Updated at: 29-07-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Never waste another night of your life on a bed that doesn’t make you feel like a million bucks.

If you just got a new mattress and it seems too hard, there are certain things you should consider.

  1. Why does it seem so challenging? Will it soften up over time?
  2. Do you own something that doesn’t suit you?

In the first scenario, it won’t be long before you can’t wait to get into bed. Here are several ways I’ve found to break in a new mattress for maximum comfort.

If the latter describes your current predicament, you must make a difficult choice. It is a pain in the rear to have to return something so large and personal. You also might not be eligible for a return depending on the company’s return policy.

Since you already own it, maybe there is a way to save face and soften your firm mattress.

Making Your Firm Mattress Soft

Check Your Foundation

The first thing you should do if your brand new mattress is too hard is to inspect the base on which it rests. The reason behind this is that various mattress varieties cannot be used with every kind of base. When making the transition from an innerspring to a memory foam mattress, the box spring is no longer necessary.

How To Make A Mattress Softer (6 Tips To Fix A Firm Mattress)

On the other hand, a box spring base might soften your bed if you don’t have memory foam. If you don’t have a box spring, this is something to think about.

Box springs, as a rule, should only be used with innerspring mattresses. The name says it all: it’s a box with springs inside that acts as a motion isolator for coiled beds that are too bouncy and disturbing.

Both solid and slatted bases are acceptable for the foundation. If you have a foam bed and are particularly sensitive to firm surfaces, you might want to look into getting an adjustable base instead of a platform.

Stepping on the Bed

If you find that your brand-new mattress is firmer than you’d like, don’t worry; it just takes a few simple adjustments to make it more comfortable. Literally. Sleeping on it night after night can help break it in and soften it up for you. Walking across it daily, ideally for several minutes, will help it soften up faster and make it more pleasant to sleep on sooner.

It goes without saying that you shouldn’t wear shoes during this treatment, but just in case:

Use a Mattress Topper

One of the simplest, most efficient, and least expensive ways to soften a hard surface is to purchase a topper. Putting a firm mattress topper on your bed can help alleviate pressure and improve the mattress’s ability to conform to your body’s natural curves. There are several options to choose from, including as latex, memory foam, wool, cotton, feather, polyfoam, and down replacement.

The most popular option is memory foam. If you go with this variety, get something that is under two inches thick and a lower density for extra softness.

Warm it Up

Memory foam is currently the most widely chosen material. If you choose this type, look for a mattress that is less than two inches thick and has a low density for optimal comfort.

Rotate and Flip It

Mattresses that can be flipped or turned may benefit from this strategy. Unless your bed has a pillow top, you can flip it over. Essentially, you can go one of two ways:

  1. Transform it by flipping it around by 180 degrees. The spot that was previously holding your head up will now be under your feet.
  2. In order to use the other side, you must first invert it.

If you want your mattress to last as long as possible with little sagging, it’s just as important to rotate it as your tires are.

Making Your Soft Mattress Firm

Check Your Foundation

The first thing to do if your bed is getting on in years is to inspect the base to make sure it is still solid and hasn’t been damaged by frequent use. Your mattress will slump and cause discomfort if it does not have a firm base.

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Make sure your boxspring is sturdy and firm before sleeping on it. A replacement should be made if not. You should make sure that the slats on your platform are not cracked or sagging and that the space between them is no more than three inches. There will be a sagging or sinking sensation because the bed won’t be able to sustain any more weight.

Who wants to find out more about this? Here are several warnings that you might be sleeping on a terrible mattress.

Putting a thin board, like plywood, between the mattress and the box spring is a cheap and ingenious way to extend the life of your bed. Put the board on one side of the bed if you and your lover have differing preferences for firmness.

Make it Cooler

We all know that memory foam is temperature sensitive. Warming a mattress can make it softer, and cooling it can make it firmer. If you lower the temperature in the room, the material on your bed will stiffen, giving you a more supportive sleep surface.

Rotate and Flip It

Despite the fact that this hint was meant to soften a hard mattress, it is more useful for reinforcing the firmness of a sagging one. It’s not uncommon for a bed to develop indentations and body impressions from repeated use, which can make sleeping uncomfortable and unsupportive.

You might be able to find the desired level of firmness by turning it or flipping it.

Mattress Topper (again)

While it is feasible to soften a firm bed with a topper, it is far simpler to do the opposite. You can make your mattress a little bit firmer by using certain materials, but the difference won’t be huge. You should search for components made of Dunlop latex and compressed wool. Foams should be avoided because they have the opposite effect.

Replace Layers

Do we have a zippered mattress cover? If this is the case, then perhaps you can replace the sagging layers with newer, more robust ones. You might want to see an expert, and you should definitely review your warranty. Modifying a product in a significant way usually voids the warranty offered by the original manufacturer.

How to Make Your Bed Comfortable

Have you ever had a day where you just wanted to go home, snuggle under the covers, and relax? Sounds like bliss to me.

I’ve discovered that using a certain layering approach is the simplest way to make my bed the coziest spot in the house. Everything about it seems plush and expensive.

What follows is a list of the four things I rely on most to get a good night’s rest:

  1. Warm and cozy flannel sheets are a must-have in the cooler months. When it becomes really hot, I change to t-shirt or jersey sheets. How cuddly they are!
  2. Add a memory foam mattress topper if you sleep on your side; your hips and shoulders will thank you. Memory foam mattress toppers are excellent because they offer cushy support without being too thick.
  3. Insert a mattress topper, and for added comfort, cover your mattress with a quilted mattress pad.
  4. While I enjoy the occasional cuddle, I don’t always want a hot, sweaty human with dragon breath hogging my space. That’s why I find my body pillow so comforting. With this, I get all the perks of having a cuddle buddy without any of the negatives.

What happens if your mattress is too hard?

It’s possible that your back and joints are hurting because your mattress is excessively firm. If you don’t feel like your spine is being supported properly, it may potentially be impacting your posture. It’s possible that your lack of restful sleep is having a negative effect on your day-to-day functioning.

How do I know if my mattress is too firm?

Some of the more obvious warnings that your bed is overly firm are:

  1. There is no body hugging effect.
  2. Awkwardness is being felt.
  3. You awake with a stiff neck or back.
  4. There are other places where you might sleep better on a softer mattress.

Have a look at our explication on how to determine the level of firmness that is best for you.

Now you know the 9 simple procedures to softening a firm mattress. Check out our selection of plush mattresses if you’re in the market for a new bed.

Check out our selection of mattress toppers if you’re in need of a quick way to soften your mattress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a hard bed cause back pain?

Back pain can be caused by either a too-hard or a too-soft bed. If it is excessively stiff, it will put strain on your body’s pressure points (the hips, shoulders, and torso) and throw off your alignment. If your arm goes to sleep while you’re not even lying on it, it may be a sign that your mattress is excessively hard.

Why does a new mattress feel firm?

Some mattresses, especially when they’re brand new, can be quite firm. In the case of memory foam, this is especially accurate. Some retailers pack their beds inside a box and send them that way. When a corporation does this, it’s already on the soft side.

Quick and Cheap Ways to Make Your Firm Mattress Softer - The Sleep Judge

However, there will be some getting used to if your bed makes it there without any damage. It could take up to 30 days. This product requires some “breaking in,” similar to how new shoes feel uncomfortable until you wear them a few times.

Does adding plywood underneath the bed make it firmer?

Indeed, that’s the case. Only those who sleep on boxsprings will need to follow this procedure. In that case, a sturdy platform frame would serve the same purpose.

Can I make my memory foam mattress firmer?

A memory foam mattress can be made firmer in a few different ways. One option is to move to a cooler bedroom. The foam becomes more solid as the temperature drops. A firm mattress topper is another option.

Conclusion

If your new bed isn’t living up to your expectations or if your old bed is showing its age, try implementing one or more of these suggestions to make going to bed a more pleasant experience.