8 simple tips to make a firm mattress softer

Your mattress should conform to your body, allowing heavier body parts like your shoulders and hips to sink into it. However, if your mattress is too firm, it can feel uncomfortable. It may cause aches, pains, numbness, and stiffness, especially when you wake up.

Fortunately, there are several ways to make a firm mattress feel softer and more comfortable.

Why your mattress is too firm

Understanding why your mattress feels too firm will help you take the right steps to make it softer and more comfortable.

Breaking in a new mattress

New mattresses can feel firmer than expected, especially if you tested the model in the showroom. Most new mattresses will soften with use and feel more comfortable as your body adjusts. This breaking-in period typically takes up to a month. However, you can speed up the process by sleeping on the mattress regularly or applying gentle pressure to the sleeping surface.

Incorrect support

Mattresses are constructed with comfort and support layers that determine how deep you sink into the mattress. Higher-quality models are typically made from materials like wool, cashmere and silk, which provide a softer, more luxurious feel.

Correct mattress support depends on factors like your weight, build, height, and preferred sleeping position. Generally, the heavier you are, the firmer the mattress you need.

A mattress that is too firm will not provide enough cushioning. It will push against the body and create pressure points around the shoulders, hips, and lower back. You may experience discomfort, aches, pains, numbness and stiffness from sleeping on a mattress that is too firm.

A simple check to determine whether your mattress is too firm is to lie on your back and slide your hand underneath the lumbar region of your back and the mattress. If your hand slides underneath easily, the mattress is too firm.

Another factor to consider is your sleeping position. Side sleepers, for example, typically prefer a softer mattress that cushions the shoulders and hips. In contrast, back and stomach sleepers often benefit from a firmer sleeping surface that prevents the midsection from sinking too deeply and helps keep the spine aligned.

Changes in body weight or sleeping habits over time can also affect how your mattress feels. For example, if you have lost weight since purchasing the mattress, it may no longer support you properly. Similarly, the mattress may feel too firm if you switch from sleeping on your back or stomach to your side.

An unsuitable bed base

The type of bed base you use affects how your mattress feels and performs. A solid-top base or one with rigid slats will make the mattress feel firmer, while a sprung base offers more give, resulting in a softer feel.

Your mattress needs replacing

The typical lifespan of a mattress is between 7 and 10 years. Over time, the components inside the mattress will begin to flatten and break down. As a result, your mattress may feel uncomfortable and not support you properly.

You may notice dips and indentations across the sleeping surface, especially in areas where your body applies the most weight, such as in the middle of the mattress.

There is no real fix for an old and worn-out mattress other than to replace it.

How to make a mattress softer

If you find your mattress too firm, there are several ways to make it feel softer, such as using a mattress topper or replacing your bed base.

Use a mattress topper

A mattress topper is an inexpensive and effective way to soften a mattress. Available in various sizes, thicknesses, and materials, a mattress topper sits on top of your mattress to provide extra cushioning.

When choosing a mattress topper to soften the feel of a firmer mattress, it should be at least 5 cm thick, as anything less is unlikely to make much difference. It should also be made from plush materials like memory foam, latex, wool, or feathers that conform to the body and alleviate pressure points.

While a mattress topper can give a mattress a new lease of life, it is unlikely to revive an old or worn-out one. The topper will simply take the shape of the old mattress and will not provide adequate support.

Use thicker bedding

While not as effective as a mattress topper, using thicker bedding can also help make your bed feel slightly softer. For example, placing a thick quilted duvet or padded mattress protector underneath your body can add extra cushioning. It also protects the sleeping surface from stains, spillages, and unexpected accidents.

Use extra pillows

If you are experiencing back pain that you suspect is from your mattress, you could try using extra pillows to ease some of the strain from your back.

Sleeping with a pillow between your knees when lying on your back or side can help keep your spine aligned, improve circulation, and alleviate hip and lower back pain.

If you are a stomach sleeper, placing a pillow underneath your hips and the lower stomach can help relieve some of the strain on your back. You could also place a thin, soft pillow under your head.

Change the bed base

If your mattress rests on a slatted or solid bed base, switching to a sprung base will make it feel slightly softer. Divans are a popular style of bed base. They often have a spring unit mounted to the base to cushion the mattress and provide a more luxurious feel. Higher-quality models may contain pocket springs in the base to improve the overall level of comfort and support.

If you prefer bed frames, choose one with sprung slats, as they offer more cushioning than solid slats. You could also consider a sprung bedstead base, a shallow divan that fits inside your bed frame to support the mattress. However, be mindful that a bedstead base increases the bed’s overall height, so choose a base with a suitable height to ensure you can get in and out of bed comfortably.

Always ensure the bed base is compatible with your mattress.

Check if your mattress comes with a sleep trial

If you have recently purchased your mattress, it may come with a sleep trial that allows you to return it or exchange it for a softer model if you are not satisfied. Refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions or website to determine if a trial is included with your mattress, or contact the manufacturer directly.

Flip or rotate your mattress

Turning your mattress, especially when it is new, helps the fillings settle more evenly, which can create a softer and more comfortable sleeping surface over time. How and when you turn your mattress depends on its construction. Some mattresses are single-sided and can only be rotated from head to toe, while others are double-sided and designed to be flipped as well.

Adjust the room temperature

Some mattresses, like memory foam, are temperature-sensitive. They can feel quite firm initially, especially in colder weather, but gradually soften in response to body heat and room temperature. Increasing the room temperature slightly by a few degrees before bedtime helps soften the foam layers and can make your mattress feel more comfortable.

Replace your mattress

If all else fails, consider replacing your mattress, especially if it is a few years old or is showing signs of wear and tear, like sagging or deep indentations. Various types of mattresses are designed to conform to the body and alleviate aches, pains, and pressure points.

Pocket springs

A pocket spring mattress is a good option if you are looking for a traditional sprung mattress. Pocket springs are smaller, softer springs that work independently to respond more precisely to weight and pressure.

They typically have thicker comfort layers that provide extra cushioning. Higher-quality models often contain natural materials, like wool, cotton, horsehair, or cashmere, offering a softer, more luxurious feel. Some models are also constructed with multiple layers of pocket springs for extra comfort and support.

Pocket spring mattresses are usually available in soft, medium, and firm spring tensions, allowing you to choose the level of firmness that best suits your needs.

Memory foam

Memory foam is a popular material that gently cradles and conforms to the body. Unlike traditional sprung mattresses, which can push back against the body, memory foam provides more even support and effective pressure relief. The material can help relieve aches, pains, and numbness. It can also improve circulation.

Latex

Like memory foam, latex conforms to the body and provides effective pressure relief across different sleeping positions. However, latex has a slightly bouncier feel, and the material recovers almost immediately when pressure is removed. Natural latex is a durable material but can be more expensive than memory foam and pocket springs.

Final thoughts

A mattress topper and a new bed base can make a firm mattress feel softer. However, these are not permanent solutions for an old, worn-out mattress. If you have been sleeping on your mattress for over seven years, it may be time to replace it.