Step 1. Swap it for a softer mattress

Some mattresses come with a sleep trial, allowing you to exchange or return the mattress if it does not meet your comfort needs. If you find your mattress too firm during this trial period, exchanging it for a softer option may be possible.

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Step 2. Break it in

Brand new mattresses often start off a little firmer than you might anticipate, so you need to sleep on them to give them a chance to soften up. This is because sleeping on the mattress helps to distribute the fillings and make the mattress more comfortable overall.

Some types of mattress, such as a memory foam mattress, respond to body heat which can make them feel softer. This means it might feel more comfortable after sleeping on it for a few hours.

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Step 3. Consider using a softer mattress topper

Adding a mattress topper is a common and immediate way to soften a firm mattress. Toppers are placed on top of your mattress to add an extra layer of cushioning. Selecting a topper with a softer firmness rating can improve comfort without needing to replace your mattress.

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Step 4. Flip your mattress

You should check your mattress' care guide to see if it needs rotating and how often. Turning your double-sided mattress on a regular basis helps to keep your mattress comfy and can even improve the lifespan of your mattress.

Turning your mattress helps to keep the comfort fillings evenly distributed which keeps your mattress at the ideal firmness. If you're not sure how often you should turn your mattress, check out our helpful guide.

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Step 5. Replace your bed frame or slats

Check your bed frame to see what kind of slats you have. Solid slats offer firmer support, while sprung slats provide more flexibility and cushioning. Considering the type of slats in your bed frame might help adjust the firmness you feel.

To make your mattress softer, you might consider a bed frame with sprung slats. This is because sprung slats provide more cushioned support and move with your mattress throughout the night.

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Step 6. Consider a new divan base

A solid platform base will make your mattress feel a lot firmer. This is because the solid, flat surface provides a lot more support for your mattress but has no 'give'.

We suggest replacing the solid base with a sprung base because they offer more plush support. This is because the base gently cradles the mattress while you sleep rather than a sturdy flat surface.

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Step 7. Make your room warmer

Certain mattress materials, such as memory foam, are temperature-sensitive. Since these types of mattress respond to heat, you could try making your bedroom a little warmer. This could help soften your mattress.

If you don't want to change the temperature of your whole room, you could put a hot water bottle under your duvet before you go to sleep. This will help to soften your mattress before you lie on it and it'll make your sleeping experience extra cosy.

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Step 8. Change your sleeping position

An easy way to make a hard mattress softer is to change how you sleep. Changing your sleeping position can make your mattress firmness feel different.

If your mattress feels too hard, you could try sleeping on your front or back. This is because some firmness ratings are more suited to certain sleeping positions to properly support your joints.

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Step 9. Consider replacing your mattress

If you find your mattress too firm despite trying these steps, it might be time to consider replacing your mattress.

Ideally, your mattress should be replaced every seven years so you can always get a great night's sleep. However, if your mattress is damaged or lumpy or is too uncomfortable to sleep on, choosing a softer mattress could be the best option.

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What happens if your mattress is too hard?

If your mattress is too hard then it might not be very comfortable for you and could be causing back and joint pains. It could also be affecting your posture if you don't think your spine is being properly supported. Overall, you might not be getting a good night's sleep which could be impacting your day to day life.

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How do I know if my mattress is too firm?

Here are a few of the main signs that your mattress is too firm for you:

1. It doesn't contour to your body
2. It feels uncomfortable
3. You wake up with back or neck ache
4. You get a better sleep when you sleep on a softer mattress elsewhere

Check out our guide on how to find the perfect mattress firmness for you.

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There you go - how to make a hard mattress softer in 9 easy steps! We hope these tips help you find the comfort you deserve for a better night's sleep.