Over time, our mattress loses its support and passes its prime. And when it happens, we can no longer feel the comfort it used to give us.
Mattress sagging is one of the most common visible signs that your mattress has passed its prime, which causes poor sleep quality. A prematurely sagging mattress is a common issue that many of us encounter, which makes us wonder why it happens. Thankfully, there are ways to fix a sagging mattress so we can restore the sleep quality we once had with our mattress.
Why Mattress Sagging?
Premature sagging of a mattress occurs when the internal support structures of a mattress, such as springs or foam, lose their ability to maintain a flat and even surface, which can happen for many reasons, including prolonged use, the natural wear and tear of materials, or low mattress quality.
Over time, the weight and pressure exerted by our body can lead to compression and deformation of the mattress, causing it to develop noticeable mattress indentation or sagging areas, which not only affects the overall comfort and support of the mattress but can also lead to discomfort and disrupted sleep for those using it.
Causes of Mattress Sagging
Poor Quality Mattress Materials
Lower-quality mattresses tend to break down more quickly. Cheaper materials like low-density foam or lower-gauge metal coils may not provide the necessary support that leads to sagging.
Age
Over time, even high-quality mattresses sag due to normal wear and tear. Generally, mattresses last around seven to ten years, and sagging can become more common as they age.
Inadequate Support
Mattresses require a supportive foundation, such as box springs, slatted bed frames, or platform beds, to maintain their good shape. Using an inappropriate base or worn-out mattress can contribute to mattress sagging.
Body Weight
Heavier individuals tend to put more pressure on a mattress, which can cause it to sag more quickly than it would for lighter individuals.
Inadequate rotation or flipping
Some mattresses require regular rotation or flipping to evenly distribute wear and tear and even pressure. When you pay attention to this maintenance, it can result in uneven sagging.
Moisture
Exposure to moisture, whether from spills or humidity, can weaken the materials and cause mattress sagging.
Overuse
If a mattress is subjected to excessive weight or stress, such as jumping on it, sitting on the edge too often, or using it as a trampoline, it can lead to a sagging mattress.
Poor Mattress Design
Some mattress designs, such as the pillow-top of your mattress or memory foam mattresses, may be more prone to sagging than others because of how they compress and contour to the body.
Sleeping Position
Sleeping in the same position every night can lead to body impressions in the mattress, causing sagging over time.
Natural settling
All mattresses settle to some extent due to the compression from regular use, but excessive or uneven settling can lead to sagging.
How to Fix a Sagging Mattress
Bringing your sagging mattress back to its manufacturer to be fixed is possible, especially if the mattress warranty is still effective. Is there any way to fix a sagging mattress on your own?
Luckily, it's possible. So, here are the different steps that you may take to address a sagging mattress on your own and for a good night's sleep:
Rotate Your Mattress
If rotating is possible, start by rotating your mattress 180 degrees, as this can help distribute the wear and tear more evenly because mattresses tend to sag more in the areas where you sleep. If your mattress is flippable or has the same construction on both sides, you can flip it.
Use a Mattress Topper
Adding a mattress topper can provide extra support and comfort for a more even sleeping surface. So choose a new mattress topper that suits your preferences, whether a memory foam mattress, latex mattress, or another type, as this can also help fill in the sagging areas.
Check Your Bed Frame or Foundation
Make sure that your bed frame or foundation is in good condition and properly supports the mattress. If it's damaged or is not providing adequate support, it can contribute to mattress sagging.
Reinforce the Mattress
If your mattress sags in a specific area, you can try to reinforce that spot by placing a piece of plywood between the mattress and the box spring or bed foundation. Make sure that the plywood is the same size as your mattress to provide even support.
Replace the Box Spring or Bed Frame
If your mattress is used with a box spring or foundation and it's old or sagging, now is the time to consider replacing it because a weak foundation can also cause the mattress to sag.
Use Mattress Support
There are specially designed mattress supports or enhancers available that can help correct sagging that is placed beneath the mattress and provide additional reinforcement.
Tighten Loose Bolts and Screws
If your bed frame has loose or missing bolts or screws, tighten or replace them because a wobbly frame can exacerbate mattress sagging.
Short-Term Solution
You can also use or add extra pillows or firmer pillows to fix a sagging mattress. This is a temporary and makeshift solution that you can follow to provide some relief. Extra pillows can be used to prop up specific areas of the mattress, creating the illusion of even support, but they can provide temporary relief if you're waiting to purchase a new mattress or if your sagging mattress is only a minor issue. However, since it's only a short-term solution, it may not fully address the underlying issue.
Utilise a Mattress Warranty
If your mattress is still under warranty and the sagging is due to a manufacturing defect, contact the manufacturer to explore your warranty options, as they may replace your mattress or repair it.
Consider a New Mattress
If your mattress is very old, has significant sagging, or is no longer comfortable, it might be time to invest in a new mattress. Remember that mattresses have a lifespan; after a centre point, it's best to replace them for better sleep quality and support.
Maintain Proper Mattress Care
To prevent future sagging, rotate your mattress regularly (every three to six months), use a mattress topper or mattress protector to shield it from spills and dust, and avoid sitting on the edges, which can weaken the sides of the mattress.
However, keep in mind that these methods can help improve the situation of your bed, but they may only partially restore a severely sagging mattress.
How Long Does a Mattress Last Before It Sags?
Keep in mind that the lifespan of a mattress before it begins to sag depends on several different factors, including the following:
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Mattress Quality: High-quality mattresses tend to last longer because more expensive mattresses are often built with better materials and construction techniques, which can extend their lifespan.
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Mattress Type: Different types of mattresses have different lifespans. However, innerspring mattresses may wear out more quickly than memory foam or latex mattresses.
On average, a good-quality mattress can last anywhere from seven to ten years before showing signs of sagging.
How Do Different Types of Mattresses be Affected by Sagging
Sagging can occur in different types of mattresses, but the reasons and characteristics of sagging mattresses can vary between types. If you're concerned about how a sagging mattress looks like a different type of mattress, here's a breakdown of how each type of mattress can be affected by sagging:
| Mattress Type | Causes of Sagging | Average Lifespan |
| Innerspring |
Sagging in innerspring mattresses often occurs when the coils start to weaken or break, and the comfort layers on top of the coils can also deteriorate and form impressions. |
The lifespan of an innerspring mattress depends, but on average, it may start to sag within 5 to 7 years. |
| Hybrid |
The sagging issue in hybrids can be a combination of the coils and the foam layers where the innerspring coils can sag as in traditional innerspring mattresses. In contrast, the foam layers can develop impressions or sag due to regular use. |
Hybrid mattresses have a slightly longer lifespan than innerspring mattresses, often lasting around 7 to 10 years. |
| Foam |
The rate of sagging in foam mattresses depends on the quality of the foam and its density. Higher-density foams tend to be more durable and resist sagging for a longer time. |
Foam mattresses typically last around 8 to 10 years, but this can vary based on the materials used. |
Restart Your Sweet Dreams with Somnuz Mattress
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