What To Do If Your Mattress Is Too Soft?
If your mattress feels too soft, you can improve your sleep quality and comfort by using a mattress topper, adding support under the mattress, rotating or flipping it, adjusting your bed frame, or even considering a mattress replacement. Let’s explore these options in detail to help you choose the best strategy to improve your sleep experience.
Adding a Mattress Topper
One of the quickest and most effective solutions is to use a mattress topper. A high-quality mattress topper can provide additional firmness and support, enhancing your overall comfort. Toppers come in various materials such as memory foam, latex, or even high-density foam, and each type has unique benefits.
Memory foam toppers conform to your body, providing targeted support and reducing pressure points. Latex toppers, on the other hand, are known for their responsiveness and durability. High-density foam toppers offer a more general increase in firmness. When selecting a topper, ensure it’s of sufficient thickness and density to make a noticeable difference. Typically, a topper that is at least 2-3 inches thick is recommended for soft mattresses.
Using Plywood Under the Mattress
If you’re looking to add more firmness without purchasing a new mattress, placing plywood between the mattress and the bed frame or box spring can be an effective solution. This method helps by providing a solid and stable surface, which can prevent the mattress from sagging and increase overall firmness.
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
To implement this solution:
1. Measure your mattress dimensions to get the correct size plywood.
2. Ensure the plywood is smooth and free from splinters.
3. Place the plywood on top of the bed frame or box spring and lay the mattress on top of it.
Keep in mind, this is a more temporary fix, but it can provide immediate relief while you consider more permanent solutions.
Rotating or Flipping Your Mattress
Rotating or flipping your mattress can help redistribute its wear and extend its life. Over time, certain areas of the mattress might become compressed and lose support due to consistent body weight, leading to a softer feel.
For rotating:
1. Simply turn the mattress 180 degrees so the head is now at the foot.
2. This should be done every 3-6 months for even wear.
For flipping:
1. Not all mattresses are designed to be flipped; check if your mattress design allows it.
2. If it does, flip the mattress over so the other side faces up, providing a fresh, firmer surface.
3. Flipping should also be done every 3-6 months if possible.
Adjusting Bed Frame Support
Sometimes, the problem might not be with the mattress itself but with the bed frame. Over time, slats in the bed frame can warp, creating a soft feel. Inspecting the bed frame and providing additional support can remedy this issue. Adding more slats, using a bed frame with a stronger central support beam, or even investing in a new, more supportive bed frame can help.
Pressure Relief and Sleeping Positions
Your sleeping position might affect how a mattress feels. For instance, side sleepers might benefit from a softer mattress that cushions the shoulders and hips, while back and stomach sleepers often prefer a firmer surface to maintain spinal alignment.
If you’re a side sleeper finding your mattress too soft, aligning your body properly and utilizing supportive pillows can help. Employing a body pillow or additional pillows can distribute weight evenly, reducing the sensation of sinking into the mattress.
Similarly, back and stomach sleepers can benefit from placing a thin pillow under the lower back or abdomen to enhance support on a softer mattress. This creates a makeshift solution, reinforcing areas of the body that need extra firmness.
Replacing Your Mattress
If other solutions don’t provide the desired firmness, replacing your mattress might be the best long-term option. When selecting a new mattress, consider the following aspects:
1. **Mattress Types**: Innerspring, memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses vary in feel and support. Innerspring and latex mattresses tend to be firmer, while memory foam offers contouring support. Hybrids provide a balance with a combination of coils and foam.
2. **Firmness Level**: Mattress companies typically offer different firmness levels. A medium-firm or firm mattress might suit your needs if you previously found your mattress too soft.
3. **Trial Periods**: Many companies offer trial periods so you can test the mattress at home and exchange it if it doesn’t meet your comfort needs.
4. **Warranties**: Look for a mattress with a robust warranty to safeguard against long-term issues like sagging or loss of firmness.
Investing in a new mattress ultimately can provide the best and most lasting improvement in your sleeping comfort.
Seeking Professional Assistance
Sometimes, expert advice might be necessary. If you’re unsure which solution will work best for your situation, consulting a sleep expert or visiting a mattress store for personalized recommendations can be beneficial. In-store experts can help you test different firmness levels and materials to find the optimum solution for your comfort.
Cushions and Pillows for Additional Support
Another option to address a too-soft mattress is strategically placing cushions and pillows. This can add targeted support and comfort.
Different areas of the body require different levels of support:
1. **Under the Lower Back**: A small pillow can help back sleepers keep their spine straight.
2. **Between Knees**: Side sleepers can use a pillow between their knees to reduce strain on hips and lower back.
3. **Under Abdomen**: Stomach sleepers may benefit from a thin pillow under the abdomen to prevent the midsection from sinking.
These small adjustments can make a substantial difference in your overall sleep comfort without requiring significant investment or alterations.
Temperature Regulation
The firmness of some mattress materials, especially memory foam, can be affected by temperature. Warmer temperatures can make foam materials softer. Ensuring your bedroom is at a cooler temperature at night can help memory foam maintain its firmness.
Utilizing a cooling mattress pad or bed linen made from cooling materials like bamboo or cotton can help regulate bed temperature, potentially maintaining a firmer feel.
Regular Mattress Maintenance
Regular maintenance can extend the life of your mattress and ensure it retains its properties for as long as possible. This includes:
1. **Cleaning**: Regularly vacuuming the mattress and using a mattress protector to prevent dust and allergens from penetrating.
2. **Deodorizing**: Periodically sprinkling baking soda on the mattress and vacuuming it off can help keep it fresh.
3. **Inspection**: Regularly checking for signs of wear or damage and addressing them promptly.
Such practices can prevent premature wear and significantly affect the firmness over time.
Finishing Thoughts
If your mattress is too soft, several remedies can help improve your sleep quality. Adding a mattress topper, adjusting the bed frame, rotating or flipping the mattress, using plywood, or considering a new mattress are all viable solutions. Each method comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so assess your specific needs and preferences thoroughly before deciding.
Remember, quality sleep is essential for overall health, and investing in the right mattress and supportive accessories can significantly enhance your sleep experience. Whether through temporary fixes or investing in a new, firmer mattress, prioritize your comfort and well-being for the best restful nights.
