How To Make A Memory Foam Mattress Firmer? Comprehensive Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
21 min read

81 percent of those who have purchased a memory foam mattress are happy with their purchase.

Their potential worth is considerable due to their high level of contentment. They isolate movement better, alleviate pain, and reduce pressure. They’re helpful in so many ways. So why do people want to know how to make their memory foam mattress firmer?

As a memory foam mattress breaks in, it softens gradually. While the mattress may have had a perfect, comfortable feeling, in the beginning, it may now be losing some of that firmness.

Memory foam mattresses can be made firmer, and in this article, we will share ten methods with you.

Let’s start with the causes of sagging and sagging mattresses.

The Benefits of a Firm Mattress

It’s safe to assume that if you’re interested in learning how to make your memory foam mattress firmer, you already know the benefits of sleeping on a mattress with a more substantial texture.

A structured mattress holds your body in a neutral position, supporting the natural curve of your spine to promote spinal alignment and aligning your head, shoulders, buttocks, and heels. The ideal mattress should also provide pressure relief because of how it equally distributes your weight across its surface area.

The body’s natural curve is supported by a structured mattress, which also helps to align the head, shoulders, buttocks, and heels. When your weight is distributed evenly across a mattress, it can help relieve pressure points.

  • Put your muscles at ease.
  • Facilitate sounder slumber
  • Correct your posture.

However, if you sleep on the improper mattress, it will disrupt your sleep and may even cause you to wake up in pain.

How to Make a Memory Foam Mattress Firmer | Casper

The pressure of your body weight is distributed more evenly across a firmer surface, relieving strain on your muscles, veins, and arteries. The release from this tension will do wonders for your blood flow and quality of sleep. Many people will find this to be their ideal solution.

The weight of your body is spread more evenly and oxygen is not sucked out of your body on a firmer mattress since your lower back doesn’t sink as much. People have varying preferences when it comes to mattresses. Firmer mattresses, offering a more steady and consistent sleeping surface, are typically more preferable for:

  • The back-sleepers
  • The stomach sleepers

Firmness and softness of mattresses can be thought of as opposite ends of a spectrum. Because of this variety, you can always find the ideal size.

Why Does A Memory Foam Mattress Lose Its Firmness?

When your current mattress starts to seem overly soft or like you’re about to sink right through it, it’s time to shop for a replacement.

The firmness of a mattress is an important consideration for a restful night’s sleep. Support for your head, neck, and back can be achieved with the right degree of stiffness.

Beds can lose their support for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to the following:

  • High frequency of use,
  • fluctuations in temperature that result in varying stiffness, and;
  • Ill-advised positioning and insufficient care.

How Can I Make My Memory Foam Mattress Firmer

Consider these inexpensive alternatives to purchasing a new mattress.

1. Consider Getting a Mattress Topper

If you want your memory foam mattress to maintain its original firmness, a mattress topper may be the best option.

There are numerous materials available for use as mattress toppers. And since mattress toppers can alter the feel of your bed in either a softer or firmer direction, it’s important to choose one that will help make your mattress more supportive.

If you want your memory foam mattress to be firmer, you might try topper options like compact wool or Dunlop latex. For example, here is a fantastic USDA and GOLS-approved organic Dunlop latex topper made by the company PureTree:

Learn more about this cap and see its current pricing on Amazon.

2. Consider Getting a Mattress Protector

A mattress protector is a smart investment that should be made right along with your mattress purchase.

Because it prevents moisture, dust mites, and bacteria from penetrating your mattress. This means that it will prevent accidents on your mattress. So, your mattress will retain its firmness for a longer period of time.

I highly suggest the Amerisleep protector for your memory foam mattress if you don’t already have one. My wife and I both agree that this is the most comfortable bed we’ve ever had. Here you will find more information regarding the protector.

3. Change Your Foundation

If your mattress is getting on in years, you may want to double check that the base is not cracked or otherwise damaged.

There may be signs of severe wear and tear that need to be verified. A sagging mattress without a sturdy base could make sleeping uncomfortable. Fix or replace it right away if it breaks.

4. Change the Box Spring

The spring in your mattress’s box spring can get slack with time. If this happens, you’ll need a new box spring if you want your mattress to retain its shape.

Investing in a brand new box spring is a great way to extend the life of your mattress in its current firmness. It raises the bed by providing structural support for the mattress. You can get a good night’s rest on your firm mattress thanks to its elevated placement.

The box spring/bed base offered by Amerisleep is both reasonably priced and of superior quality. To be honest, we don’t have one of these yet, but based on the positive feedback we’ve seen and their generous return policy, we’ll be purchasing one from them soon. If you are interested in learning more about their box spring, follow this link.

5. Adjust the Room Temperature

To some extent, memory foam adapts to the temperatures in its immediate vicinity. Depending on how you prefer to feel on the mattress, you can set the temperature of the room to match.

The firmness of a mattress can be altered by the ambient temperature (the cooler the room temperature, the firmer the mattress will be). A warmer room means a softer mattress. In order to make the material firmer, it is recommended that the temperature in the room be raised.

6. Flip Your Bed

You can sleep on either side of some beds. Initially, you should determine if your mattress fits this profile. If so, you should rotate your mattress every six months.

When you flip a mattress, you ensure that the pressure from your weight is distributed equally throughout the entire surface. Overuse on one side might cause sagging, so this is a good way to avoid it.

Memory foam mattresses can be flipped to extend their life and maintain their firmness for a longer period of time.

7. Air It In The Sun

Mattresses that are exposed to high humidity may become overly soft due to the absorption of moisture from the air.

How to Make a Mattress Softer If It's Too Firm | Casper

Therefore, periodically drying it out in the sun is recommended. Doing so will not only help to restore the original firmness of your mattress, but will also eliminate any lingering odors and any harmful bacteria or mold.

Make sure the mattress can withstand direct sunlight by reading the manufacturer’s directions.

8. Replace Layers

The majority of mattresses today feature either a detachable cover or a zipper that enables the cover to be removed. You can get rid of droopy, outdated skin this way. As a corollary, this means that firmer layers can be substituted with relative ease.

However, if you are still inside the trial period, check the guarantee, as many producers will not accept returns if the mattress has been altered or is defective.

9. Add Plywood Boards

Between the bed’s structure and mattress, you can put a few sheets of plywood. The plywood can also be used to cushion your mattress. In order to achieve a firmer mattress, try doing this.

However, prior to doing so, it is recommended that you consult the mattress’s manufacturer’s instructions. Then, if necessary, go out and get a sheet of plywood cut to the exact dimensions of your box spring and mattress.

Sand the plywood to ensure smooth edges and sides and check for any signs of treatment. Extra support can be achieved by inserting new plywood boards in the space between the frame members. A firmer mattress is another benefit.

10. Check Sleep Trial Warranty

If you’ve tried all of the above and are still looking for a firmer mattress, the next logical step is to investigate the return and trial periods offered.

The standard trial period for a new mattress is between 30 and 100 days, depending on the retailer. You can simply get a firmer mattress by meeting this requirement.

There is still a chance, even if your mattress isn’t brand new and you’re past the trial time. Your mattress may still be covered under warranty if it has lost its firmness and has begun to droop in the middle if it is not brand new.

Buying a new mattress is your only alternative choice if making a claim is not feasible or is not supported by the manufacturer.

Getting The Correct Firmness When Buying a Memory Foam Mattress

If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you should know that the density and thickness of the foam matter.

When looking for a new mattress, it’s easy to get the terms “thickness” and “density” mixed up. Density describes how well-stitched and tightly packed a mattress’ layers are, whereas thickness reflects the total number of layers.

Density

Density is one way in which memory foams differ from one another and demonstrate that not all memory foams are created equal. When it comes to memory foam, density is generally agreed to be the most important aspect in durability.

The greater the number of foam cells, the denser the substance. More densely packed foam cells mean less stress on the material and longer durability. Foams with a greater density tend to be firmer and more supportive.

When researching different brands of memory foam mattresses, be careful to ask about density. You may gauge the bed’s durability and potential softness or firmness based on this information.

Armed with this knowledge, it will help you rule out or hone in on different levels that will adequately suit your needs. You’ll have a much easier time finding a bed that you adore if you give just one consideration and know what works best for you.

With this information in hand, you may eliminate unnecessary avenues and zero in on the best one for your specific situation. Considering this one aspect and being aware of your preferences will help you find a bed that you truly enjoy.

The good news is that a denser mattress is more durable, meaning it might survive for a lot longer than the standard 10-year lifespan of a mattress.

Thickness

The number of layers inside your mattress can determine how supportive and comfy it is, which is why memory foam thickness counts. A memory foam mattress will compress when more weight is applied on it.

This is a crucial aspect of ease of use. People weighing more than 250 pounds had a different level of pleasure and happiness when sleeping on a mattress that was less than 12 inches thick.

Larger people are more likely to find relief on a mattress that is 12 inches or more in height and has several inches of memory foam. If you frequently find yourself tossing and turning in bed with your spouse, you may want to invest in a somewhat more substantial mattress.

There is a fine line between a comfortable night’s sleep on a marshmallow and a hard night’s sleep on a rock, and it all comes down to thickness.

Our Top 2 Firm Memory Foam Mattress Recommendations

Following extensive investigation of the market for firm mattresses, we have narrowed our choices down to the two brands listed below.

1. Overall Best: Layla Memory Foam Mattress (The Firm Side)

Both the soft and the firm sides of the Layla memory foam mattress may be used, making it a versatile option. This is perfect if you need to switch between different stiffness settings depending on the situation or if you just can’t decide. You may put Layla to the test yourself!

Copper gel is incorporated into the memory foam, and this gel reacts to increasing pressure by firming the foam. This allows the mattress to be soft and huggable in the places you need it most, while also offering adequate support around deep compression areas.

Since the particles that make up the copper gel in the memory foam are very conductive, the copper also helps you sleep cooler. This conductivity aids heat dissipation, allowing for a cooler night’s sleep than is possible with traditional memory foams.

The Layla memory foam mattress from flippale is described in detail on their website.

2. Best Bang-For-The-Buck: Brooklyn Bowery (All-Foam)

The Brooklyn Bowery (All-Foam) Mattress is the best value mattress you can buy. It’s a high-quality, reasonably priced mattress that falls somewhere between medium and firm in the firmness spectrum.

With its 3″ layer of trademarked EnergexTM foam and 2″ transitional layer, the all-foam version of the Brookly Bowery provides more responsive contouring and targeted pressure point relief. The inclusion of a high-density, five-inch base foam guarantees the bed’s longevity and support.

The mattress is guaranteed to last for ten years and is produced to order in the United States. Moreover, there is a no-risk trial period of 120 days included. The lowest pricing point starts at just $499. Those curious about the mattress can do so right here.

Memory Foam Mattress Do’s and Don’ts

Putting in the time and energy to maintain your memory foam mattress will pay off in the long run when your bed continues to offer the ideal combination of softness and support for many years to come.

Here are a few easy rules to follow to keep your mattress in mint condition:

1. Do Rotate It Regularly

Unlike many other multilayer foam mattresses, our memory foam mattresses are not meant to be rolled over. To avoid depressions in places of intense pressure, however, we advise you to switch its orientation from head to foot every three months or so.

2. Don’t Get it Wet

Keep liquids from getting on the mattress’s surface if at all possible, as this can cause the foam to break down more quickly. If you tend to be a spiller, a mattress protector is a must-have for your bed!

3. Do Use a Suitable Bed Base

You should check that the bed’s base is solid, level, and free of any large gaps before you go in. Slats on the base should be 10–15cm broad, with no more than 5-cm between them. Larger spaces mean less even support over time, which means your mattress will wear out faster. Learn more about the various bed frames and bases available.

4. Don’t Keep it Near Strong Heat Sources

Because of its sensitivity to body heat, Memory Foam conforms exactly to each individual’s unique outline. You should, therefore, keep your memory foam mattresses apart from any sources of intense heat.

Memory foam mattresses should not be used with any type of electric blanket or hot water bottle for the same reasons. The intense heat from these items can compromise the foam’s function and structure, and eventually reduce the mattress’s lifespan.

5. Do Protect it With a Washable Mattress Cover

Most of our mattresses have a cover that can be removed and washed in the event of a spill or stain. You may extend the life of a clean mattress by washing it at 40 degrees.

6. Don’t Make Your Bed!

Finally, we recommend breaching a cardinal rule by not making your bed first thing in the morning. In this approach, any perspiration that develops during the night will be able to escape through the porous mattress and sheets.

FAQs

Over the course of our many years in the memory foam industry, we’ve heard all kinds of inquiries from our clients. Let’s put a few on the record;

How Long Will a Memory Foam Mattress Last?

It is possible to get 15 years of use out of a high-quality memory foam mattress if you take good care of it.

As with any durable substance, memory foam’s longevity increases with its density. Therefore, it is worthwhile to invest a bit more money up front so that you won’t have to buy a new mattress every few years.

How Often Should a Memory Foam Mattress be Turned?

Never! When you buy a mattress from us, you won’t have to worry about turning it over, which can be a hassle if you have a hefty mattress. Simply flip your memory foam mattress every three months or so.

How Do You Maintain A Memory Foam Mattress?

By adhering to our list of suggestions for using a memory foam bed! Among mattress materials, memory foam requires the least upkeep, making it simple to ensure it remains in pristine shape.

How do you Deep Clean a Memory Foam Mattress?

Accidental spills and stains are inevitable. To thoroughly clean your mattress, use these methods;

  • Take off your sheets and vacuum your mattress with the brush attachment to get rid of dust and skin flakes.
  • You may get rid of the mattress smell by vacuuming it first, then spreading baking soda on top and leaving it alone for a day. After this time has passed, you can vacuum the baking soda out of your mattress and enjoy your brand new bed!
  • Spray bottle solutions of dish soap and water or white vinegar can be used to remove stains without harming the environment. Apply the cleaning solution to the affected area and scrub gently in circular motions with a clean sponge to remove the stain. Once the mattress has been spot cleaned, baking soda can be used to remove any remaining stains.

Does a Memory Foam Mattress Need to Breathe?

Yes. Mold can be avoided and a comfortable sleep temperature maintained by ensuring adequate airflow. For better air circulation, use a bed frame that has a low profile and no box spring.

How Do You Fix A Dip in a Memory Foam Mattress?

Your present memory foam mattress may begin to dip or droop if it is manufactured from low quality foam and if you haven’t been rotating the mattress as regularly as is recommended.

Once the mattress begins to sag, your only options are to replace it or add a memory foam topper for increased comfort. If you take care of your mattress, you won’t have this problem.

10 Ways to Make a Memory Foam Mattress Firmer – The Bedding Planet

Sleep Soundly with Casper

If you are still looking for answers to “how to make a memory foam mattress firmer” after trying the aforementioned methods, it may be time to shop for a new mattress. Mattresses inevitably wear out with time. When a mattress has been in use for ten years, it softens considerably from its original state.

And so, a high-quality mattress is about more than just getting some shut-eye.

A bed that is sufficiently firm will protect your spine and help you avoid pain and discomfort all over your body. A firmer mattress is recommended for those who sleep on their stomachs or backs in order to prevent spinal misalignment. Back pain, poor sleep quality, and stress, in general, can all be mitigated by switching to firmer mattress, according to a few studies. 1

If you’re looking for a solution to the problem of a soft mattress, you’ve come to the correct spot. Casper has a mattress that maintains the desired amount of firmness. Are you prepared to give yourself the help you need when trying to fall asleep? Perfect. Yes, so are we.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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