Like anything, mattresses wear off in time. Luckily, there are some tweaks and adjustments you can do yourself to help them get in better shape, and we’re here to help!
Read on to learn how to make a mattress firmer.
Why Might You Wish to Make Your Mattress Firmer?
Everyday life brings different changes, even in our bedroom. Here are a few situations that might get you wishing for increased mattress firmness:
How to Firm up a Mattress?
Depending on the type of mattress, there are different ways of adding to its firmness level.
- Your newly-bought mattress feels softer than expected.You notice increased back pain, neck pain, or headaches.You’ve suffered a spinal injury.You’ve started sleeping with a partner and need better motion isolation.Investing in a new mattress is not an option.
An airbed can be regulated with airflow, while a memory foam mattress needs to dry from excess moisture from all the bodily fluids and oils.
As for innerspring and hybrid mattresses, you might need to replace some coils or even a whole layer.
10 Tips on How to Make a Soft Mattress Firmer
We have compiled a list of tips to improve the firmness of your bed, ordering them starting from the easiest one:
1. Flipping and rotating.
Manufacturers recommend flipping your mattress periodically to help with sagging and dipping as well as to increase its longevity. This is the easiest way to make your mattress firmer quickly and for free.
However, some mattresses are constructed from different layers, each with its own unique set of “skills”, so flipping is not an option. If this is the case, rotating your mattress for 90 or 180 degrees could also do the trick.
2. Cool off.
Placing a mattress in a colder environment can drastically increase its firmness, especially if it’s a memory foam mattress. Adjusting your room temperature and sleeping in a colder room will also improve your sleeping.
3. Get rid of the dampness.
The excess wetness easily happens in Australia on those hot nights. As your mattress absorbs the extra moisture from the surroundings, it becomes softer.
Solution? Let it dry naturally in a ventilated room or directly in the sun, depending on your mattress type and maintenance needs.
4. Ditch the mattress pad.
While a mattress pad can’t really do much regarding mattress firmness, it’s usually meant to make it even softer. So, if you do own one, remove it and place a solid, firmer mattress protector instead.
5. Place your mattress on the floor.
Sometimes, the floor is the best support you can get. Although high-quality bed frames offer great support, no bed frame or base can provide firmness as a bare floor can. It will save bedroom space and money in your pocket.
However, some types of mattresses are not designed to be placed on the floor as this can impact their functionality significantly. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s tips on where to place your bed.
6. Choose the right mattress topper.
A mattress topper can change the firmness of your mattress in either direction – just be sure not to choose the wrong one! A dense, firm memory foam mattress topper or a rigid latex topper can be a perfect adjustment if you’re seeking a firmer bed.
7. Place a plywood board.
Though many retailers and manufacturers deny it, satisfied reviewers swear that placing a one-centimetre thick plywood board (or a few of them) between your bed base and your mattress can greatly increase its overall firmness.
If you’re not sure which mattress topper to purchase, read this article, as we have sifted through most of them and selected the best mattress toppers in Australia.
There’s a downside, though. The wood will prevent airflow and increase the possibility of mould and mildew growing on the mattress.
8. Get a new base.
A solid base is better than a sprung base if you wish to add on the firmness scale. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your bed type, though, since different mattresses require different bases.
9. Check your box springs.
Springs can lose their lifting effects and support with time, making the mattress feel softer. Luckily, if you own such a mattress, you can replace an old spring or even a bunch of them for much less than purchasing a new mattress.
Some of the best sofa beds on the market come with sturdy wooden frames to place a mattress on, making them a comfortable place to lounge or sleep.
10. Replace worn-out layers.
New-age mattresses, such as memory foam and latex-made, have different layers of materials built-in, but you can easily replace them. Simply unzip the mattress cover and swap out the worn-out layer.
This is a brilliant way to preserve the overall mattress construction and achieve better durability and longevity.
‘Better Safe Than Sorry’ Tips
It’s always better to prevent any problems rather than fix them. So, if you’re buying a new mattress, to keep you from making a mistake, and maybe even correct your inadequate choice (if your bed is still within the trial period), here are a few points and flags to remember:
Bottom Line
Splurging on a new mattress is not always necessary – in this guide, you have seen how to improve your mattress’ condition.
Sleeping Position
- For Side Sleepers – purchasing a soft to medium-firm mattress is the perfect option for optimal pressure relief to allow the hips and shoulders to adjust.For Back Sleepers – a firmer mattress (medium-firm to firm) to keep the spine aligned and well-supported is what a back sleeper needs.For Stomach Sleepers – a firm mattress, preventing the hips, pelvis and stomach from sinking and misaligning the spine is crucial for a stomach sleeper.For Combo Sleepers – a medium feel mattress, hybrid, preferably with a memory foam upper layer to adjust faster to the changing positions. If sleeping with a partner, a hybrid that exceeds in motion isolation is the best option.
Body Weight
- Lightweight (under 60 kg) – choose a softer mattress to keep you lifted like a feather.Medium (between 60 and 105 kg) – whatever you desire from a mattress, if you’re within this weight category, it won’t make much of an impact, so rather, pay attention to your sleeping style listed above.Heavy (over 105 kg) – choose a firmer mattress that will prevent your body from sinking in, allowing better support.
We hope that following these steps will really help make your mattress firmer.
If you’re looking to purchase a new bed, however, be sure to follow the tips for choosing a mattress of the right firmness to avoid future mistakes.
1. What’s the quickest way to firm up a mattress?
There are different ways to firm up a mattress. Putting it on the floor or flipping and rotating are the fastest ways to do it.
2. Does a mattress pad have the same effect as a mattress topper?
A mattress pad might have the opposite effect than a mattress topper, which increases the mattress’s firmness. A pad, however, is used as protection and adds layers, thus making your mattress fluffier.
3. How do you fix a mattress that is too soft?
Depending on the type of mattress, there are different ways to fix an overly soft mattress—for example, replacing the coils on a spring mattress or adding a firmer mattress topper on a foam mattress.
4. Can a mattress topper make a bed firmer?
Sure! Mattress toppers are designed to adjust your bed to your desired firmness and comfort. Toppers made from high-density foam or rigid latex will help make your mattress firmer.
