Your Whatsie has arrived, you’ve opened the box, and the kids are probably already trying to climb on it before you’ve finished unpacking.
Because every Whatsie arrives vacuum sealed, it’s completely normal for the foam and covers to need a little time to settle once they’re opened. You may notice a few wrinkles in the fabric, corners that haven’t quite filled out yet, or one piece taking a little longer than another to reach its full shape.
That’s all part of the unboxing process. The foam simply needs a little time, space and movement to settle back into shape.
Step 1: Unbox and let it breathe
Once your Whatsie arrives, open it up, remove the packaging and give each piece a little room.
We recommend unzipping each cover by around 20cm while the foam expands. This gives the foam a little extra breathing room and helps it settle back into shape more easily.
The foam will start expanding straight away, and most pieces will regain the majority of their shape within the first 24 hours. Some may take a little longer, especially around edges and corners, and that’s completely normal.
If you’ve bought your Whatsie early for Christmas, a birthday or another special occasion, it’s a good idea to open and expand it beforehand if you can, so it’s ready to go on the big day.
Step 2: Let play do the work
You don’t need to wait until every edge looks perfect before the kids start using it.
In fact, one of the easiest ways to help the foam settle is simply to play with it. Build a fort, make a slide, flip the pieces around, climb on them, jump on them and use them from different angles.
All that movement helps the foam relax naturally while it continues expanding.
Step 3: Help along any stubborn spots
If one corner or section is taking a little longer than the rest, just give it some extra attention.
Turn the piece over, rotate it, use it from another side or gently massage the area with your hands. Sometimes a little movement is all it needs.
A few wrinkles or creases in the covers are also completely normal straight out of the box. In most cases, they’ll relax naturally as the foam expands and the covers settle into place.
Step 4: Give the foam extra room if needed
Most Whatsie's can stay fully covered while they expand, but if one area is being particularly stubborn, you can remove the cover for a little while and let the foam sit uncovered.
Just keep the bare foam somewhere clean and dry, away from pets and little fingers, then pop the cover back on once it’s bounced back to shape.
Step 5: The Finishing Touch
Want to help your Whatsie settle in a little faster?
A little gentle warmth can help smooth the covers and give the foam a little extra encouragement as it bounces back.
Use a steamer, iron or hairdryer on the lowest heat setting, keeping it moving continuously and passing over each area for just a second or two at a time.
Keep the fabric covers on the foam and remove any waterproof liners first. The gentle warmth helps relax the fabric while supporting the foam as it settles back into shape.
Perfect for getting your Whatsie looking beautifully settled for Christmas morning, a birthday surprise or the first big build.
Step 6: Let it settle
The main thing to remember is that your Whatsie doesn’t need to look perfect the second it comes out of the box.
Temporary creases and softer-looking corners are all normal after vacuum sealing and will gradually settle as the foam expands and the covers relax.
Most of the change happens within the first 24 hours, but some pieces can continue improving over the following days and weeks. And yes, the kids can keep playing while that happens!
What if something still doesn’t look right?
If one piece is still looking a little off after it has had plenty of time to settle, try rotating it, gently massaging the area, giving it a little more airflow or removing the cover for a short while.
If you’re still unsure, just send us a few photos and your order number at hello@whatsie.com.au.
Our Australian team are always happy to help!
Made to bounce back
Temporary compression after shipping is very different from foam losing its shape over time.
Once your Whatsie has settled, the foam is designed for years of building, climbing, lounging and everyday play, and it’s backed by our 3-Year Bounce Back Foam Warranty. No sagging. No flattening. No pancakes.
Just supportive foam made for years of play.
Play Couch Fluff Guide FAQs
How long does a play couch take to expand?
Most Whatsie foam regains the majority of its shape within the first 24 hours, with some pieces continuing to settle over the following weeks.
Can the kids use it straight away?
Yes. Your Whatsie can be played with while the foam continues expanding and settling.
Are wrinkles in the covers normal?
Yes. Because every Whatsie arrives vacuum sealed, temporary wrinkles and creases are completely normal and should relax as the foam expands and the couch is used.
Can I steam the covers?
Yes. Just like you would with clothing, you can use a fabric steamer or iron on the lowest heat setting to help relax temporary wrinkles. Keep it moving continuously and avoid holding it over one spot.
What if one piece is taking longer than the others?
Give it time, rotate it, gently massage the area and make sure it has plenty of room and airflow. If you’re still concerned, send us a few photos and we’ll happily take a look.