One of the most important decisions when it comes to deciding on a mattress is how comfortable it is. But what is comfort?
A lot of what we identify as comfort has to do with how soft or how firm a mattress feels. A mattress can go from being very soft to being very firm.
In this post we focus on what the firm part of the spectrum, specifically on how to find out if your mattress it too firm.
So, how do you know if your mattress is too firm? You can tell that your mattress is too firm if you wake up with stiff joints, have chronic backaches, struggle to sink into bed, and develop sleeplessness as a result of sleep-related discomfort.
Most manufacturers use a level of firmness scale that lets you know the firmness of your mattress on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being very soft and 10 being very firm. Now, no two people are the same, and what feels too firm for one person, may be just right for someone else.
In this post we will cover how you can find out if your mattress is too firm and how to fix the problem if it is.
5 Signs That Can Tell if Your Mattress is Too Firm
Before we go on, I must say that the following signs may also be because your mattress is too soft. You see, both a mattress that is too firm and one that is too soft will cause many of the same symptoms. If you think that your mattress is too soft, check out this post.
With that said, here are five key indicators that can tell your mattress is too firm.
Sign 1. Your mattress may be too firm if you wake up with back, neck, or shoulder aches
Your mattress is certainly too firm if you wake up in the morning — or during the night — with discomfort in specific pressure points such as your shoulders, hips, or knees.
Foam and hybrid mattresses are excellent for relieving pressure points. When you add a customizable foundation to the mix, you may be as comfy as you want!
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Sign 2. Your mattress is too hard for your favorite sleeping position if you suffer numbness or tingling in your arms and hands
It’s not enjoyable to wake up with a dead arm or tingling foot. It might be a little unsettling when you can’t understand what’s going on in that drowsy zone between sleep and wake.
An improper sleeping position or too firm a mattress will always carry the blame.
A firm mattress does not conform to your body and relieves pressure in the areas you interact with the mattress the most.
Sign 3. If you wake up exhausted, your mattress may be overly firm
Sleepless nights cause a cascade of other issues, ranging from poor immune function to health problems to simply feeling too tired to accomplish many things you like.
It’s unlikely that you’ll get a full night’s sleep if you’re tossing and turning at night to identify a comfortable position. You may notice this because you can’t sleep at night, or if you sleep with a partner, they will likely realize.
Your partner can help you determine how much consistent sleep you’re receiving. Do your restless movements or snoring wake them up?
Sign 4. If your mattress does not mold to your body when you get into bed, it is too firm
This relates to the first item on our checklist: pressure points. A new mattress should give under your hips and shoulders when you try it.
When you’re lying down, consider your spine. It should be in a neutral, straight position when you get into bed.
Sign 5. Your mattress may be substantial if hotel or guest beds provide a better night’s sleep
It’s time to examine your mattress if you wake up feeling more refreshed in a hotel than you do at home.
When you travel, trying out different mattresses is an excellent method to figure out what you like and don’t like about your home bed. Prepare a list of the features you’re looking for, and then visit our store.
How to Fix a Mattress That is Too Firm
Step 1: Check Your Mattress Base
The firmness of your mattress can be affected by your mattress base. Adding a soft bed base to your mattress can make it more comfortable.
On the other side, choosing a low-quality base can limit the benefits of even the highest-quality mattress.
Step 2: Add a Mattress Pad or Topper
A mattress pad or memory foam mattress topper can provide your sleeping surface with an extra cushion. Although the impact will not be as dramatic as if you purchased a new, softer mattress, it will still offer a layer of pillowy softness.
To get the most out of your mattress topper, choose one that is thick and of high-quality memory foam to enjoy body-hugging contouring.
Our mattress topper top pick: Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Step 3: Check the Temperature
In colder temperatures, many foam type mattresses, especially memory foam may become stiff. To soften the foam, raise the temperature a few degrees.
Be carefull though, if you raise the temperature too high when sleeping, you may not get a good night’s sleep for that reason.
Step 4: Break it in
You may be required to break in your mattress if it is new. Like a new pair of trousers or shoes, a mattress may require a few uses before becoming comfortable.
Try sleeping on your mattress for a few weeks before completely abandoning it and taking it out to the dumpster at night.
Step 5: Rotate or Flip Your Mattress
Rotating your mattress will help it wear more evenly and stay more comfortable for longer.
Can a Mattress Topper Help Make The Bed Softer?
Yes, as explained earlier, if you want to make your mattress softer, you can buy a soft mattress topper and place it on your mattress. This is often a smart choice as it’s a lot cheaper to get a topper than a completely new mattress.
A mattress topper is a soft, high-conforming spread that you can use to add extra comfort to your bed. It creates additional layers between your body and the mattress, making the bed comfier.
Again, we recommend the Layla Memory Foam Mattress Topper as it has a 4.5 star review rating and is very soft and supportive at the same time.
