If you're struggling to get to sleep at night or you're waking up with aches and pains in the morning, you might be wondering "how can I make my mattress more comfortable?" In some cases it's necessary to replace an uncomfortable mattress to get better sleep. However, if you're reluctant to shell out for a brand new mattress we have some handy tips to try first that might make your bed more comfortable.
How can I make my mattress more comfortable?
If your mattress is in good condition but simply not to your liking, there are four ways in which you can make it feel more comfortable without replacing it.
1. Replace your bed frame
A bed frame goes a long way in providing support and affecting the overall feel of your bed. If your mattress is relatively new but your bed frame is old, it could be time to replace the frame for a better night's sleep. If you feel that your mattress is too soft, consider combining it with a platform bed frame which will provide better tension and support. If your mattress is too firm for your liking, a sprung divan bed base or a bed frame with sprung slats could give the bed more bounce and make the mattress feel more comfortable.
2. Keep your bedroom warm
Mattresses with foam layers often respond to heat, becoming softer and quicker to contour to the shape of your body when they are warm. If your bedroom is very cold, a memory foam mattress may feel uncomfortably firm when you first get into bed. Try to keep your bedroom warm in the evening so the memory foam mattress is soft by the time you go to bed. You could also try using a heated blanket or a hot water bottle to warm the mattress up before you go to sleep.
3. Turn or rotate the mattress
Most modern mattresses are designed with a comfortable top layer so that there is no need for them to be flipped. However, if your mattress is old and does not have a defined top or bottom, flipping it could give it a new lease of life. It may also be helpful to rotate your mattress on a regular basis to make it feel more comfortable. This helps to ensure each end of the mattress gets equally worn so that the springs don't wear out faster at one end. It can extend the longevity of your mattress and reduce the risk of uncomfortable lumps and bumps in the future.
4. Try a mattress topper
Mattress toppers can be a great way of making soft mattresses firmer or firm mattresses softer. They are a quilted, padded layer which sits on top of the mattress and often attaches via elasticated straps at the four corners. They can contain foam, polyester, feathers, down, or a combination of these materials. They're a relatively inexpensive way of improving mattress comfort without replacing the entire mattress, and they can help to improve the lifespan of a mattress. However, they are not a substitute for a new mattress if your old one is in very poor condition.
Product: Memory Deluxe Mattress
How can I make my mattress more comfortable when it is old or damaged?
Unfortunately, when a mattress is very old and has issues like broken springs, there's little that can be done to make it more comfortable. If it is dramatically reducing your sleep quality and leaving you feeling tired and achy in the mornings, it is simply time to invest in a new high quality mattress. Check out our range of bespoke mattresses now to find your perfect new mattress.
More tips for a comfortable night's sleep
Good quality and supportive mattress is only one factor involved in the overall comfort of your bed. Here are three additional tricks that could improve your sleep quality.
1. Use a headboard
Headboards don't affect mattress comfort in any way, but they could help your bed to feel warmer and cosier. Originally, headboards were designed to keep sleepers' heads warm in homes with poor insulation and cold walls. When a bed was pushed against the wall sleepers would feel the cold easily without a headboard in place to act as a shield.
These days our homes tend to be far better insulated but on very cold nights the headboard does help to keep the bed feeling warm and cosy. Plus, it helps to keep pillows in place and makes the bed look more finished and inviting. If you have a divan bed base without a headboard, consider adding one to create a more comfortable sleep environment.
2. Change your pillow
It's easy to blame poor sleep quality on a mattress, but your pillow goes a long way in affecting your posture during sleep and therefore your comfort. The right pillow will support your head and neck without causing strain. It comes down to personal preference as to whether a very firm or soft pillow feels right, so you might need to try a few before you land on the right one. Generally speaking, people who sleep on their back or their stomachs feel more comfortable with a thinner pillow. Thicker and more supportive pillows are better for side sleepers who will need their neck and head rising up higher for comfortable alignment.
3. Upgrade your bed linen
Your bed linen can play an important role in sleep quality. It won't impact the firmness of the mattress itself, but it can make you feel cosier and therefore help you to get a better night's sleep. Consider swapping polyester for 100% cotton if your sheets tend to feel itchy and uncomfortable. Try using flannel sheets in winter, which feel warm and cosy. Silk sheets are incredibly soft and feel cool to the touch, which makes them an indulgent choice for warm summer nights. Ensure also that your sheets fit the mattress properly; when they're too loose they can bunch up and create uncomfortable lumps and bumps.
