Is your bed too soft?

What if the bed I have is too soft? Is there anything that can be done to improve it without getting a new bed?

Maybe, if the bed isn't just worn out, then there is a chance that you can at least make an improvement. First make sure that the bed frame is set up correctly and is supporting the bed. Some bed frames don't adequately support Queen and King size beds. If your King or Queen size beds metal bed frame doesn't have a central leg right in the middle of the bed, it may be allowing everything to sag in the middle. If this is the case then you may need to either replace the bed frame or shim it up in the center. Then check the foundation (also called a box spring) by taking the mattress off of it and laying down on the bare box spring. If the box spring is not very firm (as it should be) then you may be able to improve the mattress in one of two ways:

Eliminate the box spring entirely and let the mattress rest directly on the bed pedestal if it is a solid pedestal type of bed. Or, if it is not a pedistal base, you can lay the mattress directly on the floor.

Or, put a piece of plywood between the box spring and the mattress. I recommend at least a 3/8" thick piece of plywood cut to the size of the box spring (or slightly undersized) if it is a Queen or larger bed and two people sleep on it, then you will need two pieces (because plywood comes in pieces that are 48"X96"). If only one person sleeps on the bed, you might get away with one piece under the spot that you sleep on. Before you go to the trouble of getting a piece of plywood try putting the mattress directly on the floor to see if it will be improved by laying on a hard flat surface.

You can get your plywood cut to size for free (or cheap) at most home improvement centers at the time that you buy it. Be sure that you get it cut small enough that the corners don't stick out. 3/8 inch plywood is usually less than $20 / sheet, and there is no need to get an expensive grade of plywood as long as it's pretty flat. B/C grade is perfect for this purpose.

This is only a stop gap measure to make a temporary improvement until you can replace your too soft bed, but in some cases, this may help quite a bit.