Transform Your Sleeping Experience with a Softer Mattress

If you find that your once-perfect bed is now too firm for your liking, don't rush to buy a new one just yet. There are plenty of ways to make your mattress softer and more comfortable, even if it's not quite broken in yet or you're past your sleep trial period. In this article, we'll offer tips and tricks to help you make your mattress feel softer and ensure you're getting the best quality sleep possible.

How to Make Your Mattress Softer

Give It Some Time

If your mattress is new, it may need time to settle before it feels just right. In fact, most beds will feel firmer at first and soften up after 30 to 60 days of sleeping on them. Memory foam beds generally take the longest to break in, while innerspring and latex mattresses will soften a bit faster. You can even hasten the process by walking across your bed a little each day. If it still feels too firm for you after 60 nights, it may be time to consider other options.

Check Your Sleep Trial Period

If you've given your bed plenty of time to break in and still aren't happy with it, check to see if your mattress company offers a sleep trial period. This trial period usually lasts between 30 and 365 days and allows you to return or exchange your bed for free or a low cost before the trial period ends. If you're still within your sleep trial period, simply contact your mattress company to return your bed for a refund or exchange it for a softer model.

Invest in a Mattress Topper

A mattress topper is an easy way to change the feel of your bed without having to replace it entirely. These foam layers sit on top of your mattress, underneath your sheets and mattress cover, and range from one to three inches in height. If you're looking to make your bed softer, choose a topper made of plush, contouring materials like memory foam, polyfoam, wool, or latex. Check out our top picks for mattress toppers to find the perfect one for you.

Flip or Rotate Your Mattress

If your mattress has lost its luster and feels too worn in some areas, try rotating it 180 degrees to see if the less worn areas feel softer and more comfortable. But be aware that not all mattresses are flippable, so check with your manufacturer before attempting to flip it. You could also try flipping it if it is flippable. By flipping or rotating your bed, you can help improve your sleeping experience and make your bed feel softer.

Replace Your Bed Frame for a Comfier Bed

If you're finding that your mattress feels too hard when placed on a solid platform base or bed frame, adding a flat, firm foundation can give it added stability, but it will make it feel less soft. A better option is to swap your firm foundation for one with springs, like a box spring, which will make your bed more bouncy and plush.  

Adjust the Temperature for a More Comfortable Sleep

Different mattress materials can feel more or less firm depending on the temperature. For example, if your bed is made from memory foam, it can contract in colder temperatures, making it feel more firm and sturdy. To avoid this, keep your bedroom at a warmer temperature or add a heating blanket to your bed for a cosier sleep.

Change Your Sleep Position for Better Comfort

Certain sleep positions require a softer mattress than others. If you're a side sleeper, you may find that a soft mattress that cradles your shoulders and hips is more comfortable. However, if you train yourself to sleep on your back or stomach, you'll be more comfortable on a medium or medium-firm mattress, which is better suited to firmer beds. Check out the best mattresses for back sleepers or best mattresses for stomach sleepers if you're looking for extra support.

Invest in a New Mattress for a More Restful Sleep

If you've tried all of the above and your mattress still feels too hard, and you're no longer within the sleep trial period, it might be time for a new mattress. Luckily, there are plenty of plush mattresses available to fit all budgets and sleep preferences. Check out our roundup of the best soft mattresses for inspiration.

How to Tell if Your Mattress is Too Firm

If you're uncertain about replacing your mattress, keep an eye out for these signs telling you that you need a softer bed.

Regular aches and pains: If you wake up with new aches and pains every morning, your mattress is likely too firm.

Joint pressure: When you're lying in bed, you may feel pressure around your knees, hips, or shoulders. If so, a softer bed can help redistribute your weight evenly across the mattress, reducing joint stress.

Uncomfortable sleep: If you have trouble getting comfortable and falling asleep, it's time to consider a softer mattress.

Hotel envy: If you get a better night's sleep on a plush hotel mattress compared to your own at home, it's time to invest in a softer bed.

The Consequences of Sleeping on a Mattress That's Too Firm

When it comes to sleeping, the firmness of your mattress plays a significant role in your quality of sleep and overall health. If your mattress is too firm, you'll quickly notice discomfort and toss and turn, leading to a compromised sleep experience.

However, in the long run, a too-firm mattress can negatively impact your spine's healthy alignment while you sleep, causing back and neck pain. To avoid unnecessary sleep loss and back aches, address mattress firmness as soon as discomfort arises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What options do you have if your mattress is too hard?

If your mattress is too hard, sleep on it for at least 30 to 60 days to "break it in." If the discomfort persists, try mattress toppers, mattresses that have springs built into their foundation, increase your bedroom temperature, or switch up your sleeping position (back or stomach) to give your bed a softer feel.

Is it better to sleep on a firmer or softer mattress?

In general, people with lighter body types, those who sleep on their side, or need added pressure relief tend to prefer softer mattresses. Those with larger body types or who sleep on their stomachs or back prefer firmer mattresses. Firmness levels are subjective, so find a balance of support and comfort that works best for you.

Do mattress toppers make a bed softer?

Yes, certain mattress toppers can make a bed softer, while others can make it firmer. With many mattress options available on the market, it's easy to find a solution tailored to meet any sleeping need and preference.

Is a firm mattress good for your back?

A supportive mattress is beneficial for your back, but a mattress that is too firm may force your spine into an unhealthy posture, leading to aches and pains.

Conclusion

A comfortable sleep is vital to staying healthy, and having a mattress that is too firm can severely affect your sleep quality. If your mattress feels too hard, take steps to rectify it, whether by breaking it in, returning it (if within the trial period) or using the expert tips outlined above to soften the feel of your bed. If you are still struggling to get comfortable, check out our guide to the best soft mattresses to find the perfect sleep solution.

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