At a Glance:
How Does a Mattress Begin to Sag?
Issues Related to a Sagging Mattress
Tips on How to Fix a Sagging Mattress
Sweet dreams are made of deep sleep and waking up feeling fully recharged. Not every night can be a reverie for the books, but sleepers can set themselves up for success by avoiding certain bad habits. Number one on our list of bad sleep habits to avoid? A sagging mattress.
It might not seem like a big deal for a mattress to have some indentations, but in reality, even small impressions on a mattress can lead to bigger issues that can affect sleep quality on a larger scale. If your mattress is starting to feel like it’s devouring you whole, you may want to pay attention to these tips on how to fix a sagging mattress.
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How Does a Mattress Begin to Sag?
Where does sagging come from? Contrary to the famous bedroom scene in A Nightmare on Elm Street, there is no boogie man waiting to devour you on the other side of your bed. The truth is that all mattresses experience some level of sinking, deflation, or indentation at some point. What’s more, the position in which you and your partner sleep can also impact the rate at which sagging happens.
Back sleepers are the least likely to face a sagging mattress since they use the entire surface equally for body support. This disperses weight evenly across the surface, preventing one area from receiving more pressure than the another. As a result, the cover tends to remain flat enough to keep the body properly aligned. It’s the same story for stomach sleepers, more or less.
On the other hand, side sleepers deal with sagging the most. That’s because sleeping in the fetal position forces a mattress to conform to the natural curves of the body. Between the neck, spine, midsection, and hips, sleeping on the side creates several peaks and valleys across a mattress's surface, resulting in uneven weight dispersion and, ultimately, sagging.
Issues Related to a Sagging Mattress
It’s not always obvious whether a mattress is sinking, but the body will always tell you if something is off. Here are a few key indicators that your mattress might be sagging too much.
Back Pain
In most cases, back sleepers are recommended to sleep on a firm surface in order to keep the spine in proper alignment. Side sleepers, however, need a softer mattress that contours to the body like a glove. But in both cases, a mattress that is too soft is the worst option since it leads to bad spine posture, which eventually causes bad back pain.
Neck Pain
It’s no different with neck pain. In fact, the neck is one of the most vulnerable areas of the body, so it needs the most support.
Overall Low-Quality Sleep
Even if you don’t experience pain after you sleep, silent threats may be hints that your mattress is doing more harm than good. Common ailments linked to sagging mattresses include:
- A compromised immune system
- Higher risk of heart and blood conditions
- Weight gain
Of course, these health conditions aren’t solely related to sleep health, but using the right mattress can help reduce the chances of these conditions developing in the first place.
Unpleasant for Couples
Some call it the hammock effect, which sounds adorable, but it’s actually a nightmare if you and your partner have clear sleep boundaries. When the center of a mattress goes in, sleepers are more prone to rolling into the middle. This can place individuals out of the ideal sleep position, offset hot sleeping from shared body warmth, and just feel uncomfortable overall.
But it’s not just the center that sleepers have to worry about. Individuals who tend to rest closer to the edge of the bed may end up dealing with roll-off. That’s when the edge of a mattress starts to sink, creating a rounded profile where sleepers are more likely to tumble off during sleep.
Do All Mattresses Sag?
There’s no such thing as a mattress that’s immune to sagging. It’s just a part of the natural process of a mattress’ lifespan. However, not all mattresses sag at the same rate. Aside from the sleeping position you prefer, mattress material also plays a big role in how prone a mattress is to sagging.
Innerspring Mattresses
At their most basic, innerspring mattresses feature a base of connected coils with a series of top comfort layers for added softness. Unless you’re looking for a quick replacement or a mattress for a spare bedroom, we don’t generally recommend innerspring mattresses unless they feature pocketed coils.
Unlike traditional mattress coils, pocket coils move independently, which means if one becomes damaged, it won’t compromise neighboring springs as with traditional spring mattresses that use a series of interlocking coils.
Memory Foam Mattresses
The plush, cloud-like comfort of memory foam was developed for NASA, so it’s more resilient than it seems. The problem is that market is oversaturated with brands that make cheap memory foam for a quick profit, and these are the first mattress materials to sag.
In general, aim for a firm memory foam mattress, if possible, and look out for models that mention high-density foams. These options support weight better and are less vulnerable to becoming lumpy.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses strike a good balance between support and durability, which makes them one of the best options for shoppers who want a mattress that doesn’t sag. Still, there are some details you should keep in mind. Look for individually wrapped coils and high-density foam for the perfect combination that is more resistant to sagging.
Tips on How to Fix a Sagging Mattress
Luckily, there are ways to fix sagging mattress problems that are fast and easy. Just keep in mind that while these tips may be a temporary fix, sleeping on a sagging mattress only gets worse with time.
✅ Consider a Bunkie Board
A bunkie board is a flat piece of wood around two inches thick that is placed beneath a mattress. When placed beneath a mattress, the sturdy surface provides support, which can help reduce the side effects of a saggy mattress.
A bunkie can be used with a box spring, foundation, or alone, and they’re compatible with every type of mattress. In a pinch, a fitted slab of plywood can be used as a bunkie board substitute.
✅ Fix the Foundation
If you have a platform bed or sleep on a mattress supported by slats, it’s a good idea to check the foundation for loose slats or pieces that may be causing your mattress to dip. Additionally, damaged box springs are prone to sinking. Replacing a broken mattress base is a quick way to boost weight support and mattress firmness to combat a sagging mattress.
✅ Flip or Rotate the Mattress
Experts recommend flipping your mattress every six months and rotating it every season. This will prevent one area from becoming overused, which results in the surface becoming unlevel.
✅ Add Mattress Support with a Topper
Another fast and affordable way to revive mattress surfaces is with a topper. There is a wide variety of mattress toppers on the market today, with options from plush to firm. On average, mattress toppers last three to five years, so this is more of a temporary fix.
Learning how to fix a sagging mattress is a priceless tidbit of info every sleeper should know about. With just a few hacks, sleepers can turn a lumpy mattress into a comfortable sleeping surface that improves mental and physical health. However, once your mattress has started to sag, users can anticipate an expiration date soon after.
Act now and save your health by upgrading to a quality mattress from Bob Mills. Our exclusive BedMatch program and Sleep Spa system use the latest sleep science to determine the ideal mattress for your needs. Best of all, we offer reliable mattresses from brands like MLILY, Aireloom, and Somniva at affordable prices. Visit a local Bob Mills near you today to experience the difference and have one of our sleep experts match you with the mattress of your dreams!
Learn More: All About Aireloom Mattresses
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At Bob Mills Furniture, we believe that everyone is family. Since 1971, we have delivered beautiful furniture for 50 years (and counting), with ten sprawling locations in the U.S. — from our flagship store in Oklahoma City to San Antonio in Texas to Wichita in Kansas. Our friendly staff aims to offer the greatest comfort and value, with elegant styles to match your taste, décor, and design. In addition to coziness and style, we also stock furniture and mattress brands with strong reputations and track records of durability so that you can enjoy your investment for years to come.
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Start reveling in endless comfort and shop mattress solutions online for unbeatable prices at Bob Mills. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you solve how to fix a sagging mattress — whether you call the Bob Mills Furniture store nearest you or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one our showrooms throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas to discover why we are everyone’s favorite local furniture store. Visit us today!
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