"Transform Your Hard Mattress into a Plush Oasis: 6 Tips to Create a Softer Sleeping Surface"

Are you suffering from uncomfortable nights on your new bed? Fear not, for we have a plethora of tips to help you achieve the softer and comfier sleeping surface you desire.

Perhaps you made the grave error of trying out mattresses after a long and tiring day, where anything could have felt comfortable as long as you could just relax. Or maybe you have shifted to sleeping on your side and need a mattress that will accommodate your arm and prevent waking up with a dead limb. Whatever your reason may be, we assure you that there are plenty of simple ways to turn your bed into the oasis of rest you deserve.

Let's first discuss why having a softer mattress is so important before we delve into the options available to make your bed softer.

Is your bed too firm?

Note that when we use the term "firmness" in our mattress reviews, we are using it in relative terms.

Firmness is relative. It is inherently linked to an individual's weight and body type. The heavier you are, the more you'll sink into the mattress, causing it to feel softer. Conversely, petite people might have a hard time finding a soft-feeling mattress as they'll find themselves lying on top of the mattress instead of sinking into it. However, some mattresses are designed to make heavy sleepers sink through the comfort layers, laying more on top of the poly foam or coil base layers, resulting in a firmer feel. In such cases, a thicker and more supportive mattress might be necessary.

Consider your sleeping position. It is essential to take into account your sleeping position when selecting a mattress's firmness level. Back and stomach sleepers usually require a firmer surface to support their hips and shoulders, maintaining a neutral alignment of the spine. A bed that is too soft will cause hips to sink too deep into the bed, resulting in an arched spine. Side sleepers, on the other hand, need a softer mattress to accommodate their hips and shoulders' shape. A mattress that is too firm will restrict blood flow, causing tingly sensations or even loss of feeling.

Choosing the right mattress is critical if you want a comfortable sleeping experience, especially if you suffer from conditions like scoliosis or fibromyalgia. Considering we spend almost a third of our lives sleeping, comfort should be a top priority. Also, having a correctly aligned spine, whether sleeping on your back or side, is essential for your body's overall health. Keep this in mind as we discuss various options for softening up your mattress.

Select the perfect mattress for you.

SEE ALSO: Top Beds for Alleviating Back Pain

How to Soften Your Mattress

Allow Time for the Mattress to Settle

If your new bed feels too hard, it could just need more time to settle in a little. Just like how you have to wear new shoes in, so does your mattress. Sleep on it every night as you usually would, and it will gradually break in on its own. Alternatively, you can speed up the process by walking around your bed for a couple of minutes every day. If you want to accelerate the softening process, you can even have kids come over (or borrow your sister’s kids) to jump on it. Most mattress companies indicate that a new mattress takes up to 60 days to break in. Novosbed will not take returns before the first 60 days, after which they offer a Comfort Kit (a free foam topper) if you think the bed is too firm for your liking.

Try to hasten the softening process

Check Your Trial Period

Typically, online mattress companies provide a trial period during which you can test out the bed at home before committing to it entirely. Most companies offer a 100-night trial period, but some have longer trials. For example, Nectar offers a year-long trial period. If you recently bought your mattress, check to confirm if it's still under its trial period, as it may qualify for a free return and refund, and most firms will come and collect the mattress for you.

Flip the Mattress

If you know your mattress is reversible, try the other side. Some mattress companies, like Layla, have varying firmness levels on each side, so the opposite side may be softer for you. We recommend rotating your mattress every season to avoid sagging or permanent depressions. When your bed has permanent depressions, it can imply that the bed's comfort layers are compressed, making it feel firmer. Rotate it so that different parts of your body, such as your shoulders and hips, carry the weight. Remember, sagging and impressions can indicate that it's time to replace your mattress, though.

Warm It Up for Comfort

Some common mattress materials, such as memory foam or airy polyurethane foam, may be temperature sensitive. Similar to how memory foam sinks in as it absorbs your body heat, a warmer room will help your entire bed become softer. Adjust your thermostat, use a heated blanket, or switch to flannel sheets to warm things up. This is another way to help you discover how to make your bed more comfortable.

The warmer the memory foam bed, the softer it appears

Get a Mattress Topper to Enhance Comfort

You can find plenty of excellent options on Amazon, and they're significantly less expensive than buying a new bed. Different mattress toppers can provide extra pressure relief or body contouring. We recommend a thick memory foam topper, a goose down topper, or a wool topper for a softer feel. Note that egg crate-style toppers can be irritating to sensitive sleepers and may have too much texture. You could also get a mattress pad, but toppers are thicker and more plush. Some examples of good products include the Casper Topper and the Linenspa Topper.

In Search of Better Sleep? Consider a Softer Mattress

As we previously discussed, the firmness level of your mattress plays a vital role in the health of your spine. If your mattress is old, sagging, or excessively rigid, you may experience body stiffness or sleep difficulties that can lead to further problems. If you have already tried our recommended tips and tricks but are still struggling to improve your sleep quality, it may be time to invest in a new bed. To identify the perfect mattress that suits your needs, take our Mattress Finder Quiz and discover the optimal solution for you.