Do Firm Mattresses Get Softer?

A night of peaceful sleep is your first step towards a productive day ahead. Otherwise, you might feel tired the next whole day. One thing that plays a crucial role in determining how well you sleep at night is the quality of the mattress.

Most people prefer firm mattresses over soft ones. However, since mattresses are a costly investment, people want to ensure that the mattress they buy is comfortable and long-lasting. So before making a purchase, people often wonder, do firm mattresses get softer?

Firm mattresses also soften over time. Within the first 50-60 nights, the mattress will show a loss in some of the rigidness as it is the break-in period for the mattress. However, after this degradation, good-quality mattresses will hold their new form for 5-10 years. How the mattress is handled will also determine how much softer the mattress becomes.

Keep in mind all mattresses show some degradation as time goes by. Keep reading if you want to learn more about why mattresses get soft over time and much more.

Why Do Firm Mattresses Get Softer?

All mattresses, whether firm or soft, will become even softer as time passes. It is because mattresses are made up of several layers of foam with air in between the layers.

In the case of foam mattresses, when you sleep/sit on the mattress regularly, you put constant pressure on the mattress. This pressure causes the air inside the mattress to escape little by little over time. As a result, the layers start molding themselves according to how the pressure is applied.

Also Read: Signs You Need A Firmer Mattress: 6 Indicators That It's Time To Make The Switch

When a significant amount of air has escaped the mattress, it will lose its firmness and become soft/saggy.

In the case of spring mattresses, when the mattress has been used for some time, the upper foam layers start depleting, and the springs start losing their hold. As more time passes by, the surface of the mattress becomes uneven and excessively soft.

Some springs might rupture the foam layers and get closer to the mattress's surface. It might make the mattress appear and feel uneven and saggy.

Is A Firm Mattress Good For Me?

Heavier people prefer a firm mattress as the firmness of the mattress ensures their bodies do not sink into it. Firm mattresses ensure that people with heavier bodies maintain a relatively straight posture when lying down.

Firm mattresses are recommended for people who sleep on their tummies. It is because such mattresses provide sufficient support to the hips and belly when lying face down.

These mattresses are also considered a good option for people who sleep on their backs. The rigidness of the mattress ensures the hips do not sink deep down and a healthy posture is maintained.

However, people with severe joint/back pain should abstain from firm mattresses as they can worsen the pain. People who sleep on their sides should also stay away from firm mattresses as the hard surface might cause shoulder and neck pain.

Also Read: Are Memory Foam Mattresses Good For Your Back:

How Soft/Firm Should A Mattress Be?

How soft or firm a mattress is, depends on several factors, including your personal preference, body weight, sleeping position, etc. However, it is generally considered best to sleep on mattresses that aren't too firm or soft.

Doctors recommend patients buy mattresses that are soft to medium firm. Such mattresses ensure you can easily move your body on the mattress. Moreover, the surface is not firm to the point where it starts getting uncomfortable.

How Do We Measure The Firmness Of Mattresses?

The firmness of most mattresses is measured using the following scale.

1 – Mattresses that fit this category are too soft. Your body sinks deep into these mattresses.

2-3 – Such mattresses are relatively firmer than the ones in category 1. However, these mattresses are still extremely soft, and people get that sinking feeling. These mattresses are considered good for side sleepers.

4-6 – This range is recommended for most people. Mattresses in this range aren't too soft or firm, making them perfect for a vast audience.

7-8 – Mattresses in this range have no sinkage and slight conforming. Such mattresses work best for people with heavy bodies.

9-10 – Such mattresses are extremely hard. Even if you sit/lie down on the bed, there is no sinking.

Also Read: Pros And Cons Of Memory Foam Mattress

What To Do If A Mattress Is Too Firm/Soft?

You are recommended to buy a mattress after carefully considering your body type, sleeping position, and the mattress firmness measurement scale. However, things don't always turn out how you expect them to, especially if you shop online.

If the same has happened to you and you have ordered a mattress that is too firm, you can do the following things to soften it up a little bit.

1. If your mattress's sleep trial period hasn't ended yet, you can get the mattress replaced by the manufacturer.
2. If you feel like your mattress is too hard/firm, you can buy and place a soft mattress topper on the mattress. A soft mattress topper will serve as a cushion between you and the hard mattress.
3. Some mattresses are temperature-sensitive. Such mattresses tend to get hard in low temperatures. Try increasing the room temperature slightly if your mattress is also temperature sensitive, as it will soften the mattress.

If your mattress feels too soft, you can try the following tips.

1. For a mattress that feels too soft, you can try placing it on the floor. If the mattress feels better this way, consider setting it up on the floor. Or you can place the mattress back on the bed frame and put wooden slabs between the mattress and the bed frame for a hard base.
2. You should flip and rotate the mattress from time to time to ensure the pressure is equally distributed across the whole surface of the mattress. Doing so helps prevent one side of the mattress from becoming too saggy.

Also Read: How To Tell If Memory Foam Mattress Is Worn Out

Conclusion

Firm mattresses also become softer with time. It is why experts recommend you change your mattress after every 8-10 years. However, if this time hasn't passed, but your firm mattress has still become soft, you can try one of the tips we mentioned in this article to restore firmness and prevent further deterioration.

Make sure to lean this article to learn more important information.