Is your Sagging Mattress The Cause of Sleepless Nights?

I bet you didn’t know that a sagging mattress can create back problems, aches, and pains that can ruin your day! Do you have low back pain or aches that make it harder to get up and get going in the morning? It makes getting your day off to a good start difficult, doesn’t it?

You are not alone. It is more common than you think and affects everyone at some point. Your sagging mattress might be the issue.  

People don’t realize that mattresses get worn out. Especially if you always sleep in the same spot because the pressure is not evenly distributed. Mattresses wear out over time, which can cause a sagging or sinking-like effect.  

The good news is that a great night’s rest and waking with no back pain is within your grasp, and maybe a five-minute fix!  

At Down Under Bedding, we have been helping people get a better night’s sleep for over 30 years and can help you get a better night’s sleep starting today. We have you covered with our easy-to-follow tips below.

No one likes waking up in pain or in a bad mood. It takes twice the effort to get going in the morning, is harder to recover from, and might affect the entire day. Plus, while your family loves you, I’m sure no one likes dealing with a grouchy family member.

Read on to quickly improve your quality of life and for those who have to interact with you.

Why Do Mattresses Sag and Sink?

A mattress sagging or cratering is usually caused by body impressions. It is more common than you can imagine and may make you sleep uncomfortably. It looks like a slight or profound depression on your mattress, which your body’s pressure might have caused. 

It usually happens when you sleep in the same spot for a long time. You eventually notice a cratering effect forming on the mattress. The most common place it occurs is where your body rests on it.    

The constant pressure applied in that area causes wears and tear on the coils/springs in your mattress. Mattresses do not last forever. Regardless of the mattress brand, whether it is one of many reputable brands, unknown, cheap, or expensive, they all wear out eventually.  

With a few simple tricks, you can extend the life of your mattress and improve your sleep. Understanding why your mattress is sagging is the first step to help you prevent it from happening the next time.

One simple reason a mattress craters prematurely can be that the mattress is not on an even surface. Mattress design requires it to be laid flat. The pressure from your body weight at an angle can quickly cause the mattress to weaken.

Do you always sleep in the same spot? Some people toss and turn a lot at night. If you are like me, you wake up in the same position as when you lay down. It wears out mattresses faster.

Other prominent ones include liquid dispersion(sweat), too much direct sunlight, or aging foam. You should always check the quality of the products you are buying. Mattress sagging is widespread; even though it’s common, you can still prevent it.

Also, remember that you should not sleep on a sagging mattress- clearly- because it causes neck or back pain and other health-related problems that contribute to poor sleep quality.  

According to the experts at National Library of Medicine: 

"We spend a third of our lives, a whopping 33%, in bed, sleeping, or trying to do so."

This is why choosing the right mattress and taking care of it is crucial for your overall well-being.

Follow our Step-by-Step Guide on How To Fix A Sagging Mattress!

Step 1: Flip Your Mattress At Least Every Six Months

Rotating or flipping your mattress over every six months can help with even weight distribution throughout the bed. Keep in mind that most higher-quality mattresses do not require flipping! The best way is to check with the manufacturer. However, like car dealers, they all think they have the best product.

Simply rotating the mattress helps also. Making it a habit to flip your mattress consistently is a good idea, even if it may not seem to be sagging. It helps keep the original shape of the bed longer.

An excellent way to remind yourself of this is to put a reminder on your phone or mark it on your calendar.

If you tend not to move while you sleep, try starting in a different spot on the bed. It would help put pressure evenly on the mattress and increase the lifespan of your mattress.

Even after flipping, switch your sleeping sides once in a while to prevent too much pressure from forming on one side of the mattress. If your bed does not have a two-sided flipping option, you could rotate the mattress to the other side or switch sleeping spots with your partner.

If you are single, adding someone to your bed occasionally but regularly will offset the pressure, and it should make for a better night’s sleep too!

Step 2: Ensure The Mattress is Well Supported Underneath

Remove the mattress from the bed and place it on the floor. Now lay on it. Does it feel similar to when it is on the bed?

While your mattress is on the floor, inspect the base of your bed and the mattress. Check for any foundation issues, maybe the placement of the mattress is not correct, or there could be an unnoticeable curve or bend in your bed that may need fixing. If you still feel unsure, let the mattress lay on an even surface (floor) for a few nights and try again.

In many cases, you can resolve this by replacing the foundation of your bed with a new plywood sheet or slats. Using plywood won’t fix the sinking permanently, but it can be an effective momentary measure.

You should also try checking your bed’s box spring. A poor foundation quality or bad box spring can also lead to sagging. A bad boxspring can cause uneven bumpiness on your mattress.

Ask yourself... do I really need a box spring??

A box spring is not an essential item for bedding. You may need one using a metal-framed bed or a bed with a basic support structure, such as one with just a simple rim surrounding it. In this case, you should consider a box spring to provide adequate support to your mattress.

Many manufacturers suggest you get a box spring to provide ample support for your mattress. Others require using one as a condition of the warranty. Check the warranty requirements that come with your purchase.

You only live once and spend a third of your life in bed, pamper yourself and spend the money for a good bed that is well supported. It will improve your quality of life in many different areas.

Box springs and mattress foundations help give your mattress a more stable and fuller presence and give your room a bolder look.

Trying to save a buck by replacing the boxspring but not the mattress is a short-lived bandaid fix at best. Box springs provide long-term support to your mattress, but using them with an old soft mattress won’t be ideal for a comfortable sleep.

A full metal framed bed is a good idea because it can help provide adequate support for your mattress. Metal is more durable than wood and can last much longer than a wooden bed frame.

Step 3: Add A Mattress Topper

Try using a mattress topper on your existing mattress to give you more support. The most common mattress toppers include Gel Memory Foam bed toppers, Wool Mattress Pads, and Featherbeds. A good one can breathe life into an old mattress.   

Mattress toppers give it a softer feel and help protect your bed from dust mites and allergens. The mattress toppers help provide additional support for your mattress and make your bed feel like new again. Remember that this may not be a permanent solution if your mattress is ancient!

We recommend using a mattress topper/ pad on top of your mattress. Why? Because we use them ourselves and know how much better we sleep as a result. 

There are many kinds of mattress toppers available in the market. The best quality mattress topper is made with Memory Foam, Gel Memory Foam, Wool, and down or feathers. Take a look at our Mattress product collection page to explore your options.

Pro Tip: Use thicker toppers for substantial sagging mattresses.

Step 4: Put a Pillow Below The Sagging Area

An easy fix for the sagging is simply using a pillow, obviously of the appropriate size. It would help cover the sagging area. If your mattress has a substantial sagging area, this quick fix might not work.

Try to use a small pillow, or you could also put some cotton/ fabrics below the affected area to cover the sag. Sometimes just one pillow might not be enough for this purpose. In this case, it’s best to use a combination of both pillows and blankets.

The more support you can provide to your mattress, the better it is.

Getting a cratered effect on your mattress can not only be uncomfortable but could also deter the look of your room. This pillow hack is one of the simplest and cheapest solutions for a sagging mattress.

Using a pillow to fill your sagging mattress might only be a temporary fix and cannot be trusted as a long-term solution.

Step 5: Maybe It’s Time to Say Goodbye To Your Old Mattress

Yes, you read that right! It is time to let it go!  Consider investing in a new mattress. Most mattresses only have a life span of 5 to 15 years. A mattress replacement may be the best option if your bed is older and uncomfortable.

You’ll know it’s getting old when you toss and turn in the middle of the night or get a sudden neck or back pain. Struggling to fall asleep or waking up with too much tossing and turning could mean it’s time to change your mattress. Waking with hip pain can also be a surefire indicator of a problem with the bed.

Over time, the springs, coils, or foam in your mattress loses their resiliency; some springs may also lead to squeaking and creaking noises, which might disturb your sleep. A sagging mattress can cause insomnia and other body pains.  

Sleeping on a bad mattress can be a real risk to your health in the short and long term. Remember, your health and well-being should be your priority.

Even after making all the necessary upkeeps, mattresses have a lifespan, and maybe it’s time for you to bid farewell to your mattress. Expect to change your mattress every 10-12 years, conditional on the quality of your mattress. It should provide you with a comfortable experience so that you can wake up fresh.

If none of the tips work, you’re on your way to getting a new one. Keep all the steps in mind for your next purchase!