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](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/rotate-your-mattress-flipping.jpg)
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](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/best-latex-toppers-featured.jpg)
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](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Is-it-ok-to-put-your-mattress-on-the-floor-main-1024x683.jpg)
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](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/saatva-mattress-review.jpg)
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.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
![Saatva Mattress Review](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/saatva-mattress-review.jpg)
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
![Saatva Mattress Review](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/saatva-mattress-review.jpg)
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBeds
The Winkbed mattress is available in four different firmness levels. While the firm mattress is a perfect fit for average weight individuals, heavier people will get more support from the WinkBed Plus.
WinkBed Mattress
![](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/WinkBed.jpeg)
The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
![](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/WinkBed.jpeg)
The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
![](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/WinkBed.jpeg)
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix
The Helix Dawn mattress is a hybrid bed that offers lots of support. It’s best suited to average weight back sleepers and light to average weight stomach sleepers. But if you’re not sure which Helix mattress is best for you, take Helix’s mattress quiz. It’ll match you to the ideal bed based on your body type and sleeping position.
Helix Dawn Mattress
![Helix Dawn Mattress Review](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/helix-dawn-featured-image.jpg)
The Helix Dawn is one of the company's firmest models. Because of this, it should be a supportive option for stomach sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Dawn Mattress
![Helix Dawn Mattress Review](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/helix-dawn-featured-image.jpg)
The Helix Dawn is one of the company's firmest models. Because of this, it should be a supportive option for stomach sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
![Helix Dawn Mattress Review](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/helix-dawn-featured-image.jpg)
Helix Dawn Mattress
The Helix Dawn is one of the company's firmest models. Because of this, it should be a supportive option for stomach sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud
The DreamCloud mattress is a high-quality luxury hybrid mattress that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. This firm mattress offers ample support, making it a good choice for seniors and most back sleepers.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
![DreamCloud Mattress Review 2024](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/dreamcloud-featured-image.jpg)
The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
![DreamCloud Mattress Review 2024](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/dreamcloud-featured-image.jpg)
The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
![DreamCloud Mattress Review 2024](https://www.mattressclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/dreamcloud-featured-image.jpg)
DreamCloud Original Mattress
The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
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?Â
There are many great firm mattress toppers, including the Avocado Latex topper and the TitanFlex topper.
How can I make my sagging mattress firm?Â
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?Â
Replacing old box springs can revitalize your mattress, bringing back its ability to support your weight effectively.
Can a mattress get harder?Â
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.