Understanding How to Soften a Memory Foam Mattress
To soften a memory foam mattress, you can employ several methods, such as adjusting the room temperature, using a mattress topper, regularly walking on the surface, or rotating the mattress regularly. Memory foam responds to temperature and pressure, so these strategies revolve around manipulating these factors to alter the mattress’s firmness.
Importance of Mattress Firmness
Firmness is a crucial factor in the comfort and support of a mattress. It affects spinal alignment, pressure point relief, and overall sleep quality. While some people prefer a firmer mattress for the support it provides, others may find that a softer mattress helps them sleep better by conforming to their body’s natural curves.
Room Temperature Adjustments
Memory foam is temperature-sensitive. By increasing the temperature of the room, the memory foam will become more pliable and subsequently softer. During the colder months, this might mean turning the heat up a few degrees. In warmer months, consider using flannel sheets or a thicker blanket to help increase the surface temperature of the mattress, which will, in turn, allow it to soften.
Using a Mattress Topper
A quick and effective way to alter the firmness of your mattress is to use a mattress topper. Toppers come in various materials such as memory foam, featherbeds, latex, and others, each offering different levels of softness. Adding a plush memory foam topper can significantly decrease the firmness of your mattress immediately.
Our Top 5 Mattress Picks
Updated September 2026EGOHOME 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Firm
Best for most bedrooms. A medium-firm green tea memory foam mattress with a cooling gel layer, delivered rolled in a box.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium firm
- Cooling green tea gel
- CertiPUR-US, fiberglass free
OhGeni Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump, 18-Inch Raised
Best for guests and camping. Inflates in about three minutes with the built-in pump and sits 18 inches off the floor, so it feels like a real bed.
- Queen, 18 in raised
- Built-in pump
- 800 lb capacity
- Waterproof PVC
Novilla 6-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best budget twin. A slim gel memory foam twin that suits kids' rooms, bunk beds and trundles where a thick mattress won't fit.
- Twin, 6 in
- Gel memory foam
- Cooling
- CertiPUR-US
Zinus 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best-known brand. Zinus's long-running green tea foam design in twin size, with both CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified materials.
- Twin, 8 in
- Green tea memory foam
- CertiPUR-US & OEKO-TEX
GAESTE 8-Inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Feel
Best for hot sleepers. Cooling gel memory foam with a medium feel, plus a machine-washable, anti-slip cover you can actually clean.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium feel
- Cooling gel foam
- Washable cover
- Fiberglass free
Walking on the Surface
Another method to soften a memory foam mattress to your liking is by walking on it gently for a few minutes each day. This evenly applies pressure across the mattress and can help to break in the foam, making it softer over time.
Rotating the Mattress
Regular rotation of your mattress can also promote even wear and softening. Turning your mattress 180 degrees every six months can help ensure that the mattress softens evenly, preventing dips and sags that can occur in the areas where you sleep the most.
Deep Dive into Softening a Memory Foam Mattress
If your memory foam mattress is too firm for your comfort, there are detailed strategies that you can consider to help soften it up. It’s important to remember that patience is essential, as some methods can take time to produce the desired levels of softness.
Breaking in a New Mattress
If your memory foam mattress is brand new, it might just need a little bit of time to break in. A typical break-in period can vary from a few weeks to a few months. During this time, regular use will gradually soften the foam’s structure as it conforms to your body’s shape and weight. In this initial phase, ensure that you sleep on different areas of the mattress to uniformly soften it.
Understand Your Memory Foam
Memory foam’s viscoelastic properties mean that it reacts to both heat and pressure. Knowing this, you can use both elements to your advantage. In addition to walking on the mattress and adjusting the room temperature, consider using an electric blanket or even a hair dryer to gently warm the surface of the mattress, making it more malleable.
Invest in a Quality Mattress Topper
When selecting a mattress topper, choose one that complements your existing mattress. For a memory foam mattress that’s too firm, a plush down or down-alternative topper can add a luxurious softness. Memory foam toppers come with different density levels; a lower density topper will often feel softer and can change the feel of your mattress without reducing its support.
Adjust the Foundation
The foundation or bed base can significantly affect the firmness of your mattress. Memory foam mattresses tend to feel firmer on a solid platform base as opposed to a box spring or slatted foundation which can offer more give and therefore, more softness. If you’re using a platform base, adding a box spring or some plywood slats can increase the softness slightly.
Give it Time to Adjust
If your mattress feels too firm initially, it is worth giving yourself some time to adjust before making any changes. Sometimes, the firmness is a result of what your body has been used to previously, and over time, you may find that the mattress provides just the right support and comfort.
Additional Considerations for Softening Your Mattress
While adjusting the firmness of your memory foam mattress is a priority, it’s essential to do it thoughtfully to avoid damaging the foam and to ensure that it remains supportive.
Maintain Proper Support
As you make your mattress softer, remember to maintain the necessary support to keep your spine properly aligned. While softness is a matter of comfort, support is a matter of health. Don’t sacrifice one for the other.
Use the Right Sheets and Bedding
Sheets and bedding can influence how your mattress feels. Heavy, insulating bedding can trap heat and help the memory foam to soften, while light, breathable bedding will not affect the firmness much.
Avoid Spills and Saturation
When using heat or any moisture-related methods to soften your mattress, be cautious to avoid spills and saturation. Memory foam can be damaged by excessive moisture, which can also lead to mold and mildew issues.
Consider the Warranty
Before making any major adjustments or adding a mattress topper, check your mattress warranty. Some changes may void the warranty, so it is important to understand the terms and conditions.
Finishing Thoughts
Softening a memory foam mattress requires a combination of patience, understanding of the foam’s properties, and the right techniques. From temperature adjustments to adding a mattress topper, these methods can help you tailor your sleeping surface to your comfort preferences. Always approach the softening process with care to avoid damaging your mattress and ensure you still receive the necessary support for a good night’s sleep. By implementing these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a more comfortable resting environment that aligns with your personal needs.
