Can You Make a New Mattress Feel Softer Faster?

Why it happens

New mattresses feel firmer than expected because the foam layers or coil support systems are fresh from the factory. Memory foam and polyfoam rely on temperature and repeated compression to relax and conform to your body. This is not a defect. It is how the materials are designed to work. The top comfort layers need time to soften and contour naturally.

For foam mattresses, the cells in the foam are fully expanded but still stiff. Body heat and pressure break down the foam’s initial resistance. For hybrid and innerspring models, the quilting and padding layers are tight and need a break in period to settle. The same principle applies to latex, though latex softens less dramatically than memory foam.

How to check

Before trying to soften your mattress, confirm that it is actually too firm and not just new. Use these checks:

• The hand press test: Press firmly into the center of the mattress with your palm. If it pushes back with little give, the foam is still stiff.
• The hip dip test: Lie on your side. If your hips feel like they are being pushed upward and your spine feels misaligned, the mattress is too firm for your body type.
• The edge test: Sit on the edge of the mattress. If it feels like sitting on a block with no compression, the comfort layers have not loosened.
• The temperature test: Notice if the mattress feels harder in a cold room. Foam softens significantly with warmth. A room temperature below 65 degrees Fahrenheit can make any foam mattress feel much firmer.

What to do

These steps can accelerate the softening process without damaging your mattress or voiding the warranty.

1. Walk on the mattress. Remove all bedding. Place a clean sheet or mattress protector on top. Walk slowly and deliberately across the entire surface, focusing on areas where your hips and shoulders rest. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes once a day for three to five days. Do not jump or run.
2. Use a weighted blanket or body heat. Sleep on the mattress with a heavy blanket or simply spend more time lying on it during the day. Body heat softens memory foam faster than any mechanical method. If you have a guest room mattress, spend a few afternoons reading or napping on it.
3. Apply targeted pressure. Knead the top foam layer with your knuckles or the heels of your hands. Focus on the middle third of the mattress where your torso rests. This breaks up stiff foam cells without damaging the structure.
4. Warm the room. If your bedroom is cold, raise the thermostat to at least 72 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 to 48 hours. Warmer foam compresses more easily and will soften faster.
5. Rotate the mattress. If your mattress is not a one sided model, rotate it head to foot every week during the break in period. This distributes weight evenly and prevents one area from staying stiff.

If after 30 days the mattress still feels too firm and these steps have not helped, it may not be the right firmness level for you. Check the return policy. Many brands offer a 90 to 120 night trial. If you are within that window, consider a softer model. See our mattress buying guide for help matching firmness to sleeping position.

Common mistakes

• Sleeping on a mattress that has not fully expanded. If your mattress arrived compressed, it needs 24 to 72 hours to fully inflate. Sleeping on it before it expands can make it feel artificially firm and can cause uneven wear. Read our guide on mattress break in time for more details.
• Using a mattress topper too early. Adding a soft topper on day one can mask the real feel of the mattress and delay the break in process. Wait at least 30 days before adding a topper.
• Jumping or kneeling hard on one spot. This can dent the foam or damage internal coils. Gentle, even pressure is effective. Aggressive force is not.
• Ignoring room temperature. A cold room can make a perfectly good mattress feel like concrete. Warm the room before judging the mattress.
• Assuming all mattresses soften the same amount. High density memory foam softens less than low density polyfoam. Latex barely softens at all. Know your mattress type. See our page on mattress types for differences.

When a new mattress makes sense

If you have tried the softening methods for at least 30 days and the mattress still causes pressure points, numbness, or poor sleep, it is time to consider a replacement. A mattress that is fundamentally too firm for your weight and sleeping position will not become soft enough with time. This is especially true for stomach sleepers who need a medium firm mattress and side sleepers who need a softer feel. If you are a heavier person (over 230 pounds), a firm mattress may never soften enough to relieve pressure. In that case, look for a mattress designed for heavier body types. Browse our mattress collection for options with targeted comfort layers.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for a new mattress to soften naturally?

Most memory foam and hybrid mattresses take 30 to 90 days to reach their intended softness. The first 30 days show the most change. After that, softening slows significantly. If you use the walking and heat methods above, you can often feel a difference within the first week.

Will walking on my mattress damage it?

No, as long as you walk gently and evenly across the surface. Do not jump, run, or concentrate your weight on one small spot. Walking spreads the compression across the entire mattress and mimics the pressure of sleeping on it over time. Always use a clean sheet or protector between your shoes and the mattress.

Is it normal for a memory foam mattress to feel hard at first?

Yes, it is very common. Memory foam is temperature sensitive. When it is cold or fresh from the box, the foam cells are stiff. Body heat and repeated compression soften the material over several weeks. If your mattress still feels hard after 60 days of normal use and the room is warm, it may be too firm for your needs. Check our guide on best memory foam mattress for softer options.