Firm mattresses are a great choice for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and heavier sleepers who need extra support throughout the night. But if your mattress is too firm and you're craving softer comfort, we have some tips for making a firm mattress softer.
A mattress that’s too firm for one sleeper is perfect for another, but sleeping on one that’s too firm can affect the quality of your sleep, causing you to toss and turn and wake up with aches and pains. Most people sleep well on medium-firm mattresses because they provide a good balance of softness and support to keep your spine in a neutral position.
If after trying our tips for making your firm mattress softer, you decide it’s still too hard for your body and sleeping position, consider buying a new, softer mattress. Our guide to this year’s best mattresses for every sleeper has our top-rated recommendations for different budgets. It’s also a great time to buy, as this year’s Labor Day mattress sales and deals are just around the corner.
How to Know if Your Mattress is Too Firm for You
When choosing a new mattress, there are many options when it comes to firmness levels. How firm should a mattress be? Well, that depends on your individual sleeping style. As a general rule, side sleepers benefit more from softer mattresses, while back and stomach sleepers benefit from a firmer mattress.
But there are some signs that your chosen mattress is too firm. Waking up with aches and stiff joints, especially if you’ve never had them before, is the first sign that your mattress is too firm for you. Also, if you feel numbness in your limbs, it could be due to restricted blood circulation caused by pressure points due to the firmness of your mattress.
Changing positions frequently during the night is also a sign that your mattress isn’t contouring to your body and relieving pressure points. Also, pay attention to visual signs: When you lie down on your mattress, you should notice some sagging in your shoulders and hips. If there’s no movement, your mattress may be too firm for your body.
How to Make a Firm Mattress Softer
1. Add a mattress topper
One of the easiest ways to change the look of a bed is to add a mattress topper. Many of this year's best mattress toppers can transform a firm mattress into a softer, more comfortable haven.
Mattress toppers come in a variety of materials and thicknesses so you can customize the level of softness you need. Memory foam toppers are designed to contour to your body to relieve pressure on your shoulders, hips, and other pressure points. While feather and down mattress toppers offer more luxurious comfort.
2. Adjust your box spring
The type of base you use for your mattress can have a big impact on how your bed feels. If you have a slatted base, wider slats can often make the mattress feel softer. You can also opt for a sprung slatted base, as this will add a little bounce while still maintaining the support your firm mattress offers.
3. Warm your bed
If you have a memory foam or hybrid mattress with a foam top layer, warm up your mattress before you settle in. Foams, especially memory foam, respond to heat and become more pliable when warmed, which means they'll be much softer. So, layer several blankets and pillows on top of your mattress to warm up the surface.
Never apply direct heat to your memory foam mattress, such as a hair dryer or heater. While memory foam responds well to heat, direct heat can damage and warp the foam, causing it to lose its supportive qualities.
4. Rotate your bed
When we sleep in the same spot night after night, the mattress can start to degrade, changing the feel of your bed. Try to rotate your mattress 180 degrees at least every six months. However, when your mattress is new, you should rotate it a little more often as it settles in. Rotating your mattress regularly helps keep the mattress surface even.
Some mattresses can also be returned, which is the same as flipping it over. But if your mattress is constructed with layers or has zoned support, you can't return it. Check your mattress brand's instructions before returning it.
Should you give your firm mattress time to soften?
If your mattress has only been in use for a few weeks, give it time to soften. Memory foam and latex mattresses, in particular, may feel firmer when new, but over time they will begin to soften naturally.
If your mattress is still uncomfortable after six weeks of sleeping on it and you included a sleep trial in your purchase, arrange a return and choose something softer. If you want more information on how to return a mattress in a box, you can read our guide.