How to Make a Mattress Firm: Eight Tips And Tricks

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A good night’s sleep is a cornerstone of our overall well-being, and the foundation of that sleep lies in the comfort and support provided by our mattresses. While some individuals prefer the plush embrace of a softer mattress, others find solace in the sturdy support of a firmer one. Fortunately, you don’t have to rush out to buy a new mattress if your current bed feels too soft. 

In this guide, I’ll explain how you can make your current mattress feel firmer and more supportive. 

Who Is a Firm Mattress Best For?

When it comes to firm vs soft mattresses, you’ll find that firm mattresses are best suited to stomach sleepers, some back sleepers, larger individuals, hot sleepers and some people with mobility issues. 

If you think a firm mattress might be for you, check out some of the best extra-firm mattresses

How To Make a Mattress Firmer 

If you are hoping to make your mattress a little firmer than it currently is, you have a couple of options:

Flip Your Mattress 

Flipping your mattress can make it feel firmer as it ensures an even distribution of filling. But be sure to read the care instructions of your mattress beforehand, as many modern mattresses weren’t actually designed to be flipped. 

Flipping The Layla Mattress
Flipping a mattress in our sleep lab

If that is the case for your mattress, you can rotate your mattress on a regular basis instead. 

Replace Worn Out Layers

Some mattresses, like the Brooklyn Bedding custom, have replaceable comfort layers that allow sleepers to adjust the firmness of the bed. If you find that your bed feels too soft, you might be able to reach out to the manufacturer and request a replacement layer. This isn’t particularly common, so make sure to read the company policies before trying. 

Add a Mattress Topper  

Most mattress toppers make beds feel softer, but there are few firm mattress toppers that offer extra support. They can be particularly helpful for stomach sleepers who don’t want to purchase a new mattress right away.

The Best Latex Mattress Toppers Featured Image

Replace Box Spring or Foundation

If your box spring is worn out, or your foundation is sagging, your bed might feel too soft. By replacing these items, you could get an extra boost of support for a fraction of the cost of buying a new mattress. 

Adjust the Thermostat 

Memory foam is temperature sensitive. It feels firmer in cold environments and softer in hot environments. If you sleep on a foam mattress and prefer to keep the room warm, your bed might feel too soft. Try adjusting the thermostat for a few days to see if it changes the way your mattress feels. 

Related: What is the Best Temperature to Sleep in?

Air It Out 

Mattresses grow softer as they absorb moisture. While you may not be able to completely reverse this process, you can slow it down by regularly airing out your mattress in the sun. This not only makes your mattress feel a bit more supportive, it also kills bacteria, mildew, and viruses!

Add Plywood Support 

If your foundation or base is sagging and you don’t want to buy a new one, adding a piece of plywood underneath your mattress will give it extra support. Giving your mattress this firm and even base could make your mattress feel a whole lot firmer and more supportive. 

Move Mattress To The Floor 

Another solution to a sagging base or bed foundation is to move your mattress onto the floor. This will ensure you have an even playing field and the firm foundation you need. 

A mattress with sheets on the floor of a bedroom

It’s important to note that there are some dangers to putting your mattress on the floor, as it can contribute to mold and mildew. If you take this route, make sure to air it out regularly. 

The Best Firm Mattresses 

When it comes to firm mattresses, there are many to choose from. These are our personal favorites: 

Saatva 

Saatva sells many several types of firm mattresses. The Saatva Classic has a bouncy innerspring feel, and the Firm model is great for stomach sleepers. If you’re a heavyweight person, you may want to consider getting the Saatva HD mattress. This bed is particularly supportive and shouldn’t sag as time goes on. No matter which Saatva mattress you choose, you can enjoy free white glove delivery. 

Saatva Mattress

Saatva Mattress Review

The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.3/5
Read Saatva Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Innerspring

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review

Saatva Mattress

Saatva Mattress Review

The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.3/5
Read Saatva Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Innerspring

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Saatva Mattress Review

Saatva Mattress

The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.3/5
Read Saatva Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Innerspring

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review

WinkBeds

The Winkbed mattress is available in four different firmness levels. While the firm mattress is a perfect fit for average weight individuals, heavier people will get more support from the WinkBed Plus

WinkBed Mattress

WinkBed

The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.

Clarity Score 4.6/5
Read WinkBed Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type hip pain
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review

WinkBed Mattress

WinkBed

The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.

Clarity Score 4.6/5
Read WinkBed Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type hip pain
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
WinkBed

WinkBed Mattress

The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.

Clarity Score 4.6/5
Read WinkBed Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

120 nights

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type hip pain
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
MC sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review

Helix 

The Helix Dawn mattress is a hybrid bed that offers lots of support. It’s best suited to average weight back sleepers and light to average weight stomach sleepers. But if you’re not sure which Helix mattress is best for you, take Helix’s mattress quiz. It’ll match you to the ideal bed based on your body type and sleeping position. 

Helix Dawn Mattress

Helix Dawn Mattress Review

The Helix Dawn is one of the company’s firmest models. Because of this, it should be a supportive option for stomach sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.1/5
Read Helix Dawn Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

100 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

10-year warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type couples
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5

Helix Dawn Mattress

Helix Dawn Mattress Review

The Helix Dawn is one of the company’s firmest models. Because of this, it should be a supportive option for stomach sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.1/5
Read Helix Dawn Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

10-year warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

100 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type couples
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Helix Dawn Mattress Review

Helix Dawn Mattress

The Helix Dawn is one of the company’s firmest models. Because of this, it should be a supportive option for stomach sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.1/5
Read Helix Dawn Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

100 nights

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

10-year warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type couples
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
MC sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5

DreamCloud 

The DreamCloud mattress is a high-quality luxury hybrid mattress that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. This firm mattress offers ample support, making it a good choice for seniors and most back sleepers. 

DreamCloud Original Mattress

DreamCloud Mattress Review 2024

The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.

Clarity Score 4.0/5
Read DreamCloud Original Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5

DreamCloud Original Mattress

DreamCloud Mattress Review 2024

The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.

Clarity Score 4.0/5
Read DreamCloud Original Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
DreamCloud Mattress Review 2024

DreamCloud Original Mattress

The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.

Clarity Score 4.0/5
Read DreamCloud Original Mattress Review
MC Brand Icon MattressMaterial

Material

Hybrid

MC Brand Icon PropertyFirmness

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

MC Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod

Trial Period

365 nights

MC Brand Icon MattressWarranty

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

MC Brand Icon PropertyShipping

Shipping Method

Free shipping

MC Brand Icon PropertyPrice

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

MC sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
MC sleeper type seniors
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
MC sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5

Why Is Firmness Level Important? 

While everyone has their own preference when it comes to the firmness of their mattress, ideally, you want a mattress that can keep your spine aligned and reduce back pain. 

A mattress that is too firm will press against your spine in an uncomfortable way, while a mattress that is too soft won’t offer enough lumbar support. 

Benefits of a Firm Mattress 

There are many benefits to firm mattresses. Here’s how they help different types of sleepers. 

Back Sleepers 

Firm mattresses are good options for many back sleepers because it helps keep the spine in a neutral alignment. This means there’s no one area on their body that is bearing the brunt of the weight, leading to fewer aches and pains upon waking. 

Stomach Sleepers 

The best mattress for stomach sleepers is undeniably a firm one because it helps prevent the hips from sinking out of alignment. Soft mattresses often cause the sleeper’s stomach to sag into the mattress, effectively curving the spine inward and causing pain.  

Heavy People 

Heavy people tend to sleep far more soundly on a firm mattress, as it provides their spine with the support it needs. Any mattress that is not firm enough will sag quickly and be unable to keep the sleeper’s spine in a neutral position during the night. Check out our Best Mattresses for Heavy People to find a comprehensive list of recommendations.

Final Thoughts 

The benefits of a well-tailored firm mattress extend beyond the realm of rest, impacting your posture, spinal alignment and overall health. By applying the insights and techniques shared in this article, you’re not only crafting a firmer mattress, but you’re also investing in a healthier and more rejuvenating sleep experience.

FAQs

Is there a firm mattress topper? 

There are many great firm mattress toppers, including the Avocado Latex topper and the TitanFlex topper.

How can I make my sagging mattress firm? 

While you can’t bring back a mattress from the dead, there are ways to improve the firmness of your mattress. These include flipping your mattress, replacing the worn-out layers, adding a mattress topper, replacing the box springs or foundation, cooling your thermostat, adding plywood underneath your mattress or moving your mattress to the floor.

Does putting plywood under a mattress make it firmer?

While adding plywood underneath your mattress won’t make the actual mattress firmer, it will ensure that the weight of your mattress is evenly distributed, which can make it feel firmer and more supportive.

Will a box spring make a mattress firmer? 

Replacing old box springs can revitalize your mattress, bringing back its ability to support your weight effectively.

Can a mattress get harder? 

Mattresses tend to get softer over time. But if you notice your mattress getting harder, it could have trapped moisture that is making it feel more dense. The foam in mattresses also responds to temperature, so if you are sleeping in a colder room, your mattress may feel harder.

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Tyla Oliver

Tyla Oliver

About Author

Tyla Oliver is a passionate SEO content writer. In her free time, she enjoys reading, mountain climbing and sky diving.