Did you know 90% of new mattress owners find their beds too firm at first1? This surprising fact often leads people to look for ways to soften their mattresses. Whether you’ve just bought a new bed or your current one has become too firm, we have expert tips to help. These tips will make your sleep more comfortable.
Key Takeaways
- Mattresses usually start off firmer than expected, needing time to soften with regular use1.
- Buying a mattress topper is the most common quick fix to soften a firm mattress1.
- Rotating or flipping a mattress can help, more so for dual-sided mattresses where one side is softer2.
- Solid platforms make mattresses feel firmer, while sprung slats offer softer support1.
- Memory foam mattresses get softer when the room is warmer1.
Give Your New Mattress Time to Break In
When you get a brand new mattress, it might feel firmer than you expect at first. This is normal during the break-in period3. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to about 60 days for it to soften up, depending on the type3.
Traditional innerspring mattresses might only need two weeks to get comfortable3. Pillowtop beds usually take about 30 days, and hybrids around 45 days3. Tempur-Pedic mattresses, being denser, might take up to four months to soften3.
Using the mattress every night helps it break in, like wearing in new boots3. This process makes the mattress fit your body and sleeping habits better over time3. Memory foam mattresses also get softer with body heat, molding to your shape4.
To break it in evenly, rotate the mattress every three weeks to a month at first3. An adjustable base can also help it break in faster3. Using a mattress protector can keep it clean and extend its life3.
By letting your new mattress break in, you’ll get a more comfortable sleep in the long run34.
Check Your Mattress Trial Period
Many mattress brands give you a chance to try them out for a long time, from 30 to 365 days5. If your new mattress isn’t as comfy as you hoped, you might be able to swap it or get a full refund. Make sure to read your mattress’s sleep trial policy well to know what you can do.
Exchanging a Firm Mattress
If your mattress is too hard, even after it has settled, you can exchange it for a softer one during the trial5. This is a smart way to get the right firmness without being stuck with a mattress that’s not right for you. Just reach out to the maker or seller to start the exchange.
Returning an Unsatisfactory Mattress
Most mattress companies will give you a full refund if you’re not happy with it during the trial5. This lets you test the mattress at home and send it back if it’s not comfy or supportive. Just make sure to follow the return steps carefully for a smooth process.
Using the sleep trial is a clever way to find the perfect mattress for you5. Don’t stick with a mattress that’s too firm – use the chance to swap or return it if it’s not right65.
how to make a firm mattress softer
If your new mattress feels too firm, don’t worry. There are simple ways to soften it. One quick fix is to add a plush mattress topper7 for instant comfort.
Invest in a Plush Mattress Topper
Mattress toppers add a layer of cushioning on top of your mattress. Choose ones made of soft materials like memory foam7 or wool. They help ease pressure points and make sleeping more comfortable7.
The Layla Hybrid Mattress7 has both soft and firm sides. This lets you adjust the comfort to your liking. Try different mattress topper options8 to find the right softness for you.
“A quality mattress combined with a suitable base can significantly impact comfort levels.”7
Finding the right mix of softness and support is essential for a good sleep. Experiment with various mattress topper7 types until you find the perfect one for your firm mattress.
Rotate or Flip Your Mattress
Keeping your mattress in good shape is key for a great night’s sleep. One way to do this is by regularly rotating or flipping it9. This helps spread out wear and tear, keeping your mattress supportive and comfy for longer9. Some mattresses even have a softer side, letting you pick your comfort level.
If your mattress feels too firm, try flipping it to the softer side10. This can make it feel plusher and more cushioned, perfect for those who sleep lightly or on their sides10. Flipping also helps prevent it from sagging too soon and can make it last longer11.
Rotating Your Mattress
Most mattresses today are meant to be rotated, not flipped, because of how they’re made11. Rotating helps spread out wear, which can add a year or more to its life11. It’s advised to rotate memory foam, latex, and newer innerspring mattresses 1-2 times a year. Older innerspring mattresses need to be rotated 2-5 times a year11.
Flipping Your Mattress
If your mattress can be flipped, it’s a great way to change its firmness11. Flippable mattresses have two sides, so you can pick the firmness you like or keep it the same to make it last longer11. But, not all mattresses can be flipped safely, so check your mattress’s design11.
Regularly rotating or flipping your mattress can keep it comfy and supportive, helping you sleep better9. Just follow the maker’s advice and know your mattress’s special features to get the most out of it and better sleep11.
“Making sleep a priority is key for health and well-being,” says physical therapist Jessica Wulke10.
Upgrade Your Bed Foundation
The bed foundation you choose can change how firm your mattress feels. Solid, flat platforms make mattresses feel firmer. On the other hand, bed frames with sprung slats or a box spring add cushioning, making the mattress softer12. A plush bed foundation can soften your mattress and improve your sleep.
Bed Frames with Sprung Slats or Box Springs
Switching to a bed frame with sprung slats or a box spring can add softness to your mattress12. Sprung slats flex to offer a forgiving surface. Box springs absorb shock, spreading your weight evenly. This makes for a softer, more supportive sleep surface, ideal for those who like a softer feel.
Solid Platforms
Solid, flat platforms, on the other hand, make mattresses feel firmer12. They provide a rigid surface that limits the mattress’s ability to mold to your body. If your mattress feels too firm, a solid platform might be the culprit. Try a softer bed foundation for a more comfortable sleep.
The bed foundation you pick greatly affects your mattress’s firmness and comfort. Exploring options like sprung slats or box springs can soften your mattress. This way, you can find the right mix of support and softness for your sleep needs12.
| Bed Foundation Type | Impact on Mattress Firmness |
|---|---|
| Sprung Slats | Adds cushioning and softens the mattress |
| Box Spring | Acts as a shock absorber, making the mattress feel softer |
| Solid Platforms | Creates a firmer sleeping surface |
Adjust the Room Temperature
The temperature in your bedroom can change how firm your mattress feels, if it’s memory foam. Warmer rooms can make the mattress softer and more comfy13. Try turning up the heat a bit to see if it softens your firm mattress.
Memory foam mattresses really feel the temperature14. When it’s warm, the foam gets softer, giving a better fit and relief from pressure. But when it’s cool, the foam gets firmer, which might make it less comfy13. By changing the room’s temperature, you can change how soft or firm your mattress feels.
The time you’ve had your mattress also affects its firmness13. Most mattresses need about 30 days to fully adjust, with the first few weeks being the most important15. If your new mattress feels too hard, just wait a bit. It might get softer as it breaks in.
The kind of base your mattress sits on also affects its firmness13. Solid bases make mattresses feel firmer, while bases with springs or box springs add more cushioning and softness13. Changing your bed frame or base can also make your mattress feel softer without needing a new one.
Finding the right firmness and softness is very personal14. You can try adjusting the temperature, adding a topper, or changing the base to make your mattress just right for you. This way, you can make your mattress fit your unique comfort needs and sleeping style.
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble with a firm mattress, we’ve got some good news. We’ve shared ways to make your mattress softer. You can let your mattress break in for a while1617 or add a plush topper16. These tips can make your mattress more comfy and supportive.
It’s important to remember that what feels firm to one person might not be the same for another. Your body weight18 and how you sleep18 can affect how firm a mattress feels. By trying out different mattresses and making changes, you can find the perfect one for you.
Don’t be afraid to try rotating, flipping, or adding a topper to your mattress. The goal is to find what works best for you. With a bit of patience and the right adjustments, you can turn a firm mattress into a cozy, supportive place to sleep.
FAQ
How can I make a firm mattress feel softer?
Why do brand new mattresses often start off feeling too firm?
What if my new mattress is too firm after the break-in period?
What type of mattress topper can help soften a firm mattress?
How can rotating or flipping my mattress help?
How does the bed foundation affect mattress firmness?
Can temperature affect the firmness of a memory foam mattress?
Source Links
- How to Make a Firm Mattress Softer – 9 Steps | Mattress Online – https://www.mattressonline.co.uk/advice/how-to-make-firm-mattress-softer
- How to Make A Hard Mattress Softer & More Comfortable? – Sleep Advisor – https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-to-make-mattress-softer/
- Breaking In a New Mattress: Tips for a Comfortable Night’s Sleep – https://www.mattressfirm.com/blog/sleep-tips/break-in-a-new-mattress
- How to Break in a Mattress: 9 Easy Tips to Boost Your Comfort – https://www.shopbedmart.com/how-to-break-in-a-new-mattress/?srsltid=AfmBOopay6kW00vFp_TZRHyUUlm-DYylxjQEAFVGGFRkDVepVtVotRdp
- How To Make A Firm Mattress Softer | Happy Beds – https://www.happybeds.co.uk/mattresses/guides/how-to-make-a-firm-mattress-softer?srsltid=AfmBOooBhrlnhw-RhBL5sR5-Um43ARfDtUtB4FM9V9d8wXXcTble_2B7
- How to Break in a Mattress: 9 Easy Tips to Boost Your Comfort – https://www.shopbedmart.com/how-to-break-in-a-new-mattress/?srsltid=AfmBOorrTylUMg6OZgM3–ErIDjpDpeBkkutL7CESIrXFJ1PIK4IaGYf
- Mattress Too Firm? 5 Tips for How to Soften Up a Firm Mattress – https://laylasleep.com/mattress-too-firm/?srsltid=AfmBOoqlh3iMzkPWq9TfedH9-v4N7ScJBgmZ3jCrTq3erwkoMLc5LrqH
- Bed too firm. Need to soften the bed to relieve pressure points – https://forum.mattressunderground.com/t/bed-too-firm-need-to-soften-the-bed-to-relieve-pressure-points/2959
- How to Make Your Mattress Firmer | Sleep Foundation – https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-make-your-mattress-firmer
- Is Your Mattress Too Firm? Here’s How To Make A Mattress Softer – https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/how-to-make-a-mattress-softer/
- Should You Flip or Rotate Your Mattress? – https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/should-you-flip-or-rotate-your-mattress
- How to Make a Mattress Softer – https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-mattress/how-to-make-mattress-softer
- How To Make A Mattress Softer – A Pro Tester’s Guide – NapLab – https://naplab.com/guides/how-to-make-a-mattress-softer/
- Mattress Too Firm? 6 Tips to Soften Your Mattress – Sleep Junkie – https://www.sleepjunkie.com/mattress-too-firm/
- Is Your Mattress Too Firm? Try These 4 Tips to Make It Softer – https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/4-tips-to-make-your-mattress-softer/
- The Secret to Making a Firm Mattress Softer – https://www.mattressinsider.com/blog/how-to-make-a-firm-mattress-softer/
- How to Make a Mattress Softer | Mattress Nerd – https://www.mattressnerd.com/make-mattress-softer/
- How To Fix a Too Soft or Too Firm Mattress – eachnight – https://eachnight.com/mattress-guides/how-to-make-a-mattress-softer/