A mattress definitely holds the key position when it comes to defining a good night’s sleep. It is important because, without having a proper mattress, you may not even think about having a calm and consistent sleep overnight. You will find yourself turning and tossing and may end up with groggy feelings in the morning.
To make sure you sleep better and enjoy a consistent sleep, you should consider buying a mattress which is thick enough to provide you the desired comfort and also is soft or firm depending on what your body needs.
However, there is a problem here, when you buy a new mattress it’s too soft or after using for a time your mattress become softer,… and your body do not like that. Do not worry! In this article, we’ll show you how to make mattress firmer in simple and affordable ways.
Why thickness and firmness of your mattress are important?
Regarding the thickness and the firmness of the mattresses, we can say that you should select according to the way you sleep or what are the basic requirements or expectation you have while using your mattress.
Like if you are a side sleeper, you might be in need of a medium soft mattress whereas if you are a back sleeper you may need to get a firmer mattress. For the belly sleepers, it is always a good choice to buy a soft mattress.
But it is also true that when you buy your mattress it may be a little firm, but as the time passes the firmness of the mattress gets vanished or may slightly deteriorate due to the external factors and usage of the mattress.
Why mattresses lose their firmness?
The mattresses may lose their firmness because of the moisture, heavy usage, insufficient care, and lack of proper placement of the mattress. And if you are in need of a slightly firm mattress, you may need to treat it through proper ways so that you can restore its actual firmness or at least support it using different accessories to gain the firmness again.
Your Mattress is Too Soft? How To Make Mattress Firmer?
An easy way out to make sure you have a firmer mattress again is to replace it with a new one. But you should be aware of the fact that replacing your mattress may cost you 500-1000usd or more depending upon the kind of mattress you have or want to replace your old mattress. So, better not to go with the replacement option and try to look into easier, low cost and wise solutions, instead.
#Replace the worn out layers:
If you have a mattress having multiple layers, you may try changing the above layer and see if that works for you. It will cost a lot lesser than changing the whole mattress and you will get a firm support again.
#Give it a firm platform
Try to put your mattress on a plywood bed support. This will ensure that your mattress is supported in a firm way so that no part is sagging and will be kept straight.
#Use a firm mattress topper
Using a firm mattress topper is one of the easiest ways to get the firm mattress surface. You should use a latex mattress topper or a high-density memory foam mattress topper for a firm yet adjustable support. Latex and memory foam toppers are the best choices to make mattress firmer.
If your existing mattress is too soft, you should buy a latex topper, because naturally, latex is firmer than memory foam.
In case you need soft yet form upper layer, you may choose a cotton filled mattress topper. A well-fitted mattress pad and cover can also supplement in retaining and enhancement of mattress firmness.
A mattress topper acts in protecting your mattress in many different ways.
- One is that your mattress will have an extra layer which will be affected when you use your mattress and in the way and the actual mattress does not get direct affect on its surface.
- It gives an extra soft or firm layer on the top of your bed, keeping it firm and in the actual form of the mattress, the way the mattress was before.
- You should use a memory foam mattress topper if you have to get the firmness back for your side sleeping habit. This will give you medium firmness and a very good night’s sleep.
- For those who need to transform into a new mattress through a mattress topper, a latex mattress topper would be the best.
The mattress topper only works on the mattresses which have minor sagging issues and not too damaged. Also, the mattress toppers can only supplement the mattress firmness on the top and they may not fix it if your mattress got damaged
#Keep the room temperature at an optimum level
Highs and lows in the room temperature can also affect the firmness of the mattress. If you could keep it normal, you can easily avoid the deterioration process of the mattress.
#Give your mattress a sun bath
Make sure you put your mattress under the sunlight after every few months. This will help the mattress rejuvenate its internal structure by stretching the cells and killing germs and mildew and release moisture.
#Flip your mattress often
Make sure you flip your mattress on a regular basis. This practice will help you retain the shape of the mattress and the mattress will not be overly used from one side or spot. When all areas get equal pressure, the deterioration process will be slow.
Among all these tips, we may consider two things the most important ones, moisture and wrong placement of the mattress may lead to the loss of firmness. So, if you can protect the mattress from these two factors, you can surely make it feel firmer and supportive.
Thank you that was very helpful. My bed is soft/plush and I wake up with lower back pain which goes after 10 mins. I am 68 years old so could be an ‘age thing’ I will get a firm memory foam topper see if that helps. Also do some back stretches my physio taught me
Kindest regards
Anna
You’re welcome, Anna.
You can take a look at this article to choose the best topper for your back: Best Mattress Topper for Back Pain
Hi I have a soft memory foam bed as well and wake up with lower back pain too. My older conventional mattress did not give me any pain. I think it’s probably your mattress, it should be firmer to avoid the pain contrary to some articles advice. Good luck.
Hi, I have been searching the Internet for approx 2 hours and this is the only site I have managed to find that someone “in the know” actually replies. I would appreciate it greatly if you could respond to this request via my email as well as posting on here please. (I am unlikely to be able to get back to this post and see your response, due to my dimness). I would greatly appreciate it if you can.
So… to the mattress topper. For many years now I have had a memory foam mattress, but due to a house move my original bed didn’t fit in my new bedroom. So I have bought a complete new bed and mattress. They were both fairly expensive and are only 3 months old. The base is one of those that opens/lifts up for storage. I stupidly didn’t buy a memory foam mattress this time and it is giving me untold problems with ongoing neck and shoulder problems, but I find I also have to support both sides of my waist with small cushions when I’m in bed. In my opinion this mattress is too soft and my issues are only going to get worse, not better.
Is there a mattress topper out there that will help to firm this mattress up that doesn’t cost the same as a half decent memory foam mattress?
Thanks very much in advance for any advice you may have and I really would appreciate an email to either respond to this question or at least send me back to this link.
Kindest Regards
Hi Claire Bell,
Thank you for your kind words!
Normally, you will get notification of my reply in your email.
I think you will find a good topper from this article: https://www.thebestmattresstopper.com/best-mattress-topper-for-back-pain.html
In that article, you can find top rated medium-firm to firm toppers which can help to make your mattress firmer. If you want more firmness (if your existing mattress is too soft), you should buy a latex topper, because naturally, latex is firmer than memory foam (but they are more expensive).
Hi, I clicked on the link for the latex mattress topper as you suggested and the description and reviews all indicate that it makes your mattress softer not firmer.
My situation is basically that I have back pain and my boyfriend and I have a brand new mattress that he loves and my back is hurting. So I figured if I could get a mattress topper for my half of the bed, that would solve my problem without disrupting his sleep.
Thanks!
Hi Eleanor,
Yes, latex toppers can both help to make your mattress softer or firmer (I mentioned both in that article). It depends on the firmness of the topper your choose: soft, medium-firm or firm. A soft topper will make your mattress softer. A medium-firm or firm latex topper will help to make your mattress firmer and help relieve back pain.
I also wrote an article about mattress topper for back pain here: https://www.thebestmattresstopper.com/best-mattress-topper-for-back-pain.html
I have a mattress with an attached pillow top. I feel like I can’t clip it for that reason, but would the plywood help? My husband and I wake up every morning with back pain. Buying a new mattress is not in our budget at this time especially being the holiday season. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thank you!
Hi Bobbie,
Sorry for late feedback.
You should check your bed foundation, if it’s not good then using plywood can help a little.
You can consider buying a mattress topper too, an affordable mattress topper can improve your mattress. Take a look at our article on choosing mattress topper for back pain here: https://www.thebestmattresstopper.com/best-mattress-topper-for-back-pain.html
Hi, Thanks for your the article. Everyone knows that a good mattress is important for your sleep. When we have used it for a while, it lacks softness, which causes problems such as back pain, knee pain, waking up at midnight. Make mattress firmer is a temporary solution, I wonder if I should change the mattress? I am in need some information. Can you give me a tutorial? Thank you very much, have a nice day.
Hi
I bought a king size ottoman bed with a memory foam mattress but I have not been able to sleep on it as its too soft I have neck and back pains. I cant get up form it its too soft and very uncomfy,
Could you please help?
Hi,
Did you read the article and try our suggestions?
You can buy a medium-firm or firm topper to firm up your mattress. A good mattress topper can help relieve back pain too. Read more about choosing mattress topper for back pain here: https://www.thebestmattresstopper.com/best-mattress-topper-for-back-pain.html
Which would sleep cooler, a firm memory foam topper or a firm latex topper? I have a new mattress that is too soft and does not allow me to turn over easy, but do not want something that adds heat as i like to sleep cool.
A firm latex topper is cooler. Generally, latex and gel-infused foam are top cooling materials.
Thanks for this information. My frequent guest requires a firmer bed than that provided by my memory foam, which is almost new. I will look for a firm topper. What a relief to not buy a whole new mattress!
Thank you so much for this helpful article. I have been given a bed by a friend, but the mattress is a soft mattress and is far too soft for my partner who likes and needs a firmer mattress. Will a Latex mattress topper help firm up the mattress enough for him?
Yes, a latex topper can help.
Great article, just remember to use a mattress encasement on any mattress to keep it protected from bed bugs, spills, viruses, dust mites, allergens, etc.
I sleep on the floor and my back feels wonderful.
That’s what I was thinking. My back didn’t hurt when I slept on the floor.
Your article was super useful. I looked into the latex topper but the brand you suggested (Ultimate Dreams) is not available in firm for a king size bed. Another brand (Pure Green by SleepOnLatex) is available and sounds promising. However, it doesn’t seem to come with a cover. In your experience, is a cover required?
My only other concern is if the bed sheets will fit with such thickness. I definitely need Firm though bc my tempurpedic has somehow become too soft since we got it a few years ago.
My issue is that I have a nice mattress that is only a couple of years that is soft for me since I have arthritis in my hips. The problem is now I have my girlfriend living with me, and she needs a firmer mattress. What do you think about cutting a mattress topper in half, or purchasing a twin topper to go on my queen bed. I fear that would put her side of the bed higher than mine. I really do not want to spend 1000.00 for a new adjustable mattress since mine is not old.
Thoughts?
Hi Butch Armstrong,
Yes, you can put a topper on one side of the bed to adjust the firmness of your mattress. You can buy a thin topper (about 2 inches) to reduce the height difference.
Or, you can also try a medium firm topper to see if it’s comfortable for your hip. A medium firm topper can be a good solution for both of you.
Hi,
I am having a hard time finding a firm mattress topper. Do you recommend one? I bought my daughter and son n law a new bed and it’s not firm enough. So they are not using a 900 mattress.
Hi Amber Elliott,
You will find the best medium firm and firm topper from this article: https://www.thebestmattresstopper.com/best-mattress-topper-for-back-pain.html
I fixed a Tempur-Pedic soft mattress that was too soft by adding a latex topper underneath it. I weigh 260 pounds and I have back deformities. The soft mattress felt great in the store but was causing pain at home, so I followed the recipes posted here and on Amazon and bought a latex topper 2″ and put it under the existing mattress on top of the box spring. It helps about 90% and the rest of the aches and pains are tolerable. I won’t be moving the topper to the upper side. This arrangement already works so well, and for only about $200