How to fix a sagging mattress

Mattresses can degrade over time, and today we’re going to look at how to fix a sagging mattress.

Instantly!

The best part?

Most of the techniques are inexpensive or even free. They are commonly used to fix dips and work 99.99% of the time!

Let’s get started.

What causes my mattress to sag?

A sagging mattress is like taking a nap in quicksand. Quicksand that drags you down to the same spot every night. It’s even worse if two people are sleeping in the same bed, getting drawn into the dip. 

According to research, most of the reasons why unpleasant mattress indentation and mattress sagging occur are from regular usage. In many cases, a dip in your mattress material is a sign that it’s time to shop for a new mattress and a part of its expected lifespan.

Due to the weight of your body, the material in the mattress that made you sleep well when you bought it softens over time. 

Now, this can happen quicker, depending on the material of the mattress. And you can usually judge how long a mattress will last by how much warranty the company gives you. 

How long does a mattress last?

It’s important to note that not all mattresses are alike. The mattresses lifespan can come down to the quality and type of mattress it is. 

A good indicator is the warranty. If it’s a year, chances are it is low quality and won’t last too long. Most mattress in a box brands offer 10 years, and the Nectar mattress offers a lifetime. 

Mattress types:

  • Innerspring Mattress: Within innerspring mattresses, the metal coils lose tension over time. Additionally, the material of the top comfort layer begins to soften, causing the mattress to sag.
  • Hybrid Mattress: Eventually, hybrid mattresses lose their tension, just like innerspring mattresses. If your hybrid mattress has high-quality foam, it might last a little longer, but eventually, it will sag.
  • Foam Mattress: Your memory foam mattress will last longer without sagging if you have a good foundation.

Even the best mattresses eventually sag. Is it time for an entirely new mattress, or can you address the indentation before throwing it away? 

Why fix it?

Even if you adjust your sleeping position, you’ll no longer feel even mattress support and may notice a noticeable dip when you lie down. It will make a mattress softer in key points that help to align your spine. 

In general, your hips and back will feel the most pressure from the sagging mattress. Also, a mattress with uneven support will chip away at your sleep quality over time.

Okay, let’s fix your sagging, sinking, unfun mattress.

Flip or rotate your mattress

Starting with the easiest fix. Rotate your mattress around and give the sinking area some time to recover. It’s recommended to do this every three to six months to rotate your mattress, switching the top and bottom around. This can prevent sagging from occurring as well as reduce sagging that has already occurred.

Next is to flip the mattress. Note that most mattresses are not meant to be flipped and are one-sided mattresses with the comfort layer on top. However, if this isn’t the case, flip it for a couple of months. 

Pick a mattress topper

This solution is generally the quickest solution to fix the dip by adding an additional layer to your bed. This helps support you and distribute the weight evenly throughout your mattress again. 

The only problem, it does cost money. However, it is less than what a new mattress will cost. You can check out our best mattress toppers to help you decided which one is best for you. You can pick one to your preference to either be softer or make your mattress firmer

Replace or fix your bed

If the bed supporting your mattress is slatted, it could have slats missing or spaced apart. This could be the primary reason behind the sagging.

A memory foam mattress won’t do well on a surface that has gaps and is a recipe for mattress sagging.

If you cut or purchase a piece of plywood between your mattress and the bed, this can help level out the surface and alleviate the problem. 

If you think the foundation could cause the issue check out some of the best bed frames we found that could solve the issue. 

Add pillows

When your mattress starts to dip, the main problem areas are your hips, back, and legs—you up to your pillow game by adding a pillow or two in those areas. 

Bear in mind this is not a permanent fix, but it can give you back some support you’ve lost. The pillows don’t have to be on top of the mattress. Try placing them underneath the mattress too.

What’s the best fix?

If the problem isn’t extreme enough to purchase a new mattress, the best idea is to get a mattress topper for a sagging mattress. We linked our list of the top ones above, but we recommended the Panda bamboo topper. You can also check out our panda topper review