How To Make A Firm Mattress Softer
Firm mattresses are popular for many people - from front sleepers to heavier people who want extra support throughout the night. But, sometimes, you might find that a firm mattress is a little too…well…firm and not as comfy as you might like. If this is the case, you might be tempted to buy a softer mattress, but we'd advise against this!
Mattress firmness can greatly impact how well you sleep and whether you have correct spinal alignment, which helps to reduce the risk of aches and pains. Soft and medium mattresses are better for side sleepers, whereas firm mattresses offer more support to front sleepers. So if you need a firm mattress but find it a bit too hard, the first option would be to try to make it a little softer without reducing the support it will give you!
How do I know if my mattress is too firm?
If you're wondering if your mattress is too firm, we have some tips to help you figure it out. Even though we give firmness ratings to all our mattresses, no one will truly experience a mattress firmness the same way as someone else - so whilst your mattress might be perfect for your partner, you, on the other hand, might find it a little too firm! Still, there are a few things to note to figure out if your mattress is too firm.
Stiff joints in the morning
Waking up with stiff joints in the morning - especially if you never did- could indicate that your mattress is too firm. This likely means you’re not able to sufficiently sink into your mattress for it to provide support and a cushioning effect.
Extra backache compared to before
A common misconception is that firm mattresses can help with back pain, but studies have actually found this isn't true. One study found that people who experienced lower back pain experienced the poorest sleep quality when sleeping on the firmest of mattresses - though it's important to note that there was no real difference between those who slept on medium-firm and firm. So if you're noticing more back pain than when you had your old mattress, it might be because it's too firm for you.
No sinking in when laying down
A brand-new mattress will generally be a little too firm initially, but it will start to give a little after a while. If you're still not experiencing sinkage, even after a few weeks, this could also be a sign that your mattress is too firm.
Numbness in your limbs
You'll often find that you'll stay in one position for a while during the night before changing. Mattresses that contour to your body help avoid any issues, but if your mattress is too firm and isn't giving, you might experience some numbness in your limbs.
Increased movement during the night
If your mattress is too firm, you might find getting into a comfortable position harder. This, in turn, can result in tossing and turning and therefore cause a lack of sleep.
How to make a mattress softer
If you need to make your mattress feel a little softer, then try one of these tips:
Give your mattress time to settle
New mattresses will always be a little firmer than expected, so give your mattress time to settle. This is particularly important for rolled mattresses, which usually take 48 to 72 hours to return to their original shape. It should start to have some give after a few days!
Apply some extra pressure
If you're too impatient to wait for your mattress to soften naturally, you might want to add pressure to speed up the process manually. Try adding pressure to your mattress by walking over it or continuously laying on it throughout the day to try and soften it up.
Warm your mattress up
If you have a memory foam mattress or a hybrid mattress with a foam layer, we'd recommend trying to warm your mattress up before sleeping. Memory foam, in particular, responds to heat and becomes more malleable when warm, which means it will be softer. Layer up your mattress with blankets, or lay on it for a while before bed to warm it up.
Add a mattress topper
A quick way to make your mattress softer is to simply buy a mattress topper! These add extra comfort to your mattress and have the added benefit of keeping your mattress in tip-top condition. Find out more in our mattress topper guide.
Check your bed base
An overly firm mattress could result from too much support from your bed frame. A sprung slatted base offers extra give and a little 'bounce', whereas a solid slatted base offers more support but could feel firmer.
Explore your returns or trial policy
If, after a while, your mattress still hasn't softened enough to be comfortable, then take a look at the returns policy of wherever you bought it from. You may be able to return or exchange it for a softer mattress - in the case of mattresses with a trial period; these can be easily exchanged if you're unhappy!
Will a memory foam mattress soften over time?
Yes - your memory foam mattress will initially feel firm but soften over time. It works in the short term by using your body heat to mould to the contours of your body - giving you both high levels of support and comfort. In the long term, you'll find that your memory foam mattress will soften and 'remember' your body shape. This will usually take around 30-90 days, give or take.
Find out more about memory foam mattresses and their benefits with our memory foam mattress guide.
Find your perfect mattress now!
If nothing else works, you may want to try a softer mattress, such as a medium-firm mattress, to see if that solves the problem. Thankfully, we have plenty of great choices here at Happy Beds - all with various fillings, sizes, and more to suit any sleeper in any home! If you're unsure what mattress will meet your needs, check out our mattress buying guide for plenty of helpful tips.