Just opened your new sofa and it looks nothing like the showroom photo? Don’t worry—this is completely normal.
Most compressed sofas take between 24 to 72 hours to fully return to their original shape. The exact time depends on materials, temperature, humidity, and how it was packaged.
If you’re wondering how long to wait before sitting on your new sofa—or how to tell when it’s ready—this guide will walk you through every step of the decompression process.
What Happens Right After Unpacking?
So you’ve just opened the vacuum-sealed bag. What now?
Right after unpacking, the sofa starts decompressing within the first 15–60 minutes. It quickly expands to about 70–80% of its final size.
The process begins as soon as the vacuum seal is broken. You might hear a soft “woosh” as the air rushes back in. Foam layers begin to lift, cushions regain their height, and the sofa starts taking shape.
What You Should Do
- Place the sofa on a flat surface
- Remove all packaging materials
- Let it breathe in a well-ventilated room
- Do not sit on it right away
At this stage, the sofa is still fragile. Using it too early may cause uneven expansion or indentations.
How Long Until It’s Fully Decompressed?
You’ve waited a few hours—but it still looks squished. Should you be concerned?
Full decompression usually takes between 24–72 hours, depending on materials and environment.
Typical Decompression Timelines by Material
| Material Type | Full Expansion Time |
|---|---|
| Memory Foam | 48–72 hours |
| High-Density Foam | 24–48 hours |
| Latex Foam | 12–36 hours |
| Pocket Spring + Foam | 24–72 hours |
We design our HSM compressed sofas with quick-rebound foam and breathable fabrics to minimize waiting time—but some shapes and materials still take longer than others.
What Affects the Decompression Time?
Not all environments are sofa-friendly. Sometimes, the room matters just as much as the sofa.
Room temperature, humidity, airflow, and even the time in storage can affect how fast your sofa decompresses.
Key Influencing Factors:
- Temperature: Warm rooms (20–25°C or 68–77°F) help foam expand faster
- Humidity: Too much moisture can slow rebound
- Airflow: Good ventilation = faster decompression
- Storage Duration: Long time in a compressed state = slower recovery
- Material Density: Denser foam takes more time
One of our clients in Alberta stored a sofa in their garage over winter. After unpacking it in a cold room, it took over 5 days to fully decompress. Once moved into a heated space, it rebounded overnight.
Can You Speed Up the Process?
Nobody likes to wait—but can you help your sofa recover faster?
Yes—there are safe ways to speed up decompression.
Tips to Accelerate Sofa Recovery
- Place it in a warm, dry room
- Open windows or use a fan to improve airflow
- Gently massage the cushions to activate foam recovery
- Flip or reposition sections every few hours
- Keep it uncovered—don’t use throws or cushions until fully expanded
Avoid using heaters or hairdryers directly on the sofa—heat guns may damage the foam or fabric.
How to Know When It’s Fully Decompressed?
It’s been two days. Is it ready to sit on?
A decompressed sofa will look evenly full, feel supportive, and no longer show deep creases or folds.
Signs of Full Decompression
- Cushions feel firm and bounce back after pressing
- All parts of the sofa have consistent shape
- No strong “packaging smell” remains
- No visible dents or vacuum lines
- Fabric is smooth and wrinkle-free
If these signs are present, your sofa is ready for normal use.
What If It Doesn’t Fully Expand?
In rare cases, parts of the sofa may stay flat or feel “dead.” What can you do?
If your sofa doesn’t decompress after 72 hours, try these steps:
- Move it to a warmer room
- Gently press and massage stuck areas
- Check for tightly packed foam layers inside
- Contact the seller or manufacturer (like us at HSM!) if it persists
At HSM, all our compressed sofas go through rebound testing. But if a unit was stored too long in cold or humid conditions, the foam may need extra time—or replacement.
Conclusion
Compressed sofas aren’t instant, but they are smart. Give yours 24 to 72 hours, and it’ll reward you with comfort, support, and long-lasting value.