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While some people believe that firm mattresses are good for the back, many can agree that one’s bed shouldn’t feel like a brick wall.
But if that does happen, sleepers don’t necessarily have to ditch their mattresses and spend fortunes on new ones.
Instead, they can simply use one of the best mattress toppers for too firm mattresses from this list. Each of them has the potential to improve one’s comfort and sleep quality (and they don’t even cost that much!).
A Quick Preview
 | Best Overall Saatva Mattress Topper | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress topper |
 | Best for Side Sleepers TEMPUR-Adapt Topper | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress topper |
 | Best Budget Option Puffy Mattress Topper | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress topper |
 | Best for Hot Sleepers GhostBed Memory Foam Topper | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress topper |
Our Reviews of the 4 Best Mattress Toppers to Soften Too Firm Mattresses
Best Overall – Editor’s Pick — Saatva Mattress Topper
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Highlights
- adaptive straps to work with all types of mattresses;
- top-notch materials and quality construction to guarantee long-lasting performance;
- two thickness variations to accommodate different sleeping styles and body types.
What makes the Saatva topper stand from the crowd is its versatility. This model comes in three material variations, which none of the toppers on this list can offer. Sleepers can choose their ideal toppers based on the feel they prefer. For instance, I tested the graphite Saatva topper, which is the thickest model among the three. It helped me create a layer of adaptive cushioning on my firm mattress, which prevented sharp pressure points and helped me achieve deep relaxation.
I would also like to note that the Saatva mattress topper is one of the sturdiest models I’ve tested. It’s very well-made and has a robust feel to it. The Saatva also handled frequent spot-cleaning pretty well (as I wanted to see how rubbing and cleaning would affect the materials).
Best for Side Sleepers — TEMPUR-Adapt Topper
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Highlights:
- Performance cover is breathable, cooling, and machine-washable for easy cleaning.
- TEMPUR material is ideal for comfort and durability, lasting longer than competitors.
- Plush 3-inch foam conforms to the spine, encouraging alignment.
The TEMPUR-Adapt Topper is the best for side sleepers for its superior cushioning feel, backed up by one of the best sleep brands on the market. This topper, made up of unique TEMPUR material, offers the right amount of support where muscles and joints need it, promoting more restful sleep on a mattress that’s too firm. On top of this, the foam is also more durable than other memory foam toppers due to its higher level of density and unique memory foam material.
As well as having three inches of sinkable, super-cushioning plush foam, I like how the TEMPUR-Adapt tackles memory foam’s long-standing issue with trapping heat. Both the TEMPUR foam and cover are designed with cooling properties; the foam is breathable while the cover is moisture-wicking, helping me feel cooler and more comfortable throughout the night.
Best Budget Option — Puffy Mattress Topper
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Check Current Price Our detailed Puffy Mattress Topper review
Highlights
- slow-moving feel to minimize motion transfer (excellent for partnered sleepers);
- anti-slip cover to guarantee a secure fit throughout the night;
- deep pockets to work with more mattress types (including taller models).
The Puffy Mattress Topper is the best budget option to soften too firm mattresses due to its adaptive soft-to-firm density, giving sleepers two inches of conforming foam that adapts to the weight of the body, offering a cushioning, pressure-relieving experience. Its price is less than its competitors, such as Saatva, yet still delivers quality sleep to those needing a softer night’s rest.
This mattress topper also works great for people with back or hip pain – it relieves tension fast and effectively. The Puffy made my firm, bouncy spring mattress feel more hugging, gently cradling my protruding body parts and preventing pressure build-up.
I tested Puffy for excellent response time, with a full bounce-back recorded at 0.85 seconds. That means the Puffy can be used for slow-adaptive pressure relief, cradling sore points, and softening a mattress. This is comparable to the Ghostbed topper with a similar response time, where Puffy was a bit faster by 4.49%.
Best for Hot Sleepers — GhostBed Memory Foam Topper
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Highlights
- waterproof cover for easy maintenance and to create a fresh sleeping environment;
- maintains a neutral temperature thanks to the cooling gel infusion;
- zoned design to deliver optimal support levels for different body parts.
Looking for the best mattress topper for a too firm mattress that could prevent those annoying night sweats? Then the GhostBed topper might be your perfect match! This model uses cooling gel particles to help sleepers maintain a neutral temperature during the night. I, for one, didn’t have to deal with overheating even when testing the GhostBed topper with my thermostat on a high setting.
Another cool thing about this model is that its cover works as a waterproof protector. This is something no other mattress topper on this list can boast of. This makes the GhostBed ideal for people who practice co-sleeping or share their bed with pets. And let’s not forget about breakfasts in bed – no more worries about spilling your orange juice!
Based on my tests, the Ghostbed has excellent sinkage that can help soften up a mattress. It has compressions of 2.05 inches, firming the mattress up by only 0.02 inches, 8 times less than the Puffy.
Our Methodology - Why I Picked These Mattress Toppers
The best mattress toppers to soften too firm mattresses need to be cradling, plush, and supportive to ensure the spine is aligned and there’s no pressure build-up.
When choosing mattress toppers for softening a mattress, I mainly looked for toppers made of memory foam, as this is a naturally soft material meant to cushion the body. Ideally, topper thickness should be around the 1.5-2 inch range, leaning more towards 2-3 inches. This gives the topper enough foam to support and cradle you and helps you to avoid sinking straight through a thin topper. When reviewing toppers, I also look at other criteria, such as how cooling it is, and how well it stays on top of the mattress while in use. I share more methodology tricks below to help you choose the right topper to soften up your mattress.
Can a Topper Really Help Make an Overly Firm Mattress Comfortable?
Yes, a good mattress topper can alter the feel of one’s bed, making it more comfortable and helping users sleep better.
But it goes beyond that.
Adding a mattress topper to make a bed softer can also help sleepers maintain a healthier posture. When the surface is too stiff, the body crashes against it. The protruding parts don’t sink in, which throws the spine into misalignment. This typically leads to tension build-up and even back pain (1).
Source: https://www.physica.com.au/useful-tips-for-low-back-pain/
By adding a mattress topper to soften a too firm mattress, sleepers can achieve that perfect balance between cradling and support. The topper will hug the protruding body parts and reduce the pressure points, and the stiff mattress will serve as the supportive base for the back. Such a scenario usually leads to more restful sleep, deeper relaxation, and increased comfort.
What Is the Best Topper Type to Use with a Firm Mattress?
When looking for a great mattress topper to make a bed softer, shoppers need to remember that different types come with specific characteristics that may affect one’s comfort. That’s why it’s better to distinguish between the main topper types before shopping:
- Memory foam. Memory foam toppers are visco-elastic, which means they react to the body’s heat and adapt to its shape. By offering targeted support, memory foam toppers aid even pressure redistribution. That’s why foam is so common among mattress toppers for people suffering from back pain or, let’s say, sleepers with tender joints. That being said, shoppers need to remember that memory foam tends to sleep hot (unless it has an open-cell structure or uses gel infusion).
- Polyfoam. Polyurethane foam has the same adaptive properties as memory foam, but it responds a bit faster to applied pressure and doesn’t feel that enveloping. Polyfoam is also cheaper and typically has a shorter lifespan.
- Latex. Latex mattress toppers are a popular option among sleepers who want pinpoint pressure relief without too much of a hug. Latex is adaptive but resilient, making it an excellent solution for combination sleepers. It isn’t likely to sleep hot either. Additionally, latex mattress toppers can boast of impressive durability. At the same time, they can be pretty pricy.
- Wool. Wool mattress toppers are natural, breathable, and comfy. They excel at temperature regulation, meaning that wool can keep sleepers cool in summer and warm in winter. Such toppers are also hypoallergenic for most people. That being said, it might be challenging to find a wool mattress topper to make a bed softer (as they aren’t that widely available).
- Feathers. Feather mattress toppers are soft and luxuriously comfy. However, readers need to remember that they will need an extra-thick feather mattress topper to soften a too firm mattress (which can limit their options). It’s also worth mentioning that feather toppers require regular fluffing up and may cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Faux down (polyester fibers). Quality polyester toppers can mimic the feel of feathers and down, making them an affordable and hypoallergenic alternative. At the same time, such toppers aren’t as supportive, and sleepers will need a very thick model to make a firm bed feel softer. Polyfiber mattress toppers also tend to flatten out with time. This may explain their affordability, but readers should expect frequent fluffing up.
A quick note: shoppers can come across various mattress pads on the market. But pads aren’t the same as toppers. Mattress pads are typically thinner and can’t alter the feel of the bed that much.
How to Choose a Mattress Topper to Make a Bed Softer: Thickness and Firmness
Simply adding a plush mattress topper to make a bed softer might not work for all sleepers. It’s crucial to choose the right thickness and the firmness level of the topper for maximum comfort.
Now, readers should first consider their sleeping style. For instance, mattress toppers for people sleeping on their sides have to be thicker than for other sleeping styles. Side sleeping requires more cushioning, while back and stomach sleepers can choose medium or thin toppers.
It’s also worth mentioning that side sleepers require plushier mattress toppers. Back and stomach sleepers may benefit from more support, so they might want to pair an overly firm mattress with a medium topper. This way, they will get extra cushioning without sacrificing sturdy support for the spine.
Readers also need to consider their weight to figure out how thick a mattress topper should be. Heavier sleepers typically require more of the material to feel the comfort change, which is why extra-thick toppers work better for overweight individuals. And petite sleepers can go with thinner models, as less material should be enough to cradle them.
Readers should also remember that topper thickness can determine how much it will alter the feel of the mattress. Usually, thicker models can change how one's bed feels to a greater extent than thin toppers.
Other Factors to Consider
To shop for a new mattress topper like a pro, readers should keep certain aspects in mind. Here are a few examples:
- Durability. Unless readers want to change mattress toppers quite often, they need to look for durable materials. Typically, dense memory foam and latex offer the most long-lasting performance. It’s also better to pick companies that offer extended warranties with their toppers. Good warranty coverage is often an indication of the material quality.
- Motion isolation. If the mattress is too bouncy and makes sleepers disturb each other during the night, a soft topper can improve the situation. Memory foam typically works the best when it comes to motion isolation. Shoppers can also consider soft latex toppers.
- Temperature regulation. Since soft mattress toppers are quite cradling, some of them may cause overheating during the night. Therefore, sleepers who are prone to night sweats should direct their attention to latex, gel-infused memory foam, or breathable wool toppers.
- Ease of cleaning. Some mattress toppers come with a removable, washable cover, making maintenance super easy. Some allow for spot-cleaning only, which can be an issue for allergy sufferers, people who sleep with pets, and parents who practice co-sleeping.
A quick note: readers should figure out how to dispose of an old mattress topper before buying a new one. After all, toppers can be large and bulky, and no one wants to clutter their home with something like that.
FAQ
Can a mattress topper fix a bed that feels too firm?
Yes. A quality plush topper is a relatively affordable way to make an overly firm mattress feel more comfortable.
How do I know if my mattress requires a soft topper?
If you wake up with back, shoulder, hip, or joint pain, it can be a sign that your mattress is too firm. Another sign could be waking up frequently during the night due to discomfort.
Can I use a mattress pad on an overly firm mattress?
Mattress pads are typically thinner than toppers and, thus, aren’t likely to change the feel of a firm mattress drastically.
Conclusion
It's not hard to make a firm mattress more comfortable, as plenty of excellent toppers can improve the situation. However, shoppers need to ensure they make the right choice and pick optimal thickness and firmness. The material of the topper is important, too, as it can significantly impact one's comfort.
Aren’t sure what to pick? Then allow me to make a suggestion – the mattress topper by Saatva. This model managed to impress me the most, and I’m sure it can make you happy, too. The Saatva is a quality topper that comes in different variations (material and thickness), making it suitable for a wide range of sleepers. It’s also a perfect solution for active sleepers, as this mattress topper includes elastic straps that work even with high-profile mattresses. And finally, the Saatva is simply comfortable. Each model offers close conforming and effectively relieves pressure. To me, that sounds like an ideal combo of features!
How long have you been sleeping on a too firm mattress? And have you already decided which topper you would like to buy? Share your thoughts in the comments!
References
- James McIntosh (February 23, 2017). What is causing this pain in my back? Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172943#causes
Our research
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Mattress Toppers Considered
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Hours of Research
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Sleep Experts Consulted