Updated at: 08-07-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Let’s make sure everything is set in stone before we get started (get it). Jokes aside, the purpose of this piece is to teach you some effective methods for increasing the firmness of a mattress. Let’s jump right in.

Why You Might Need A Firm Bed

There are a number of scenarios in which a firmer mattress would be preferable. Perhaps the bed was delivered a little softer than you had anticipated. Some mattresses can be broken in to soften them up. Your doctor may have suggested a firmer mattress if you’ve been diagnosed with back discomfort or have suffered a back injury. Perhaps your new roommate prefers a mattress with more support. Whatever it is, you can count on our assistance.

Let’s begin by discussing the benefits of a firmer bed and the drawbacks of a softer one, and then go on to the various ways you might achieve a harder surface on your mattress.

Why Firmness Level Is Important

Your sleep, health, and general well-being are all affected by the mattress’s amount of firmness. Get a mattress that can accommodate your needs when sleeping, taking into account your weight, sleeping style, and the presence or absence of back problems. Considering that the average person sleeps for eight hours every night, or one-third of their lives, it’s important to find a mattress that’s just the correct level of firmness for them.

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There can be a lot of back and spine pain if you sleep on a mattress that is either firm or too soft for your unique sleeping position. It’s crucial to invest in a mattress that can accommodate both your body type and preferred sleeping posture. For instance, those who sleep on their sides require a softer mattress that will mold to the shape of their bodies, while those who sleep on their backs may want a firmer mattress. If your mattress is overly soft, we will discuss methods for firming it up.

Options To Make a Mattress Firmer

If you’re wondering how to make your mattress firmer, there are numerous things you may try before going out and buying a new one. It’s not uncommon for a new mattress to lose some of its initial firmness after a few days of use.

You may adjust the firmness and comfort of your mattress with the help of these features. You can get a good night’s sleep with just a few adjustments, such as taking advantage of the trial period or placing a plywood board under your mattress.

A time of testing. You can get to know your new mattress on the free trial offered by several online mattress brands. Most businesses provide a free trial period of 100 nights, while some, like Nectar, go as long as a whole 12 months.

If your mattress still has time left on its trial term, you may be able to return it for a full refund, and the manufacturer will typically come remove the mattress from your home at no additional cost. The company can probably help you out if you contact them. If you find that the firmness of your Novosbed mattress isn’t quite perfect, Novosbed will send you a Comfort+ Kit, a complimentary foam topper, at no additional cost.

Your mattress might be more comfortable on the floor. If that’s enough to meet your firmness needs, you have two options: either rock the dorm room look and leave it that way, or add some plywood to the space between your mattress and the bed frame. If your mattress is already firm, this may make it even more so.

Look at your box spring. A worn box spring is not a good investment. When they lose their resilience, the support they provide to your mattress decreases, potentially leading to a softer feel. A new box spring might help to firm up your bed for considerably less money than a new mattress.

Get rid of the old, worn-out layers and replace them. Manufacturers are increasingly constructing mattresses with removable layers, making it simple to replace worn spots. In addition to being a more cost-effective option, this will also make your mattress firmer. A mattress cover that can be removed easily is a must.

Dampness. The moisture in the air can be absorbed by your mattress, making it soft and pliable. Those who live near the ocean or in other humid climates often experience this. Taking the mattress outside and letting it dry in the sun for a day may help if you suspect this is the case. The sun’s rays should not only dry out your mattress, but also eliminate any germs or mold that may have developed due to the wetness. To be safe, give this a try before shelling out the cash for a professional cleaning if your mattress has you scared.

Cushion for the bed. You might be thinking, “But aren’t mattress toppers meant to soften beds?” However, if you want a firmer bed, there are many excellent mattress toppers available on Amazon.

Choose between a latex or memory foam mattress, as they are firm and supportive. Naturally hard and responsive, latex foam is derived from the sap of rubber trees. They also sell synthetic latex choices, which are typically more affordable. Toppers can add anywhere from 2 inches to 6 inches to the thickness of your bed, depending on your personal preference. In addition, mattress pads are typically thinner and add extra softness to mattresses, therefore it’s recommended that you seek out a topper rather than just a pad.

The temperature in the room should be taken into account. Memory foam made of 100% polyurethane or open-cell polyurethane foam are two examples of temperature-sensitive materials. We have even heard of pure memory foam freezing solid if left in really cold climates, so be careful if you keep them in a cold environment. To check if turning down the thermostat or opening a window and turning on the fan helps firm up your bed, try these solutions. Also, if your bedroom is too cold, your bed could feel too hard.

If your mattress is getting stale, try rotating it or flipping it. It can be helpful to switch around where you lay in bed so that your heavier parts aren’t always pressing against the same surface. Regardless of the type of mattress you have, we advise rotating it periodically to minimize the likelihood of sagging and imprints.

If your bed has a second side, you can try turning it over to use the firmer side. Just make sure it’s a mattress that can be flipped over first. Like the Plank, some beds feature a soft side and a firm side. Even if there aren’t varying degrees of firmness, the side that hasn’t been used will likely be the firmer of the two.

Sheets of plywood. Adding a plywood board between the mattress and the box spring or bed frame is one approach to increase the mattress’s firmness. This provides additional support for your mattress and keeps it from sagging.

At the end of the day, a new mattress is your best bet. As we explained above, the firmness of your bed is very important for your spinal health, and to prevent against body aches and stiffness. Those who must sleep exclusively on their backs or bellies will find this to be very accurate. Too much time spent in a bed that is old and worn out is also bad for your health. A new mattress may be in order if you’ve owned your current one for more than ten years and noticed that it’s softer than it used to be. In case you need some guidance in deciding which bed is ideal for you, take a look at our lists of the Best Firm Beds and the Best Beds for Back Sleepers.

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What is the Right Firmness For You

Side Sleepers

At the end of the day, a new mattress is your best bet. As we explained above, the firmness of your bed is very important for your spinal health, and to prevent against body aches and stiffness. Those who must sleep exclusively on their backs or bellies will find this to be very accurate. Too much time spent in a bed that is old and worn out is also bad for your health. A new mattress may be in order if you’ve owned your current one for more than ten years and noticed that it’s softer than it used to be. In case you need some guidance in deciding which bed is ideal for you, take a look at our lists of the Best Firm Beds and the Best Beds for Back Sleepers.

Combo Sleepers

Invest in a new mattress if everything else fails. As we’ve already discussed, a bed’s firmness is crucial for spinal health and for avoiding muscle soreness and joint stiffness. Those who only sleep on their backs or bellies will find this to be especially accurate. An old, worn bed is also bad for your health. It may be time for a new mattress if you’ve owned your current one for more than ten years and noticed that it’s softer than it was when you initially acquired it. If you need assistance deciding which bed to buy, we have compiled a list of the finest beds for different sleeping positions.

Importance Of Thickness And Firmness In Mattress

Mattress firmness is as crucial as mattress thickness when it comes to having a good night’s sleep. Too much give in a mattress can cause the body to sink in and the spine to curve, both of which can disrupt sleep.

However, the opposite is true: a mattress that is overly firm can lead to stiffness and pain in the neck, back, and joints. That’s why it’s so crucial to choose the optimal level of firmness for your mattress, somewhere between being too soft and being too firm.

A mattress’s thickness is an additional consideration if you’re looking for a firm surface. There will be greater support and less sagging with a thicker mattress.

It’s important to remember, though, that not everyone favors a plush mattress. Some sleepers complain of the mattress being excessively hard, while others have the opposite complaint. Consequently, it’s crucial that you give some thought to your own tastes before settling on a mattress density.

However, there is no one-to-one correlation between thickness and sinking. When shopping for a mattress, remember that a thicker model may have additional layers of transitional foam and a firmer support layer at the base to prevent you from sinking too far in.

A thicker mattress has more components to support your weight, so it will likely last longer than a thinner one.

12 Easy Tips on How to Make Mattress Firmer

Mattresses can sag or lose their firmness with time, and if replacing your mattress isn’t in the cards anytime soon, you should learn how to restore its original firmness and restore its comfort. Let’s figure out how to make your bed as supportive as possible. Some people find that doing the following measures helps them fall asleep faster and stay asleep until they can afford a new mattress.

1. Flip your mattress

Simply turning over your mattress might help it seem firmer. After a few months, turn your mattress over so the new, unwashed side is on top. If your mattress has a “flippable” side, you can use it either way. To prolong the life of your mattress and ensure that it remains supportive, flip it over every few months. This will prevent uneven wear on the mattress and avoid it from drooping to one side. You should do this every six months or so, depending on how often you use your bed. You now have the knowledge to restore the original shape of a sagging mattress.

2. Use a mattress topper

Knowing how to make a soft mattress firmer by adding a firm mattress topper is useful information if a soft mattress is keeping you from obtaining a good night’s sleep. You can choose from a variety of mattress toppers, including those made of hard foam or memory foam. It is possible to establish a level of firmness that will persist all night with a memory foam mattress topper.

Polyurethane or latex can also be used as a cover. Pads are typically filled with polyester or other materials that may not provide the desired firmness, and they tend to be thinner. Make the bed more firm by placing plywood under the mattress topper instead of a pad.

3. Check and replace damaged or worn-out layers

The layers of certain mattresses are kept in place by a protective cover. The benefit of this sort of mattress is that if one layer becomes worn or damaged, it can be easily replaced without having to buy a whole new mattress. Simply cut open the mattress, locate the damaged layer, and replace it.

4. Check and replace box Spring or foundation

Your mattress’s box spring’s coils can lose their springiness over time. If you notice that your mattress is no longer supportive, it may be time to upgrade your box spring. The new box spring you’re purchasing will raise the mattress to a more comfortable and practical height while also increasing the bed’s overall support.

5. Add plywood support

Before resorting to plywood, you should contact the mattress’s manufacturer to see if they have any suggestions for fixing your mattress’ softness. Assuming you get the green light from them, pick out some plywood to go under your bed. Before installing the plywood in your bed, check that it has not been treated and that the edges and sides have been smoothed.

6. Move the mattress to the floor

Putting your mattress on the floor is another option if you want a firmer surface. Especially if the aforementioned measures haven’t worked, this could be your last option. But remember that there will be dust, grime, and pests that can make their way onto your bed if you put your mattress directly on the floor. Put yourself flat on the floor and sleep well if you believe this will assist your mattress retain its shape and the noise around you doesn’t annoy you.

How to Get the Right Mattress and Avoid Back Pain

7. Adjust the room temperature

There is a chance that the temperature of your bedroom will have an effect on the type of mattress you have. If you have a mattress made entirely of memory foam, for instance, you may notice that it softens in a warmer environment. The mattress can be made firmer by adjusting the temperature settings. Changing the temperature of a memory foam mattress is all it takes to make it firmer.

8. Air the Mattress out

Water absorbed by a mattress can gradually relax its structure and make it more comfortable to sleep on. Though this is inevitable, it can be delayed by regularly airing the mattress outside in the sun. The sun’s rays can help firm up the mattress while also eliminating any bugs, mold, or mildew that may have made their home there. You can also use it to clean your mattress and give it more support.

9. Keep bedding flat

If you want a firmer mattress, examine the smoothness of your fitted sheets. If you have a tight mattress cover, it may be difficult to feel the mattress beneath you. This is because when the sheets are close against it, it will be more difficult for the mattress to expand and shrink.

10. Get a new bed frame

See if your fitted sheets need to be smoothed out if you prefer a firmer mattress. Fitting snugly can make it difficult to feel the surface of the mattress. This is because it will be harder for the mattress to expand and contract if the sheets are snug against it.

11. Trial period

Many online mattress brands have trial periods so that you can get to know your new mattress before you commit. This way, if you find that the mattress is too firm or too soft, you can always return it and get a new one.

12. Invest in a New Mattress

Getting to know a new mattress before making a long-term commitment is easy thanks to the trial periods offered by many online mattress providers. In this way, you won’t be stuck with a mattress that’s either too hard or too soft.

It’s tough to obtain a decent night’s sleep on a bed that has been used for a long period. It’s not simply hard to get comfortable on a mattress this old.

If your current mattress is losing its firmness, it’s time to shop for a replacement. If you’ve been having trouble sleeping or waking up feeling stiff and sore, investing in a new mattress may be just the thing you need.

Mattress Firmness For Different Types Of Sleepers

If you’re trying to figure out how firm of a mattress you should have, it may help to consider the type of sleeper you are.

Side Sleeper

When a person sleeps on their side, they bear the most weight on their hips and shoulders. Therefore, a mattress that is soft enough to mould the body nicely and provide pressure relief is ideal for side sleepers. Mattresses in the medium-firm range (levels 3-6) are best for side sleepers.

Back Sleeper

To prevent their hips and shoulders from sinking too far into the mattress, back sleepers should choose for a firmer mattress. They should be fine on a mattress with a firmness level of 6.

Stomach Sleeper

Most people who sleep on their stomachs need a firmer mattress. One of the causes of back discomfort for some people is sleeping on too soft of a mattress and waking up with an arched spine. They do best on a mattress with a firmness level of 6-8.

Combination Sleeper

People who combine their sleeping postures frequently move around during the night. That’s why it’s crucial that the mattress you choose has good back support and contours to your body to help alleviate stress points. Firmness levels 3-8 are available, so you may choose the perfect mattress no matter how you typically sleep.

Benefits of a Firm Mattress

You should be aware of the health benefits of firming up a soft mattress now that you know how to do it.

  • When sleeping on a solid surface, the spine naturally aligns, leading to better posture when you wake up. Sleeping more soundly is possible on a firmer mattress since it provides the necessary support for your spine and other body parts.
  • One can sleep in a variety of positions thanks to the firmness of the mattress. To get the most out of your night’s rest as a combo sleeper, invest in a medium-firm mattress.
  • A firm mattress reduces tossing and turning, allowing for a more pleasant night’s sleep.
  • Because there is no sagging or bulging, regular upkeep of the mattress is simplified. One more benefit of a firmer mattress is that it requires less frequent replacement.

Final Thoughts

The ability to increase the firmness of a soft mattress can be a significant cost-saver. To that end, we offer the following suggestions in the hopes that you might restore support and comfort to your sagging mattress. And if you find yourself in need of a new bed, you already know what amount of firmness to seek out.