How to Use Cardboard to Firm Up a Mattress

A piece of cardboard can be a temporary solution to firm up a soft mattress.

If you think your soft mattress is contributing to your lower back pain, you can add firmness without a lot of expense. Firming up a mattress with cardboard should only be a temporary fix, according to the American Chiropractic Association. You may need a new mattress if you continue to have trouble sleeping on your current one.

Things You'll Need

• Craft knife or sharp scissors
• Large piece of cardboard

Instructions

1. Take the mattress off of your bed. Leave the box spring in place.

2. Lay a large piece of thick cardboard on top of the box spring. An empty refrigerator or other appliance box will be large enough to cover the box spring. Flatten the box before placing it on the box spring. Cut off any excess cardboard with the craft knife.

3. Position the cardboard so that it is on one side of the mattress if you share the bed and only one of you is struggling with back pain.

4. Reposition the mattress back on the bed. Test out the firmness of the bed by assuming your usual sleeping position. Have your partner test the bed, too. If it is still too soft, try adding another layer of cardboard.

References

• American Chiropractice Association: Stop Dreaming About Good Sleep and Do Something; 2011
• Better Sleep Council: Better Sleep Guide (PDF)