I have used a thinning-scissors to reduce it here and there....other people have untied the knots [ to me that would be totally tedious/difficult] ..other people have dabbed on depilatory creams .. I think ``Nair`` is the common one in USA?.... in tiny spots, to the knots to dissolve them....again you`d want to be very careful otherwise the system could end up looking like something only fit for the head of a scarecrow! ...... I am awaiting a new system presently, and as my own sides/back has continued to be very thin, I have simply used a thinning-scissors carefully to maintain an `invisible`blend-in on my existing topper....just go `easy`...once it`s cut, it`s cut and you can`t put any back on ! Paul.