How To Make A Firm Mattress Softer. 3 Best Ways

If you want to know how to make a firm mattress softer, you have three techniques to learn. You can apply this to new mattresses, especially if you feel the most comfortable at a cushioned surface. Remember that some sleeping positions are best on a bed that is on the softer side. 

You’ll also learn why these three practices work, so you can adjust according to the type of mattress you have. The emphasis is on checking if they’re ideal for the mattress material to avoid damaging it. So without further ado, here are some secrets to a soft mattress!

how to make a firm mattress softer

 

How To Soften A Firm Mattress 

 

Break it in

The first way that you can do to soften your firm mattress is to break it in. Why will this work? If you have just recently purchased a new bed, it will take some time to adjust and expand.

You’ll notice that lying on your new mattress feels awkward because it is firmer than what you’re used to. You can help the material’s cells open by rolling on the bed or even stepping on it. Some mattresses like those that use memory foam will even benefit from your body heat when you lie down on a new product. 

The combination of pressure and body heat will soften your firm mattress faster, so some manufacturers even recommend using their products before they finish expanding in one to two days. It will also help you get used to the feel for a more comfortable sleeping experience. However, please still practice some care and be gentle when stepping and rolling on your mattress. 

 

Use a topper

If your mattress has been around for some time, breaking it in is no longer a viable option to improve its feel. A quick fix is to use a mattress topper, especially when the mattress is too firm to provide pressure relief. Select the right material and thickness for your sleeping position and put the topper over the bed. 

Having this additional upper layer is also beneficial for extending your mattress’s lifespan since it distributes your weight and pressure evenly. The bed becomes less prone to sagging, and you can avoid damages or stains since the topper protects it underneath. However, this is only a quick fix until you can get a new mattress.

 

Improve your foundation

Your mattress may also feel firm if the base or foundation is of low quality. Much like the mattresses we use, different foundations will suit specific products. For example, an innerspring mattress must use a box spring, but the latter won’t fit a memory foam bed. 

If you think about it, using another type of foundation for an innerspring bed will make it firmer as opposed to when you use a box spring. On the contrary, a box spring will allow the bed to be bouncy and soft. Another useful tip to remember is that solid platform foundations will firm up mattresses. 

It’s the reason why sagging mattresses use a solid foundation since it pushes back the pressure when one lies on the bed. Are you still confused about what foundation to get? Your safest bet is whatever your mattress manufacturer recommends for their model. 

 

What Happens If Your Mattress Is Too Firm?

Now that you know the three most straightforward techniques to soften a firm mattress, it’s natural to be curious if it’s necessary. Are there detrimental effects if you use a bed that is too firm? Remember that too much of anything is always not a good thing, even in beds.

A firm mattress is ideal for some sleeping positions, such as those that sleep on their backs. This way, they don’t have a gap with their body and the mattress that can encourage poor posture. However, using a bed that is too firm loses the comfort that’s ideal for quality sleep. 

If the mattress is hard, it can lead to pressure points because it’s not supportive of the body’s heavier regions. What happens is the material resists your body and even encourages misalignment as well. If you toss and frequently turn or find yourself with neck and back pain, your mattress is too firm. 

 

How Do I Know If My Mattress Is Too Firm?

As previously mentioned, a telltale sign that you need to soften your mattress or use a mattress topper is if you frequently toss and turn due to discomfort in bed. You might even wake up with neck and lower back pain because of poor pressure relief. You should check the three options we discussed to improve the feel of your mattress. 

You also want to ensure that you’re using the ideal mattress according to your sleeping habits. For example, back sleepers benefit from firm mattresses, while those that sleep on their side are better off with soft beds. What about choosing a mattress firmness best for your body type?

A firm mattress would support a heavier individual because he/she won’t sink too deep and cause spine deviations. On the other hand, you must use a softer mattress if you’re lighter to fight your weight and cause body pain. The key is to remember these factors and soften or firm your bed accordingly. 

 

Conclusion

Are you using the ideal mattress feel? You might benefit from learning how to make a firm mattress softer if you sleep on your side or if you’re a lighter individual. First, make sure that you have to break your bed in properly upon arrival. 

If you’re using an old bed, you can also use a topper or improve its foundation.