Written By: Michal Szlas - Founder and CEO of Otty Sleep Are you tired of waking up feeling like you've been wrestling with your mattress all night? Do you find yourself sinking into a dip that wasn't there when you first bought your mattress? If so, you're not alone. Many people struggle with a sagging mattress, whether it's a memory foam, hybrid or gel memory foam mattress. But don't worry, there's no need to rush out and buy a new one just yet. Here's how you can fix a sagging mattress. What Causes a Sagging Mattress? Understanding the causes of a sagging mattress is the first step towards finding a solution. A sagging mattress can be a result of various factors, from the type of material used in its construction to the way your body weight is distributed on it. This section will delve into these causes, shedding light on why your once firm and supportive mattress may now be showing signs of sag. Material The material of a mattress plays a significant role in its tendency to sag. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses, for instance, are particularly susceptible to sagging due to their adaptive characteristics. These types of mattresses are designed to mould to the contours of your body, providing personalised support. However, over time, the constant pressure from your body weight can cause these materials to soften and lose their shape, leading to sagging. In contrast, a good mattress made from high-quality materials can resist sagging for a longer period. For example, a high-quality foam mattress can maintain its shape and support for many years, provided it is well cared for. However, even the best mattresses are not immune to sagging. Over time, all mattresses, regardless of their material, will start to show signs of wear and tear. The area of the mattress that is exposed to the most pressure, such as the areas that support your hips and shoulders, is often the first to sag. This is because these areas bear the brunt of your body weight every night, causing the materials to compress and lose their firmness faster than other areas. Weight Distribution The way weight is distributed on a mattress can significantly impact its longevity and performance. When we sleep, our body weight is not evenly distributed across the mattress. Certain areas, such as those under our hips and shoulders, bear more weight. This uneven weight distribution can lead to sagging over time. The centre of the mattress often bears the brunt of this weight, leading to a noticeable dip or sag. This is particularly true for memory foam and hybrid mattresses, which are designed to mould to the body's shape. While this provides excellent comfort and support, it can also lead to sagging if the mattress is not properly maintained. Rotating the mattress regularly can help to even out this wear and tear. By changing the area of the mattress that bears the most weight, you can help to prolong its life and maintain its comfort. However, this is not a foolproof solution, and over time, sagging may still occur. In some cases, the bed frame can also play a role in mattress sagging. If the bed frame does not provide adequate support, it can lead to uneven weight distribution and, consequently, mattress sagging. Therefore, choosing a good bed frame that provides robust support is crucial. How to Fix a Sagging Mattress A sagging mattress can be a real sleep thief, causing discomfort and disrupting your rest. But fear not, there are several ways to fix a sagging mattress and reclaim your peaceful slumber. From using a mattress topper to rotating and flipping the mattress, adding extra pillows for support, or even using plywood for additional support, there are numerous strategies to tackle this issue. However, it's important to remember that these are temporary measures. If your mattress continues to sag, it might be time to consider a replacement. Using a Mattress Topper for Sagging Mattress A sagging mattress can be a real pain, literally and figuratively. It can lead to discomfort, poor sleep quality, and even back problems. But before you rush out to replace your mattress, consider a more cost-effective solution: using a mattress topper. A mattress topper is a layer of cushioning that you place on top of your existing mattress. It can help to redistribute your weight, alleviate pressure points, and provide a more even sleep surface. This can significantly improve your comfort and sleep quality, even if your mattress is sagging. There are various types of mattress toppers available, including memory foam, latex, wool, and feather. Memory foam is a popular choice due to its pressure-relieving properties. When selecting a topper, consider factors such as the type of material, thickness, firmness, and your personal comfort preferences. Rotating and Flipping the Mattress Rotating and flipping your mattress is a tried and tested method to fix a sag. It's a simple yet effective way to extend the lifespan of your mattress and prevent premature sagging. The idea is to swap the foot and head of the bed every three to six months. This regular rotation helps to distribute the pressure evenly across the mattress, reducing the chances of a sag developing. However, it's important to note that not all mattresses are suitable for flipping. Many modern mattresses are designed to be one-sided, and flipping them could result in poor comfort and potential damage. So, always check the manufacturer's instructions before you flip the mattress. This is not a quick fix. It may take a few days or even weeks for your mattress to regain its original shape. But with patience and regular rotation, you can minimise the effect of the sag and enjoy a more comfortable sleep. Our guide to how often you should rotate your mattress can shed more light on this. Adding Extra Pillows for Support When your mattress starts to sag, it can be a real pain in the back, literally. But before you rush out to replace it, there's a simple, cost-effective solution you can try - adding extra pillows for support. This is a temporary measure that can help to minimise the effect of the sag and provide you with a more comfortable night's sleep. The idea is to place pillows in the areas where the mattress is sagging. This could be under your hips, back, or legs. The key is to choose pillows with good shape retention. These will provide the best support and help to prop up the sagging areas of the mattress. Some people even suggest placing pillows underneath the mattress itself. This can help to prop up the sagging areas and provide more even support. However, this strategy should be used with caution as it can accelerate the aging of the mattress. So, the next time you notice a dip in your mattress, don't despair. Grab a few extra pillows and give this simple trick a try. It could be just the solution you need to get a good night's sleep. Using Plywood for Additional Support When it comes to fixing a sagging mattress, using plywood for additional support is a popular and effective method. Plywood is a sturdy material that can provide the firm, flat surface your mattress needs to distribute body weight evenly. This can help to reduce uneven wear and tear on the mattress, which is often the cause of sagging. However, it's important to ensure that the plywood is the right size for your bed frame. If it's too small or too large, it could cause discomfort or even damage your mattress. So, measure your bed frame carefully before purchasing the plywood. Using plywood is a temporary measure to fix a sag in your mattress. It can provide additional support and extend the life of your mattress, but it may not completely solve the problem if the sagging is due to damage within the mattress itself. When to Consider Replacing Your Mattress When it comes to fixing a sagging mattress, sometimes the best solution is to accept that it's time for a replacement. If the sag or dip in your mattress is due to the material degrading, it's likely that the issue will only worsen over time. This is a clear sign that your mattress has reached the end of its lifespan. Typically, mattresses should be replaced every six to ten years. However, if your mattress starts to sag excessively within this window, it's advisable to replace it sooner. Ignoring this issue can lead to discomfort and poor sleep quality, which can have a knock-on effect on your overall health and wellbeing. Our guide on how often you should change your mattress goes into more depth on this. Preventive Measures to Avoid Mattress Sagging Preventing mattress sagging is a proactive approach to maintaining a comfortable and supportive sleep environment. It's about taking care of your mattress and extending its life, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment. This section will delve into the various preventive measures you can take to avoid mattress sagging, from regular rotation and flipping of your mattress to choosing the right bed frame and maintaining a healthy sleep environment. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. So, let's explore how you can take the necessary steps to prevent sagging and ensure firm support from your bed, enhancing your overall sleep quality. Regular Rotation and Flipping of Mattress Rotating and flipping your mattress regularly is a simple yet effective way to extend its life and maintain a comfortable sleep environment. This practice helps to distribute the pressure evenly across the mattress, preventing sagging in areas that are subjected to the most body weight. Choosing the Right Bed Frame Choosing the right bed frame is a crucial step in preventing mattress sagging. A sturdy frame provides the necessary support to your mattress, thereby extending its life. It's not just about the aesthetics, but also about the structural integrity of your bed. Metallic frames are often a good choice due to their durability. They can withstand heavy weights and provide firm support, preventing the mattress from sinking. This is particularly important if you have a memory foam or hybrid mattress that requires extra support. The bed frame is not just a piece of furniture. It plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy sleep environment. So, choose wisely and take good care of it to extend the life of your mattress. Maintaining a Healthy Sleep Environment Maintaining a healthy sleep environment is crucial in preventing mattress sagging. This involves more than just keeping your bedroom clean and tidy. It's about creating a space that promotes the longevity of your mattress and enhances your sleep quality. Firstly, consider the distribution of weight on your mattress. Avoid sitting or lying in the same spot for prolonged periods. This helps to spread the pressure caused by use, reducing the risk of over-compression and indentation. Secondly, use a mattress protector. This simple addition can prevent stains and liquids from penetrating the interior of the mattress, reducing the risk of material damage. Thirdly, consider your sleeping position and weight. Choosing the right type of mattress for your sleeping position and weight can help reduce over-compression and indentation. Lastly, ensure your bed frame provides firm support, especially for memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses and gel memory foam mattresses that require extra support. By taking these steps, you can extend the life of your mattress and maintain a healthy sleep environment. Final Thoughts on Fixing a Sagging Mattress A sagging mattress can significantly impact the quality of your sleep and overall well-being. However, with the right knowledge and tools, you can effectively fix a sag and extend the life of your mattress. Remember that prevention is better than cure. Regular rotation and flipping of the mattress, choosing the right bed frame, and maintaining a healthy sleep environment can help prevent mattress sagging. So, take good care of your mattress, and it will take care of you.
