How To Make a Memory Foam Mattress Softer: Practical Fixes That Actually Help

If you’re searching for “How To Make a Memory Foam Mattress Softer,” you’re likely dealing with a bed that feels too firm, too new, or just not as comfortable as you expected. This guide walks through simple, non-technical ways to adjust the feel of your mattress and answer common questions about softness, break‑in time, and when firmness might signal a bigger issue.

Why Does My Memory Foam Mattress Feel So Firm?

Memory foam reacts to body heat and pressure, so it often feels firmer at first touch and then gradually softens as you lie on it. A mattress can feel especially firm when:

It’s brand new and not broken in
Your bedroom is on the cooler side
You’re a lighter-weight sleeper who doesn’t sink in as deeply
You’ve placed it on a very rigid base or foundation

Understanding these factors helps you decide how to make a memory foam mattress softer in a way that works for your body and your sleep environment.

How To Make a Memory Foam Mattress Softer: Most Effective Methods

1. Give the Mattress Time to Break In

Many new memory foam mattresses feel firmer during the first few weeks. Regular use helps:

The foam adjust to your body
Stiff surface layers relax
The overall feel become more plush and responsive

If possible, sleep on the mattress consistently for a few weeks before making big changes. Some people also sit or gently walk on different areas (without shoes) to encourage even softening.

2. Use a Soft Mattress Topper

One of the most direct ways to make a mattress feel plusher is adding a soft topper. Look for:

Materials with more cushioning, such as softer memory foam or fiber-filled options
Medium to thick profiles, often around 2–4 inches, for noticeable change
A topper that matches your preferred feel (hugging vs. more pillowy)

A topper can adjust firmness without altering the core support of your mattress, which many sleepers find helpful.

3. Adjust Your Bed Base or Foundation

The surface under your mattress can affect how firm it feels:

Very rigid platforms or non-flexing slats can make a bed feel firmer
Adding a thin layer (like a bunkie board, smooth plywood, or compatible base pad) may change how the foam responds
Conversely, a slightly more flexible base can introduce a bit more “give”

Always make sure any change still supports the mattress evenly and follows the manufacturer’s general support recommendations.

4. Warm Up the Room or Bedding

Memory foam typically feels softer in warmer conditions and firmer in cooler ones. You can experiment by:

Keeping the bedroom at a moderate, comfortable temperature
Using cozy but breathable bedding that allows your body heat to reach the foam
Avoiding overly thick, insulating layers that keep your warmth from softening the mattress surface

⚠️ Comfort preferences vary, so choose a temperature that feels good for sleep overall, not just for mattress softness.

5. Check and Adjust Your Sleeping Position

Sometimes the issue is less the mattress itself and more how you’re lying on it:

Side sleepers often prefer more cushioning around shoulders and hips
Back sleepers usually like a balance between contouring and support
Stomach sleepers may notice pressure around the chest and hips if the surface is too firm or too soft

Small adjustments to pillows or your usual position can change how firm the mattress feels to your body.

How Long Does It Take a Memory Foam Mattress to Soften?

A new memory foam mattress usually softens gradually over several weeks to a few months of regular use. During this time you may notice:

Less “board-like” firmness
Deeper contouring around common pressure points
A smoother, more conforming surface feel

If you’ve tried the main tips on how to make a memory foam mattress softer and the bed still feels uncomfortably hard after a reasonable break‑in period, it may simply be a firmness level that doesn’t match your preference.

Can a Memory Foam Mattress Become Too Soft Over Time?

Yes, memory foam can lose some of its original firmness with long-term use. Signs it may be becoming too soft include:

Noticeable impressions that don’t bounce back well
Feeling like you’re “stuck” in one spot
A lack of support in your usual sleeping area

In these cases, a firmer topper or supportive base change might help temporarily, but persistent sagging often means the mattress is nearing the end of its comfortable life.

When Is It Better Not to Soften Your Mattress?

Adjusting firmness isn’t always the right move. You may want to be cautious about making a mattress much softer if:

You already feel your hips or midsection sinking too deeply
You wake up feeling like you’ve been sleeping in a “hammock” shape
The mattress is older and already showing clear wear or sagging

In those situations, adding more softness may reduce support further, rather than improving comfort.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points about How To Make a Memory Foam Mattress Softer

Break-in time matters: New memory foam often needs several weeks of regular use to reach its true feel.
Toppers are the simplest fix: A soft mattress topper can quickly change surface comfort without replacing the mattress.
Your base counts: Very rigid foundations can make a mattress feel firmer; a supportive but not overly hard base can help.
Temperature affects firmness: Warmer rooms generally make memory foam feel softer and more responsive.
Position plays a role: Side, back, and stomach sleepers may experience the same mattress very differently.
Softening has limits: If impressions, sagging, or poor support are present, adding softness may not solve the underlying issue.

With these points in mind, you can experiment step by step to find how to make a memory foam mattress softer in a way that supports your comfort and your nightly routine.