How to Make a Firm Mattress Softer (Complete Guide for Better Sleep)

A poor choice of mattress can also negatively affect your quality of sleep because an overly firm mattress will cause discomfort, causing you ultimately to awake feeling exhausted without having achieved any true restful night’s sleep. While arelatively firm mattress can provide some level of support to your body, it may not be able to provide the level of support (and/or sleeping position) that each person requires for sleeping and resting well.  

 A poor choice of mattress can also negatively affect your quality of sleep because an overly firm mattress will cause discomfort. It will ultimately cause you to awake feeling exhausted without having achieved any true restful night’s sleep. In many cases, adding a double mattress topper for extra softness and pressure relief can quickly improve comfort without replacing your mattress. 

Again, good news – if you do not want to purchase a new mattress, there are many alternatives to making your mattress much softer to improve the overall experience of sleeping without taking away from the support provided to your body. 

What Causes a Mattress to Feel Too Firm? 

There are multiple reasons your mattress might feel harsher than you expect, and knowing the reasoning will help you figure out what option to go with so that you can select the appropriate solution. 

• Material composition: Different materials (such as memory foam vs. latex vs. innerspring) produce different types of feel. High-density memory foams tend to produce a harsher feel when the mattress is new. 

• Temperature sensitivity: Memory foam and latex both get softer at warmer temperatures, and vice versa. 

• Break-in period of new mattresses: Most new mattresses are made of materials that will develop a softer feel after they have been broken in. 

• Construction of bed base support: Having a bed base that provides the necessary support will aid in the construction of your mattress and affect how firm or soft your mattress feels 

Ways To Determine If Your Mattress Is Too Firm 

If you are questioning if your mattress is causing your problems, look for the following signs: 

• You wake up with pain in your back, neck, or shoulders. 

• You have numbness and/or tingling in your hands, feet, arms, or legs. 

• The mattress does not conform to your body. 

• You constantly shift the position of your body during sleep. 

• You sleep better on a softer mattress when you are away from home. 

These symptoms indicate that there is inadequate pressure relief and your spine is misaligned. 

Too Firm Mattress- What To Expect 

A mattress that is too firm could have negative long-term effects on your body. 

• Spinal Misalignment – Mattress does not contour and creates poor posture. 

• Pressure Build-Up – Firm mattresses cause pressure on the hips, shoulders, and joints. 

• Poor Circulation – Numbness and discomfort. 

• Decreased Sleep Quality – Frequent waking and restless sleeping habits. 

How to Make a Firm Mattress Softer (Proven Methods) 

The way that you can improve how well you sleep is by making a firm mattress feel more comfortable. 

The Initial Step Towards Breaking in Your New Mattress 

New mattresses tend to feel significantly firmer than you may think they should. This is perfectly normal! Mattresses usually take around 30-60 days (depending on the type) to complete breaking in (adapting) to your body weight and sleeping patterns. For example, memory foam takes time to soften from continuous heat and pressure. 

Speed the Break-In Process Up 

If you do not want to wait for a long time, you can speed up the break-in: 

• Walk gently across the surface of the mattress 

• Apply pressure equally to all sections of the mattress 

• Lay on it more often 

By doing these things, you will also speed up how fast the inner material becomes broken in. 

Get a Mattress Topper as a Solution 

Adding a mattress topper is the most effective way to overcome the issues caused by an inadequate mattress; it provides an immediate solution and improves the comfort level of your current mattress without having to buy a new one. 

There are three different types of mattress toppers: 

• Memory Foam Toppers (2-4 inches thick) – Provide maximum softness and pressure relief. 

• Latex Toppers – Provide a softer feel but also have a more responsive nature (less sinking). 

• Feather/Down Toppers – Provide a softer feel with minimal support. 

Tip – For a 2-inch mattress topper, you’ll only notice minor changes in your mattress; whereas with a 3 or 4-inch mattress topper, you’ll see significant changes. 

Setting the Temperature of the Room 

For people who use humidity memory foam mattresses, the temperature is important for how the mattress feels (warmer rooms usually feel softer than cooler rooms). 

Some examples: 

• Use a lot of extra blankets. 

• Warm the mattress before sleep. 

• Slightly increase the temperature of the room. 

Evaluate Your Frame and Foundation 

The bedframe has a huge impact on how a mattress feels. 

• Solid platform beds increase the firmness of a mattress 

• Sprung slatted beds provide adaptive softness as well as flexibility 

• Adjustable bases make beds more comfortable by dispersing pressure evenly over a larger area. 

A new foundation can provide immediate comfort benefits. 

Rotate or Flip Your Bed 

With time, beds lose shape on their own. 

• Rotating the bed (between the head and foot): This will redistribute the wear 

• Flipping the bed (if it is double-sided): There may be a softer side to your bed 

Both of these actions will help to improve comfort and extend the life of the bed.  

Alter Your Sleeping Posture  

The firmness of your mattress is determined by your sleeping posture. 

• Those who sleep on their sides typically require a softer mattress to prevent discomfort. 

• Those who prefer to sleep on their backs generally desire a mattress with medium-firmness. 

• Those who typically sleep on their stomachs will usually require a firmer mattress.  

Adjusting your sleeping position can help relieve discomfort relatively quickly. 

The Right Pillow Can Help Relieve Pressure 

Using a pillow helps increase comfort without having to change your mattress. 

• For Side Sleepers: Place a pillow between the legs. 

• For Back Sleepers: Place a pillow under the knees. 

By reducing the pressure on the joints, the use of pillows can also help to properly align the body while sleeping. 

Consider the Trial Period or Exchange Option 

Research your warranty information for your new mattress.  

Most manufacturers or suppliers provide:   

• 30-365 nights 

• Return or exchange at no cost  

• Comfort adjustment kit   

Many manufacturers/suppliers will allow for trial periods on your new mattress, so do your research prior to purchasing any additional accessories for your mattress. 

Buy New Mattress (Last Option)   

If everything else fails, your mattress simply could be too firm for you.  

The following conditions may lead you to consider replacing your mattress:    

• It’s more than 7 – 8 years old   

• After making adjustments, you still have pain  

Your mattress does not suit your size and sleeping position.   

Do Memory Foam Mattresses Become Softer Over Time? 

Yes, the natural process of memory foam technology will soften. 

• Short-term, the bed will feel warm during nightly use 

• Long-term, the shape will deform over a period of several weeks to adapt to the person’s body shape. 

Most consumers will notice a change within 3–6 weeks after purchasing their new memory foam mattress.  

Different Types of Mattresses and Their Impact on Softness 

Memory Foam: Softens as it gets warm & has a high degree of contouring to your body shape. 

• Latex: Contoured & slightly softer, but will be more responsive to movements. 

• Hybrid: Balanced to support & comfort. 

• Innerspring: Firm and has a lower level of contouring than other materials. 

The type of mattress you choose is just as important as the firmness level you select. 

Purchasing a Mattress Topper 

Questions to ask yourself before buying a mattress topper include: 

• Thickness: Many will recommend that the best thickness of a mattress topper is between two and four inches for maximum softness. 

• Material: Memory foam creates comfortable pressure relief; latex provides bounce and support. 

• Density: The higher the density of the topper material, the more durability it will provide. 

A quality mattress topper can greatly increase the life of your mattress. 

When You Shouldn’t Soften Your Mattress 

There are instances where firmness is actually useful: 

• When you sleep on your back or your stomach. 

• When you require additional spinal support. 

• If you have lower back pain and need firm support. 

If you soften a mattress too much, it may provide insufficient support and create additional issues.  

How to Make Your Bed More Comfortable Without Changing the Mattress 

• Layer bedding for more comfort 

• Use a mattress pad if you want to make your mattress a little softer 

• Create a better environment for sleep

A few small changes can have a big impact. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How can I make my mattress softer without buying a new one? 

Using a mattress topper can help ease pressure points, while adjusting the room temperature will help cool the mattress. Check to ensure the bed base is not causing any issues, which may cause discomfort when sleeping. 

How long does it take for a mattress to soften? 

Remanufactured Sleep Number mattresses typically have a warranty of 30-60 days (depending on brand, material used, and average daily use), so keep that in mind before getting rid of them! 

Will a mattress topper fix a firm bed?  

In most cases, yes, if the mattress topper is at least 3 inches or more thick. 

Does temperature affect mattress firmness? 

In most cases, yes, when sleeping on them at higher temperature and humidity levels. 

Can I exchange my mattress? 

In most cases, yes, most brands will provide an opportunity for you to exchange your mattress if you are unhappy with it while you are within their trial period. 

Final Thoughts 

Having a firm mattress doesn’t mean you have to suffer through uncomfortable sleeping experiences. Many times, small fixes such as using a topper, letting it break in, or changing your base can significantly help with comfort.  

However, one great way to find immediate relief is to purchase a high-quality topper, which will provide you with the quickest and most effective means of alleviating discomfort.