Have you got a super hard mattress that's causing health issues and lack of sleep?
Are you looking for ways to improve your sleep without resorting to the expensive hassle of buying a new mattress?
Buying things unnecessarily is not a sustainable habit.
So, I've paired my obsessive research habit with my years of sleep testing experience to unearth the best ways to turn a rock-hard mattress into a soft sleep sanctuary.
Want to know how to sleep on a hard mattress? Read on!
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The simplest way to make your mattress softer is to add a pillowy soft mattress topper.
A good quality mattress topper is made from naturally hypoallergenic materials and comes with removable covers that can be easily washed in the machine.
They're also budget-friendly. Even the best pillowtop mattress topper is significantly cheaper than a new mattress.
It's important not to overlook the importance of a supportive natural pillow when sleeping on a firm mattress.
Opt for something soft and luxurious that supports the natural curvature of your body.
Organic kapok pillows are an excellent investment (especially if you suffer from allergies) that can help trick your mind and body into thinking that your mattress is softer than it actually is.
A soft and breathable pillow is a particularly good investment for stomach sleepers who bury their faces all night.
Luxurious organic bedding sets are another excellent way to trick yourself into thinking that you have a soft sleep surface.
Opt for lightweight, breathable bedding covers such as a 100% organic GOTS-certified comforter that is kinder to your skin, and adds an extra layer of softness to your mattress without causing night sweats.
Just like your favorite pair of shoes, mattresses need to be broken in.
If you've just bought a new mattress, it can take up to 30 days to reach its maximum comfort level.
In the meantime, ensure that you continue breaking it in by sleeping on it every night.
If it's taking longer than you'd like to break in. Try walking up and down the mattress on your knees for a few minutes daily. This will help make your mattress softer more quickly.
As mentioned above, firm mattresses tend to soften as the materials settle.
But if you don't want to wait, flipping or rotating your mattress will ensure that uncomfortable pressure points on any given body area are redistributed more evenly.
Pay attention to the manufacturer's guidelines, as many modern mattresses can only be rotated and not flipped (for example, multi-layered memory foam mattresses do not work as intended when flipped).
If your bed frame has solid slats, try swapping them out for sprung ones.
If your mattress is still feeling too hard after a few weeks, consider replacing your existing bed frame with a sustainable non-toxic platform bed.
Swapping a solid foundation for a sprung one (or a divan) can help your mattress feel softer.
Most mattresses (particularly a latex or memory foam mattress) feel softer when warm. So, why not turn the heat up a few degrees to make your mattress more comfortable?
You can also consider using a hot water bottle or electric blanket on cold winter nights to help keep you warm and cozy while you sleep.
Are you a fan of stomach sleeping? Or maybe side sleeping is your thing?
Switching sleep positions, so you spend more time on your back can help make your mattress feel softer.
This is because when you sleep on your back, the weight of your body is spread evenly across the mattress, which can reduce pressure points and make it more comfortable.
If all else fails, consider swapping your firm mattress for a softer one.
Most mattresses have a sleep trial (usually between 30 and 365 nights).
So, if you've tried all you can and your mattress is just too hard, make sure you return it before the end of the sleep trial.
If none of the above tricks work, it might be time to seek professional help.
A medical professional such as a chiropractor or physiotherapist can help you identify what's causing your discomfort and recommend firm or soft mattress solutions tailored to your unique needs.
They may even recommend a different sleeping position or mattress model to make your mattress feel softer and more comfortable.
There are many warning signs that your mattress is too hard. They include:
All of these can indicate that it's time to switch to a softer mattress that will provide you with better support and comfort during the night.
It's not just our sleep patterns that are affected by sleeping on a hard mattress. There can also be physical impacts.
Studies have shown that people who sleep on hard mattresses are more likely to experience neck and back pain than those who sleep on softer beds that offer pressure relief.
However, as the Harvard Medical School reports, “while a soft mattress that conforms to your body's natural curves may help the joints align favorably, you might also sink in so deeply that your joints twist and become painful during the night.”
So, it's clear that your mattress firmness is a critical factor to get right.
If you decide that the only option is a fancy new GOTS and GOLS certified mattress, then ensure you get the right mattress firmness for your weight and preferred sleeping position.
Ensuring you get the purchase right the first time will avoid headaches, hassle, and expense (not to mention the environmental impact of extra shipping for returns and new orders).
A good rule of thumb to follow regarding firmness ratings is as follows:
Yes. You can fix some indentation and sagging issues. Check out Arabella's 6 Ways to Fix Mattress Indentation & Prolong its Life article for more details.
No. I explain here why pillow top mattresses are not designed to be flipped.
Yes. I've detailed exactly how in my How to Make a Soft Mattress Firmer article.
Hotels usually opt for a medium or medium-firm mattress because that's a good middle ground to suit most people's body weight and sleeping position.
Getting the right mattress firmness is essential to achieving a great night's sleep.
And while getting used to sleeping on a hard mattress can be tricky at first, there are plenty of tricks you can use to make it more bearable.
From changing your sleep position and buying cozy pillows and bedding to simply giving it time to break in and become a soft mattress, I hope I've covered at least one option that works for you.
Do you prefer a firmer mattress? Or is a soft and warm memory foam mattress more your thing?
What steps have you taken in the past to make your hard mattress softer? Drop me a line and let me know.
