How Do I Know If My Mattress Is Too Firm
Here are a few of the main signs that your mattress is too firm for you:
Check out our guide on how to find the perfect mattress firmness for you.
Does A Hard Bed Cause Back Pain
Beds that are too hard or too soft can both cause back pain. In the case of one that is too firm, youll find that itll push on your pressure points and cause misalignment. One way to tell if your mattress is too hard is if your arm falls asleep even though youre not putting much weight on it.
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Change The Box Spring
The coils of the box spring of your mattress can loose its spring due to wear and tear. If you find that your mattress has lost its firmness, it may be that the box spring needs to be replaced. Since you are getting a new box spring, not only will this add to the firmness of your bed, but it will also add height to it too. For a detailed analysis check out does your memory foam mattress need a box spring?
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Use A Mattress Topper
Buying a topper is one of the quickest, most effective, and cheapest ways to make a hard surface softer. By adding a supportive layer to the top of your bed, you can enhance pressure point relief and contouring. There are different materials available, including latex, memory foam, wool, cotton, feather, polyfoam, and down alternative.
The most popular option is memory foam. If you go with this variety, get something that is under two inches thick and a lower density for extra softness.
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What Happens If Your Mattress Is Too Hard
If your mattress is too hard then it might not be very comfortable for you and could be causing back and joint pains. It could also be affecting your posture if you don’t think your spine is being properly supported. Overall, you might not be getting a good night’s sleep which could be impacting your day to day life.
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Reduce Any Mattress Sagging
If your mattress is starting to sag, act fast as a mattress with pronounced dips will throw your posture out and cause problems such as backache and neck strain.
As we explain in our feature on how to fix a saggy mattress, the only way to properly fix sagging is to send the mattress back to the manufacturer for repairs if your bed is still warranted against a certain level of sag .
No warranty option for you? Then try this temporary fix: place pillows under the parts of your body such as your hips and legs that are affected by the sagging. Our top tip is to choose memory foam pillows as these keep their shape better for longer and dont require fluffing each morning.
Should A Childs Mattress Be Firm Or Soft
If you are looking to make a firm mattress softer, then you need to first think about the age of the child. If they are not quite ready for a soft mattress and have outgrown their crib, then it might be worth getting a little bit firmer for them.
However, if you want to provide your child with a soft, comfortable bed that is going to give them an excellent nights sleep, then you are going to want to look at memory foam options. These types of mattresses will be very supportive and give your child plenty of comfort without them feeling too hard or uncomfortable.
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Swap It If Youre Within The Trial Period
Buying a mattress online has big benefits , but one of the downsides is figuring out what firmness would suit you.
That’s why manufacturers offer at-home trial periods. These range from 100 nights up to a whole year. If you’re still within your trial period, act now and return your too-soft mattress for a firmer model. Most brands offer free returns and exchanges, though some, like Saatva, will charge a processing fee.
If your mattress is outside of the trial period, check the warranty to see if you’re covered for a certain amount of sagging / sinkage. Just keep in mind that sagging isn’t the only cause of softer mattresses – some are just made that way.
You Wake Up With Pain Or Numbness
If your mattress is the wrong firmness for your sleeping position or size, it can lead to pressure build-up and pain. The intense pressure on your body can cause you to wake up feeling numb, such as having a dead arm or tingly foot.
For example, if you sleep on your side and your mattress is firm, you may develop pain around your shoulders and hips as both body parts need lots of cushioning. Similarly, if youre a petite sleeper using a firm mattress, your body wont put enough pressure on the mattress to be properly cradled, leading to sore muscles.
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Place Bed On The Floor
Another tip on making your mattress firmer is to put it on the floor. This may be your last resort especially when the steps mentioned above havent helped. However, before you place your mattress on the floor, you need to keep in mind that you will be exposed to dust, dirt, and bugs that may get to your bed. If you think that this will help firm up your mattress and the rest doesnt bother you, plop yourself on the floor and enjoy a good nights sleep.
Best Firm Mattress Toppers
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Daniel Noyed
A mattress topper is an extra layer that rests on the existing mattress to modify its feel. While many sleepers use mattress toppers to soften a bed that is too firm, the right topper can also add firmness to a mattress thats too soft. A high-quality topper can significantly improve how your mattress feels and help you sleep more soundly.
Shoppers should know that if their mattress is sagging or has lasting indentations, a topper wont resolve its issues. However, if the mattress is still in good condition but isnt as firm as youd like, a topper could make your sleep surface closer to your ideal feel.
Toppers usually measure between 1 and 4 inches thick, and they vary in firmness levels and materials. These criteria can affect how firm, supportive, and pressure-relieving a topper is, so shoppers should carefully assess how their needs and preferences stack up against any topper theyre considering.
Well detail our top picks for firm mattress toppers and highlight what makes them unique. Well also explain key factors to consider as you shop and share other tips on how to make your mattress feel firmer.
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Lower The Room Temperature
Some mattresses are temperature sensitive, such as memory foam beds. Memory foam mattresses are designed to soften up when exposed to heat, which lets the mattress conform to your body for pressure relief. This sensitivity means the bed can also feel firmer in colder temperatures.
Try lowering your thermostat, turning on a fan, or opening your window to firm up your mattress a little
Turn Down The Thermostat In Your Bedroom
If you have a foam mattress and normally sleep in a warmer room, one thing you can try is cooling down the room. The cooler temperature can make your foam mattress feel firmer, since heat can soften the density of the foam. It’ll also help you sleep a bit better.
Keep in mind that your body heat will also affect it some, but it can’t hurt to try turning down the thermostat to see if it makes a difference for your mattress. Try cooling down your room at least a few hours before bed so that the room and mattress has enough time to cool down.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
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Make Your Room Warmer
A memory foam mattress is temperature-sensitive. Since these types of mattress respond to heat, you could try making your bedroom a little warmer. This could help soften your mattress.
If you don’t want to change the temperature of your whole room, you could put a hot water bottle under your duvet before you go to sleep. This will help to soften your mattress before you lie on it and it’ll make your sleeping experience extra cosy.
Air Your Mattress In The Sun
Different types of moisture soften a mattress this is particularly common in humid areas, houses with poor insulation, or if you live close to the beach. If you suffer from night sweats, all that sweat and release of body oils can also lead to a mattress losing its firmness over time.
A quick fix is to take your mattress outside when its sunny and warm and leave it to air for a few hours, with the heat and sun naturally drawing out moisture. Not only will this make your mattress feel firmer, it will also kill off any bacteria, germs and mold caused by the dampness.
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Change Your Box Spring
Box springs often last longer than mattresses, but they will need to be replaced eventually. The inner coils will eventually lose support and sag, providing uneven support. Most box springs shouldnt be used for more than a decade, and you should check their condition if you hear squeaks or creaks or if the wood smells.
Using a box spring with a mattress can also cause the bed to sag prematurely if the box spring doesnt provide the full support the mattress needs. Memory foam mattresses shouldnt be placed on a box spring, nor should any other type of foam mattresses such as latex and poly-foam.
Removing the box spring and replacing it with a solid or slatted foundation for a memory foam mattress can make your bed feel firmer.
What To Consider When Purchasing A Firm Mattress Topper
Well give an in-depth overview of the top things to look for when purchasing a mattress topper. Shoppers looking for a firm topper should keep in mind that factors like their body weight, sleep position, existing mattress, and the thickness of the topper can all affect how firm it will feel to them.
PriceThe price of a topper will depend largely on its construction. Budget-friendly models often cost less than $100, while high-end toppers with down or innovative materials can cost over $1,000. There are plenty of options available to fit different budgets, and many high-quality mattress toppers are available at affordable price-points.
Sleeping PositionYour sleep position plays a major role in how you experience your sleep surface. Side sleepers typically prefer more contouring and cushioning to accommodate their hips and shoulders, while back and stomach sleepers usually need more support to prevent their hips from sinking in too deeply. Because of this, side sleepers often prefer a thicker, softer topper, and back and stomach sleepers may favor a thinner, firmer option.
Quality MaterialsMaterials directly affect the performance and durability of a topper. Quality materials may last longer, which may be especially important for people seeking a firm, even sleep surface that resists long-term body impressions. While toppers made of quality components generally cost more upfront, they may be a better value if this quality enhances their lifespans.
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Invest On A Mattress Topper
Purchasing a topper is one of the simplest, most effective, and least expensive methods to soften a hard surface.
You may improve pressure point relief and contouring by putting a supporting layer to the top of your bed.
Latex, memory foam, wool, cotton, feather, polyfoam, and down substitute are among the materials offered.
Memory foam is the most popular choice.
If you choose this option, look for something that is less than two inches thick and has a lower density for added softness.
How To Know You Need A New Bed
This is going to vary from individual to individual, as there is no set in stone rule for when a sleeper ought to replace their bed though most manufacturers recommend 7 years. It might help to pay attention to how the material is holding up and whether it is falling apart or sagging in areas.
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Rotate Or Flip The Mattress
Sometimes mattresses develop soft spots due to overuse. Rotating the mattress 180 degrees ensures even wear, preventing sags. When you rotate the bed, the area that was supporting your head now supports your feet and vice versa. This way you ensure using all parts of your mattress equally.
Before rotating or flipping, check with the customer service representative of the mattress company. Most modern mattresses cannot be flipped unless its a double-sided mattress. Flipping a mattress ensures you use both surfaces of the mattress, avoiding overuse.
Can A Soft Mattress Cause Shoulder Pain
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Is Your Mattress Actually Too Firm
In general, mattress firmness is relative. What some people may consider to be very firm and rigid can actually be just the right level of firmness for others. Depending on your body type as well as your sleeping position, mattress firmness can contribute to whether you get a good nights sleep or not.
A mattress thats on the higher end of the firmness scale may be beneficial for certain sleepers, such as stomach sleepers or heavyweight people. That is because the firm surface will keep your back, shoulders, and hips from sinking into the mattress and help promote spinal alignment.
However, if youre a side sleeper or back sleeper, or if you have a lighter body weight, then you might run into the problem of your mattress being too firm for you. When you sleep on a firm surface on your side or back, your hips and shoulders can cause your spine to be misaligned, and your pressure points can be aggravated, leading to significant back pain and neck pain in the morning . That is why its important for side sleepers and back sleepers to look into softer mattresses to accommodate their sleep personalities and to provide pressure relief.
If you notice any of these signs, then it may be time to look for a softer sleep option. Since mattresses can be expensive, you may want to avoid buying a new bed altogether. Thankfully, there are methods and tricks you can use to soften your current firm mattress.
Why Does A New Mattress Feel Firm
Some types of mattresses feel firm when theyre brand new, and they can take some time to settle. This is especially true for memory foam. Some online companies compress their beds in a box for shipping. When a company does this, youll find that it will already be soft.
However, if your bed arrives fully intact, expect a bit of an adjustment period. It might be 30 days or more. Just like when you buy shoes and have to break them in to get rid of that new feeling, the same holds true for this type of product.
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Other Factors To Consider
To shop for a new mattress topper like a pro, readers should keep certain aspects in mind. Here are a few examples:
- Durability. Unless readers want to change mattress toppers quite often, they need to look for durable materials. Typically, dense memory foam and latex offer the most long-lasting performance. Its also better to pick companies that offer extended warranties with their toppers. Good warranty coverage is often an indication of the material quality.
- Motion isolation. If the mattress is too bouncy and makes sleepers disturb each other during the night, a soft topper can improve the situation. Memory foam typically works the best when it comes to motion isolation. Shoppers can also consider soft latex toppers.
- Temperature regulation. Since soft mattress toppers are quite cradling, some of them may cause overheating during the night. Therefore, sleepers who are prone to night sweats should direct their attention to latex, gel-infused memory foam, or breathable wool toppers.
- Ease of cleaning. Some mattress toppers come with a removable, washable cover, making maintenance super easy. Some allow for spot-cleaning only, which can be an issue for allergy sufferers, people who sleep with pets, and parents who practice co-sleeping.
A quick note: readers should figure out how to dispose of an old mattress topper before buying a new one. After all, toppers can be large and bulky, and no one wants to clutter their home with something like that.
