A saggy mattress that sinks in various spots isn’t just an indicator that your mattress is old or in need of repair. A sinking mattress also means that you’re in for a world of discomfort, back pain and backaches, and sleep problems. To be clear, the best option is to replace a mattress that sags with a new one. However, if you don't want to buy a brand new mattress on the sole basis of a little sagging on your otherwise usable one, you can repair it instead. Even though traditional mattresses require more complex repair than something like an air mattress, which you can buy repair kits for, there are still ways you can check your current mattress and make small fixes to breathe some life back in to it. When tackling issues that may cause a mattress to sag, check for the following situations under your mattress. In many cases, adding a new piece or simply replacing an old piece can fix sunken in mattresses. If the mattress set you have includes box springs, check them.
Many times, if the box springs are worn out, replacing them will fix the sag in the top mattress. Buying replacement box springs is less expensive than buying a whole mattress set. Measure the mattress and cut a sheet of ½ inch thick plywood the same size. You may have to use two pieces, depending on the size of the mattress. Place the plywood between the box spring and the mattress, assuming you have a box spring. Check the slats in the frame under the box springs. Replace them if they are warped. Add one or two more for extra support, especially where the sag is. You might consider replacing 1x4s, the usual width of bed slats, with 1x6s or 1x8s to provide even more support. Put a piece of memory foam between the mattress and the box springs where the mattress dips. There is also a type of bladder, or inflatable pouch, available that pumps up like an air mattress that can be placed between the mattress and box springs where the sag is. These bladders come in different sizes for different sized beds.
There are several types of mattress toppers that can help with a sagging mattress. Some are less expensive than replacing a whole mattress set. Options include: a memory foam mattress topper, air mattresses, or down mattress toppers, which can be up to 3 inches thick. Keep in mind prices will vary depending on the thread count of the cotton, the amount of stuffing in the topper, and its size. Something else you can use above the mattress to make an impact are body pillows that are filled with down or polyester. They contour to your body and provide extra support for any sleep position. As with most things, prevention is easier than the cure. Here are some things you can do to help prevent your mattress from sagging in the first place. Unless you have a no-turn mattress, shift the mattress in three cycles on a regular basis. The first cycle entails rotating the mattress (without flipping it over) so that you swap the position of the head of the bed and the foot of the bed.
The second cycle is flipping the mattress over, but don’t do any rotating this time. The third cycle is rotating the head to the foot again, but this one differs from the first cycle since this time it will be on the opposite side of the mattress. Check both the box springs and the slats of the frame on a regular basis to make sure everything is still in good shape. The springs should have a fair amount of give but still be springy and the slats should not show signs of warping. Maintaining this strong foundation prevents sagging in the top mattress.A bad mattress can ruin your night. A sagging mattress can lead to poor sleep and back problems and can be downright uncomfortable. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to truly fix a sagging mattress. Once the padding material in the mattress begins to break down, there is no way to repair it. Of course, new mattresses are expensive. If you find yourself dealing with a sagging mattress and a tight budget, there are several tricks you can use to reinforce the support under the mattress and raise the places where the mattress sags.
Rotate your mattress regularly – the best way to fix sagging is to stop it before it starts. Make sure you flip the mattress from one side to the other and rotate it 180 degrees so the head end becomes the foot end. Check the slats on the bed frame that support the box spring and mattress. Replace any that are sagging or showing signs of wear with new slats made using 1-by-4-inch wood pieces. Replace your box spring if it is worn out. You can often replace the box spring for less than the cost of a new mattress. Place a piece of sturdy plywood between the mattress and box spring for extra support. Lay a memory foam pad on top of the mattress or between the mattress and the box spring. If using the memory foam under the mattress, you can use the entire pad or cut it so it fits just under the sag. Fold blankets or sheets to the proper size and place them under the sag in the mattress. You can also purchase an air bladder specifically designed to fit under the mattress. Inflate the bladder as needed to make the mattress even.
Things You Will Need 1-by-4-inch lumber Plywood Saw Memory foam pad Sheets and blankets Air bladder References Dormia Mattress: Sleep Tip #15: Fix a Sagging MattressSTL Beds: How Do I Fix a Sagging Pillow Top Mattress?Apartment Therapy: How To: Fix a Sagging MattressNovosbed: What’s the Best Bed Base for a Memory Foam Mattress?/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionFrom cleaning to prevention, a little care and maintenance can go a long way in keeping your mattress in good shape for years to come. Once you've invested in a good mattress, chances are you expect it to provide comfortable sleep on it for many years. The average mattress is designed to last anywhere from five to ten years or more, though how it is maintained can shorten or lengthen your bed's lifespan. Being aware of environmental factors and knowing the best ways to care for a bed can help you keep your mattress clean, healthy and providing comfortable sleep as long as possible. We've put together ten of the best ways to protect your investment by caring for the mattress and preventing disasters before they occur.
While you may not always need to purchase the matching box spring or foundation with a new mattress, it is essential to make sure your mattress does have the right kind of support. This helps preserve the integrity of materials and prevent early wear. Check with the manufacturer or look at the warranty policy for recommendations. Box springs are generally used only with spring mattresses, while memory foam and other specialty mattresses usually require firm, solid support. Beds that use a frame should be designed to support the weight of sleepers and the mattress, and queens and kings should have center support bars. Platform beds with wide slats may need extra support depending on mattress type and weight. It's a smart idea to check on your bed's support every year or so to make sure there are no broken slats or springs that could affect your mattress. We've covered the benefits of mattress protectors before, and they are one of the best and simplest ways to protect your bed's longevity.
A good, quality mattress protector offers waterproof protection to guard against spills and accidents, and they also reduce the amount of dust, debris and dirt that make it into your bed. This helps protect the materials inside your bed from damage, keeps skin oils and sweat off the bed and reduces build up of allergens like mold and dust mites. A protector also makes cleanups a snap when accidents do happen, and many newer types feel just as comfortable as a fitted sheet. When you sleep, you shed sweat, oils, hair and skin cells. Eating in bed also leaves behind crumbs, and pets can track in all sorts of things. In addition to getting yucky, all of this can get into mattress layers, breeding bacteria and encouraging dust mites. Bed sheets and blankets should ideally be washed every week to every two weeks according to most cleaning experts. Even when using a mattress protector, it's still important to keep linens clean. The mattress protector should also be washed occasionally according to a manufacturer's directions.
Speaking of stuff in your sheets, it is better to give pets their own designated beds rather than letting them cuddle up on your mattress. Even well groomed pets walk outside, drool and shed hair and cells just like people, and all that winds up in your bed. Pets also can have the occasional accident, which can all but ruin an otherwise good mattress. Every type of mattress benefits from being rotated regularly, no matter the material or the size. Some manufacturers say it is not necessary, but rotating helps promote more even wear, while not rotating makes depressions and softening more likely. Every two to six months rotate the mattress 180 degrees from head to foot. This is particularly important the first couple of years as you are breaking in the mattress. Your mother always told you not to jump on the bed, and she wasn't wrong. Spring, water and air beds may be most prone to damage with rough wear, but foundations, frames and even foams can all wear down more quickly if you are hard on the mattress.
When you move, protect your mattress from damage by encasing it in plastic and avoiding bending or folding. Moving and box stores often carry heavy-duty mattress bags that can be secured with tape to keep dirt and water off the bed, and these also prevent scuffs and scratches. Generally when moving a mattress, it's also best to keep them upright on their sides so they don't crease or sag in transit. For covers with handles, manufacturers typically suggest not using them to move or drag the mattress. Bedbugs are one of the fastest ways to ruin a mattress, as they can be difficult to get rid of once they infiltrate. When sleeping away from home, always inspect the bed from signs of bed bugs and try to keep luggage off the floor. If you suspect bedbugs, Texas A&M University has a few tips for preventing bringing them back home. In apartments or areas of the country where these critters are common, consider using a bedbug-proof mattress encasement. These differ from mattress protectors as they have impenetrable zippers and cover the bed on all sides to prevent bugs from making their home in your mattress.
Every month or two when you have a sunny and dry day, strip your mattress and let the sunlight in to air out the bed for several hours (though if bedbugs are possible, leave the cover on). This helps prevent excess moisture both from sleepers and humidity, and may also help keep dust mite populations in check according to Kingston University study. Every type of mattress should be cleaned regularly to keep your sleep environment clean and keep your mattress healthy. Many manufacturers will include directions for stain removal and general cleaning, but most beds should be vacuumed with a hose attachment to remove surface dust. Stains can be spot treated with a mild water and soap solution, but allow them to completely dry before making the bed. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners on foams as they can break down foam integrity. Depending on dust levels, allergies, or personal preference, vacuuming should be done every 1 to 3 months and stains spot-treated as necessary.