How to Make a Mattress Firmer

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: January 31, 2023

Is your mattress feeling a little too soft for your liking? Sleeping on a mattress that’s too soft can be uncomfortable—fortunately, there are ways you can make your mattress firmer without buying a brand new mattress. Try out these mattress hacks to see which one works for you to get a better night’s sleep tonight.

Things You Should Know

For a quick fix, flip or rotate your mattress. You can also use an especially tight fitted sheet or move the mattress to the floor to increase the firmness.
Try adding a wooden board under your bed, replacing the bed slats, or purchasing a firmer mattress topper.
If all else fails, buy a new bed frame, new box spring, or simply purchase a newer, firmer mattress.

1

Flip or rotate your mattress.

Move your mattress around to prevent and fix sagging. If you’ve never rotated or flipped your mattress, now is the time! Most mattresses should be flipped or rotated every 3 months to keep them in tip top shape. Check the tag on your mattress to see if you can flip or rotate it, then try it out to see if it feels firmer.^{[1]
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- Mattresses that have specific lumbar support (also called zoned support) shouldn’t be flipped or rotated.

2

Put your mattress on the floor.

The firm floor will make your mattress feel more rigid. If you’re in need of a quick fix, take your mattress off the bed frame or box spring and put it directly onto the floor. This is a great way to tide yourself over while you wait for a new mattress, but it isn’t a great long-term solution.^{[2]
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- Putting your mattress on the floor can lead to a dustier, dingier mattress that breaks down faster. Plus, it may collect more marks and stains, meaning you’ll have to clean your mattress more often.

3

Use fitted sheets.

Tight, fitted sheets can make your mattress feel firmer. Make sure you’re using bed sheets that fit your bed, and pull the corners tightly across the mattress. Using fitted sheets isn’t a miracle fix, but it can make your soft mattress feel a little bit firmer.^{[3]
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4

Turn down the temperature in your room.

Warm air can make a mattress loosen up and become softer. Try keeping your bedroom between 60 and 67 °F (16 and 19 °C).^{[4]
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Research source} Not only will this keep your mattress in better shape, but it’s an ideal temperature for sleeping, too.^{[5]
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- This is especially true if you’re using a memory foam mattress. These mattresses are very sensitive to temperature, and keeping them too warm will make them softer over time.

5

Put the mattress in the sun to air it out.

Get rid of any dampness that may be weighing down your mattress. If you live in a humid climate or you’ve had your mattress for a long time, there’s a chance that it’s gotten damp. Take your mattress outside and let it air out in the sun for a full day.^{[6]
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- Airing out your mattress will also make it smell better, too! Drying it out removes any mustiness that could come with mold or mildew.

6

Add a mattress topper.

A firm mattress topper adds support without the huge cost. Most people think of mattress toppers as adding softness, but you can actually find ones that are firm to match your comfort level. Look for a mattress topper to match your mattress size for the perfect amount of support while you sleep.^{[7]
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- For the most support, look for a mattress topper with zoned support. This added firmness helps cradle the pressure points on your body, leading to a better, more comfortable sleep.

7

Replace your bed frame slats.

Saggy bed frame slats could be causing you discomfort. If you have a bed frame with slats in it (meaning you probably don’t have a box spring), check out the slats to see if they need to be replaced. If they do, it’s usually much cheaper to get new slats than it is to invest in a whole new mattress.^{[8]
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- Most bed frame slats are made of metal or wood.
- If you have a warranty on your bed frame still, reach out to your manufacturer to see if they’ll replace the slats for free.

8

Get a new bed frame.

An old bed frame might make your mattress feel too soft. Is your bed frame saggy, broken, or old? If so, it may be time to replace it. Bed frames are usually cheaper than new mattresses, so it’s worth checking them out if your sleeping situation is uncomfortable.^{[9]
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9

Buy a new box spring.

If your box spring is old, it won’t provide you much support. Box springs typically only last for about 10 years—after that, the springs start to break down and sag. Box springs are usually cheaper than a new mattress, too.^{[10]
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10

Add a plywood board underneath your mattress.

A plank of wood supports your mattress to make it firmer. If you need a quick fix, get a plywood board that’s the same size as your mattress and slide it on top of your box spring or bed frame. The wood will help support your mattress and keep it rigid while you sleep.^{[11]
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- Using plywood is fine for a short-term solution, but in the long-run, it tends to trap moisture in your mattress which can lead to mold and mildew. Plus, adding plywood underneath your mattress may void your warranty, so it’s best to reach out to your mattress provider before trying this hack.

11

Change the mattress layers.

Different layers in your mattress may be worn out or saggy. If you think only one of the layers is worn down, reach out to your mattress company and see if they’ll replace it for you. If your mattress is still under warranty, they might even do it free of charge.^{[12]
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12

Test out a new mattress.

Do a trial run of a new mattress to see if it’s firm enough for you. Most mattress stores offer a 90 to 100 day trial period so you can test your mattress before paying. If you would like to invest in a new mattress, be sure to try it out before committing—most mattresses will lose their firmness within 60 days.^{[13]
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- Buying a new mattress might be an annoying process, but your body will thank you in the long-run. Sleeping on a mattress that’s too soft can cause hip, back, and neck issues, which can disrupt the quality of your sleep.
- In general, it’s best to replace your mattress every 6 to 8 years.