The Real Trick to Softening a Bed on a Budget

As a mattress tester, I’ve had my fair share of sleeping on beds that are way too firm for my liking.

Some sleepers genuinely need a firm bed for the ultimate support, such as back, stomach, or heavyweight sleepers.
However, lighter weight side sleepers like me often find that a firm mattress is too hard, leading to sleep deprivation and lower back pain.

Luckily, there is a trick I always use to soften a firm mattress I’ve finished testing while waiting for another mattress to arrive…

One of the real tricks to softening a bed on a budget is to use a budget memory foam mattress topper.

There are plenty of tricks you can try to soften a hard bed, but some are pretty questionable.

For example, turning up your bedroom’s temperature can soften a bed and make it spongier, but there are two downsides: 1) cranking up the heating costs money; and 2) a warm bedroom can lead to overheating and night sweats.

Tricks to Soften a Hard Bed	Pros	Cons
Memory foam topper	Softens a hard bed	May not be suitable for all sleepers, requires regular replacement
Turning up bedroom temperature	Softens a hard bed	Cranking up heating costs money, may lead to overheating
Mattress pad	May provide some cushioning	Not designed to soften a hard bed, may not be suitable for all sleepers

However, there is a cheap product that will instantly soften a hard bed: a budget memory foam mattress topper.

Recommended Reading: A Cooling Mattress Topper for a Restful Night's Sleep

The best mattress toppers can alter a bed’s feel completely, adding extra cushioning and softness to a hard mattress.

Fortunately, mattress toppers are much cheaper than buying a new mattress, and most memory foam toppers are especially designed to soften hard beds.

They can also expand the lifespan of your mattress, adding an extra layer of protection, and can see you through the mattress break-in period.

Trawl though Amazon and you’ll find plenty budget mattress toppers, coming in range of sizes and designs.

However, it’s essential to know how to choose a mattress topper that will suit both you and your mattress.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Cheap Mattress Topper

Make sure it contains foam

Why? Well, just read about the time I bought a microfiber bed topper to soften up a firm mattress. The foamless microfiber topper was dirt-cheap, but it had no effect on my mattress whatsoever.

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Make sure it uses CertiPUR-US certified foam

Speaking of foam, make sure the mattress topper you choose has CertiPUR-US certified foam. A CeriPUR-US stamp of approval tells you that the foam in the mattress topper adheres to environmental and health safety standards.
Make sure it’s at least 2” thick

While the thickness of your mattress topper should depend on your body weight, sleep style, and mattress type, toppers should be at least 2″ to make a difference to the feel of your mattress.

So, you’ve had your mattress for over 30 days, the trial period has ended, it’s no longer (or never was) returnable, it’s well supported, and the bed is still way too firm for you.

This is where a budget mattress topper can step in to save the day…

Before making a purchase, check your mattress sleep trial

This will help you determine if the mattress is suitable for your needs.

For example, if you’re sure your bed base is suitable for your new mattress, and the trial period has ended, you can start looking for a budget mattress topper.