Add A Plywood Board Underneath Your Mattress
Is A Firmer Mattress Better For Your Back
When sleeping on a firmer surface, the bones absorb most of the pressure, meaning there is less stress on muscles, veins and arteries. Muscles are less strained, and circulation is improved. Firm mattresses are generally better for those who sleep on their back, because they provide a more stable and even surface.
Who Needs A Firmer Mattress
People who need a firmer mattress are usually stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and heavier people. The robust support that typically comes with firmer beds can help these people by keeping them more lifted as they lie down. Hot sleepers can also benefit from firmer beds so theyre not as stuck in the layers, which could cause them to absorb additional heat.
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Making Your Bed More Comfortable
Have you ever had one of those days when you just want to come home, snuggle up under the covers, and relax? Isnt it pure bliss?
A particular layering strategy has proven to be one of the simplest ways to guarantee that my bed is the most comfortable room in the home.
Each component is a sensual experience of softness and richness.
Here are my top four recommendations for a restful nights sleep:
The Benefits Of A Firm Mattress
If youre searching for how to make your memory foam mattress firmer, youre probably no stranger to the specific comfort that a firm mattress offers.
A structured mattress holds your body in a neutral position, supporting the natural curve of your spine to promote spinal alignment and aligning your head, shoulders, buttocks, and heels. The ideal mattress should also provide pressure relief because of how it equally distributes your weight across its surface area.
The perfect mattress for your body can:
- Relax your muscles
- Help you sleep better
- Improve your posture.
On the other hand, if you sleep on the wrong type of mattress, it will interfere with your sleep, and you might even wake up with back pain.
On a firmer surface, your bones absorb most of the pressure of your body weight, putting less stress on your muscles, veins, and arteries. A reduction in this strain improves your circulation and allows you to sleep deeply. For many individuals, this is the perfect option!
Mattresses with a greater firmness level also prevent your lower back from collapsing, which can allow for more oxygen intake while sleeping and ensure the weight of your body is evenly distributed. Different sleepers usually prefer different types of mattresses. Because firm mattresses provide a more stable, even surface, they tend to be a better fit for:
- Stomach sleepers
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What To Do If You And Your Partner Dont Like The Same Mattress Firmness
Loving someone doesnt mean youll love the same mattress. One person might prefer to sink into a pillow-top that wraps them in a full-body hug. The other might need a firm-as-a-board bed to keep their back pain at bay. Luckily, there are solutionsbeyond a sleep divorceif you and your partner have diametrically opposing views on what makes the most comfortable mattress.
When two people have differing firmness preferences, experts often advise leaning toward whats most comfortable for the partner who has musculoskeletal issues . But the compromising partner might also wake up achy and tired come morning. Sleep is vitally important not only to our own individual health and well-being but also the health of our relationships, said Wendy Troxel, author of Sharing the Covers: Every Couples Guide to Better Sleepand a senior behavioral and social scientist at the RAND Corporation. Sleeping well is critical to being the best partner you can be.
If youre dealing with mattress incompatibilityand compromise is not an optionweve pulled together three solutions, at different price and difficulty levels, to try at home.
Best Ways To Make Your Mattress Firmer
Over time, it’s possible you could see a decrease in your mattress firmness level. It’s also possible you’re not sleeping on a mattress with the right firmness level for your sleeping position.
Either way, there are steps you can take to make your mattress feel a little firmer, which can, in turn, help extend the life of your mattress and give you additional relief for your pressure points.
Some of the top ways to make your mattress feel firmer include:
- Use a mattress topper
- Invest in a new bed frame
- Get a new box spring or foundation
- Flip your mattress
- Add plywood supports
Below, we’ll go into detail about each of these tips and explain how exactly they can firm up your mattress.
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How Can I Make My Mattress Firmer On One Side
Couples may have differing sleep preferencesone 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 the extra cushion or support.
How Good Are Firm Mattress Toppers
Firm mattress toppers can be very helpful for creating a firmer bed surface on a mattress thats older and beginning to show signs of sagging or one that is new but too soft. Typically, the thicker the topper, the more youll feel a difference. That being said, if you try out a topper and still dont experience enough firmness, you may have to consider investing in a new bed.
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Buy A New Box Spring Or Base
Another fix is to replace your bed base and add firmness from the ground up. There are different types of bases to choose from, with firm edge divans being among the most supportive. These are usually designed with heavy duty springs and a rigid wooden-sided frame.
Dont shy away from slatted bed bases either, as some of these are designed to be rigid , which could be the perfect antidote when figuring out how to make a mattress firmer. Divans and box springs are by far the most popular types of bed base.
If you have bought a mattress from an online manufacturer, chances are they will sell a base thats tailor-made to work with your mattress. Purple , Casper , Saatva and Nectar are just a few brands that sell complementary bases the really fun ones are fully adjustable. Just saying.
Bundle Up With Blankets And Soft Bedding
If you dont have the money for a mattress topper, you can still soften up your mattress with a few blankets and specialized bedding. For example, while most people sleep under a comforter, placing a comforter on top of the mattress pads the bed, softening a too-firm feel.
Layering blankets on top of your mattress isnt the most comfortable way to sleep. However, its a good stop-gap measure while you shop around for a more permanent solution.
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Buy A Mattress Topper
Using a firm mattress topper is typically the most effective thing that you can do to make a current mattress feel firmer. Dense memory foam or latex foam mattress toppers that measure greater than two inches can even out a lumpy or saggy surface and make an overly soft mattress more supportive.
For a mattress that is sinking in, you may need to add blankets, pillows, or something else to even out the surface before you place the topper. And if your mattress is aging and quite saggy or soft, you may not find a topper to offer sufficient support.
Word of warningdo not mix up a mattress pad for a mattress topper. Mattress pads are thin sheets of padding made from soft materials like cotton, wool, or polyester. These products will usually make mattresses softer.
How Can I Fix A Pillow
A pillow-top bed is subject is also subject to sagging, but the good news is that you can improve things. First, you can add more blankets beneath a bed sheet to help adjust this. Second, you can try removing the top, if detachable, and put it in a dryer to fluff it out.
Need more details? Learn how to fix a sagging mattress here.
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Is A Firm Mattress Better For Your Back
For most people, firm mattresses offer a lot more back support and can relieve some pressure from your spine and joints. Orthopaedic mattresses are an example of this as they are often firmer and are specifically designed to care for your back.
However, if you’re struggling with back pain, we suggest talking to a healthcare professional because a firmer mattress isn’t always the answer. Check out our guide if you’re looking for more information about sleeping with a bad back.
Why Firmness Can Be Important
Firmness is important not only because it determines how easily the sleeper can move around, but its also vital for things like spine alignment and pressure relief for the joints, hips, and back. If its too firm, a mattress might feel uncomfortable, and if its too soft, there might be too much sinkage or not enough reinforcement.
Want to learn more? Read our complete mattress firmness guide.
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How To Make The Mattress More Comfortable
To ensure a comfortable, undisrupted sleep, try periodic mattress rotation. Swapping the head and foot of a mattress is a simple remedy to maintain pressure. Rotating your sleeping surface once in a few months might keep your bed free from soft, sagging spots for a more extended period.
Based on the type of mattress, you can rotate to 180 degrees twice to five times a year.
Rotating your mattress after specific intervals balance out the softened areas due to disproportionate body weight distribution.
Viscosoft Select High Density Mattress Topper
The ViscoSoft Select High Density mattress topper features high-density gel-infused foam with perforations for airflow, as well as a bamboo rayon cover and adjustable no-slip straps.
Sleepopolis Score
Return Policy
Free returns
Side sleepers require sufficient pressure relief to cradle pain points at the hips and shoulders. Though we consider the ViscoSoft Select High Density topper to be medium-firm, it has the characteristics of a firmer topper and provides some great support. This balanced feel is good for side sleepers they should receive the necessary plushness without feeling like theyre stuck in the material. Its three-inch foam construction is gel-infused, so this topper shouldnt trap heat like other foam models.
Pros:
- Its thicker construction and excellent materials make the Select High Density topper a durable option.
- The foam used is CertiPUR-US certified, so you can rest assured youre sleeping on quality materials.
- This topper is offered in a short queen size, which should fit well in an RV or van.
Cons:
- This topper wont be firm enough for stomach sleepers. These folks need more support to keep the hips lifted and the spine in neutral alignment.
Learn more about this topper in our full review!
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How To Make A Mattress Firmer If Its Too Soft For Your Back
ByClaire Daviespublished 21 September 21
Simple tricks for how to make a soft mattress firmer, whether its new or youve been sleeping on it for years
Some people love a marshmallowy bed, but if yours is too soft for the back support you need, its time to learn how to make your mattress firmer. Sagging is usually the main culprit on older beds, while other times you may have chosen the wrong firmness for your body. It happens, and thats one the reasons why all of the best mattresses come on a trial basis so that you can make sure your pick is firm enough for you.
Medium-firm mattresses suit most people as they keep the spine in neutral alignment without being too hard to sleep on. Very soft mattresses, while snug and cozy, can lead to joint issues and pain over time, especially if youre older . Thats because you may sink too deeply into the mattress to be properly supported.
Here we look at six easy fixes to make a mattress firmer and more supportive to sleep on. But if after reading this you decide its time for an upgrade, wed recommend trialling a medium-firm mattress. To help you, weve rounded-up the top-rated options in our best mattress in a box guide, as well as the top memory foam mattress for all sleepers.
Can You Flip A Pillow Top Mattress To Make It Firmer
No, pillow-top mattresses cannot be flipped. They have an extra layer of padding on top of the mattress to enhance plushness. If you flip a pillow top mattress, you cannot reap the benefits of the cushioning layer. Most modern-day mattresses cannot be flipped unless specifically marked as doubled-sided beds.
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Use A Firm Mattress Topper
Finally, consider getting one of the firm mattress toppers. It may be an easy fix that will give you just the right mattress firmness. Many mattress manufacturers make great mattress toppers and you can choose which topper you want- wool, foam, or a latex topper.
Amerisleep is a company we trust and they have two memory foam mattress topper options a soft and a firm one . The Amerisleep Support Lift is the best firm mattress topper. It adds 3 inches to your mattress in height and we believe its thick and firm enough to neutralize back pain from a too-soft mattress. On top of that, it can add some extra support to your spine.
How To Make A Soft Mattress Firmer
You might have to experience sleepless nights or wake up groggy from a painful back. If you fall into the mattress quickly and feel like your back isnât straight or has support, then thatâs the sign your mattress is too soft and needs a firmer feel for your body.
There are many things you can do to achieve a firmer bed. I recommend that you do most of these methods for better results, and to observe the change for a few days. Here are the things you will need to firm up your mattress:
- Mattress Toppers or Pads
- Room Thermostat
Besides the whole bed or room thermostat, you can buy the support or toppers from any online shop and store near you. Get the reliable support that can hold the mattress, as well as a mattress topper thatâs firm enough for your body.
Follow these steps to firm up your soft mattress:
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Check Your Mattresss Foundation
What foundation are you using for your mattress? If it is a box spring or slatted foundation, there are ways that you can boost your mattresss support, and with it, the support that your mattress gives you.
Box springs are made from metal coils that provide some give. Over time, box springs can weaken, offering less support. Replacing a box spring can make your mattress feel firmer. And if this is not enough, or if you do not want to buy a new box spring, a sheet of plywood can be inserted between the box spring and the mattress to offer additional support.
Similarly, you can make a slatted foundation more supportive by inserting a sheet of plywood between the bed frame and the mattress. Keep in mind that using plywood boards can void some warranties. If you do use this option, cut the plywood to match the exact dimensions of the mattress. Sand down the corners and edges to reduce the risk of getting a bruise or splinter if you bump into it.
Another way to ensure that your mattress is solidly supported is by placing it directly on the floor. The floor is the hardest foundation available, and as such, can help make your mattress feel firmer. But keep in mind that having your mattress on the floor puts you in close contact with dust, bugs, and other allergens.
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