Struggling with a firm mattress that’s just not cutting it? While some people swear by the extra support a firm mattress offers, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. For side sleepers, serious back pain sufferers, or just those who love a cloud-like feel, a softer mattress is often the dream.
Have a mattress that’s just a little too firm and you want to make softer? The good news is you (probably) don’t have to rush out to buy a brand new mattress just yet. Whether you’re dealing with a firm bed or a sagging mattress, here are some ways to transform your sleep surface and make your firm mattress softer for a better sleep experience.
Flip Your Mattress
First up is a simple flip. Yep, sometimes your mattress just needs a little reshuffling. This is particularly useful for innerspring mattresses, which can benefit from a flip every few months. Flipping your mattress can help distribute body weight more evenly, mitigating those pressure points and helping with pressure relief.
Invest in a Quality Mattress Topper
This is where the Ecosa memory foam mattress topper shines. A mattress topper is a simple and cost-effective way to compltely change the way your mattress feels by adding an extra layer of cushioning. Memory foam mattress toppers are especially good for pressure relief, and they can make your hard mattress feel like a brand new bed.
Check Your Bed Frame
Sometimes, the issue might not even be the mattress itself but the bed frame or box spring it’s on. Slats that are too far apart can make any mattress feel firmer. Opt for a bed frame with slats that are closer together to offer better support and cushioning.
Walk on Your Mattress
It might sound strange, but you can walk gently on your mattress a few times daily. Not only is it an opportunity for exercise, but it’s also a proven way to soften your high-density foam mattress. Putting a bit of weight on it is another option – like shoe boxes filled with rocks or hard-bound books stacked together.
Warm Up the Mattress
Memory foam mattresses are temperature sensitive. This makes them able to react to body heat and mould to your body shape accordingly. They become softer in the heat and firmer in the cold. So, if you bought a mattress during winter and can’t break into it, try turning the heat up. This should get your mattress softer in no time.
Change Up Your Bedding
Sometimes, the firmness of your mattress can be adjusted with some extra comfort layers like quilted mattress pads. These can add some more cushioning and make your firm bed feel softer.
Consider Your Sleeping Position
Different sleeping positions have different needs. Side sleepers usually need a softer mattress for better spinal alignment, while back sleepers might need a firmer surface. Stomach sleepers need something somewhere in the middle. Knowing your sleeping position can help you adjust the firmness level of your mattress (or know the level of firmness to buy if you need to invest in a new mattress).
Invest in an Adjustable Mattress
Speaking of investing in a new mattress, if you’re still not satisfied, perhaps consider an adjustable firmness mattress like the Ecosa mattress. You can change your mattress as often as you like with 3 different firmness levels, allowing you to customise your mattress according to your body type and sleeping position.
How to Know If Your Mattress is Too Firm
If you’ve been wrestling with the feeling that your bed might be working against you, then it’s time to consider whether your mattress firmness is the real culprit.
A firmer mattress may seem like a good idea for back sleepers or those concerned about spinal alignment, but too much of a good thing can spoil your sleep quality. Here’s how to assess if you’ve got a firmness issue on your hands.
Identifying Signs Your Mattress Might Be Too Firm
New Aches and Pains
One of the first signs that you’re not sleeping on the best mattress for your needs is waking up with aches and pains. If you start your day feeling like you’ve just run a marathon when you’ve only been sleeping, it’s time to reevaluate the firmness of your mattress.
Feeling Discomfort Around Your Joints
Your bed should be a sanctuary, not a pressure cooker for your joints. If you’re feeling pressure on your knees, hips, or shoulders while lying down, a softer bed could be the answer to redistributing that weight and offering some much-needed pressure relief.
Lack of Comfort
A good night’s sleep should be within easy reach every night. If you’re tossing and turning trying to get comfortable, your mattress firmness may be stealing your dream of a restful night.
Comparing to Other Mattresses
Have you ever had an incredible night’s sleep at a hotel and wondered why you can’t replicate that at home? If other mattresses make you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud, then it’s time to look for a softer bed.
Risks of Ignoring a Too-Firm Mattress
Sure, you might think you can handle a firm or even a medium-firm mattress, but the repercussions of sticking with a too-firm surface could be serious. Not only will you compromise your sleep quality, but you’re also putting your spinal health at risk. Over time, an overly firm mattress can misalign your spine, leading to back pain.
Is it Time to Buy a New Mattress?
If you’ve tried all of the above and your mattress still isnt’t feeling quite right, it might be time to invest in a new mattress.
Whether you choose a hybrid mattress, a memory foam option, or another one of the many types of mattresses available online, we recommedn always choosing a mattress that offers a trial period so you can test the waters before fully committing.
In summary, listen to your body and your sleep quality. Life’s too short for uncomfortable nights. Whether it’s flipping your mattress, adding a mattress topper, or searching for a new mattress online, make the change that will give you the softer bed and the restful sleep you deserve.
Soft Mattress FAQs
What happens if your mattress is too firm?
If your mattress is too firm, you’re likely to face a range of issues that can seriously compromise your sleep quality. You might wake up feeling sore or experience discomfort around pressure-sensitive areas like your hips, knees, and shoulders. A too-firm mattress could also negatively affect your spinal alignment, leading to more long-term issues like back and neck pain. Finally, a hard sleep surface could result in tossing and turning, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
Do hard mattresses get softer?
Over time, most mattresses will soften up a bit due to regular wear and tear. The fibers and materials in the top layers start to compress, making the mattress feel less firm than when it was brand new. However, this process takes time and the change might not be significant enough to resolve issues of discomfort. If you’re struggling with a hard mattress, consider adding a mattress topper for immediate relief.
Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft mattress?
The “best mattress” is subjective and depends on individual needs, including sleep position, body type, and any specific health concerns like back pain. For back sleepers, a medium-firm mattress usually provides the right balance of support and comfort. Side sleepers often prefer a softer mattress that can contour to the body’s curves. Stomach sleepers may need a firmer surface to keep the spine aligned. So, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer; it’s all about finding your personal favourite mattress type and how the mattress impacts your sleep quality.
Can a too-firm mattress cause back pain?
Yes, a mattress that’s too firm can definitely contribute to back pain. When a mattress is too hard, it won’t adequately support the natural curve of your spine, leading to poor spinal alignment. This, in turn, can cause tension and discomfort in your back and neck, especially if you continue to sleep on an overly firm mattress over a long period of time. If you’re experiencing back pain and suspect your mattress may be the culprit, it’s worth considering a softer option or adding a mattress topper for extra cushioning.
Does Ecosa offer a trial on mattresses?
We want you to love your mattress as much as we do, which is why we offer a 100 night sleep trial on all of our mattresses. Plus, sleep soundly with our 15 year warranty. If your mattress doesn’t work out, you can always return it within the trial period. And, if there are any defects or it isn’t working as intended, you can replace it under our warranty too.