A new plush mattress should feel soft and cozy, but sometimes it feels firmer than expected. This happens because the materials are fresh and need time to loosen up. Just like new shoes, a mattress can take a few weeks to break in and feel more comfortable.
But what exactly is a plush mattress, and what does plush mean in mattress firmness? Is it soft? Understanding these terms can help set the right expectations for comfort and support. Another important factor is knowing if a plush mattress is good for back pain, how firm it is, and how to make it firmer. These considerations can help you determine if a plush mattress is the right fit for your sleep needs.
Room temperature and bedding can also affect how soft your mattress feels. Memory foam reacts to heat, so a cold room can make it firmer than usual. Thick mattress protectors or tight sheets can also stop the surface from adjusting to your body. The good news is there are simple ways to fix this. Sleeping on the mattress every night, adding a soft topper, or warming up the room can help.
Let’s go over a few easy tips to turn your too-firm mattress into a cozy place to sleep.
Key Takeaways
- New plush mattresses feel firmer at first because fresh materials need time to settle and soften.
- A break-in period of 30 to 60 nights allows the mattress to adapt to body contours and improve comfort.
- Room temperature affects firmness since warmer settings soften memory foam and enhance overall feel.
- A mattress topper, such as memory foam or a featherbed, adds cushioning and creates a softer sleep surface.
- The mattress foundation impacts comfort because slatted bases with proper spacing provide balanced support and flexibility.
Break-In Period
A new mattress can feel firmer than expected since the materials are still fresh and not fully settled. Foam layers, like memory foam and latex, need time to adjust to your body’s shape and weight. Instead of giving up too soon, allow it to soften naturally over time. It usually takes 30 to 60 nights for a mattress to break in, but daily use helps speed things up. Sitting or lying in different spots during the day can help loosen the materials evenly. Walking across the surface gently can also make it feel more comfortable.
If it still feels too firm after a few weeks, small changes can help improve softness. Adding a mattress topper or using softer sheets can make a difference in how it feels. Keeping the room slightly warmer can also help foam layers respond better to your body.
Room Temperature
Have you ever noticed your mattress feeling harder on cold nights? Memory foam reacts to temperature, so cooler air makes it firmer and less flexible. Warmer temperatures help it soften and shape around your body, which can affect comfort and support while you sleep. If your bed feels too firm, adjusting the room temperature can help. Keeping it between 68–72°F (20–22°C) helps the foam stay softer without feeling too mushy. This is useful during winter since cold air can make the mattress feel stiffer than usual, leading to less comfort.
Instead of thinking your mattress is too firm or worn out, try adjusting the thermostat first. A small change in temperature helps the foam respond better to your body, so it feels more comfortable. This simple fix can improve how well you sleep without needing a new mattress.
Mattress Topper
A firm mattress can feel uncomfortable, especially if you prefer a softer surface. A mattress topper adds an extra layer of cushioning, so you don’t have to replace your mattress. The right topper can improve comfort and support based on your sleep needs.
Best Mattress Toppers for Softening a Firm Mattress:
- Memory foam topper – Molds to your body for pressure relief and a cushioned feel.
- Featherbed topper – Creates a plush, airy surface with a light and fluffy texture.
- Wool topper – Softens the bed while keeping temperature balanced year-round.
A 2- to 3-inch topper works well for adjusting firmness without changing mattress support. A thicker option can feel softer, but too much cushioning may reduce support for your back.
Mattress Foundation
The base you put your mattress on changes how it feels. A solid platform or firm foundation can make a soft mattress feel harder than expected, which might not be as comfortable as you hoped. A little extra cushioning can help if the bed feels too stiff. Slatted foundations with 3–4 inches of space between each slat let the mattress move more naturally. This helps with airflow, keeps the bed cooler, and adds a bit of flexibility for better comfort. Some mattresses, like memory foam or hybrids, work best with this kind of support.
If your bed feels too firm or uncomfortable, the foundation could be the reason. Switching to a base or adjusting your current setup can affect how the mattress supports you. A small change in the foundation can improve both comfort and sleep quality.
Rotate or Flip (If Applicable)
A mattress wears out over time, so turning it every few months helps spread the weight evenly. This prevents certain spots from getting too soft or sinking faster than the rest. Rotating regularly helps it stay comfortable and supportive for longer. If yours has two usable sides, flipping it can give a fresh feel and different firmness. Some double-sided mattresses have a softer side and a firmer side, which can be helpful if your needs change. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging the layers.
Most modern mattresses are one-sided, so flipping could ruin the comfort layers and cause uneven wear. Rotating instead helps keep the shape and support steady without risking damage. Checking the care guide makes sure you’re doing what’s best for comfort and durability.
Try a Softer Bedding Setup
Your bed feels different depending on the sheets, pillows, and blankets you use. A firm mattress can feel softer with the right bedding choices. Small changes help create a more comfortable sleep space without much effort.
Cotton or bamboo sheets feel smooth and gentle against the skin. Fluffy pillows add extra softness, helping your head and neck relax. A quilt or comforter on top of the mattress creates a cozy and cushioned surface. If the bed feels too firm, layering blankets adds warmth and comfort. A thick comforter softens the surface, while breathable sheets prevent a stiff feel. These adjustments help you sleep better without needing a new mattress.
Choosing the right bedding can also enhance how a plush mattress feels, but how does it compare to other firmness levels? Understanding the difference between plush, medium, and firm mattresses, the key differences for better sleep of plush and soft mattresses, and which is best for comfort—plush mattress or pillow top can help you create the ideal sleep setup for your needs.
Your Body Needs Time to Adjust
A new mattress can feel different at first, especially if your old one was worn out. Your body might be used to sinking into soft spots or uneven support, so a firmer surface could take time to get comfortable. It’s normal to wake up sore or stiff for the first few nights.
Give yourself at least two weeks before deciding if it’s right for you. Your muscles and joints need time to get used to a new feel, especially if it’s firmer or softer than what you had before. Some people adjust quickly, while others need a little longer. If it still feels off after a few weeks, small changes might help. A mattress topper can add softness, and a different pillow height can improve support. Adjusting your sleep position or using breathable sheets might also help.
The level of firmness plays an important role in how long it takes to adjust. Understanding the key differences of plush and medium mattress can help you decide which is best for your sleep—plush or medium, or plush and medium firm.
Additional Ways to Soften a Plush Mattress
- Apply gentle pressure – Shifting around or walking lightly on the surface helps loosen up the materials over time.
- Use a soft mattress protector – A cushioned cover adds a subtle layer of comfort without changing support.
- Check the mattress materials – Some foams or firmer support layers take longer to adjust, so expect a break-in period.
- Add a pillow under pressure points – A small pillow under your hips or shoulders can create extra cushioning where you need it.
If your mattress still feels too firm, it’s important to understand the perfect balance of plush and firm comfort. Discover the perfect balance of plush firm mattress and key differences between plush and firm mattress types, and how to choose the right comfort level, plush or firm mattress? Knowing these differences can help you decide whether softening your current mattress is the best option or if a different comfort level would better suit your needs.
Consider a Mattress Exchange
A plush mattress that still feels too firm after weeks of sleep can be disappointing. Instead of putting up with discomfort, check if the store allows returns or exchanges. Many brands have trial periods between 30 and 120 nights, giving enough time to decide if the mattress is right. If you’re unsure whether a different plush model would be a better fit, it helps to understand the options available. What is a plush hybrid mattress, what is an ultra plush mattress, and what are the key differences between plush and ultra plush mattresses? Which is best for your sleep—ultra plush or medium mattress?
Some mattresses take longer to soften, while others stay firmer than expected. If the top layer doesn’t provide enough cushioning, a different model with better pressure relief could feel more comfortable. Testing another option can help find the right balance of support and softness.
Before keeping a mattress that doesn’t feel good, look into the return or exchange rules. Some brands cover return shipping, but others charge a fee or require repackaging. Checking the details early prevents stress later and gives a chance to pick something that suits your needs.
Final Thoughts
A new plush mattress feeling too firm at first is normal, so don’t worry. Most beds soften after some use since the materials need time to adjust. Sleeping on it regularly and changing the room temperature, bedding, or foundation can help with comfort. If it still feels too firm, a mattress topper adds extra softness without replacing the whole bed. Some brands let you exchange the mattress, so checking the return policy early can save effort. Testing different solutions first helps avoid the hassle of returning it right away.
Breaking in a new bed takes time, but small changes can improve the feel. Giving it a fair chance before deciding helps you avoid unnecessary stress. Once the materials settle, the mattress should feel much closer to what you expected.
