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How Can You Tell if Your Mattress Is Too Soft?

How Can You Tell if Your Mattress Is Too Soft?

The best feeling after a long day at work is sinking into your bed. Many people go for a soft mattress, but if you are sinking too far, you could be doing a lot of harm to yourself; there is nothing wrong with preferring a softer surface. However, to maintain a healthy spinal alignment, you need a certain amount of firmness; how then; can you tell if your mattress is too soft?

You can tell if a mattress is too soft when you start experiencing some warning signs like joint and muscle stiffness, lower back pain, feeling groggy all day, having a hard time getting up, and struggling to get in or out of bed.

The rest of this article will give a detailed explanation of how you can tell if your mattress and memory foam is too soft and what to do with them. 

How to Tell if Your Regular Mattress Is Too Soft

How to Tell if Your Regular Mattress Is Too Soft

Many people who complain about poor sleep use a very soft mattress. Below are a few warning signs to look out for. 

Your lower back is sore and stiff when you wake up 

This is the most common warning sign that your regular mattress is too soft. You will experience it first thing when you wake up after a long night’s sleep. Having a sore lower back can result from multiple daily activities like carrying heavy items or sitting with a wrong posture for long hours.

If you experience a sore and stiff lower back in the morning, stretch for about 15 minutes. If the pain and soreness goes away, then your regular mattress is to blame.

You have a hard time finding a sleeping position

Anxiety, poor health, and stress can contribute to your tossing and turning before sleeping. Your bed determines how long it will take you to find a comfortable sleeping position. Your mattress is too soft if you are constantly readjusting your position to try and relax your muscles.

You prefer sleeping on your couch

If you find yourself continuously falling asleep on your couch and avoiding your bed, your mattress could be too soft. Also, if you enjoy sleeping in a friend’s guest room or a hotel bed, this could be an indication that you need to change your mattress. 

You sleep on your stomach or back and wake up with shoulder or neck pain 

If you continuously experience shoulder and neck pain, even after investing in a comfortable pillow, it could be a sign that your lower body is sinking too far into the mattress. Those who sleep on their stomach need to be extra careful with their mattress firmness because it puts an extra strain on the upper back, neck, and jaw; this sleeping position requires unnatural twisting.

If you are a back sleeper and your bed is too soft, you will feel like your mattress has formed a valley; your back feels like it is attacking you and drowning in quicksand. 

Getting in and out of bed is a struggle 

How difficult can it be to get in and out of bed whenever you want to? If you experience a hard time pulling yourself out of bed or you end up feeling stuck, your mattress could be too soft. This could also be the case if you find it difficult to get into bed because you find yourself sinking to the bottom support layer of your mattress. 

You end up feeling groggy all day 

When you wake up feeling tired and experience it all through the day, it indicates a lack of enough quality sleep. Although this can be caused by several reasons, having a very soft mattress could be one of them. 

If you find yourself tossing and turning in bed, experiencing aches and pains, your mattress could be too soft. If you are used to sleeping on your side, a soft mattress could be ideal; you need to ensure that it doesn’t throw your spine out of proportion but instead lessen pressure points.

Your mattress is too old

If you’ve had your mattress for over ten years, the chances are that it could be too soft. If you experience any of the warning signs, then it is time to change it. 

How Can You Tell if Your Memory Foam Is Too Soft?

How Can You Tell if Your Memory Foam Is Too Soft?

Memory foam mattresses have different levels of firmness; they can be firm, sink slightly, or very soft. It is up to you to choose the mattress that feels comfortable for you. Many factors can help you determine if the memory foam is how soft or firm. The top layer is made of memory foam, while other transitional layers are added for support. 

You can tell that your memory foam is too soft if it starts sagging as it ages. Depressions of the body start forming on the surface, and with time, you will experience uneven support and loss of shape, especially around its edges when you sit getting into or out of bed.

Memory foam mattresses tend to absorb body heat. Although using cooling components can rid you of discomfort caused by the heat, your mattress will become softer with time if you sleep hot. You will also experience other warning signs like lower back, shoulders, and neck aches and pains.

Here are some tips to look out for to determine the right mattress foam firmness for you.

  1. Check the description given by the manufacturer- The manufacturer designates every mattress as either firm or soft because there is no universal standard to measure the feel of a mattress. If you want a firm mattress foam, pick one designated as firm.
  2. Get an in-home mattress trial- Lying on a mattress in the store for a few minutes will not guarantee that a mattress is firm. Get a home trial with a money-back guarantee if it isn’t the right fit for you. 
  3. Check customer reviews- Although people have different opinions of what is firm and what is soft when it comes to mattresses, you can pick ideas from their reviews.

What to Do With a Mattress That Is Too Soft

What to Do With a Mattress That Is Too Soft

A mattress that is too soft is a recipe for disaster when sleeping; it lacks proper support for your body and ends up throwing your spine out of alignment. Do you find yourself relating to Goldilocks when looking for the right mattress? Well, the perfect mattress for you might not exist, but if your mattress is too soft, here are a few things you can do to make it more firm.

Supplement with a mattress topper 

Using a mattress topper is an excellent way to alleviate the discomfort caused by a very soft mattress before buying another one. While some people may go for a very firm topper, it creates discomfort as well. Having one custom made for your needs will fix your soft mattress troubles. 

Apart from getting a topper custom made for you, other different options can give your bed the right firmness like memory foam, hard foam, latex, or polyurethane. Despite your mattress being too soft, a topper will give your body the appropriate support, allowing you to have a good night’s sleep. 

Make use of Plywood boards

You can support your mattress by slipping plywood in between it and the box spring or bed frame. This will stop your mattress from sinking too low or sagging.

If you have your mattress placed on a box spring, this could be the reason it feels too soft. Also, this could result from your box spring being older and less study due to wear and tear. Mattresses like memory foam that have more weight require you to do away with the box spring and use a solid, more flat surface.

You could use other platforms such as a platform bed, a slat foundation, or any stable, even, and solid foundation. 

Switch mattress sides 

Regularly switch mattress sides every three months; bring the top side to the bottom or the left side to the right, and vice versa, to fix the softness of your bed. This will enable your mattress to retain its shape and increase its durability by distributing weight evenly across all sides. 

Rotate sides or flip the mattress

Regularly switch mattress sides every three months because most cannot be flipped; bring the top side to the bottom or the left side to the right, and vice versa, to fix the softness of your bed. This will enable your mattress to retain its shape and increase its durability by distributing weight evenly across all sides.

Although some types of mattresses cannot be flipped, you can reduce softness by flipping those that allow it. This will reduce wear and tear on one side by evening it out. Do so every six months.

Get an advanced mattress

As you grow older and experience body changes, your sleep preferences change, and you require more support from your mattress. If your bed feels too soft and it is not due to age or sagging, then you need to consider switching to another type. 

Get a new mattress and flatten the bedding 

Your bed could be too soft because it is already too old. If you have had it for over 8 or 10 years and start noticing that it’s’ sagging, replace your mattress with a new one. Also, if you feel that your mattress is too soft, you can use a bed sheet that is the same size as your mattress, pull it tight from bottom to top and side to side. This will increase pressure on the mattress and make it firm. 

Turn down your room’s temperature 

Mattresses that are 100 percent memory foam tend to absorb body heat resulting in sagging. If you sleep hot, and your room temperature is hot, your mattress will become too soft. Turn down your thermostat a few hours before you sleep to create a cooling effect and make your mattress more firm.  

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on November 13, 2020.

Place your mattress on a solid surface 

If you have your mattress placed on a box spring, this could be the reason it feels too soft. This could also result from your box spring being older and less study due to wear and tear. Mattresses like memory foam with more weight require you to do away with the box spring and use a solid, more flat surface.

You could use other platforms such as a platform bed, a slat foundation, or any stable, even, and solid foundation. 

Replace worn out or damaged layers 

Some mattresses are made by putting together many layers and holding them in place by using a mattress cover. These mattresses allow you to replace the damaged or worn-out layers instead of purchasing a new mattress. If you find that your mattress is becoming too soft and uncomfortable, open it up, remove the worn-out layer, and have it replaced. 

Get an advanced mattress

As you grow older and experience body changes, your sleep preferences change, and you require more support from your mattress. If your mattress feels too soft and is not due to age or sagging, you need to consider switching to another type. 

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Mattress

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Mattress

Quality sleep is essential for your health, both mental and physical. Though it may be expensive, a quality mattress is a worthy investment to give you a good night’s sleep. If you are planning on purchasing a new mattress, here are a few factors you should consider.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on November 13, 2020.

Below is a YouTube video on finding the perfect mattress for you:

  1. Level of comfort: Different kinds of mattresses offer different levels of comfort. Some are very soft, others plush, while others are firm. Visit various shops before settling for one and give them a try. If you have a partner, it is necessary to consider each of your desires when it comes to comfort.
  2. Sleeping Position: Your sleeping position is a crucial factor that is mostly ignored when choosing a mattress. Depending on whether you sleep on your side, stomach, or back, different mattresses will work for each. If you are a side sleeper, you require a plush mattress instead of a very firm one for stomach and back sleepers to align your spine naturally.
  3. Physical Pain and Injuries: As we age, injuries and pains become common. Back, neck, and shoulder pains could also result from sleeping on a low-quality mattress. When purchasing a new mattress, disclose any physical injuries you may have suffered so that the seller can identify the perfect one for you. 
  4. Your Weight: The more your body weighs, the more you need a firm mattress that can support you. If you weigh less, a soft bed can be a better option.
  5. Temperature: During the night, the body experiences temperature changes, and this can easily disturb the quality of your sleep. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a mattress with cooling or warming components depending on the season like summer or winter, your bedding, and your room’s temperature. If you struggle with temperature changes, consult an expert. 
  6. Size: This is important depending on your height, the number of people it can support. Some mattresses accommodate a single person, king, and queen sizes. Consider the size of your bed before purchasing a mattress.
  7. Recommendation from your health physician: If you have a neck or back condition, consult your physician to get their recommendation on the kind of mattress you should buy. You should get one that aligns your spine by placing your neck and lower back in a neutral position.

Types of Mattresses on the Market

Types of Mattresses on the Market
  • Memory foam- They are created to offer pressure relief by contouring your body. They are a good investment if you suffer from morning lower back and neck pain.
  • Innerspring- utilizes coils to offer strong support and a bouncy feeling.
  • Hybrid- They use latex or memory foam layers. They are a good investment if you suffer from morning aches due to a poor quality mattress.
  • Latex- They offer more relaxed sleep; they are more responsive and bouncy than other mattresses.
  • Air Mattresses- They require the use of an air pump to inflate the mattress to your preferred level of firmness. Some of them are separated into two compartments. If you have a partner, you can inflate to the desired levels in both compartments.

Tips for Buying a High-quality Mattress

Tips for Buying a High-quality Mattress
  • Try out different beds- If you enjoy sleeping on various beds at your friend’s house or hotel rooms, you can purchase beds that offer the same feel. Try out different mattresses from different stores to find the one that suits your needs.
  • Shop for value, rather than price- A high-quality mattress can be more expensive. However, the price won’t guarantee that the mattress provides better support or comfort. Compare shop prices to get the best prices once you find your ideal mattress.  
  • Be careful about advertising gimmicks- Mattresses don’t always turn out to be of the quality stated in advertisements. Some may claim to be “medically-approved” or “orthopedic”; be skeptical when viewing them. Carefully determine if the extra features are advantageous to your situation.
  • Buy mattresses from trustworthy companies and stores- Different stores and companies offer different customer service. Consider those that are reliable, have a trial and return policy, remove old mattresses, have delivery options, and have long term warranties. 

Final Thoughts

A quality mattress will boost quality sleep, which is crucial for your physical and mental health in preventing anxiety, stress, bad mood, backaches, and neck pains. You can tell that your bed is too soft if you experience warning signs like struggling to get in and out of bed, you enjoy sleeping on other beds or the couch, your mattress is too old, and if you experience neck and shoulder pains.

You can tell that your mattress foam is too soft if you see noticeable sagging, depressions of your body forming on the surface, uneven support, and loss of shape around the edges.

If your bed is too soft, you can rotate it, use plywood boards, flip it, upgrade your mattress, replace damaged or worn-out layers, and turn down your room temperature. Before purchasing a new mattress, consider your weight, sleeping position, comfort, and recommendations from your health worker.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on November 13, 2020.

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