Sleeping on a mattress that feels too firm? You’re not alone.
A mattress that’s too hard can cause discomfort, restless nights, and even back or neck pain. Over time, it may affect your sleep quality and overall health.
The good news? You don’t have to replace your mattress just yet.
In this guide, we’ll show you simple, effective ways to make your mattress feel softer—so you can sleep better without buying a new one.
1. Replace your bed frame or slats
If you’re sleeping on a bed frame with slats, double check if they are solid or sprung slats. Solid slats generally make a mattress feel firmer, on the other hand sprung slats cushion your mattress and provide a softer feel.
So if you’re looking for a softer sleep surface, sprung slats are the better option for you. Also, double check that all slats are evenly spaced apart (with a gap of 7cm or less between each slat), and that there are no broken slats that need to be replaced.
✅ Tip: Sprung slats or sprung divan bases are ideal for softening a firm mattress without replacing it.
2. Add a mattress topper or pad
If you can’t replace or return your mattress, a cheap option is to add a softer topper or pad to the mattress. It’s not ideal, but it may give your mattress the time it needs to be broken.
Look for a topper that’s at least 5cm thick, with materials like memory foam, down alternative, or soft cotton fibre. Pay attention to the firmness rating—choose soft or medium for a noticeable change in feel.
Above you can see the Dorma Sumptuous Soft Mattress Topper, which has a 100% cotton cover and recycled polyester fibre inside. It’s soft and sumptuous, with one customer saying that they feel like “sleeping on a cloud”. It’s priced at £80 – £115 depending on the size.
3. Layer Blankets or Comforters Under the Sheets
If you don’t have a topper, you can layer extra blankets, duvets, or comforters directly under your fitted sheet for a similar effect.
This DIY method adds immediate softness, especially under pressure points like hips and shoulders, and is ideal for temporary solutions or guest beds.
4. Increase your room temperature
If you sleep on a memory foam or hybrid mattress, temperature can play a big role in firmness. These materials tend to feel firmer in cold rooms because they’re temperature-sensitive.
Try raising your room temperature by a few degrees before bed or placing a hot water bottle under the duvet. A warmer environment helps the foam soften more quickly and conform to your body better.
✅ Warmer rooms = softer memory foam. This trick works especially well in winter.
5. Give Your Mattress Time to Break In
Most new mattresses feel firmer at first. It can take 2 to 4 weeks for the materials to loosen up and contour to your body properly.
To speed up the break-in period, lie on the mattress regularly during the day, or gently walk on it with clean socks. Daily use helps the mattress settle faster, especially with foam-based models.
⏳ Be patient—your mattress may just need more time to adjust to your body.
6. Rotate or flip your mattress
If your mattress hasn’t softened to your liking with a week or two, then flip it as the underside should be softer from the increased pressure it’s been under. Give your mattress another week to contour to your body, and then at least you know you gave it a chance.
However, keep in mind that some mattresses are “one-sided” or “no-turn”, this means that you can rotate them clock or counterclockwise, however you shouldn’t flip them over. This is because they’re made of different materials on the top and bottom side.
How long does it take for a mattress to soften?
Most new mattresses take 2 to 4 weeks to soften and adjust to your body. This period is often called the “break-in” phase. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses may take slightly longer—up to 6 weeks—especially if they use dense materials.
The more consistently you use the mattress, the faster it will soften. Sleeping on it every night, lying on different areas during the day, or gently walking on it in socks can help speed up the process.
Returning your mattress
If you bought a new mattress that comes with a sleep trial, and you’ve tried all the tips on this list, then consider returning it. Just make sure that the trial period has not passed.
Some companies have an exchange policy, which means that you can exchange your mattress for a different one. This time speak to a representative and specifically ask for a softer one.
Other companies such as Nectar have a 365 day trial period or Simba have 200 night trial. This means that you can sleep and test the mattress in your own home, and if you’re not happy with its firmness then you can return it and get a full refund.
