How To Make A Mattress Firmer
Even the firmest mattresses get softer over time - as mattresses age, they slowly begin to lose the firmness they initially arrived with. But some people prefer to add a little extra firmness to a soft mattress from the beginning - you might enjoy the comfort of a softer mattress but find it's too soft for your needs.
But, before you invest in a brand-new mattress, try making your current mattress a little firmer with some of our handy tips!
How to make a soft mattress firmer
The right mattress firmness level can be the difference between a night of restful sleep or hours of tossing and turning! If you need your soft mattress to be a little firmer, check out our helpful tips:
Opt for a mattress topper
Adding a mattress topper is a quick way to make your mattress feel a little firmer. Opt for one with a firmer rating - many toppers are designed to add extra softness, but you'll be able to find some that do the opposite.
Try flipping your mattress
Try flipping your mattress over if you struggle to get comfy at night. The side you haven't been sleeping on will feel firmer than the other, so it can help improve sleep quality. We also recommend flipping your mattress regularly to avoid wearing out either side!
However, only do this if your mattress can be flipped - if you have a hybrid mattress, then it's likely that all the special features are only on one side, so flipping it will ultimately stop you from feeling the benefits! If your mattress cannot be flipped, then try rotating it instead.
Cool your bedroom down
Basic physics tells us that colder things are firmer, which also applies to your mattress! The warmer your room is, the more likely your mattress is to soften up - this is especially true for memory foam mattresses, as they are designed to mould to your body contours via your body heat. So, try cooling down your room temperature to firm up your mattress - particularly if it's made from foam.
Pull your bed sheet tight
When you put your bed sheet on, make sure you pull it as tight as possible across your mattress and ensure the corners are completely covered. This works particularly well with freshly washed bedding, as bedding that hasn't been cleaned in a while will be looser. Tightly fitted bedding will essentially 'reinforce' your mattress by pulling the edges closer together, creating a 'firmer' surface.
Invest in some new bed slats
Bed slats provide a supportive base for your mattress, so we'd recommend double-checking your bed slats if your mattress feels a little softer than you'd like. If only one or two need replacing, we'd recommend trying this first; otherwise, consider replacing them all. Alternatively, you might need to buy a new bed base if your bed doesn't use bed slats for frames, such as a divan bed or similar.
Add some plywood to your bed base
Most beds will have solid or sprung slats, which support your mattress, but if you need more, try adding a layer of plywood between your mattress and the frame. This should be the last option, though, as it can reduce the airflow through your mattress!
Return your mattress if possible
If nothing seems to work, you can try to return your mattress and get one with a firmer rating. This might not be possible with some mattresses - especially if you're outside the return window - but if your mattress has a trial period, you should be able to return and exchange it for something different!
Buy a new mattress
Or, as a last resort, you might even need to buy a new mattress if nothing helps. Pay attention to the firmness rating of the mattress you are considering and any extra features it may offer. Memory foam mattresses are designed to soften through your body heat, so if you find these too soft, avoid them. Check out our mattress buying guide for more information about all the mattress types available.
Why is mattress firmness important?
Mattress firmness is one of the most important things to consider when buying a mattress because it determines its support level. A soft mattress will provide less support than a firm mattress, which may be what a specific sleeper needs. For example, the best mattresses for side sleepers are soft or medium mattresses, which are soft enough to allow your body to sink into them while promoting correct spinal alignment.
A firm mattress works the other way by offering high support. Firmer mattresses are better suited to back or front sleepers, as they prevent your body from sinking and encourage the correct spinal alignment for these sleeping positions. Choosing the wrong firmness rating, or having a mattress that is either too soft or too firm, could lead to impaired sleep or even cause aches and pains that will continue throughout the day.
Which mattress firmness should I choose?
If nothing seems to improve your mattress's firmness, consider purchasing a new one. As we've already discussed, choosing the right firmness level is crucial, as it can be the difference between restful and interrupted sleep. To help with this, we've compiled some key facts about the three primary firmness levels.
| Firmness rating | Feels like | Ideal weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft | Very soft and cloudlike, they often feel like you are 'sinking' into the mattress. | Lighter sleepers | Side sleepers |
| Medium | A mix between soft and firm, they combine the support of a firm with the comfort of a medium | All body weights | Side, front and back sleepers |
| Firm | It offers little give when lying down and will push back against your body for extra support | Heavier people | Front and back sleepers |
This information covers the three main levels of mattress firmness, but two sub-categories also exist; soft-medium mattresses and medium-firm mattresses. As their name suggests, they sit between two firmness ratings and offer the best of both worlds!
Maybe it's time for a new mattress
Still struggling? Then it might be time to shop for a brand-new mattress! Thankfully, we have a mattress to suit every type of sleeper here at Happy Beds - whether you're looking for an orthopaedic, memory foam, or a double mattress.
Or perhaps you have the opposite problem - does your firm mattress need softening? Check out our guide on how to make a firm mattress soft for tips on how to solve this, too!