Are you struggling to get a good night’s rest because of an uncomfortable mattress? If so, you’re not alone. Many people suffer through sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress for various reasons, including budget. Before you consider buying a new mattress, it’s worth checking for other cost-effective ways to make it more comfortable.
Fortunately, you can take a few simple measures to make that mattress more comfortable and help ensure you get a better night’s rest. So, if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep on an uncomfortable mattress, here are some tips to make an uncomfortable mattress more comfortable.
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1. Add a Mattress Topper for Extra Comfort
Investing in a high-quality mattress topper can dramatically transform your bed. A mattress topper acts as a cushion between you and the firm support unit of the mattress, softening hard top layers for extra comfort. A mattress topper is usually 2-4 inch layers of foam or feathers on top of the mattress, changing its feel and support.
Mattress toppers are designed with all types of materials, from memory foam and gel-infused foam to wool and latex, that provide extra cushioning, contour, and support for your body. Memory foam is one of the most popular materials for mattress toppers.
Mattress toppers can help alleviate any pressure points, lumps, or bumps in a mattress. It can also absorb shock and movement, so you’ll sleep better through the night.
Lucid 3 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
2. Consider a Mattress Pad
Try adding a mattress pad to make an old mattress even more comfortable. Mattress pads slide onto your bed like a fitted sheet and add extra cushion and support and protection for the mattress itself. They come in various materials such as down, foam, and cotton, offering different levels of softness depending on what you need.
The main difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper is their thickness; a mattress pad adds a thin layer of improved protection and comfort to your mattress, while a mattress topper offers an extra-thick layer that provides more support and increased comfort even for the most uncomfortable beds.
3. Reposition or Rotate Your Mattress Regularly.
Repositioning or rotating your mattress can help make it more bearable, no matter what type or brand you have. Flipping your mattress may provide more cushioning and make it more comfortable for sleeping. Doing this regularly can also help extend your mattress’s life and keep body impressions from forming in the areas you sleep on most often.
When repositioning the mattress, lift it from one end and lower it to the opposite side, flipping the head and foot. The foot of the bed will now be at the head. This prevents any sag that may occur due to overuse of a particular side.
Before flipping your mattress, verify it is a two-sided mattress. Some modern mattresses, such as pillow and Euro top mattresses, have a specific top-to-bottom design that doesn’t allow flipping. One-sided mattresses can only be rotated occasionally and cannot be flipped.
By flipping the two-sided mattresses, you help evenly wear the cushions and provide yourself with a better night’s sleep. It will also ensure that all mattress parts are used equally and support your head and feet throughout the night.
4. Layer the Bedding
Adding layers of soft bedding to your mattress can improve the overall comfort of your mattress. This could be something as simple as a spare duvet, comforter, or blanket placed directly on top of the mattress, which should help alleviate some discomfort. You may need to readjust this makeshift topper now and then, but it’s an effective temporary solution!
5. Use a Plywood Board Beneath Your Mattress
If your mattress is sagging between the slats of your bedframe, one option is to place a layer of plywood underneath the mattress on top of the base. Putting a thin layer of plywood on top will help to firm up the bottom of the mattress and give you more support! This is also a quick fix that can prevent the mattress from sinking too far into itself.
6. Check on Your Box Spring
Start by looking at the condition of the box spring supporting your mattress—the array of coiled springs in a cloth-covered wooden or metal frame used to support a bed.
It might need replacing if it is sagging, creaking, or has been around for more than ten years. Alternatively, depending on your bed frame and mattress, you could get rid of the box spring altogether, making your old mattress more comfortable.
How can I make my bed more comfy without buying anything?
One of the simplest and easiest ways to make an uncomfortable bed more comfortable is to adjust your sleeping position. By shifting your body weight to different points on the bed, you can better distribute it and find a more comfortable spot. Try experimenting with the various positions available – back, side, stomach, etc – until you find one that works for you.
How to make my bed more comfortable for my back?
An uncomfortable mattress can lead to a restless night, with constant tossing and turning. If you have tried most of the tips above, an alternative way to make your bed more comfortable for your back is by purchasing a pillow (like a body pillow) for your mattress.
A properly-sized and well-designed pillow should provide back and neck support to help reduce pressure on the back areas. This will create a more comfortable sleep environment, allowing you to get the needed rest.
A body pillow can also address the back problem and help you get relief from a bad mattress. Putting a body pillow between your legs helps align your spine and alleviate pressure, resulting in less tossing and turning during the night, providing you with more comfort while you sleep.
WhatsBedding Memory Foam Body Pillow
What if the mattress tips don’t work?
If none of these options works for you, it may be time to consider buying a new mattress. Sometimes it might be worth it to invest in a brand-new mattress. A new mattress can help you sleep better and provide many benefits, such as improved back health and pain relief.
A good quality mattress is constructed with support and comfort in mind, so it will contour to your body’s shape while distributing your weight evenly across the bed’s surface. If your old mattress is uncomfortable or not providing enough support, it may be time to invest in a new one. You can sometimes find a new mattress under $500 if budget issues.
I hope you have found these simple steps helpful. I’d love to hear your thoughts about this article, so leave a comment below. Feel free to follow me on my social media pages – Pinterest and Instagram or subscribe to my mailing list for other cleanings, designs, and home decor ideas and inspiration.
Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.
