9 Steps to Make Your Firm Mattress Softer
Do you think you'd get a better night's sleep on a softer mattress but don't want to buy a brand new one? You might be wondering 'how do I make a firm mattress softer?' - don't worry, we've got you covered!
We'd recommend using a softer mattress topper for an immediate solution, but we also offer a variety of alternative methods to help make your mattress feel softer.
Discover the 9 steps we recommend to make your firm mattress softer. You can also find out the effects of having a mattress that is too hard and how to know if your mattress is too firm.
Jump to
- Step 1. Swap it for a softer mattress
- Step 2. Break it in
- Step 3. Buy a softer mattress topper
- Step 4. Flip your mattress
- Step 5. Replace your bed frame or slats
- Step 6. Invest in a new divan base
- Step 7. Make your room warmer
- Step 8. Change your sleeping position
- Step 9. Invest in a softer mattress
- What happens if your mattress is too hard?
- How do I know if my mattress is too firm?
Step 1. Swap it for a softer mattress
Consult the booklet your mattress came with to see if your mattress has a sleep trial and if it's still valid. If after sleeping on the mattress you think you'd benefit from a softer option, you could exchange it.
Step 2. Break it in
Brand new mattresses often start off a little firmer than you might anticipate, so you need to sleep on them to give them a chance to soften up. This is because sleeping on the mattress helps to distribute the fillings and make the mattress more comfortable overall.
This is one of the reasons why a lot of mattresses come with a sleep trial because it gives the mattress time to adjust. You can trial some new mattresses for up to 1 year to work out whether it's right for you - and swap it for a different one if it's too firm!
Some types of mattress, such as a memory foam mattress, responds to body heat which can make them feel softer. This means it might feel more comfortable after sleeping on it for a few hours.
Step 3. Buy a softer mattress topper
Investing in a mattress topper is the most popular and immediate solution to make your firm mattress softer. Toppers sit on the surface of your mattress and can provide extra comfort for your mattress.
A topper with a softer firmness rating will instantly make your mattress feel more comfortable.
Step 4. Flip your mattress
You should check your mattress' care guide to see if it needs rotating and how often. Turning your double-sided mattress on a regular basis helps to keep your mattress comfy and can even improve the lifespan of your mattress.
Turning your mattress helps to keep the comfort fillings evenly distributed which keeps your mattress at the ideal firmness. If you're not sure how often you should turn your mattress, check out our helpful guide.
Step 5. Replace your bed frame or slats
Check your bed frame to see what kind of slats you have. Solid slats make your mattress feel a lot firmer as they are designed to offer more support by adding pressure to your mattress.
To make your mattress softer, you could invest in a bed frame with sprung slats. This is because sprung slats provide more cushioned support and move with your mattress throughout the night.
If you'd like to find out more about the different types of bed frame slats, check out our guide.
Step 6. Invest in a new divan base
A solid platform base will make your mattress feel a lot firmer. This is because the solid, flat surface provides a lot more support for your mattress but has no 'give'.
We suggest replacing the solid base with a sprung base because they offer more plush support. This is because the base gently cradles the mattress while you sleep rather than a sturdy flat surface.
Step 7. Make your room warmer
A memory foam mattress is temperature-sensitive. Since these types of mattress respond to heat, you could try making your bedroom a little warmer. This could help soften your mattress.
If you don't want to change the temperature of your whole room, you could put a hot water bottle under your duvet before you go to sleep. This will help to soften your mattress before you lie on it and it'll make your sleeping experience extra cosy.
Step 8. Change your sleeping position
An easy way to make a hard mattress softer is to change how you sleep. Changing your sleeping position can make your mattress firmness feel different.
If your mattress feels too hard, you could try sleeping on your front or back. This is because some firmness ratings are more suited to certain sleeping positions to properly support your joints.
You can find out more about the best mattresses for different sleeping positions in our guide.
Step 9. Invest in a softer mattress
If you think your mattress is too firm for any of these steps to provide long-term results, it might be time to invest in a new mattress.
Ideally, your mattress should be replaced every seven years so you can always get a great night's sleep. However, if your mattress is damaged or lumpy or is too uncomfortable to sleep on, investing in a softer mattress is the best option.
If you're looking to replace your firm mattress, check out these options:
The softest mattresses we have to offer.
Feature a cushioned top layer for an extra touch of comfort.
Sit on top of your mattress and can make your sleeping experience more comfortable.
Shop our soft mattresses today
What happens if your mattress is too hard?
If your mattress is too hard then it might not be very comfortable for you and could be causing back and joint pains. It could also be affecting your posture if you don't think your spine is being properly supported. Overall, you might not be getting a good night's sleep which could be impacting your day to day life.
How do I know if my mattress is too firm?
Here are a few of the main signs that your mattress is too firm for you:
- It doesn't contour to your body
- It feels uncomfortable
- You wake up with back or neck ache
- You get a better sleep when you sleep on a softer mattress elsewhere
Check out our guide on how to find the perfect mattress firmness for you.
There you go - how to make a hard mattress softer in 9 easy steps! If you are searching for a new mattress, why not check out our softer mattress collection?
If you're looking for a quick solution to make your mattress softer, browse our collection of mattress toppers today.
