Let’s clear a few things up before we get started (get it).

Apart from the jokes, this essay is intended to be a useful guide for learning how to make a mattress firmer.

Let’s get started.

Why Do You Need A Firm Mattress?

You may need a firmer mattress for a variety of reasons.

It’s possible that your bed came softer than intended.

Additionally, some mattresses soften over time as you break them in.

Your doctor may have suggested that you sleep on a firmer surface if you have a back injury or discomfort.

Perhaps your roommate has moved in and need a firmer mattress.

Whatever the case may be, we’re here to assist.

Let’s go over some of the reasons why having a firmer mattress vs a softer one is so crucial, and then we’ll go over several choices for firming up your mattress.

Related: Best RV Short Queen Mattresses of 2024

The Importance of Firmness Level

For each mattress we examine, The Slumber Yard develops a mattress firmness graphic.

The hardness of your mattress has a significant impact on your sleep, health, and general happiness.

Getting a mattress that can accommodate your demands while sleeping depends on your weight, how you want to sleep, and whether or not you have any back concerns.

We need a mattress with the correct amount of firmness for our bodies since we spend eight hours a night sleeping, which is a third of our life.

You may get back and spine discomfort if your mattress is either hard or too soft for your sleeping posture.

It’s critical to get a mattress that can accommodate your weight and the sleeping position you want.

For example, side sleepers need a softer mattress that conforms to their contours and spine while sleeping, while back sleepers may require a firmer mattress.

If your mattress is excessively soft, we’ll look at ways to firm it up.

Related: When is The Best Time to Buy A Mattress?

Options for Firmer Mattresses

If you’re wondering how to make your mattress firmer before going out and buying a new one, there are many ways you may do.

Unfortunately, a mattress may not always feel as firm as when you first checked it out in the shop.

These choices might assist you in getting your mattress to the firmness and comfort level that you want.

A few changes may guarantee you’re sleeping well, from taking advantage of the trial period to installing a plywood board underneath your mattress.

Period of trial.

Many online mattress retailers provide trial periods so you may get to know your new mattress before making a purchase.

The majority of firms provide a 100-night trial period, although others, such as Nectar, offer a year-long trial term.

Check to check whether your mattress is still inside its trial period, as you may be able to return it for a full refund and, in most cases, the firm will come to your home and remove the mattress for free.

You might also call the business to see if they can assist you.

If the hardness of the bed isn’t just perfect for you, Novosbed will send you a Comfort+ Kit, which is a complimentary foam topper.

Related: How To Move A Mattress?

Place your mattress on the ground.

If that makes it firm enough for you, you can either keep it like way to give it a groovy college student look, or you may try putting some plywood planks between your mattress and the bed frame.

This will give your mattress more solid support and perhaps harden it.

Look over your box spring.

With repeated usage, box springs may break down.

They give less support for your mattress than they should when they lose their strength, which might make your mattress seem softer.

Replacing a box spring is generally less expensive than replacing a mattress, and it may also help your bed become firmer.

Replace any layers that have worn out.

More and more firms are producing mattresses with many layers of material, making it simple to replace the ones that are more damaged.

This is also a more cost-effective technique to firm up your mattress. Just make sure your mattress has a cover that can be removed.

Dampness.

Because your bed absorbs moisture from the air, it might become soft.

This is frequent in humid environments or near the seashore.

If you suspect this is the issue, just take your bed and place it in the sun to dry for the day.

This will not only firm up your mattress, but it will also eliminate any bacteria, mildew, or germs that have developed due to the wetness.

If you’re really concerned about a contaminated mattress, you can pay for expert cleaning, but first try this.

Mattress protector.

Aren’t mattress toppers intended to make mattresses softer, you may be thinking? However, there are several excellent mattress toppers available on Amazon that can firm up your bed.

A thick memory foam or latex mattress is recommended.

Latex is a natural foam formed from the sap of rubber plants that is recognized for being hard and responsive.

They also offer synthetic latex choices, which are generally less expensive.

Toppers are typically 2″-6″ thick, so they may make your bed a little thicker or a lot thicker, depending on your preference.

Mattress pads are also thinner and make mattresses softer, so search for a topper instead.

Consider the temperature in your room.

Temperature sensitive materials include 100 percent memory foam and airy polyurethane foam.

If you leave them in a chilly environment, they will freeze solid.

We’ve even heard of pure memory foam freezing solid in extreme temperatures! Adjust the temperature in your bedroom thermostat to a lower setting, or open a window and turn on the fan to see if it helps firm up your bed.

Similarly, a warmer temperature may soften your bed.

Flip or rotate your mattress.

Rotating your bed so that the heavier sections of your body are in various places might sometimes assist.

No matter what sort of mattress you have, we always suggest rotating it periodically to avoid sagging or imprints.

You may also try turning your bed to make it firmer if it is two-sided.

Just make sure it’s a flippable mattress first.

Some mattresses, such as the Plank, provide two distinct firmness levels on each side.

Even though there are no differing degrees of firmness, the unused side is usually stiffer.

Board of plywood Placing a piece of plywood between the box spring or bed frame and the mattress is one technique to make it firmer.

This adds a second layer of support underneath your mattress, preventing it from sinking.

Get a new mattress if everything else fails.

As previously said, the hardness of your bed is critical for your spinal health as well as preventing bodily pains and stiffness.

This is particularly true for those who sleep on their backs or stomachs.

A worn-out bed that has been around for too long is also bad for your health.

It may be time for a new mattress if you’ve owned your bed for more than 10 years and it’s significantly softer than when you originally acquired it.

If you need some assistance deciding which bed is ideal for you, look at our lists of Best Firm Beds and Best Beds for Back Sleepers.

Related: How To Get Cat Pee Out Of Mattress?

What is the Right Firmness For You

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers should have a mattress that’s more soft than it is firm.

The softer mattress will align to the curves of the body better so that you won’t wake up with a stiff back or create back problems that will persist later on in life. 

Back And Stomach Sleepers

Back and stomach sleepers would benefit from a firmer mattress.

A softer mattress can lead the hips and pelvis to sink in too much, which can result in poor alignment and ultimately, discomfort.

A firmer mattress will help keep everything straight while sleeping in these positions.

Combo Sleepers 

For those who tend to sleep on their side, back, and stomach, then you’re probably wondering what type of mattress is best for you.

In this case, think about what position you prefer to sleep in most, or which one is most comfortable.

Whatever that position is, you should get the mattress with a firmness level that’s ideal for that specific position.

Otherwise, you can explore using a hybrid mattress, or consider getting a mattress that’s somewhere in the middle so you can adjust with mattress toppers and/or plywood as you see fit.

How To Make A Mattress Firmer Videos Suggestions From Youtube

Can a Mattress Topper Make Your Bed Firmer? GoodBed Explains. – GoodBed
Tricks for Firming Up a Mattress : Mattresses – ehowathomechannel
How can I make my firm mattress softer? – US-Mattress.com

FAQ About Make A Mattress Firmer

What can I put on my mattress to make it harder?

Invest on a mattress topper.

If you can’t get a good night’s sleep because of your soft mattress, learn how to make a soft mattress firmer by adding a firm mattress topper. Mattress toppers come in a variety of materials, including hard foam and memory foam.

How do you firm a mattress with plywood?

If you don’t have a box spring, you may place plywood right beneath the mattress, either between the mattress and the box spring or between the mattress and the bed frame if you don’t have one. This effectively offers a supporting foundation layer to your mattress, which might help it retain its firmness.

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Written by Bob Matsuoka
Bob Matsuoka is a blogger and founder of RVing Beginner blog. He has been blogging for over five years, writing about his own family’s RV adventures, tips for people who are interested in buying an RV or taking their family on an adventure by RV.