How Can You Make a Mattress Firmer – 9 Helpful Tips And Tricks

Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Senior Editor

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Looking to sleep on a firmer bed? Here are some budget-friendly ways to make your mattress firmer without having to buy a new mattress.

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Can you make your mattress firmer without replacing it entirely? If a mattress isn’t firm enough for you, this could impact how supportive it is, potentially leaving you with uncomfortable back pain. 

The good news is that you don’t always have to splurge on a new bed right away, especially if you only had your current mattress for only a little while. We’ll cover some tips you can do at home to help boost your bed’s firmness.

Why Firmness Can Be Important

Firmness is important because it determines how easily the sleeper can move around, and it’s vital for spine alignment and pressure relief for the joints, hips, and back. If it’s too firm, a mattress might feel uncomfortable, and if it’s too soft, there might be excessive sinkage or not enough reinforcement.

Want to learn more? Read our complete mattress firmness guide.

How Thickness Comes Into Play

Mattress thickness can be helpful for heavier folks specifically because there is less risk of bottoming out. Other factors are more preference-based, including how much material you want to be sleeping on and possibly sinking into. However, thickness does not translate directly to sinkage — it can also mean there are more transition layers and a solid support layer making up the foundation.

Can You Make a Mattress Firmer?

Yes, you can make your mattress firmer, but you can only firm up a bed so much. These methods can help, but they won’t be as significant as getting a firmer mattress altogether. Also, some solutions are meant to be temporary. Eventually, you’ll have to get a new bed, but the good news is that you can look for a firmer model.

9 Ways to Make Your Mattress Firmer

There are different ways to make your mattress firmer, some of which will depend on the type of bed you have or your budget. That said, all of these options are significantly cheaper than getting a new bed. 

1. Flip the Bed

Sometimes, mattresses feature a double-sided design, in which one side is firmer than the other. While most standard beds shouldn’t be flipped because this can negatively impact their performance, flippable beds can be turned over because of their unique construction. Remember, this only works for beds that are intentionally flippable, so if this doesn’t apply to your mattress, you can skip this tip.

2. Use a Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers can modify how a mattress feels, either by making it noticeably softer or firmer. You’ll have to throw down some money for a topper, but they are, on average, about several hundred dollars, which is far less expensive than a new mattress.

These toppers can be made from varying materials, such as memory foam or latex. If you’re looking to firm up your bed, then you’ll want a firm mattress topper specifically. 

3. Check and Replace Worn-Out Layers

Sometimes, the culprit is damaged layers. This might be a bit more complicated since not all manufacturers make their products with easily swapped-out layers or removable covers, but some brands may offer these types of services.

Check to see if your layers are worn out and if they can be replaced. If so, this just might give you the extra firmness you need.

4. Check and Replace the Box Spring or Platform

Box springs and platforms may play a role in reinforcing mattress layers to keep them more resistant to pressure. Over time, these can wear out. In some cases, simply changing the base could give you that extra reinforcement to firm up your bed space.

5. Add/Replace Plywood Support

One trick to a firmer bed is to add plywood directly under the mattress, either between the mattress and box spring or the bed frame if you don’t have a box spring. Doing this adds a supportive base layer to your mattress that can add some firmness.

However, some brands may not recommend using plywood underneath their beds because the bedding materials may need to breathe from the bottom to avoid mold growth, particularly for all-foam beds. If you’re unsure, check with the manufacturer before trying this one.

6. Move the Mattress to the Floor

Another tip is to move your mattress onto the floor, which can add more support to the base of the bed without any additional cost. Obviously, this is a cost-effective solution, but it’s not for everyone. You’ll still need to put away or get rid of your old frame, and some people might not like the look of a floor mattress. 

Read More: Is Sleeping on A Mattress on The Floor Bad? and Best Floor Mattress

7. Watch the Thermostat

You might be surprised to learn that temperature can affect how firm a mattress is, particularly when it comes to memory foam mattresses because they respond directly to heat. The warmer it is, the softer the foam becomes, and when it’s cooler, the foam will firm up.

Get More Info: Best Temperature for Sleep

8. Air the Mattress Out

Over time, a mattress will absorb body sweat and moisture from the air. Additionally, spills or nighttime accidents could cause dampness, further softening the bed. 

Airing out the mattress could help firm it up and improve its overall condition. To air out your bed, leave it to dry outside in the sun. Plus, the sun exposure can help kill off bacteria and mold.

9. Keep the Bedding Flat

Believe it or not, how snug your sheets are could help your bed feel firmer. The tighter your sheets fit across the bed, the better. The added closeness reduces the bed’s ability to shrink and soften. 

If your current sheets cannot be pulled tightly, consider investing in a new set and see if it makes a difference. For those with a memory foam bed, cooling sheets may help the memory foam stay firmer since this foam responds to temperature changes.

Other Helpful Hints

Use Your Trial Period (If it’s Still Valid)

If you are running out of options or other methods aren’t cutting it, you can take advantage of your trial period if it’s still in effect. Usually, trial periods have a specific time frame, like 100 nights, where you can return it for a full refund if it is not to your liking. Some brands may even let you exchange it for a firmer model (if this is an option). Many companies, such as Saatva or Brooklyn Bedding, make mattresses that come in various firmness levels for a more customized feel.

How to Know You Need a New Bed

• Sagging – Sagging is a sign that you need a new bed, especially if you notice it in heavier areas like the hips or lower back. 
• Back pain – If you wake up with lower back pain, this might also indicate sagging, even if it’s still not so visible. 
• Not as comfortable – If your bed just doesn’t feel as comfy as it used to, especially if it’s impacting your ability to sleep through the night, then it’s probably time to replace it.
• You’ve had it for over 10 years – The average lifespan for mattresses is seven to 10 years, but this will also depend on the quality of the bed, what’s it made of, and how well you take care of it. Generally, though, anything older than 10 years should be replaced.
• Visible wear and tear – If you can actually see that the mattress’s construction is breaking down, start shopping.

Find Out More: Side Effects of Sleeping On a Bad Mattress and Best Firm Mattress

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there special considerations for memory foam?

Yes, there are special considerations for memory foam because it shapes to temperature, which means it’s softer when warm and firmer when cold. Therefore, you should make sure your mattress isn’t sagging because of this.

Who needs a firmer mattress?

People who need a firmer mattress are usually stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and heavier people. The robust support that typically comes with firmer beds can help these people remain lifted as they lie down. Hot sleepers can also benefit from firmer beds so they’re not as stuck in the layers, which could cause them to absorb more heat.

How good are firm mattress toppers?

Firm mattress toppers can certainly help firm up a mattress that’s older and beginning to show signs of sagging or one that is new but too soft. Typically, the thicker the topper, the more you’ll feel a difference. That being said, if you try out a topper and your bed still doesn’t feel firm enough, you may have to consider investing in a new bed.

Does a mattress pad work the same as a mattress topper?

Mattress pads can provide added comfort and protection to a mattress in a similar fashion to toppers. However, a mattress pad won’t provide the same noticeable difference that a topper would. In this case, it might be worth going with a topper.

How can I fix a pillow-top bed?

Pillow-top beds can provide lots of cozy cushioning at the surface, but this might not be ideal if you need a firmer sleep space. You may be able to remove the pillow top if it’s detachable, but you’ll definitely want to check on this with the manufacturer first. Otherwise, you should be able to use a mattress topper over a pillow-top bed to make it firmer.

Need more details? Learn how to fix a sagging mattress here and explore Mattresses That Don’t Sag