Eventually, your mattress may begin to sag. That dip in the middle of your mattress is likely not a sign of misuse; rather, it’s a natural consequence of wear and tear.
This sagging usually indicates that your mattress may need to be replaced soon. However, if you’re not quite ready to let it go, there are several things you can do to address the issue and extend its lifespan.
Read on to find out how to fix a sagging mattress.
What causes mattress sagging?
All kinds of mattresses are prone to sagging after years of extensive use, including foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses. Depending on the type of mattress, there can be a variety of factors contributing to this sagging and causing your mattress to not support you like it used to.
- With foam mattresses because the mattress is exposed to pressure for many hours every night, the foam will begin to soften and sag and the mattress becomes less responsive over the years.
- As for innerspring mattresses, the metal coils inside them lose tension over time and are not able to provide the support needed.
- In a hybrid mattress, both of these things may happen at once.
What are the signs of mattress sagging?
There are a few telltale signs of a sagging mattress. The most obvious one is an actual noticeable dip in the middle.
But even if a dip isn’t noticeable, your body will know. Since a sagging mattress isn’t able to provide proper support anymore, you might be feeling like you’re sinking into your bed.
If you find yourself propping your back with a pillow for additional support, that might be another sign.
If you keep waking up tired or with a sore arm or sore back, that might be because you were sleeping in an uncomfortable position all night to avoid falling into the “hole” in the center. (Learn about the differences between body impressions and sagging.)
How mattress sagging affects your sleep
It’s not a question that a sagging mattress can negatively impact your sleep quality. It’ll provide uneven support, causing you to strain your muscles during sleep as your body tries to find a way to support itself.
You might start having back pain or pain in other parts of your body.
You might also be tired in the morning because you’ve spent the night trying to find a comfortable position or trying to avoid falling into the “hole” in the middle of the mattress.
How to fix a sagging mattress
A sagging mattress may be a sign that your mattress needs to be replaced soon. But oftentimes, there are ways to delay that and fix the issue temporarily. Here’s what you can do.
1. Rotate your mattress
Sometimes the solution is as simple as rotating your mattress. Except in those cases where the manufacturer’s instructions advise against this, you should rotate your mattress regularly anyway, so that your body’s weight isn’t always in the same spot.
But if it’s already sagging, rotating your mattress might help you avoid sleeping in the hole. Flipping the mattress in theory could also help, but the truth is that most modern mattresses aren’t designed to be flipped.
2. Use a mattress topper
A mattress topper is a piece of foam 2 to 4 inches in thickness that you can place on top of your mattress for extra comfort. It can be a great addition to a mattress, even if the mattress isn’t not sagging as it provides extra comfort.
Mattress toppers have the ability to make the bed softer or firmer as needed. In the case of a sagging mattress, they can help provide support that the mattress no longer provides. Shop our selection of mattress toppers.
3. Reinforce your mattress support
Another thing you can do to fix a sagging mattress is reinforce its support. To do that, simply take a big piece of plywood and place it between the mattress and the foundation it’s sitting on.
This can reduce the sinking feeling and might even reduce the hole in the middle a bit. If you like, you can use both the plywood and a mattress topper to fix both the support and the comfort surface level of the mattress.
4. Replace your foundation
Check if your mattress has an appropriate foundation to support it. (Every mattress needs a different kind of foundation, and it’s best to check with the manufacturer to find out about yours.)
If your foundation has slats, those have to be close enough (and not bent under pressure) to provide proper support. Some mattresses require foundations that have at least six legs.
5. Try DIY solutions
As a temporary DIY solution, you can place a pillow under your back to help support your body and prevent it from sinking into the hole.
You might choose to place the pillow under your hips or your back. Some prefer placing the pillow underneath the mattress, exactly under the sagging part.
When to buy a new mattress
No mattress will last forever. The average lifespan of a mattress is seven to 10 years.
If you’ve tried taking measures to fix your sagging mattress but you still wake up tired and with sore muscles, then it’s probably time to get a new mattress.
Replace your old mattress with a luxury option from Saatva
Saatva Classic Innerspring Mattress
Our flagship luxury mattress is expertly engineered with coil-on-coil construction for durability, a layer of memory foam for enhanced back support, and a cushiony Euro pillow top for extra comfort.
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Contour5 Mattress
Luxurious body-hugging feel and pressure relief with 3” of ultra-premium, high-density 5-lb memory foam.
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Zenhaven Latex Mattress
Natural latex responds to every curve for pressure-free support and responsive comfort. Natural latex is supple, resilient, and durable, for the ultimate in elevated sleep. (It’s naturally hypoallergenic too.)
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Latex Hybrid Mattress
This hybrid mattress combines the pressure-free support of natural latex with the classic innerspring feel. Handcrafted with pure materials for the ultimate in cool and healthy sleep.
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Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
This memory foam hybrid mattress features the perfect balance of body-contouring and responsive feel. Enjoy the innovative cooling system, which prevents overheating.
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Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress
Featuring precise 50 firmness settings on each side of the bed for personal customization. Natural latex and gel-infused memory foam layers provide luxurious comfort and support.
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Saatva HD Mattress
This luxury hybrid innerspring mattress is specifically engineered to support people weighing between 300 and 500 pounds. Plush upper layers made of foam and latex deliver comfort, while a high-durability coil base offers support.
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Saatva Rx Mattress
Specially designed to give maximum support and pressure relief that can help alleviate discomfort associated with serious and chronic back and joint conditions like sciatica, arthritis, herniated disc, and scoliosis.
FAQs
Can a sagging mattress be repaired?
Sagging is a result of the normal wear and tear of a mattress. A sagging mattress can’t be repaired, but there are a few things you can do to prolong its lifespan. For example, rotating your mattress, using a mattress topper, or reinforcing the foundation of your mattress can help.
Can you fix a mattress that sinks in the middle?
There are a few things you can do to fix a mattress that sinks in the middle. Sometimes, replacing the foundation of the mattress or placing a piece of plywood between the current foundation and the mattress can help reduce the sagging. Alternatively, you can place a mattress topper on top of the mattress to provide a firmer comfort layer.
How can I firm up my existing mattress?
If your mattress doesn’t provide the support you need, you can either use a mattress topper for a firmer comfort layer or place a piece of plywood underneath the mattress to reinforce its foundation.
Will a firm mattress topper help a sagging mattress?
Yes, a firm mattress topper can temporarily fix the problem of the sagging mattress by providing a firmer comfort layer to sleep on.
Time for a new mattress? See what Saatva offers
If nothing helps and it’s time to replace your sagging mattress, we offer a wide range of mattress types to suit every sleep style. All of our mattresses come with a 365-night home trial, free in-home delivery and setup, and a lifetime warranty. Take our mattress quiz to find your perfect mattress match.
