Did you know 80% of Americans suffer from back pain1? A soft mattress is often the cause, leading to bad spinal alignment and discomfort. We’ll share expert tips to make your mattress more supportive, whether it’s too soft or has worn out.
Even a new mattress can become too soft over time1. A soft mattress doesn’t support your body right, causing aches and disrupting sleep. It can also make it hard to move and trap heat. But don’t worry, we have simple ways to make your mattress firmer and more supportive.
Key Takeaways
- A soft mattress can cause poor spinal alignment and back pain
- Mattress materials like latex, memory foam, and polyfoam affect firmness levels
- Mattress toppers are an affordable way to make a bed feel more supportive
- Adjustable firmness options allow you to customize the sleep surface
- Environmental factors like temperature can impact mattress firmness
The best solution depends on your situation. We’ll cover easy ways to firm up your mattress and improve your comfort. These tips can help your mattress last longer and support you better for a good night’s sleep.
The Benefits of a Firm Mattress
Choosing the right mattress is key to good sleep and health. Mattress firmness ranges from 1 (softest) to 10 (firmest)2. A firm mattress is 7 or above on this scale2.
Firm mattresses offer many benefits. They support the back, reduce joint pain, and improve circulation2. They also help with oxygenation, prevent bed sores, relax muscles, and align the spine2. Plus, they reduce tossing and turning, last longer, and are a good value2.
Who May Benefit from a Firmer Sleep Surface
Many sleepers benefit from firm mattresses. This includes stomach, back, and side sleepers, as well as those with arthritis or chronic pain2. It’s also good for overweight individuals, pregnant women, and those with back or joint issues2.
Memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses vary in firmness2. Extra firm mattresses, rated 9 or 10, offer the most support3. They’re great for those up to 500 lbs and last longer due to high-density foams3.
Choosing the right mattress firmness depends on personal needs. But, firm mattresses are a clear winner for many234.
Easy Methods to Make Your Mattress Firmer
If your mattress feels too soft but is in good shape, you might not need a new one yet. There are simple ways to make it firmer and more supportive5.
Adding a firm mattress topper, like latex or memory foam, can help5. This way, you can adjust the firmness without buying a new mattress. Also, rotating or flipping your mattress regularly can keep it firm longer5.
For more support, try using a solid base under your mattress. This could be a box spring or a slatted frame5. A quick fix is placing your mattress on the floor for a firmer feel5.
| Product | Firmness Level |
|---|---|
| Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | 7.5 and 9 on the firmness scale6 |
| Saatva Mattress | Plush soft, luxury firm, and firm, with luxury firm being the most popular6 |
| Brooklyn Bedding’s Titan Plus | 7 on the firmness scale, designed for heavier individuals6 |
Finding the right firmness for your mattress depends on your preferences and body type56. Trying these methods can improve your sleep without needing a new mattress56.
By using these simple tips, you can sleep better without spending a lot56.
how to make mattress more firm
If your mattress is too soft, there are simple ways to make it firmer. Replacing worn-out layers can help, which is easy if your mattress can be taken apart7.
Changing the room temperature can also change how firm a memory foam mattress is. It gets softer in warm weather and firmer when it’s cold7. Also, regularly airing out your mattress stops it from getting soggy, which can make it sag too soon7.
| Solution | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Replacing worn-out layers | Firming up the mattress, if it can be taken apart |
| Adjusting room temperature | Makes memory foam mattresses softer in heat and firmer in cold |
| Regularly airing out the mattress | Stops moisture buildup, which can cause sagging |
If these steps don’t make your mattress firm enough, it might be time for a new, more supportive mattress8. Brands like Saatva or Brooklyn Bedding offer mattresses in different firmness levels to fit your needs8.
Keeping your mattress firm and comfy means fixing problems fast and trying different fixes. With a bit of effort, you can make your mattress more supportive and refreshing78.
Environmental Factors Affecting Mattress Firmness
Temperature and Airflow Considerations
Many things can change how firm your mattress feels, like the temperature and airflow. If you make your bedroom cooler, memory foam mattresses might feel firmer9. This is because memory foam gets softer when it’s warm and firmer when it’s cool9.
Even a small change in room temperature can make a difference. It’s an easy way to adjust the feel of your memory foam mattress.
Good airflow is also key to keep your mattress dry9. Foam mattresses can hold onto moisture, leading to mold, mildew, and sagging9. To keep your mattress dry, let it air out in a sunny, clean area once or twice a year9.
Keeping your mattress at the right temperature and airflow helps it stay firm and last longer910. This ensures you get a comfortable and supportive sleep every night910.
“Controlling the environment around your mattress is essential for maintaining its firmness and preventing issues like moisture buildup.”
When to Consider a New Mattress
If you’ve tried everything and nothing works, it might be time for a new mattress. Back and stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to avoid spinal problems11. Most mattresses last about ten years11. People over 230 pounds should choose firmer mattresses for better support11.
Getting a new mattress can help avoid pain and improve your sleep. Many online mattress companies offer sleep trials lasting from three months to a year12. Thomas Høegh Reisenhus from Tempur-Pedic says a good mattress is key for your health13.
Look for signs like sagging or loss of support when deciding to replace your mattress13. Rotating or flipping your mattress every quarter can help13. If your mattress is very saggy or over 7 to 10 years old, it’s time for a new one.
Choosing the right mattress can change your sleep and health. Paying attention to when you need a new mattress ensures you get the support and comfort for a good night’s sleep.
Conclusion
We’ve looked at ways to make your mattress firmer and more supportive. Adding a dense topper, like memory foam or latex, can add extra firmness14. Also, replacing old parts can bring back the mattress’s original feel15.
Firm mattresses are great for stomach and back sleepers, heavier people, and those with back or mobility issues15. They help keep the spine aligned and make it easier to move. But, the right firmness is up to you, so try different ones to find what works best.
If your mattress is too old or not right for you, it’s time for a new one. Look at the Sleepopolis Score, warranty, firmness choices, and trial period to choose16. By focusing on these key points, you can get a good night’s sleep for a long time.
FAQ
What are some effective methods to make a mattress feel more firm?
Who may benefit from sleeping on a firmer mattress?
How can adjusting the room temperature affect mattress firmness?
When is it time to invest in a new, more supportive mattress?
Source Links
- How to Make Your Mattress Firmer | Sleep Foundation – https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-make-your-mattress-firmer
- Firm Bed Benefits: Top Ten | Make The Right Choice | Sleep Firm – https://sleepfirm.com.au/firm-bed-benefits-top-ten-reasons-to-throw-out-your-old-soft-mattress/
- 5 benefits of an extra firm mattress, plus our top 3 recommended hard beds – https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/mattresses/5-benefits-of-an-extra-firm-mattress-plus-our-top-3-recommended-hard-beds
- Understanding the Mattress Firmness Scale: A Comprehensive Guide – https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/sleep/mattress-firmness/
- How to Make a Mattress Firmer – 10 Easy Steps | Mattress Online – https://www.mattressonline.co.uk/advice/how-to-make-mattress-firmer
- How to Make a Mattress Firmer | Mattress Nerd – https://www.mattressnerd.com/how-to-make-a-mattress-firmer/
- How to Make Your Soft Mattress More Firm – https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/new-mattress-too-soft-try-these-tips-to-make-it-more-firm/
- How To Make a Mattress Firmer: 9 New Tips – Sleep Advisor – https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-to-make-mattress-firmer/
- Adjusting Mattress Firmness: Can You Change It? – https://sleepiverse.com/articles/adjusting-mattress-firmness/
- How to Make a Mattress Firmer – NapLab – https://naplab.com/guides/how-to-make-a-mattress-firmer/
- Wondering How To Make Your Mattress Firmer? Here Are 6 Solutions – https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/how-to-make-your-mattress-firmer/
- How to Make a Memory Foam Mattress Firmer: 6 Things to Try When Your Mattress is Too Soft – https://www.novilla.net/blogs/install-care/how-to-make-a-memory-foam-mattress-firmer-6-things-to-try-when-your-mattress-is-too-soft?srsltid=AfmBOoqYWNQcLt0cFX1qqhhhJkUhfiFW6My-4tukx6KPOcPm3NoUqbbL
- Can I make my mattress firmer? Yes − here’s how – https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/bedrooms/can-i-make-my-mattress-firmer
- How To Make a Mattress Softer or Firmer – Amerisleep – https://amerisleep.com/blog/how-to-make-a-mattress-softer/
- How Does A Mattress Pad to Make Bed Firmer- PeaceNest Sleep Knowledge Base – https://peacenest.com/blogs/mattress-pads/how-does-a-mattress-pad-to-make-bed-firmer?srsltid=AfmBOor2PN-3ITBSNWA5pV31ij8iC06CJAakWkX819V9d9z1or6S9FsF
- How to Make Your Mattress Firmer | Sleepopolis (2024) – https://sleepopolis.com/guides/make-your-mattress-firmer/