How To Fix a Too Soft or Too Firm Mattress

If you struggle with sleep, the problem could be your mattress. Your bed may not be giving you the right level of comfort and support. This is common in too-soft or too-firm mattresses. Instead of spending the money to replace a still-good mattress, there are other techniques you can implement to create a more comfortable bed.

SEE ALSO: Most Comfortable Mattress to Buy

Problems with a Too-Soft or Too-Firm Mattress

Depending on your body weight and preferred sleeping position, you may feel a mattress is too soft or too firm. A too-soft mattress won’t give you the support you need for healthy spinal alignment. A too-firm bed lacks pressure relief and may worsen pressure-build up areas, like the shoulders and hips. The best mattress should provide you with a balance between comfort and support.

The right firmness level is based on your body weight and sleeping position. Otherwise, if you choose just any mattress based on what’s popular, you could struggle with sleep and experience more aches and pains.

Body Weight

The more you weigh, the more support you need. A firmer surface can better support your weight without sagging. In contrast, if you weigh less than 130 pounds, a softer mattress is a better option. A softer surface allows your body to sink into the bed, conforming around you and relieving pressure points.

Sleeping Positions

Side sleepers need a medium to soft mattress to get that extra cushioning in their shoulders and hips. When sleeping on your side, all your weight is concentrated on that side, creating pressure build-up. A softer bed cushions your shoulders and hips to reduce pressure.

Stomach sleepers are the opposite. Lying on the stomach places intense pressure on the spine due to gravity. This pressure could lead to back pain. If you feel the most comfortable sleeping on your stomach, then the best mattress for stomach sleepers is typically a medium to to firm mattress. The firmer surface keeps your body resting on top without sinking too deeply into your bed.

The best mattresses for combination sleepers are medium to medium-firm mattresses. Combinations sleepers toss and turn, switching between two to three sleeping positions each night. A medium surface encourages spinal alignment, no matter which sleeping position you’re currently resting in.

Back sleepers feel most comfortable on a medium to firm bed. This firmness cradles your hips and supports your lower back. Also, sleeping on your back puts your body in a neutral position—you may experience less pressure than other sleeping positions.

Signs to Know That Your Mattress is Too Soft

A mattress that is too soft can cause more harm than good, affecting your sleep quality and overall well-being. Below are some key signs that your mattress may be too soft:

a. You’re Waking Up with Lower Back Pain

Waking up with lower back pain is a telltale sign that your mattress is too soft. When a mattress is overly soft, it fails to support the natural curve of your spine. Instead of keeping your spine aligned, it allows your midsection to sink too deeply, causing your spine to curve unnaturally. Over time, this can lead to muscle strain, joint pain, and even chronic back issues. If you notice persistent pain or stiffness in your lower back upon waking, it’s worth considering whether your mattress is to blame.

• Why it happens: Your body weight isn’t evenly distributed, and your hips and lower back bear the brunt of the pressure.
• What to do: Consider a mattress topper or a firmer mattress to provide better lumbar support.

b. You Find It Difficult to Change Sleep Position

A mattress that’s too soft can make it challenging to change positions during the night. Normally, a supportive mattress should allow you to move freely without much effort. However, when a mattress is too soft, you may find yourself “stuck” in one position because the mattress contours too much to your body. This can lead to feelings of restlessness and can interrupt your sleep as you struggle to adjust or reposition yourself comfortably.

• Why it happens: Excessive sinkage creates a hammock-like effect, making movement cumbersome.
• What to do: Try adding a firmer layer on top of your mattress or rotate the mattress to redistribute wear.

c. You Have Trouble Getting In and Out of Bed

If you’re struggling to get in and out of bed, it’s another sign that your mattress is too soft. A soft mattress lacks the structural support that assists with getting up and lying down.

When you sit on the edge of the bed, you may notice that it compresses significantly under your weight, making it difficult to push off and stand up. Similarly, lying down might feel like you’re sinking into the bed, making it harder to lift yourself back up.

• Why it happens: The mattress doesn’t offer enough resistance, causing it to compress too much under your body weight.
• What to do: Reinforce your mattress with a more supportive base or consider a firmer mattress that maintains its shape.

d. You Often Wake Up Hot

Feeling hot during the night is another indicator of a mattress that’s too soft. Softer mattresses tend to envelop the body more closely, which can restrict airflow and lead to heat buildup. The lack of breathability can cause you to wake up sweaty and uncomfortable. This is particularly problematic for hot sleepers or those who live in warmer climates.

• Why it happens: The mattress materials might be trapping heat, and close body contact reduces ventilation.
• What to do: Look into cooling mattress toppers, or consider a firmer mattress made of breathable materials like latex or gel-infused memory foam.

e. You’re Only Comfortable When Side Sleeping

Side sleeping can feel more comfortable on a soft mattress because it allows your shoulder and hip to sink in, reducing pressure on those areas. However, if you find that side sleeping is the only position in which you can get comfortable, your mattress might be too soft. Ideally, your mattress should provide adequate support in all sleep positions, including on your back and stomach. If it doesn’t, it could be that the mattress is allowing too much sinkage in key areas, leading to discomfort in other positions.

• Why it happens: The mattress provides adequate cushioning for side sleeping but lacks the necessary support for other positions.
• What to do: Adjust your sleeping position regularly and consider a medium-firm mattress that offers better support for back and stomach sleeping as well.

How to Make Your Mattress Firmer

If you feel stuck in your mattress or don’t get enough support at night, your mattress may be too soft. Adding some type of firmness to a soft mattress may improve your sleep quality.

A firmer surface may also reduce back pain by providing consistent support, though it’s important to keep the mattress from feeling too stiff and unyielding. A too-hard mattress can also cause pain and other discomfort, just as a too-soft mattress can.

1. Check the Foundation

The problem may not be your mattress; it could be your foundation. If your foundation is not providing firm support, it may cause your bed to sag. Examples include box springs with damaged coils and wood or metal slats more than 3 inches apart.

You may also have the wrong foundation for your mattress. Box springs are best for innerspring mattresses—coils in a box spring act as shock absorbers. On the other hand, latex, hybrid, and memory foam mattresses need a solid or slatted foundation to provide even support.

A more cost-effective solution to replacing your mattress foundation is adding a plywood piece between your bed and the current foundation. The solid plywood provides firmer support to the mattress without sagging.

2. Rotate Your Mattress

Most modern mattress models have a single construction build. They don’t need to be flipped, but they do require regular rotation. Rotating your mattress 180 degrees every three months ensures even wear and tear. Rotation may also prevent a visible sag from the area of the bed you sleep on the most.

Some mattress models are designed to be flipped, including dual-sided models and traditional innerspring mattresses without pillow tops. Flipping the mattress gives you a firmer feel, or a side not yet worn out from regular use.

3. Add a Mattress Topper

Many mattress toppers are made to provide more cushion, but some models add more firmness to a sleep surface, like latex mattress toppers. Latex foam is firmer than memory foam and has a responsive bounce. You won’t sink as deeply and might find it easier to switch sleeping positions.

Still, you can find memory foam mattress toppers in a variety of feels and with some special features, like cooling gels or zoned support. Which material is best for you can depend on your preferences, and interested readers may want to compare them more deeply in our latex vs memory foam mattress guide.

A mattress topper may be a temporary solution to a sagging mattress and you can even look for specialty mattress toppers for back pain, but if you start experiencing pain when you wake up that fades during the day, it might be time for a new bed.

Here’s what you need to know about choosing the best mattress toppers for a mattress that’s too soft:

a. Memory Foam Mattress Toppers:

Memory foam toppers are popular for their ability to contour to your body while providing substantial support. They can add a firm layer to a soft mattress, reducing the sensation of sinking and helping to align your spine properly during sleep.

Memory foam is dense and provides excellent support, especially for those who experience back pain or need extra firmness. It adapts to your body shape, filling in gaps and providing even support across all sleep positions.

Choose a memory foam topper with a thickness of 2 to 4 inches for the best results. Opt for a higher density (around 4 to 5 pounds per cubic foot) for a firmer feel.

b. Latex Mattress Toppers:

Latex mattress toppers are another excellent choice for adding firmness to a soft mattress. Natural latex is resilient, durable, and offers a buoyant feel that can prevent excessive sinking.

Latex is naturally firmer than memory foam and provides consistent support across the surface. It’s also breathable, hypoallergenic, and resistant to dust mites and mold, making it a great option for those with allergies.

A topper made from 100% natural latex is ideal. Look for a medium-firm to firm option, typically 2 to 3 inches thick, depending on how much firmness you need to add to your mattress.

c. Firm Polyfoam Mattress Toppers

Firm polyfoam toppers are a budget-friendly alternative to memory foam and latex. While they may not offer the same level of contouring, they can still provide adequate firmness to a soft mattress.

Polyfoam is a versatile material that can provide a firmer sleeping surface without breaking the bank. It’s a good option for guest beds or temporary solutions where you need to increase firmness quickly.

Choose a high-density polyfoam topper for added durability and support. A thickness of around 3 inches is generally sufficient to make a noticeable difference in mattress firmness.

d. Hybrid Mattress Toppers

Hybrid toppers combine different materials, such as memory foam and latex, to offer the benefits of both. They often feature a firm base layer with a softer comfort layer on top, providing a balance of support and comfort.

Hybrid toppers can offer customized support by combining the firmness of latex or polyfoam with the contouring of memory foam. This type of topper is ideal if you need to firm up your mattress but still want some level of cushioning.

Look for a hybrid topper that emphasizes firmness, with a thicker base layer and a thinner comfort layer. The combination should be around 3 to 4 inches thick to provide sufficient support.

e. Wool Mattress Toppers

Wool toppers are less common but can also help add a touch of firmness to your mattress while improving temperature regulation. Wool is naturally supportive and provides a firmer feel than down or feather toppers.

Wool is firm, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making it an excellent option for those who sleep hot. It offers a supportive surface without feeling too hard, making it a good choice for those who want to avoid the dense feel of foam or latex.

Choose a wool topper that’s densely packed for the most support. The thickness of the topper can vary, but a 2 to 3-inch wool topper can provide the firmness you need while adding a cozy, natural feel to your bed.

f. Feather and Down Alternatives with Firm Support

While feather and down mattress toppers are generally soft, some are designed with a firmer core or baffle box construction to provide more support. These can be a good option if you want to add firmness without losing the plush feel.

A feather or down alternative topper with firm support can give you a firmer sleeping surface without the stiffness of foam or latex. It’s a good compromise for those who prefer a softer feel but need more support.

Opt for a topper with a high fill power and firm construction, ensuring the feathers or down alternative provide adequate support. Look for baffle box stitching to prevent the fill from shifting and creating soft spots.

4. Replace the Layers

Some mattress models contain interchangeable layers. The layers aren’t glued together and can be rearranged to alter the firmness level. If you’re still within your sleep trial or warranty, some mattress companies will send you extra layers or provide a service where the company picks up your mattress and alters the firmness for a small fee.

5. Add Plywood 

One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to make your mattress firmer is to place a sheet of plywood between the mattress and the bed frame. The plywood provides additional support by creating a solid, flat surface under the mattress, which can prevent sagging and help distribute your body weight more evenly.

Measure your mattress and cut a piece of plywood to match its size. Place it directly on top of your bed frame or slats, then put the mattress back on top.

This method is particularly useful for older mattresses that have lost their structural integrity. It can also help with mattresses that have developed a dip in the middle, providing a quick and affordable solution to restore firmness.

Be mindful that adding plywood can affect the breathability of your mattress, so ensure there’s adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.

If there is a Divan Base: Replace it

If your mattress rests on a divan base, the condition of the base can significantly impact the firmness of your mattress. Over time, divan bases can lose their support, leading to a softer sleeping surface. Replacing the divan base with a new, firmer one can enhance the overall support of your mattress.

Check the condition of your current divan base for signs of wear and tear, such as sagging or broken springs. If it’s no longer providing adequate support, consider investing in a new, more robust divan base.

A new divan base can improve mattress longevity and ensure a more supportive and firmer sleeping surface, enhancing your overall sleep experience.

Make sure the new divan base is compatible with your mattress size and type to maximize the benefits.

6. Keep the Bedding Flat

How you arrange your bedding can also influence how firm your mattress feels. Keeping your bedding flat and taut can help create a more consistent and supportive surface.

Smooth out your sheets, mattress protector, and any other bedding to eliminate wrinkles and bunching. Make sure everything is tightly fitted to avoid any unnecessary softness.

This simple adjustment can prevent your bedding from creating lumps or uneven surfaces that can make your mattress feel softer than it actually is.

Regularly check and adjust your bedding to maintain a flat surface, as loose or bunched-up bedding can gradually affect your mattress’s firmness.

7. Air Out the Matress

Over time, a mattress can accumulate moisture from perspiration and humidity, which can contribute to a softer feel. Regularly airing out your mattress helps to remove excess moisture and allows it to regain some of its original firmness.

Strip the bed of all bedding and let the mattress air out for a few hours in a well-ventilated room. If possible, place it near an open window or use a fan to promote air circulation.

Allowing your mattress to breathe can prevent the buildup of moisture, mold, and mildew, which can all contribute to a softer, less supportive mattress.

Aim to air out your mattress every few months, or more frequently if you live in a humid climate, to maintain its firmness and freshness.

8. Place it on the Floor

For an immediate increase in firmness, consider placing your mattress directly on the floor. The hard surface of the floor provides maximum support, which can help make your mattress feel firmer.

Remove your mattress from its bed frame or base and place it flat on a clean, dry floor. You can use a mattress protector underneath to prevent dust and dirt from collecting on the mattress.

This method is particularly effective if you’re looking for a quick and temporary solution to a soft mattress. It’s also useful for those who prefer a very firm sleeping surface.

Be aware that placing your mattress on the floor can affect its ventilation, potentially leading to moisture buildup. Ensure the floor is clean and dry, and consider elevating the mattress periodically to air it out.

9. Let the Mattress Breathe in Sunlight

Exposure to sunlight can naturally help firm up your mattress by drying out any accumulated moisture and eliminating dust mites or mold that might be contributing to a softer feel.

On a sunny day, take your mattress outside and let it sit in direct sunlight for a few hours. If you can’t take it outside, position it near a sunny window where it can soak up the rays.

Sunlight can help restore some of the mattress’s firmness by eliminating excess moisture and refreshing the materials. It’s also a natural and chemical-free way to maintain your mattress.

Ensure your mattress is fully protected from dirt and pests when placed outside. Regular sunlight exposure, every few months, can keep your mattress feeling fresh and firm.

10. Replace Your Mattress When It Already Past Its Prime

While there are many ways to make your mattress firmer, sometimes the best solution is to replace it entirely, especially if it’s already past its prime. Mattresses typically have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years, depending on the type and quality. If your mattress is old, sagging, or no longer providing the support you need, it might be time to invest in a new one.

If you notice significant sagging, lumps, or permanent indentations that no amount of flipping or rotating can fix, these are clear indicators that your mattress has reached the end of its life. Additionally, if you’re waking up with aches and pains despite your best efforts to firm up the mattress, it might be beyond repair.

A new mattress can provide the proper support and comfort needed for a restful night’s sleep. Modern mattresses are designed with advanced materials that offer better pressure relief, temperature regulation, and durability, ensuring you get the quality sleep you deserve.

Considerations: When choosing a new mattress, consider your sleep preferences, body type, and any specific needs, such as back support or cooling features. Investing in a high-quality mattress can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.

How to Make Your Mattress Softer

You may feel a firmer mattress feels too hard and toss and turn at night because of it. You may even wake up sore and stiff in the morning because your mattress couldn’t sufficiently contour to your curves for pressure relief.

To fix this, there are a few simple methods you can do now to improve your sleep. These methods can also save you from having to buy a new mattress prematurely.

1. Break it In

Often a new bed will feel firmer than the showroom model you tried out. This is normal, particularly with buoyant latex mattresses. Once you receive your new mattress, give it time to break in. Most mattress manufacturers give you a sleep trial, lasting between 90 to 120 nights.

It may take up to 30 days for your body to adjust to a new sleep surface. Sleep trials give you extra time to adjust. Plus, if the mattress feels too hard, a sleep trial allows you to exchange the bed for a softer model.

Other mattress manufacturers may not offer a sleep trial, but instead, provide a 30-day return policy. Return policies are not as good as sleep trials, but they give you time to adjust to a new bed.

2. Add a Mattress Topper

Adding a mattress topper is an excellent way to soften a hard mattress. Mattress toppers give your body more cushion than your current bed lacks. For example, many innerspring models have thin comfort layers that aren’t enough to relieve pressure points.

Adding a mattress topper increases pressure relief in heavier sections of your body, like your shoulders and hips. Adding a down alternative or memory foam mattress topper is one of the best ways to soften a too-firm mattress.

3. Rotate Your Mattress

Like with a too-soft mattress, rotating a too-firm mattress evens out wear and tear. The bed is less likely to sag in certain areas and may ensure a long lifespan. For best practices, rotate your mattress every three months.

If you have a two-sided mattress with different firmness levels, simply flip your bed to the softer side.

4. Warm it Up

For those with a bed containing heat-sensitive materials, like memory foam, raising the thermostat’s temperature can soften your mattress. Memory foam softens under heat and pressure but bounces back to its original shape at room temperature. A cooler bedroom could be the reason behind a too-firm bed.

Another method is adding a gently warmed mattress pad. Many models are electronic with adjustable heat settings. Using a mattress pad on low heat softens memory foam.

How do I Choose The Right Mattress Firmness?

Choosing the right mattress firmness is essential for ensuring a good night’s sleep and maintaining proper spinal alignment. 

a. Do Your Research

The first step in choosing the right mattress firmness is to do thorough research. Understanding the different firmness levels and how they cater to various sleep needs is crucial.

Mattresses typically come in a range of firmness levels, from soft to extra firm. Soft mattresses provide more cushion and are often preferred by side sleepers, while firmer mattresses offer more support and are ideal for back and stomach sleepers.

Your sleeping position greatly influences the level of firmness you need. Side sleepers generally benefit from a softer mattress that cushions the shoulders and hips, back sleepers need a medium-firm mattress to support the natural curve of the spine, and stomach sleepers usually require a firmer surface to prevent the hips from sinking in too deeply.

Heavier individuals may find that a firmer mattress offers better support and durability, while lighter individuals might prefer a softer mattress that allows them to sink in more comfortably.

b. Try Before You Buy

One of the best ways to ensure you’re choosing the right firmness is to try out mattresses in person.

If possible, visit a mattress showroom to test out different firmness levels. Spend at least 10-15 minutes lying on each mattress in your typical sleep position to gauge how it feels.

Pay attention to how your body feels while lying on the mattress. Does it provide enough support without being too hard? Is there enough cushioning without feeling too soft? The right mattress should feel comfortable while maintaining proper spinal alignment.

If visiting a showroom isn’t an option, consider online retailers that offer generous sleep trials. These allow you to try the mattress in your home for an extended period, ensuring that the firmness meets your needs over time.

c. Consider Long-Term Comfort and Health

When choosing the right mattress firmness, think about your long-term comfort and health.

As you age, your body may require different levels of support. A mattress that’s too soft might not provide the necessary support for your back and joints, while one that’s too firm could lead to pressure points.

If you suffer from conditions like arthritis, sciatica, or other chronic pain issues, selecting the correct firmness is even more critical. A medium-firm mattress often provides a good balance of support and pressure relief, but it’s essential to consider your specific needs.

d. Get Feedback from Others

Another useful strategy is to gather feedback from others who have purchased mattresses recently.

Online reviews can provide valuable insights into how a mattress performs in terms of firmness. Look for reviews from people with similar sleep preferences or body types to see how they’ve found the mattress.

If someone you know has recently purchased a mattress, ask them about their experience. Their firsthand experience can help you make a more informed decision.

Overview of Mattress Sizes

The size of a mattress does not necessarily affect how soft or firm an older mattress gets. The softness or firmness of a mattress over time is primarily determined by the materials and construction of the mattress, as well as how well it has been maintained and cared for.

However, it’s important to note that larger mattresses may be more prone to sagging or losing support over time due to the larger surface area and weight distribution. Additionally, mattresses that are frequently used or subjected to heavier weight may also lose their firmness or support more quickly.

Saving on a New Mattress

Sometimes, an older mattress is simply too soft or too firm to be worth restoring, and it’s best to look into replacing your mattress. When that occurs, you can save significantly by shopping one of the big mattress sales:

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FAQs

How do you fix a mattress that is too soft?

A couple of ways to fix a mattress that is too soft is to check the foundation and add a mattress topper. Your current foundation may not be the right one for your bed, or it could be worn out. For instance, memory foam, hybrid, and latex mattresses get better support from a solid or slatted surface. Adding a piece of plywood between your bed and the foundation can give you more support.

How can I make my mattress firmer on one side?

Couples may have differing sleep preferences—one person prefers a firmer surface, while the other person likes a softer mattress. An excellent solution is to add a mattress topper. Mattress toppers add softness or firmness to a surface. Placing a mattress topper on your side of the bed may give you extra cushion or support.

Can you flip a pillow top mattress to make it firmer?

You should never flip a pillow top mattress. Pillow top mattresses have a one-sided build, meaning they’re not intended to be flipped. They can be rotated to even out wear and tear.

Flipping a pillow top mattress could damage the comfort layers—instead of resting on top, the comfort layers are not on the bottom with the full weight of the bed and you pressing down. Comfort layers are made to cushion and relieve pressure points, not support.

Is there a mattress topper for too soft mattress?

Yes, there are mattress toppers specifically designed to add firmness to a mattress that is too soft. These toppers are usually made from materials like memory foam, latex, or high-density polyfoam, which provide additional support and help improve the overall firmness of your mattress. 

A firmer mattress topper can enhance your sleep comfort by promoting better spinal alignment and reducing the sensation of sinking into the mattress. When choosing a topper, look for one that is at least 2 to 3 inches thick and offers a higher density for a more substantial feel.

Is it better to sleep on a firm or soft mattress?

The firmness level depends on several factors. Sleeping on a firmer surface is best for plus-size sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers. They need a firmer surface to stay rested on top of the bed without deep sinkage.

Side sleepers and lightweight sleepers rest better on a softer mattress since a soft surface better cushions the body and relieve pressure build-up areas, like the shoulders and hips.

However, for stomach sleepers, an extra firm mattress is typically recommended to help maintain proper spinal alignment and prevent lower back pain.

How do you fix a sagging mattress?

There isn’t a way to fix a sagging mattress, but adding a mattress topper can provide a temporary solution. Mattress toppers made of latex boost your bed’s support compared to a memory foam mattress topper. Latex is a firmer material and has a responsive bounce, so you won’t have to worry about feeling stuck inside your mattress.

Conclusion

A too-soft or too-firm mattress could be the reason why you struggle with sleep. A bed’s firmness should be based on your body weight and sleeping position, not what’s popular.

Both weight and sleeping position determine how a bed’s surface feels. These factors can help you find the right balance between comfort and support for a good night’s rest.