.bs-size-article { --bs-accent: #1B2149; --bs-link: #1E3A8A; --bs-text: #1B2149; --bs-tint: #f4f8fc; --bs-stripe: #f7f9fc; --bs-box: #e8eef8; --bs-th: #1D2B53; --bs-row-line: #e3e8f0; --bs-line: rgba(27, 33, 73, .12) } .bs-size-article.post-text, .bs-size-article.custom-prose { line-height: 2 } /* Heading standard: H2 = var(--text-h4), H3 = var(--text-lg). !important so theme .prose rules can't override */ .prose.bs-size-article h2, .post-text.bs-size-article h2 { font-size: var(--text-h4) !important; line-height: 1.5 !important; margin: 20px 0 !important } .prose.bs-size-article h3, .post-text.bs-size-article h3 { font-size: var(--text-lg) !important; line-height: 1.5 !important; margin: 20px 0 !important } .bs-size-article p { margin: 0 0 16px } .bs-size-article ul, .bs-size-article ol { padding-left: 1.1rem } .bs-size-article li { margin-bottom: 5px } .bs-size-article a.post-link { color: var(--bs-link) !important; font-weight: 400 !important; text-decoration: underline !important; text-decoration-color: var(--bs-link) !important; text-decoration-thickness: 1px !important; text-underline-offset: 4px !important } .bs-size-article a.post-link:hover { opacity: .8 } /* ===== Dedicated table class: .bs-size-table ===== Forces the table to fill its card on every screen (fixes the blank strip on the right) and keeps it inside the screen on mobile – no horizontal overflow. */ .bs-size-article .bs-size-table { display: block !important; width: 100% !important; max-width: 100% !important; margin: 18px 0 28px !important; padding: 0 !important; border: 1px solid var(--bs-row-line) !important; border-radius: 10px !important; overflow: hidden !important; box-shadow: none !important; box-sizing: border-box !important; background: #fff } .bs-size-article .bs-size-table table { display: table !important; width: 100% !important; min-width: 0 !important; max-width: 100% !important; margin: 0 !important; border: 0 !important; border-collapse: collapse !important; border-spacing: 0 !important; table-layout: auto !important; overflow: visible !important } .bs-size-article .bs-size-table tr { height: auto !important; border: 0 !important } .bs-size-article .bs-size-table th, .bs-size-article .bs-size-table td { width: auto !important; height: auto !important; padding: 12px 16px !important; border: 0 !important; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--bs-row-line) !important; text-align: left !important; vertical-align: middle !important; line-height: 1.5 !important; white-space: normal !important; word-break: normal !important; overflow-wrap: break-word !important; box-sizing: border-box !important } .bs-size-article .bs-size-table thead th { background: var(--bs-th) !important; color: #fff !important; font-weight: 700 !important; border-bottom: 0 !important } .bs-size-article .bs-size-table tbody tr:nth-child(odd) td { background: #fff !important } .bs-size-article .bs-size-table tbody tr:nth-child(even) td { background: var(--bs-stripe) !important } .bs-size-article .bs-size-table tbody tr:last-child td { border-bottom: 0 !important } .bs-size-article .bs-size-table tbody td:first-child { font-weight: 600 !important; color: var(--bs-text) } /* Summary box (quick-answer style) */ .bs-size-article .tips-card { margin: 24px 0 30px; padding: 22px 26px; border-radius: 14px; background: var(--bs-box); color: var(--bs-text); line-height: 1.8 } .bs-size-article .tips-card-title { margin: 0 0 10px !important; color: var(--bs-accent); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: .06em; text-transform: uppercase; line-height: 1.5 } .bs-size-article .tips-card ul { margin: 0; padding-left: 1.4rem; list-style: disc } .bs-size-article .tips-card li { margin-bottom: 8px } .bs-size-article .tips-card li:last-child { margin-bottom: 0 } .bs-size-article .tips-card li::marker { color: var(--bs-text) } /* Closing CTA */ .bs-size-article .bs-size-cta { margin: 32px 0 10px; padding: 28px 30px; border-radius: 12px; background: var(--bs-accent); color: #fff; line-height: 1.8 } .bs-size-article .bs-size-cta-title { margin: 0 0 6px; font-size: var(--text-lg); font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.4; color: #fff } .bs-size-article .bs-size-cta p { margin: 0 0 18px; color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .85) } .bs-size-article .bs-size-cta-links { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 10px } .bs-size-article .bs-size-cta-links a { display: inline-block; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px 20px; border-radius: 6px; background: #fff; color: var(--bs-accent); font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.4; text-decoration: none } .bs-size-article .bs-size-cta-links a:hover { background: var(--bs-tint) } @media (min-width:700px) { .bs-size-article .bs-size-table th:first-child, .bs-size-article .bs-size-table td:first-child { white-space: nowrap !important; width: 1% !important } } @media (max-width:699px) { .bs-size-article .bs-size-table table { table-layout: fixed !important } .bs-size-article .bs-size-table th:first-child, .bs-size-article .bs-size-table td:first-child { width: 32% !important } .bs-size-article .bs-size-table td.bs-stars { white-space: nowrap !important; letter-spacing: -1px; font-size: 11px !important } .bs-size-article .bs-size-table th, .bs-size-article .bs-size-table td { padding: 10px 8px !important; font-size: 12px !important; line-height: 1.45 !important; overflow-wrap: anywhere !important } .bs-size-article .tips-card { padding: 18px 18px 18px 16px } .bs-size-article .bs-size-cta { padding: 22px 18px } .bs-size-article .bs-size-cta-links a { flex: 1 1 calc(50% - 10px); text-align: center; padding: 10px 8px } } /* Images */ .bs-size-article figure { margin: 24px 0 28px } .bs-size-article figure img { display: block; width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 10px } .bs-size-article figcaption { margin-top: 8px; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; opacity: .75 } Your new mattress just arrived, and it fits in a box you could carry up the stairs. That is the magic of a mattress in a box : premium foam and coils, vacuum-compressed and rolled for easy delivery. There is no assembly and no heavy lifting crew. You simply unbox, unroll, and let it breathe. A few small choices in the first 72 hours, and a few simple habits after that, make a real difference to how your mattress feels and how long it lasts. This guide walks you through unboxing your BedStory mattress step by step, how long it takes to fully expand, what to do about the new-foam smell, and how to care for it so it stays supportive for years. What's Inside Your BedStory Mattress Box? Every BedStory mattress ships fully assembled, then vacuum-compressed and rolled into a single box. When you open it, you will find three things: Your mattress, rolled and sealed in protective plastic A small plastic cutter for opening the packaging safely A mattress user guide Compression makes delivery simple and lets the box fit through narrow doorways and hallways. It does not harm the materials. The foam and pocketed coils are built to recover their full shape once they are released. One tip before you start: unbox your mattress soon after it arrives, ideally within a few days. The longer a mattress stays compressed, the longer it can take to fully expand. Before You Unbox: 4 Quick Prep Steps 1. Set up your bed frame first Unroll your mattress exactly where it will stay. Once it starts expanding, it gets bigger and heavier quickly, so set up your frame or foundation in the bedroom before you open the box. If the mattress is going on a bed frame, avoid unrolling it on the floor first, where it can pick up dust and is harder to lift once expanded. 2. Check your foundation Your mattress needs a solid, even base to expand properly and support you well. BedStory mattresses work well on: Upholstered bed frames Flat platform foundations Slatted frames with slats no more than about 3 inches apart Box springs in good condition The floor, as long as it is clean, dry and level Adjustable bed frames are not recommended for BedStory mattresses. 3. Get a second pair of hands A twin or full can be a one-person job, but queen, king and California king mattresses are much easier with two people. Not sure which size fits your room? See our mattress sizes guide. 4. Open a window Good airflow helps the mattress breathe and clears the new-foam scent faster. Crack a window or switch on a fan before you begin. How to Unbox Your Mattress in a Box, Step by Step Unboxing your BedStory mattress takes just four quick steps. Carry the box into the bedroom and lay it flat on its side next to the bed frame. Open the box and slide the rolled mattress out onto the bed frame. Read the safety label on the wrap before you cut. Position the roll so the mattress will unroll head-to-foot in the right direction. Find the yellow tape seam on the vacuum-sealed wrap and cut along it with the included cutter. Cut only the plastic, never the cover fabric, and keep the blade angled away from the mattress. Unroll the mattress with two people standing on opposite sides, walking it open slowly. Never stand directly in front of the roll, since it can unroll quickly. Then remove the remaining plastic. The mattress will begin expanding the moment air reaches it. Leave it uncovered. Skip the sheets and mattress protector for now so the mattress can expand and breathe freely. Recycle the box and dispose of the plastic according to your local guidelines. Common Unboxing Mistakes to Avoid Cutting into the mattress cover with a knife or sharp scissors Standing directly in front of the roll while it unrolls Unrolling the mattress on the floor and then lifting it onto a bed frame Putting fitted sheets on right away, which can restrict expansion at the corners Sitting on the edges or piling items on top before it has expanded Leaving the mattress compressed in its box for weeks after delivery How Long Does a Mattress in a Box Take to Expand? A BedStory mattress starts expanding the moment air reaches it and fully expands in 24 to 72 hours. Let it air out for a few hours and you can sleep on it the first night, but wait the full 72 hours to judge how it really feels. Your expansion timeline Time after unboxing What to expect What to do First hour The mattress unrolls and visibly rises. Edges and corners may still look flat. Leave it uncovered and keep the room ventilated. 24 hours Most of the height has returned. A light new-foam scent is normal. You can make the bed and sleep on it if you need to. 48 hours The mattress is at or near full size, with corners squared off. Check the height against the product listing. 72 hours Full shape and intended firmness are reached. Now is the time to judge how it truly feels. What affects how fast it expands Room temperature: foam recovers faster in a warm room and more slowly in a cold one. Aim for a comfortable indoor temperature during the first few days. Mattress type: hybrid mattresses with pocketed coils, such as the BEDSTORY SPINEALIGN® , tend to spring back quickly because the coils push the comfort layers up. All-foam models like the COOLING COLLECTION Memory Foam mattress recover a little more gradually as the memory foam layers decompress. Time in the box: a mattress that stayed compressed longer may need extra time. What if a corner still looks flat? Give it time first. Keep the room warm, leave the bedding off, and gently press and lift around the flat area to help air move into the foam. If any part of the mattress has not expanded after 72 hours, contact BedStory support with a photo and we will help. Is the New Mattress Smell Normal? Yes. A mild, temporary foam scent is normal after unboxing. It typically fades within a few days in a well-ventilated room. Why it happens New foam releases a light scent when it is first exposed to air, often called off-gassing. Vacuum-sealing traps that scent inside the packaging, so you notice it most in the first few hours after opening. How to clear it faster Keep windows open or run a fan for the first 24 to 48 hours. Hold off on sheets and a protector for the first day so air can circulate. Keep the bedroom door open to improve airflow through the room. Is it safe? Every BedStory mattress and topper is made with CertiPUR-US® certified foams and OEKO-TEX® certified materials. That means they are made without harmful chemicals, fiberglass, or toxic materials, so you can sleep easy while the scent fades. Your First Few Weeks: Breaking In Your Mattress Even after it has fully expanded, your new mattress and your body need a little time to get used to each other. If you are coming from an older mattress that had softened or sagged, a new one can feel noticeably firmer at first, and some people notice a few nights of different-feeling sleep while their muscles adjust to better support. Give it at least a few weeks before making up your mind. That is exactly why every BedStory mattress comes with a 365-night home trial . You have a full year of real nights to decide if it is right for you. Not sure your mattress has the right feel for how you sleep? Our mattress firmness guide explains how firmness matches sleeping position and body type. How to Maintain Your BedStory Mattress A little care goes a long way. These habits help your mattress stay clean, supportive and comfortable for years, and they also keep your warranty coverage intact. Use proper support The base under your mattress matters as much as the mattress itself. Use a flat, solid foundation, slatted frame, box spring or upholstered bed that supports the full surface evenly. If your mattress sits directly on the floor, keep the floor clean and dry and stand the mattress up to air out underneath every few weeks, which helps prevent moisture and mildew. Check periodically for broken or bowed slats and loose supports. Avoid adjustable bed frames, which are not recommended for BedStory mattresses. An unsupported or uneven foundation can cause premature sagging and is not covered under warranty. Rotate it regularly Rotate your mattress 180 degrees, head to foot, every 3 to 6 months. This spreads wear evenly across the surface and helps prevent body impressions in the spots where you sleep most. Rotate more often in the first year, when the comfort layers are settling in. Use a mattress protector A breathable, waterproof mattress protector is one of the best investments you can make. It guards against spills, sweat, dust mites and allergens, and it keeps the cover looking new. It also matters for your warranty, since stains and liquid damage are not covered. Clean it the right way Vacuum the surface monthly with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and allergens. For spills, blot right away with a clean cloth. Do not rub. Spot-clean stains with a little mild soap and cool water, using as little liquid as possible. Let the area dry completely before putting bedding back on. A fan helps. Never soak the mattress, steam-clean it, or use bleach or harsh chemicals on it. Keep it fresh When you change your sheets, leave the mattress uncovered for an hour or so to air out. To deodorize, sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the surface, leave it for a few hours, then vacuum it up. Avoid everyday damage Do not let kids jump on the bed. It strains the coils and foam. Never fold or bend the mattress once it has expanded. Avoid sitting on the same spot on the edge every day. Use the handles, if your model has them, only to adjust position, not to carry the full weight. Adding a mattress topper If you want to fine-tune the feel later, a topper is an easy option. The BEDSTORY SPINEALIGN® Topper adds firm, supportive comfort, while the COOLING COLLECTION Topper adds a plush, cooler-sleeping layer. Both have zippered covers that are machine washable. The inner foam core should never be washed or submerged in water. Browse all mattress toppers . Your Mattress Care Checklist How often Task Weekly Wash sheets and pillowcases. Air out the mattress while bedding is off. Monthly Vacuum the mattress surface. Wash the mattress protector. Every 3 to 6 months Rotate the mattress head to foot. Check the foundation for loose or broken supports. As needed Blot and spot-clean spills right away. Deodorize with baking soda. When to Contact BedStory Support Reach out to our team if: Any part of your mattress has not fully expanded after 72 hours The new-foam scent is still strong after a week You notice damage, tears or defects when you unbox it You have questions about your foundation, care or warranty You can live chat with a sleep professional 6am to 11pm CT, seven days a week, call +1 (619) 313-6011, or email hello@bedstory.com. Find every option on our contact page . FAQs Can I sleep on my BedStory mattress the first night? Yes. Let it air out for a few hours first, and you can sleep on it the night it arrives. It fully expands in 24 to 72 hours, so wait until then to judge how it really feels. How long can a mattress stay in the box before unboxing? Unbox it as soon as you can, ideally within a few days of delivery. Leaving a mattress compressed for a long time can slow expansion. If you need to delay, store the box flat in a dry, temperature-controlled room. Do I need a box spring for my BedStory mattress? No. A box spring is one option, but a flat platform foundation, slatted frame, upholstered bed or even a clean, dry floor works just as well. What matters is solid, even support across the full surface. What bed frame works best with a BedStory mattress? Choose an upholstered bed, flat platform foundation, slatted frame with slats about 3 inches apart or less, a sturdy box spring, or a clean, dry, level floor. Adjustable bed frames are not recommended for BedStory mattresses. How often should I rotate my mattress? Rotate your mattress head to foot every 3 to 6 months, and a little more often during the first year. Regular rotation spreads wear evenly and helps prevent body impressions. How do I clean a stain on my mattress? Blot the spill right away, then spot-clean with a little mild soap and cool water. Use as little liquid as possible, never soak the mattress, and let it dry completely before making the bed. A waterproof protector prevents most stains in the first place. Does the new mattress smell mean it's unsafe? No. A mild foam scent is normal and usually fades within a few days with good ventilation. BedStory mattresses use CertiPUR-US® certified foams and OEKO-TEX® certified materials and are fiberglass-free. What happens if my mattress doesn't fully expand? Give it the full 72 hours in a warm, ventilated room with no bedding on. If part of the mattress still has not expanded after that, contact BedStory support with photos and we will help. Conclusion Setting up your BedStory mattress takes just minutes. Unroll it on a supportive frame, give it 72 hours to reach its full shape, keep the room ventilated, and let the 365-night trial take the pressure off. After that, a protector, regular rotation and a solid foundation are all it takes to keep your mattress comfortable and supportive for years. Find Your Perfect BedStory Mattress Free shipping and a 365-night home trial on every mattress. Shop Mattresses Mattress Buying Guide