nectar still looks lumpy, the corners are collapsed, or the height is clearly short (check your model’s listed thickness), it’s time to troubleshoot. Warm the room, increase airflow, and strip heavy bedding for a half day. Persistent issues—like big dips, weird ridges, or a stubborn chemical smell after day three—deserve a quick note to support with photos and a tape‑measure shot. It’s rare, but foam can get cranky after long shipping. And yes, if you’ve been wondering how long does it take a nectar mattress to expand before it’s considered a problem, that 72‑hour mark is the line I use.

Common setup mistakes I still see

Opening it on carpet then dragging it onto the frame (the edges take a beating). Smothering it under a waterproof protector immediately (save that for day two). Crowding it against a wall with no airflow. And the classic: judging firmness in the first two hours. If you’re gauging how long does it take a nectar mattress to expand by the look of the corners right away, give it sunset and a fan—then decide.

Bottom line + my quick take

Plan on 24–48 hours for the true feel, up to 72 hours for every last corner to relax. Keep the room warm, let it breathe, and don’t smother it with heavy bedding right away. If you want my deeper notes on firmness, cooling, and who the Nectar actually suits, I wrote up a full review you can find on Consumer's Best. If you’re on the fence, read that before you commit—no pressure, just the helpful stuff I’d tell a friend.