Most of us find an inviting, soft mattress the epitome of relaxation and luxury. But there is a minority that feels more comfortable on a much firmer sleeping surface. If you’re one of those people struggling to sleep on a soft mattress, and you’re not quite ready to invest in a new one just yet, then we have some top tips for helping you cope.
After reading, you will be able to:
- Understand why your mattress feels so soft
- Apply methods of firming up a soft mattress
- Be familiar with the role of bed bases in comfort
- Appreciate how your sleeping position should contribute to your mattress choice
- Know what type of mattresses are unsuitable for those who prefer a firm sleeping surface
As time passes, almost all mattresses will lose their firmness and original level of support. If your mattress has lost its original firmness and you are seeking that support once again, you are in the right place. Whether a new mattress is the best choice for you, or just making a few adjustments to your existing one, we can offer you the best advice to help you get back to enjoying a great night’s sleep.
Benefits Of A Firm Mattress
Back pain, as detailed by the NHS, can be an insufferable infliction, and every effort should be made to avoid it. A firmer mattress is a good option for those who sleep on their front or back. Sleeping on your back is a great way to keep the spine aligned, it is the position least demanding of twists and turns from the body. Back sleepers require a lot of support, which is often best served by a firmer mattress. A firmer mattress provides a better weight distribution than would a softer mattress.
What Can I Do To Make My Mattress Feel Firmer?
Ease The Pain By Placing Plywood Between The Mattress And Frame
The stable and even surface of wooden slats below the mattress can aid in creating a more supportive sleep. Adding wood between the mattress and frame will also prevent the mattress from sagging or dipping. Plywood isn’t a long-lasting fix, but rather a short term problem-solver if you have an older mattress.
Keep The Room Cool
Many people don’t realise that mattresses are affected by temperature, particularly foam ones. Higher room temperatures can lead to a softening of the mattress, causing a limper sleeping surface. Keeping your room temperature cool will aid in maintaining a firmer mattress.
Watch For Dampness And Air Out The Mattress
Mattresses become softer over time due to moisture, which is more common in humid areas. If you believe moisture and dampness may have softened your mattress, we suggest airing the mattress out. A good way to do this is to take your mattress outside on a sunny day and allow it to rest in the sunshine for a number of hours. Airing your mattress will not only dry it out and firm it up, but will kill germs and mould too.
Flip And Rotate Your Mattress Regularly
Providing your mattress is suitable to be flipped and rotated, you should regularly do so to evenly distribute the areas you lay on. Rotating and flipping your mattress is important to help keep it firmer for longer. Further, flipping / rotating will keep your mattress in good condition, preventing sagging and dipping. If you feel your mattress is too soft and haven’t already tried flipping or rotating it, giving this method a go can help to create a firmer surface for sleeping on.
For more information check out our guide to flipping and rotating a mattress.
A Mattress Topper May Be Able To Help You Out
A possible solution when it comes to resolving a soft mattress issue is using a mattress topper. A mattress topper can not make your mattress firmer of course, but it can provide a different support feel, especially when you opt for a topper that has a higher firmness rating than the mattress itself. This is only really a solution if it is the ‘feel’ of the soft mattress that bothers you rather than the support.
What Is A Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper is designed to lie atop a mattress to provide extra comfort. Mattress toppers are available in different fillings and can be purchased at various firmness ratings. Our guide to mattress toppers will tell you everything you need to know.
Replace Your Bed Base To Offer Firmer Support
If you sleep on a sprung base, your mattress will not feel as firm as it would on a platform base. The reason a sprung base feels softer is that the base moves with your mattress as you move during your sleep, whereas a platform base offers a more solid level of support. If you’re looking to firm up your mattress, a platform divan base will likely make your mattress feel a lot more solid.
Last Case Scenario – Opt For A New Firmer Mattress
If you have purchased a softer mattress and it is causing you problems with sleep, it may be a wise option to look into purchasing a new firmer one. It is always important to check if the mattress you like offers a sleep trial – many brands offer a trial to provide you with the security to exchange your mattress if it isn’t quite right for you.
A good mattress is critical to both mental and physical health. Sleeping on the right mattress is essential to getting a good night’s sleep free of back and neck pain. Considering that we spend a third or more of our lives on a mattress, investing in a good ones seems like a no-brainer.
The type of mattress that’s best for you is dependant on a variety of factors, one of which is how you prefer to sleep.
Front Sleeper Mattress
Although it isn’t good for the spine, many people still prefer to sleep on their front. One of the few benefits of doing so is that it can reduce snoring. If you sleep on your stomach it’s recommended that you try a firmer mattress.
Side Sleeper Mattress
Most people sleep on their side, even though it can on occasion lead to experiencing a numb arm. Because sleeping like this can lead to a pressure build-up in the spine, a softer tension mattress is recommended. A soft or medium-soft mattress will mould around your body to help alleviate some of the pressure. Memory foam is particularly good for this, but if you are unhappy with a softer mattress then the tips and tricks listed above will certainly need to be employed.
Back Sleeper Mattress
Extremely beneficial to spinal alignment is sleeping on your back. The ideal mattress for sleeping this way is normally a medium-firm tension, which provides a lot of support to the lower back. Pocket spring beds offer great tailored support for the body.
Mattress Types
Pocket Spring Mattress
Amongst the most popular styles of mattresses is the pocket sprung, which offers sleepers customised support and comfort where they need it most. Each pocket spring works independently, so pressure doesn’t transfer when moving around. This is ideal for those sharing a bed as there is no ‘roll-together’ disturbing the other sleeper.
Open Coil Mattress
Open coil is the most traditional of the spring mattresses. They feature a series of springs that interconnect through the mattress and are often a great alternative to more expensive mattresses.
Memory Foam Mattress
Since the early 90s, memory foam mattresses have been providing sleepers with amazing support and comfort. Incredibly adaptable, memory foam cradles the body and accommodates all night-time movements for maximum pressure relief.
Mattress Fillings
The material used to fill a mattress is an essential part of determining its firmness.
Softer Mattress Materials To Avoid For A Firmer Sleep
The following are less suitable materials for those wanting a firmer sleep:
Foam Filled Mattress – A great material for preventing a mattress from slumping, the body-hugging fibres of memory foam are not a good choice for those seeking a firmer mattress.
Gel Filled Mattress – You might want to consider if it really is the firmness of the mattress that affects your comfort, or how hot it makes you. If it is the heat that bothers you then a gel mattress is an excellent alternative to foam, but is not recommended for those wanting a firmer sleep.
Latex Filled Mattress – A wonderful material that conforms to the body’s shape, Latex is not a very suitable option for those looking for a firmer mattress.
Still experiencing mattress issues? Then you might want to take a look at the following articles:
How To Choose The Best Mattress For Your Needs
How To Choose The Best Bed For Heavier People
How To Create A More Relaxing Bedroom
Need Help Choosing A Mattress Firm Enough For You?
Deciding on the best mattress type for your needs depends on several factors.
- What type of sleeper are you?
- What filling materials do you feel most at ease on?
- What type of fabric would you be most comfortable with?
There is no need to lose sleep over trying to choose the right mattress for your preferred firmness. Our bed experts at Land of Beds pride themselves on their specialist knowledge and ability to guide you to the mattress that’s just right for you.
Our customer-first policy means we listen and give good, independent advice based on the needs of the individual. By pairing consumers up with ethically sourced, affordable, quality products, we provide as many people as possible with a great night’s sleep.
If you would like help being connected with your ideal mattress , feel free to get in touch with us on 01928 242829