How to Make a Soft Mattress Feel Firmer: Simple Solutions for Better Sleep

Are you sinking too deeply into your mattress at night, feeling like you're losing support? A plush mattress can provide comfort, but if it's too soft, it might lead to back pain and restless nights. Fortunately, there are ways to add firmness to your mattress without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we'll explore effective methods on how to make a soft mattress feel firmer, ensuring you get the support you need for a restful sleep.

1. Invest in a Mattress Topper with Firmer Material 

Investing in a high-quality mattress topper can significantly alter the overall feel and comfort of your mattress. When considering a mattress topper to enhance firmness, options made from latex or high-density memory foam are particularly effective. These materials are known for their supportive properties, capable of adding a layer of firmness to a soft mattress.

Latex and high-density memory foam toppers work by conforming to the contours of your body, providing additional support where needed. This conforming nature helps distribute body weight evenly across the mattress, reducing the sinking feeling often associated with softer mattresses. The result is a more supportive and comfortable sleep surface.

To experience the benefits of a firmer mattress, simply place the chosen topper on your mattress. Ensure it is properly aligned and covers the entire sleeping surface. To maintain a polished and cohesive appearance, cover the topper with your fitted sheet. This not only enhances the aesthetics of your bed but also ensures a seamless transition between the mattress and the added topper.

The transformative effect of a quality mattress topper extends beyond firmness; it can also improve sleep quality by alleviating pressure points, enhancing spinal alignment, and reducing motion transfer. With the right choice of materials and proper placement, a mattress topper becomes a versatile and cost-effective solution to tailor your sleep environment to your preferences.

2. Use a Bunkie Board

Placing a bunkie board, a thin and solid foundation typically used to provide support to a mattress, between your mattress and the box spring or bed frame can add instant firmness. It is often made of plywood or particleboard and is commonly used with platform beds, bunk beds, daybeds, and other bed frames where a low-profile foundation is desirable.

The primary purpose of a bunkie board is to provide a stable and even surface for the mattress, preventing it from sagging and enhancing overall support. It helps distribute the weight evenly, reducing wear on the mattress and promoting a firmer feel. Bunkie boards are especially useful when a mattress is placed on a bed frame without a traditional box spring.

These boards come in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 1 to 3 inches, and they are available in different sizes to match standard mattress dimensions. The use of a bunkie board can contribute to a more comfortable and supportive sleep surface, particularly when paired with mattresses that benefit from a firmer foundation. Ensure the board is cut to the size of your mattress and placed evenly to provide consistent support. This method is particularly useful for older mattresses that sag in the middle, as it helps distribute weight more evenly.

3. Adjust Your Bed Foundation

The choice of bed foundation plays a crucial role in shaping the overall feel and support of your mattress. For those currently utilizing a box spring, it might be worthwhile to explore alternatives such as a solid platform or bed foundation. This strategic shift in the foundation can bring about noticeable improvements in your sleep experience.

Box springs, while traditional, may not always provide the stable and even support that modern mattresses require. Opting for a solid platform or bed foundation offers a more robust and consistent base for your mattress. These foundations are designed to minimize the risk of the mattress sinking excessively, ensuring that it maintains its intended level of support.

A solid platform or bed foundation contributes to a more uniform distribution of weight across the mattress, reducing the likelihood of sagging or uneven wear. This is particularly beneficial for mattresses that require firmer support, as it helps maintain the structural integrity of the mattress over time.

Beyond preventing excessive sinking, these foundations also aid in preventing motion transfer. This can be particularly advantageous if you share the bed or tend to use the entire sleeping surface. Minimizing motion transfer can help prevent disturbances caused by the movements of a sleeping partner. This can lead to a more restful and undisturbed night's sleep, especially if you share the bed with someone who moves frequently during the night.

The type of bed foundation you choose is a pivotal factor in optimizing the feel and performance of your mattress. Transitioning from a box spring to a solid platform or bed foundation offers benefits such as enhanced stability, even weight distribution, improved edge support, and superior motion isolation. By aligning your foundation with the specific requirements of your mattress, you contribute to a more supportive and comfortable sleep environment.

4. Limit Pillowtop Layers

If your soft mattress has a pillowtop layer, you might want to limit the number of additional soft layers you place on it. Opting for firmer pillows can counterbalance the inherent softness of the pillowtop, providing a more supportive sleep surface. This strategic choice in pillow firmness contributes to a balanced feel and prevents excessive sinking, promoting better spinal alignment during sleep.

Additionally, when selecting mattress protectors, it's recommended to steer clear of thick, plush options that could amplify the overall softness of the mattress. These protectors, while effective in safeguarding your mattress, may inadvertently compromise the desired firmness level. Instead, consider opting for minimalistic bedding accessories that prioritize a firmer feel. This approach ensures that the pillowtop's plushness is complemented by accessories that contribute to a supportive and comfortable sleep environment, striking a harmonious balance between plushness and firmness.

5. Try a Mattress Extender

If you find your mattress still lacks the desired firmness, consider using a mattress extender, a supportive accessory designed to enhance the firmness and support of a mattress. It typically consists of a durable material, often foam or another resilient substance, and is placed underneath the mattress to provide additional reinforcement. 

Mattress extenders are adjustable and can be customized to various firmness levels, allowing users to tailor the feel of their mattress according to their preferences. This accessory is especially useful for individuals looking to modify the firmness of their mattress without investing in a new one, offering a cost-effective solution to enhance sleep quality and comfort. These devices fit beneath your mattress, providing additional support and preventing excessive sinking. 

6. Opt for Firmer Bedding Accessories

In the quest for a firmer sleeping experience, it's essential to extend your considerations beyond the mattress to include bedding accessories. Aim to sleep with pillows that have a higher density or explore the supportive benefits of memory foam pillows. These choices introduce an additional layer of firmness to your overall sleep setup, enhancing support for your head and neck and contributing to a more balanced feel.

Additionally, your choice of fitted sheets plays a role in shaping the mattress's perceived firmness. Selecting sheets with a higher thread count not only adds a touch of luxury but also provides a smoother and more supportive surface. The increased thread count enhances the durability and quality of the sheets, ensuring they snugly fit your mattress and contribute to the overall firmness you desire. By harmonizing your bedding accessories with your goal of achieving a firmer feel, you can create a well-rounded sleep environment that promotes optimal comfort and support.

Get the Mattress You Deserve

A soft mattress doesn't have to mean sacrificing proper support and a good night's sleep. By employing these simple yet effective methods, you can enhance the firmness of your mattress without the need for a costly replacement. Experiment with these techniques to find the perfect balance between comfort and support, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day. 

However, if these solutions still aren’t solving your problems, it may be time for a new mattress. Take the guesswork out of mattress shopping with our patented diagnostic sleep system, bedMATCH. By analyzing data-driven metrics, considering your personal preferences, and leveraging advanced algorithms, bedMATCH ensures you find the mattress that promises nights of restful and rejuvenating sleep. Experience the confidence of knowing you're getting the mattress you truly deserve with bedMATCH – a tailored approach to optimal sleep.