Mattress Too Firm? 5 Tips to Soften Up a Firm Mattress
Are you starting to feel the effects of a too firm mattress? Have you been waking up sore and stiff? If so, it's time for you to take action!
While a firm mattress can offer many benefits, if it's too firm, it's worth looking into ways to soften it or replace it. This article will talk about some of the best methods and give tips on how to get your mattress back into shape.
Best Tips to Make a Firm Mattress Softer:
The best way to fix a mattress that is too firm is to soften it using the following tips:
Step 1: Make Sure You're Using The Right Mattress Base
The first thing to check is the type of mattress base that you have. It may be time for an upgrade if your current bed has a coil spring or box-spring construction, which are both typically firmer than mattresses with memory foam and latex bases.
The best mattress base for a too firm mattress is a plush base as it is the most comfortable. A plush mattress base will allow you to feel the support of the mattress, but will give it a soft feel as well.
Step 2: Use a Mattress Pad or Topper
If you have a too firm mattress, a mattress topper or pad can soften it. For a mattress topper, look for one that is soft.
If you need to soften your mattress, we recommend using an organic cotton or wool mattress pad that can be placed over the top of your too firm bedding. Organic mattress pads are soft, durable, hypoallergenic and easy to clean – all while being chemical free!
Step 3: Make Sure the Temperature is in the Room Is Not Too Low
If the temperature in your bedroom is too low, it can lead to a too firm mattress. It's especially the case if you're using a memory foam mattress and the temperature in your bedroom is below 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also, cool temperature will cause the body's muscles to contract, which in turn causes stiffness and discomfort that makes your bed feel too hard!
In order for you or your partner to get a good night sleep, be sure to have an even distribution of heat in the room so that both sides are neither too hot nor cold. You should also make sure there is enough fresh air circulating through the room as stagnant air can make any surface feel harsher than usual.
Step 4: Break In Your New Mattress
You just need to break in your new mattress with time! To do this, make sure there is enough fresh air circulating through the room as stagnant air can make any surface feel harsher than usual. Be sure to also use a mattress pad, this will help avoid wearing out one part of the bed over another.
One way to break in your bed is by rotating where you sleep every night for about two weeks before switching again at different parts of the bed until all four corners are evenly worn down. This process takes some time but it's not too difficult!
Step 5: Rotate or Flip Your Mattress
Rotating and flipping the mattress periodically is a great way to make it wear evenly. If you sleep on your back, try turning the bed every few months so that your hips are not always aligned with one side of the bed. This will help keep both sides firm and evenly worn down over time.
However, if you prefer sleeping in another position than your back, it might be best to rotate around as well since most people have different preferences for which part of their body they want supported by a particular section of the bed.
Rotating or flipping your mattress about once every six months can also work wonders at preventing premature wear and tear from happening too quickly.
Remember that not all mattresses are flippable, so it's a good idea to look for this feature when you're shopping.
When to Replace Your Mattress?
If you've tried all these tips for at least six months and you still have a too firm mattress, it might be time to replace it.
A good time to replace your mattress is when you start waking up stiff or sore, when the mattress no longer feels supportive for your body type, or if it's been more than eight years since purchasing a new one. Also, if your mattress is showing signs of wear and tear, you should consider replacing it.
Read More: The best organic mattress brands in the US
Symptoms of a Too Firm Mattress
Sleeping on a firm mattress may be very uncomfortable and unhealthy in the long run. You'll know that your mattress is too firm if:
What Firmness Level Should You Choose?
Mattresses and their corresponding pillow tops are marked with different levels of firmness from softest (Pillow Top) to hardest (No Pillow Top). Be sure that the pillow top matches the level of comfort desired for sleeping on while keeping in mind that many people find softer mattresses more comfortable than very hard ones as well.
To help decide which is best, try out different models at stores before purchasing them or take an online quiz about what kind of mattress would work best for you in order to get personalized recommendations. It's also important to test out a new bed by sleeping on it for a week before deciding that it's not right.
While side sleepers may find softer, medium-firm mattresses better for their backs, it's important for everyone to get a mattress that provides adequate back support and doesn't sink in too deeply. A stomach or back sleeper will usually sleep better on a firmer mattress, but it's important not to find one that is too hard.
Who Does a Firm Mattress Work Better For?
A firm mattress is a good choice for those who primarily sleep on their stomach or back. Side sleepers may find a softer, medium-firm mattress better for their backs.
Read More: What are the best kids' non toxic mattresses?
Is It Better to Sleep on Firm or Soft Mattress?
It's better to sleep on a mattress that is comfortable to you and provides adequate back support. Your mattress should no be too hard or too soft, as this can cause discomfort in the morning with stiffness, soreness, or pain while moving around.
If you sleep with your partner and you've got different comfort needs, consider buying a customizable latex mattress, such as Sleep EZ Organic Mattress, that allows choosing a different firmness level on either side of the mattress.
For example, if your partner is a back sleeper, he or she may choose a firm mattress, while if you're a side sleeper, you should choose a medium-firm to soft mattress.
Read More: What´s the Best Mattress Firmness for a Side Sleeper?
Is a Firm Mattress Better for Stomach Sleepers?
If you're a stomach sleeper, your mattresses should be firmer. This will ensure that you're not putting too much pressure on your neck and back. Firmer mattresses also provide better support for the lower extremities, as they dissipate more of the body weight evenly to prevent sinking or compression.
Read More: Your Guide to Finding a Non Toxic Mattress
What Is the Difference between Firm and Extra Firm Mattress?
The firmness of a mattress is determined by the materials used for production. The more layers there are, the firmer it will be.
For instance, an innerspring and foam mattress that has six inches of padding and one-inch coils would be considered firm as opposed to extra-firm with nine inches of padding on top of two-inch coils.
Extra firm mattresses are typically considered to be the most supportive, with a low sinkage rate and excellent durability that is ideal for people who experience back pain or have difficulty getting in/out of bed.
Firm mattresses on the other hand, do not offer as much support but will allow you to sleep on your stomach without sinking too much.
Conclusion
Sleeping on a too firm mattress can lead to discomfort and pain. Luckily, there are several ways to soften a too firm mattress. If you find that the above tricks don't help, the next best option would be to replace it with a different one.
Choose the right firmness for your sleeping position and body weight by doing your research and trying out different mattress styles. Most mattress manufacturers offer a generous sleep trial period, so you can test out the mattress in your home for up to 12 months (try Brentwood Home).
If you find your mattress uncomfortable, you can ask them to customize it for you, replace it with a different one or simply return your mattress hassle-free and get your money back.
