What Can I Buy for My Soft Mattress to Make It Firmer?

Plywood

• While it may not be a glamorous solution, placing a sheet of plywood between your mattress and box spring is an inexpensive option. This solution to a soft mattress is commonly used as a temporary fix or when money is limited. Plywood is readily available at most home improvement retail centers, and many businesses will cut the board to your dimensions for a small fee. Use multiple boards to cover the entire box spring or target your problem areas such as your hips, shoulders and neck. This is also an option if one sleep partner prefers a firmer mattress than the other.

Box Spring

• In some cases, it isn't your mattress that is the culprit, but it is the box spring. While purchasing a mattress and box spring together is generally recommended, if your mattress is in good shape, you may want to just buy a new box spring, which is designed to support the mattress. If the springs are worn out, the box spring may sag and give the impression of softness. If your mattress is relatively new or in good shape, purchasing a new box spring may be a less expensive option than purchasing a new set.

Mattress Toppers

• Firm mattress toppers are available from several manufacturers. The toppers come in the basic mattress sizes but are designed to be placed on top of your existing mattress. Many of the toppers are made of the same material as memory foam, but because they are a thinner layer, they provide more support. Prices vary according to size and brand names but generally range between $40 to $200 as of August 2011.

Egg Crate Foam

• Egg Crate Foam toppers are a dense foam with bumps and valleys resembling an egg carton. They are frequently used in hospital and rehab settings for patients prone to bed sores or suffering from spinal injury. The egg crate design provides breathability, support and may be used on any mattress surface.