My mattress is too firm, how do I fix this?

Waking up with a stiff back or numb arms? It's a classic sign: your mattress is too firm. Whether it's a new mattress that's too firm or an old one that's just lost its comfort, it's one of the most common forms of buyer's remorse. The good news is you don't have to replace it. There's a much easier way to soften it up and get the comfort you paid for.

Keep reading to find the best, fastest solution to this problem.

Is My Mattress Too Firm? The Telltale Signs

It sounds simple, but many people don't realize their bed is the direct cause of their pain. The most common mattress too firm symptoms are things you feel right when you wake up:

• Neck pain
• Lower back pain
• Hip pain
• Shoulder pain
• Aches or stiffness
• Arm or hand numbness at night

A back pain is a huge red flag that mattress is too firm. This happens because the hard surface doesn't let your hips sink in at all, forcing your spine out of its natural alignment. Here’s a simple test: Lie down and try to slide your hand under your lower back. If it slides in very easily with a large gap, your mattress is likely too hard and isn't contouring to your body's curve.

How to Soften a Mattress That's Too Firm

So, what's the fix? If your new mattress is too firm, and you wonder how to soften it, it could take weeks to "break in." But the fastest and most effective solution is to add a high-quality mattress topper.

Choosing the best mattress topper for a too firm mattress or even adding a mattress pad could be a quick and cheap solution, because it adds a brand-new comfort layer on top of the support you already have. It's a targeted solution that fixes the "feel" of your bed without replacing the whole thing. You can choose the different options, from soft to firm, plush, pillow-top, and even cooling toppers.

To learn more, read our article: Mattress Topper Or New Mattress. How To Make The Right Choice

What's the Best Topper for a Hard Mattress?

To fix a too firm mattress, your topper should provide softness and pressure relief without impacting the current support of your mattress. A memory foam mattress topper is best for softening a firm bed. Memory foam provides a soft, contouring surface to compensate for the firmness of your mattress. It allows your shoulders and hips to sink in just enough to relieve pressure, helping you experience undeniable comfort again!

To find out more, see our article: Top 10 Questions Answered

Our Top Pick to Fix a Mattress That's Too Firm

The Serene-Hybrid Lux mattress topper is the perfect solution to this problem.

This luxury mattress topper, voted “Best Mattress Topper” by Good Housekeeping, has a layer of gel-infused, CertiPUR-US memory foam and a 300-thread count pillow top cover featuring a plush 400gsm down alternative fill. The cover is machine washable and features adjustable straps and a fully-elastic skirt to ensure the topper stays in place and never slides. Adding the Serene-Hybrid to a stiff mattress will completely change the look and feel of your bed and improve your sleep.

Remember that your mattress topper doesn't replace your mattress. It is an effective solution for regaining comfort in the interim, so we advise you to renew your mattress approximately every ten years for absolute comfort and support.