Body pressure on the sides of a matrress can cause the middle to distort. Over the course of a few years of ownership, you may notice the right and left sides of your king-size mattress have condensed, resulting in a hump in the middle. Natural indentations and body contouring where you lie the most cause this disfigurement. Most mattress manufacturers cite this as regular wear and tear, and therefore do not cover the cost of replacement. Move to the Middle Whenever possible, whether watching television, reading a book or sleeping alone, try to occupy the middle of the bed. By lying directly on the hump, your body pressure has the effect it did on the sides of the bed and eventually, the mattress will look more uniform. Start a Rotation Although a king-size mattress is not a perfect square, it’s relatively close, so you should be able to rotate it a quarter turn to alter your position on the bed. This process can be used when you first purchase the mattress, and rotating the mattress every two weeks helps break it in.
If the ridge in the center of the mattress is an existing problem, you may experience some mild discomfort in sleeping on the first few nights of the rotation but will begin to notice a decrease in the size of the hump within a few nights. /Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionMattress humps, lumps and ridges can occur in even the most expensive, top-of-the-line beds, resulting in uncomfortable nights for the owner. Mattress humps are not only unsightly in appearance but, over time, can cause spinal misalignment and back pain. The humps are usually in the center of the mattress, because most couples and individuals tend to sleep on the same side of the bed, rarely using the middle of the mattress. Constant use of the same sleeping spot causes the mattress padding to compress, forming indentations. The factory warranty doesn't cover this uneven wear; however, there are some simple steps you can take to lessen mattress humps, and prevent new ones from forming. Step 1Flip and rotate the mattress at least once each week.
Turning your mattress helps eliminate humps, ridges and sagging, and keeps the mattress firm. Step 2Place a bed board under your mattress, on top of the bed springs. A bed board helps make the mattress firmer, creates a more even sleeping surface and prevents the mattress from sagging. You can purchase a bed board from medical supply stores, or you can make one using 1-inch plywood. The board's measurements should equal the measurements of the mattress. Step 3Try a mattress topper for a smoother sleep experience, which makes your mattress hump less bothersome. Mattress toppers are thick, quilted covers that attach to the top of mattresses and are made out of feathers, foam, synthetic materials or latex. Natural latex is preferable for its comfort level and resistance to dust mites, and the material is hypoallergenic. Step 4Sleep more in the middle of the mattress, rather than on the side. Over time, this reduces the hump. If you share the bed with a partner, try snuggling more in the center of the mattress.
If that's not possible, spend some time reading or watching television in the middle of the bed before going to sleep. Step 5Pound your mattress twice a week to help even out the texture and smooth away humps, extending the life of your mattress. Use something heavy, like the bottom of a pot or pan.Make your bed every morning and smooth the topper with your hands for a flat, even surface come nightfall. A memory foam mattress topper adds a plush layer to your bed that conforms around your body to create a cocoon-like effect. But cold weather makes it difficult for the foam to release the indentation left by your sleeping form, and if you place the topper over a lumpy or sagging mattress, it imitates the shape of the mattress just as easily as it does your body, resulting in a lumpy, uncomfortable surface. For the best results, address the problem from two angles. Give the memory foam the space it needs to regain its shape and treat the underlying issue causing the uneven surface. Remove the memory foam topper from your bed.
Take this opportunity to vacuum your mattress with an upholstery brush attachment, removing dirt and dust mites. Relocate the mattress topper to a warm room and lay it flat on the floor. If you see any noticeable lumps or indentations, massage the area with your hands to warm up the material, smoothing it out. The material is flammable, so do not use an iron, hair dryer or other appliance to heat the foam. Memory foam responds well to the heat of your hands. Let the topper sit for 24 to 72 hours: The more distorted the surface, the longer it needs to release the lumps and indentations. Memory foam naturally reshapes itself when left alone on a flat surface. The warmer the room is, the faster the process will go. Rotate a single-sided mattress 180 degrees, moving the current head area to the foot board. This prevents uneven wearing in the mattress, and any indentations causing lumpiness will work themselves out over time, provided the mattress itself isn’t damaged. Repeat this process every 4 to 6 months.
Flip a double-sided mattress over and rotate it 180 degrees. This moves the flat, smooth surface previously sitting on the box spring or platform to the top and the lumpy side of the mattress to the bottom, while relocating the head of the mattress to the foot. The weight of your body and the flat surface of the box spring or platform will smooth out lumps on the previously slept-on side over time. Rotate the mattress again in 4 to 6 months, and flip it over every 8 to 12 months. Cut a piece of plywood to the size of your mattress and place this in between the box spring and the mattress. A worn box spring causes sagging and promotes the creation of lumps in the mattress; the plywood acts as a solid, firm barrier, increasing support. Remove the pillow-top portion of the mattress, if possible, and machine-wash it according to the care directions on the tag. Dry the pillow-top on low with two to three tennis balls to flatten out any lumps. Reinstall it on the bed. Adjust the temperature in your bedroom if possible, at least during waking hours.