No one likes a sinking mattress that sags in the middle. It is not only uncomfortable, but it can cause aches and pains, especially in your back. A supportive mattress is key for a good night’s sleep. Your mattress should always be a place of rest and recovery.
How can you fix a sagging mattress?
Will a mattress topper help make a sagging mattress more comfortable?
Do all mattresses eventually sag?
We will dive into these questions, providing you with the information you need to sleep more comfortably.
A Sagging Mattress: Why Does A Mattress Lose Support?
A mattress can sag in the middle, on the sides, or across the entire surface. A telltale way to know if your mattress is sagging (other than the pain in the morning) is to put a yardstick on top of the mattress. If you notice that there are large gaps underneath the stick, you know your mattress is failing (or it is not being properly supported).
Mattresses can start to sag for a variety of reasons:
- Improper support, such as when a mattress is on slats too far apart. A latex mattress should be on slats about 2-3” apart and should never be placed on a box spring. A latex mattress is too heavy to be properly supported by a conventional box spring.
- Low-quality materials, such as polyurethane foam, have a tendency to sag. A memory foam mattress will fail to bounce back over time, especially because memory foam retains body heat. It is the repeated absorption of heat, which allows the mattress to conform to the body, that will eventually permanently soften the mattress, reducing its support and leading to the dreaded sag.
- Sleeping in the same spot can put increased pressure on that area of the mattress, causing that side to slowly start to indent without bouncing back in the morning.
- Too much humidity in the room can also cause a mattress to break down more quickly. If you have a latex mattress in a more humid climate, we highly recommend adding a natural bed rug underneath to promote air circulation.
- Time will naturally age a mattress, as it is an unavoidable reality. Memory foam mattresses typically only last 5-7 years. A natural latex mattress can last 10-20 years, a significant difference. However, natural latex will oxidize over time (as it is meant to naturally break down), so if your mattress is in the double digits, it may be reaching the end of its life, especially if it is a mattress that you sleep on regularly.
Will a Mattress Topper Help A Sagging Mattress?
No, a mattress topper will not help a sagging mattress. It does provide an extra layer between you and the mattress, but eventually the topper will start to sag with the mattress. The topper will naturally want to conform to the mattress, so if there is a large dip in the mattress, the topper will dip. Gravity works against you in this scenario.
Many people try this option because it is cheaper than buying a whole new mattress, but we believe it will ultimately leave you frustrated and wasting money.
A mattress topper is an excellent way to add pressure point relief if your mattress is too firm, or to make a mattress feel more plush and luxurious. However, when dealing with a sagging mattress, we do not recommend adding a topper as a band-aid.
| Cause | Improper Support | Low-Quality Materials | Sleeping in Same Spot | Humidity | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solution | Replace your box spring with a new foundation or platform bed. Look for slats 2-3″ apart. | Replace your polyurethane foam mattress with a natural latex mattress. | If you don’t share the bed, sleep on the other side. You can also try flipping the mattress if your mattress allows for that. | Decrease the humidity levels in the room and add a natural bed rug to promote air circulation under the mattress. You may still need to replace your mattress depending on the extent of damage. | All mattresses will need to be replaced eventually. If your mattress has reached its expected lifespan, it is time to replace it. |
How to Fix a Sagging Mattress
You might not like this answer, but the most effective way to fix a sagging mattress is to replace the mattress, especially if you have a low-quality mattress made of synthetic foam.
If a new mattress is not in the budget at the moment, you can always rotate the mattress if the sag is only on one side and you aren’t sharing the bed with anyone.
You can also try flipping the mattress, but some mattresses are not flippable due to how the inner mattress core is set up.
If the issue is your foundation, you should replace that element instead. For example, if you are using an old box spring, replace it with a new wooden platform bed with sturdy slats about 2-3” apart. This will allow for ample support and breathability. You can also replace a box spring with a platform bed insert or a foundation such as this one.
If you have a platform bed but the slats are just too far apart, making the mattress cave in, add more slats.
If your mattress has reached the end of its life, or if it just wasn’t a reliable mattress to begin with, we strongly recommend replacing it with a natural latex mattress. A natural latex mattress will last you well over a decade and will give you the support you need to sleep comfortably every night.
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