How To Make Memory Foam Mattress Softer: Practical FAQs and Easy Fixes

If you’re wondering how to make memory foam mattress softer, you’re not alone. Many sleepers find memory foam a bit too firm at first or notice it feels different in a new room or season. This FAQ-style guide explains why your mattress feels firm and what you can realistically do to soften it for more comfortable sleep.

Why Does My Memory Foam Mattress Feel So Firm?

Memory foam responds to body heat and pressure, which means its feel can change with temperature, weight, and use.

Common reasons it feels too firm include:

New mattress “break-in” period – Fresh foam often feels stiffer and gradually softens over several weeks.
Cool bedroom temperature – Memory foam tends to feel firmer in cooler rooms.
Firm base or foundation – A very rigid platform can make the whole bed feel harder.
Mismatched firmness – The mattress may simply be firmer than your comfort preference or sleeping position.

Understanding the cause helps you choose the best approach for how to make memory foam mattress softer without damaging it.

How To Make Memory Foam Mattress Softer: What Actually Works?

1. Give It Time to Break In

New memory foam often needs some time to relax.

Sleep on it consistently for at least a few weeks.
If possible, rotate the mattress so different areas are used and the surface softens more evenly.

This natural break-in is usually the simplest step before trying anything more involved.

2. Use a Soft, Supportive Mattress Topper

Adding a topper is one of the most effective ways to adjust firmness without replacing the mattress.

A topper can:

Add extra cushioning for pressure points like shoulders and hips
Soften the overall feel while your original mattress still provides support underneath

When choosing a topper, consider:

Thickness – Thicker usually feels plusher.
Material – Some foams feel softer and more responsive than others.
Sleeping position – Side sleepers often prefer more cushioning than back or stomach sleepers.

3. Adjust Room Temperature

Because memory foam is temperature-sensitive, warmer rooms generally make it feel softer.

Slightly raising your bedroom temperature can help the foam respond more quickly.
Warm bedding, such as a thicker mattress protector, can also help your body heat soften the foam surface.

Avoid overheating the mattress directly with heaters or electric blankets, as that can affect foam over time.

4. Check Your Base or Foundation

A very rigid base can make even a softer memory foam mattress feel firm.

Solid platforms: Supportive but can create a harder feel.
Slatted bases: If slats are widely spaced or too rigid, they may create pressure points.

You can try:

Placing a thin, flexible layer (such as a bunkie board or similar surface) between the mattress and slats to create a slightly more forgiving feel.
Ensuring the base is flat, stable, and not sagging, as dips can create discomfort even if the foam itself is soft.

5. Use Bedding to Soften the Surface

While bedding cannot change the core firmness, it can change how the mattress feels against your body.

Consider:

Soft, breathable sheets that glide over the foam instead of pulling.
A lightly padded mattress protector to add a touch of extra comfort.

These small changes can make the surface feel more welcoming without affecting support.

6. Gently Walk on the Mattress (With Care)

Some people lightly walk or kneel on different areas of the mattress to help soften it more quickly.

If you try this:

Do it gently and evenly, avoiding sharp pressure or jumping.
Make sure your footing is clean and stable to prevent damage or slipping.

This mimics the natural break-in process by applying controlled pressure across the surface.

Is It Safe To Try to Soften My Memory Foam Mattress?

Most softening methods are safe if you:

Avoid excessive heat directly on the foam
Do not bend or fold the mattress sharply, which can damage internal layers
Follow any care guidelines provided with your mattress

If you notice unusual sagging, lumps, or damage while you adjust your setup, that may be a sign to stop experimenting and simply use a topper or consider a different firmness level in the future.

When Should I Consider That the Mattress Is Just Too Firm?

Even after trying common approaches for how to make memory foam mattress softer, some mattresses will still feel too firm for certain sleepers. Signs it may not be the right firmness for you include:

Ongoing discomfort that does not improve with a topper or time
Waking up consistently stiff or sore despite reasonable adjustments
Feeling like you sleep “on top of” the bed with little contouring, even after a break-in period

In these cases, a long-term solution may be to look for a different firmness level or another mattress type that better matches your comfort needs.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about how to make memory foam mattress softer:

Most memory foam feels firmer at first and naturally softens with a few weeks of regular use.
A soft, well-chosen topper is one of the easiest ways to adjust firmness without replacing the mattress.
Slightly warmer room temperatures can help memory foam feel more responsive and less rigid.
Your base or foundation affects firmness; very rigid platforms can make the mattress feel harder.
Gentle walking or kneeling on the mattress can speed up the break-in process if done carefully.
If discomfort continues after these steps, the mattress may simply be too firm for your personal preference, and a different firmness level may be more suitable.

With a few thoughtful adjustments, many sleepers can find a more comfortable balance between support and softness in their memory foam mattress.