Firm mattresses are highly popular for many people in Hong Kong. Sometimes, you might find a firm mattress that is too hard and not as comfortable as you might like. Finding the right level of comfort on your mattress is crucial for a good night's sleep. 

A mattress that is too firm can give you aches and make it hard to sleep, so it is worth your time to explore solutions to achieve the ideal level of comfort. 

The good news is you don’t need to buy a brand new mattress yet! We highly recommend using a soft mattress topper for an immediate solution to make your mattress softer. Nevertheless, whether you're dealing with a brand new mattress that’s too firm for you, or an older one mattress that’s stiffened up, we have solutions to make your mattress softer.

Signs that Your Mattress is Too Hard For You

If you wake up with discomfort, body aches, or experience disturbed sleep, it may be a sign that your mattress is too hard. If your mattress is too firm, it fails to contour to your body's natural curves. This may cause or aggravate pressure points and improper spinal alignment, leading to restless nights, tossing and turning.

Here are a few signs that your mattress may be too firm:

  • You’re experiencing back, neck or shoulder pain when you wake up
  • You toss and turn a lot at night
  • You feel a tingling sensation or numbness in your hands or feet.
  • You wake up feeling exhausted
  • You get better sleep or notice an immediate difference when you sleep elsewhere

Check out our guide on how to find the perfect mattress firmness for you. 

How to Make Your Mattress Softer

When faced with a mattress that feels too hard or firm for you, try these solutions.

Breaking in Your Mattress

New mattresses often require a break-in period to adjust to your body and soften up. When you purchase a new mattress, its components are always a little bit firmer than expected. Just like how a new pair of shoes need time to mold to your feet, new mattresses need time to mold to your body!

Depending on the type of mattress you have, breaking into a new mattress typically takes around 60 to 90 nights as it learns to support your body as you sleep.

Give your mattress some time before making any decisions. To help speed up the process, you can walk across and step on the mattress or gently apply pressure with your hands to loosen up the materials and promote better conforming to your body shape. For any parents out there, this is a great chance for your young ones to start jumping on your bed!

Swap for Another Mattress (if within the trial period)

If you are still unhappy with your mattress after 90 nights, check if it's still within the trial period offered by the store. Many mattress brands provide 100-night trial periods to allow customers to try out their mattresses first hand at home. Contact the company and inquire about the process for exchanging or returning it for a softer alternative that better suits your comfort needs.

Use a Mattress Topper

The most popular solution in this list. A mattress topper can significantly enhance the comfort of your existing mattress. It acts as an additional layer of cushioning and support, effectively transforming a mattress that’s too hard into a softer and more comfortable surface to sleep on!

Hush Home’s Dual Mattress Topper will instantly transform your hard mattress by adding an extra touch of comfort. Its cool-gel memory foam construction and OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics provides excellent pressure relief and cool temperature regulation to enhance your sleep experience. Available for mattresses and beds in all sizes ranging from single to king.

Make Your Bedroom Warmer

The temperature of your bedroom can play a major role in your comfort while sleeping. Memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses are sensitive to temperature. This is why your mattress (if it has memory foam) may feel harder on a cold night compared to warmer days. 

Consider warming up your room a few hours before you go to bed. If this is not possible, you can also place heating pads or warm water bottles on your mattress and cover it with your duvet. This is also a great way to warm up your mattress before bedtime.

Applying Extra Pressure to the Mattress

Applying extra pressure to your mattress can help soften it over time. One effective method is to step or walk across the mattress gently. This action helps to break in the materials and promote better contouring to your body shape. Be cautious not to exert excessive force, as it may damage the mattress.

You may also consider relaxing on your bed during the day for the first 30 days, rather than relaxing on the sofa to help speed up the break-in process.

Check Your Bed Frame and Slats

Sometimes, the issue lies not with the mattress itself but with the bed frame. A bed frame with flat and sturdy slats adds pressure to your mattress, so it may make a mattress feel firmer. 

A bed frame with sprung slats provides more cushioned support that moves slightly with your mattress as you rest on it.

Also check for any loose or broken slats, and ensure that the frame provides adequate support. Reinforcing or replacing the bed frame may improve the overall comfort of your sleep surface.

Try Using Softer Bed Sheets and Bedding

The sheets you choose can also impact the overall comfort level of your mattress. Sometimes, changing your bedding is all it takes to make your mattress feel softer!

Opt for softer sheets made from Egyptian cotton or long-staple cotton, as they are the preferred fiber of cotton for bedding and towels. They are known for their incredibly soft and luxurious feel, which can enhance your comfort when you sleep.

Additionally, if you’ve been using a thick blanket or multiple layers of blankets, consider switching to a lighter and more breathable blanket. This will reduce pressure on your body.

Rotating or Flip Your Mattress

One strategy that’s often overlooked is to rotate or flip your mattress, maintaining its comfort and longevity. Turning your bed will help to distribute the padding more evenly and make your mattress feel less firm. 

Check your mattress manufacturer's care guide for specific instructions on how to properly rotate your mattress. Flip or rotate your mattress. By doing so, you can ensure that you're sleeping on a more supportive and comfortable surface.

If your mattress is double-sided, you can also flip your mattress regularly. 

Get a Softer Mattress

If you've tried the above tips and still find your mattress too hard or firm, it may be time to consider investing in a new one. Over time, mattresses can wear out and lose their initial comfort and support.

Look for mattresses that provide the ideal level of softness and support for your preferences. Consider factors such as mattress type (memory foam, latex, spring), their firmness levels, and your own body to find the best mattress fit for you.

If you're looking to replace your mattress, check out these options from Hush Home:

Don't let a too-hard or firm mattress disrupt your sleep any longer. We hope that our tips will help you find a solution to make your mattress softer. Whether it's adding a mattress topper, adjusting your bedding, or considering a mattress replacement, there are solutions available to help you find the perfect level of comfort. 

If you’re searching for a new mattress, visit our mattress comparison guide to explore our mattress collection, and take advantage of our mattress discounts!

If you're looking for a quick solution, check out the Dual Mattress Topper today.