How to Fix a Sagging Mattress

A sagging or lumpy mattress can put a damper on your comfort level and sleep quality. The good news? There are easy and affordable solutions that can help.

Here are five ways to fix a saggy mattress.

Why Do Mattresses Sag?

Most mattresses sag over time. The longer you use your mattress, the more the materials will wear down. This can lead to an uneven sleeping surface that’s less support for your body.

The metal coils found in hybrid or innerspring mattresses can loosen, making them depress further under your weight. And with memory foam mattresses, the foam layers can soften and let you sink further into the mattress.

Generally, sagging occurs on the areas of your mattress that are exposed to the most pressure. So if you sleep in the center of the bed, it might sag in the middle. You might also notice more sagging in the area you rest your shoulders and hips on. 

A sagging mattress can still be sleepable. However, it may eventually reduce your sleep quality and lead to waking up with aches and pains.

5 Ways to Fix a Sagging Mattress

If you’re not ready to buy a new mattress, there are a few simple hacks that can bring new life to your saggy bed. Here are five ways to fix a sagging mattress.

1. Use Extra Pillows

Pillows can be a decent short-term solution for sagging. You can position a pillow under your back, legs, or hips. Some folks have also found luck putting pillows under the sunken in areas of the mattress. Just keep in mind that this method might make your mattress age even faster.

Your best bet is to use a firm pillow that will hold its shape when you put weight on it. You could also use a thin, flat pillow and place it over a particularly problematic dent. This might allow for more even pressure when you lie down.

2. Rotate or Flip Your Mattress

Most mattresses should be rotated regularly. To do this, simply spin the mattress to swap the foot and head of your bed. This can help you avoid snoozing in a sinkhole each night.

In addition to preventing premature mattress aging, rotating can also help if your bed is already sagging. Rotating allows the areas of the mattress that receive the most pressure to get some relief. 

Some manufacturers suggest rotating your mattress every 3 months, but you might be able to get away with doing it every 6 months. 

If rotating your mattress doesn’t cut it, you may be able to try flipping it. Just make sure to check the mattress’s product details first. A lot of modern mattresses are designed to be one-sided. These types of beds shouldn’t be flipped. 

3. Use a Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers can’t fix a sagging mattress, but they could make it more comfortable to sleep on one. Another perk is that toppers are more budget-friendly than buying a whole new bed. All you have to do is place it over your existing mattress for an extra layer of support.

Mattress toppers come in a wide range of materials. Some options include:

• wool
• foam
• latex
• down
• feathers
• down alternative 

For a saggy mattress, a thick mattress topper made from denser materials is usually best. They can help fill out the dents and provide an even sleeping surface.

4. Get a New Foundation

A sub-par bed foundation can lead to premature mattress sagging. For example, a foundation that only has four legs provides less support than a frame that has six. This can lead to slumps over time.

Likewise, foundations that use horizontal slats can cause sagging in the areas that aren’t supported. Older foundations can also lose their stability over the years. 

Check with your mattress manufacturer about the type of foundation best suited for your bed. Most companies offer guidance on which style will help your mattress stay fresh for longer. 

5. Use a Piece of Plywood

Plywood is a good temporary fix for a sagging mattress. To try it, place a layer of plywood between your mattress and box spring (or bed frame). In addition to supplying support, plywood can help silence squeaking sounds.  

The downside of the plywood method is that it prevents your mattress from breathing. This can increase the risk of unwanted things, like mold, getting trapped in the mattress. Also, the wood can splinter and damage the mattress lining. But if it’s just used in the short-term, it can be a helpful solution. 

Also keep in mind that very thin plywood can crack under pressure. Stick to a sheet of wood that’s at least ¾” thick. You can buy this at most major home improvement stores. 

When to Get a New Mattress

Generally, you should replace your mattress every 5 to 10 years. While these suggestions can help you get a more satisfying sleep, they won’t actually fix a sagging mattress.

You may want to consider getting a new bed if these solutions don’t provide any comfort, or if they stop working after a while.

Understand Your Mattress’s Warranty 

If you’re dealing with a sagging mattress, check out your mattress’s warranty coverage. There’s a chance your purchase may still be covered. In this scenario, a manufacturer or store may replace your bed with the same model. Other times they will offer store credit.

Takeaway

It’s natural for mattresses to sag over time. You may be able to slow the process by rotating your mattress every 3 to 6 months and by using a compatible bed frame.

If your mattress is already sagging, there are some easy hacks to help make your bed comfortable again. You can:

• Get a new foundation
• Use a mattress topper
• Add pillows for support
• Put down a piece of plywood
• Flip or rotate your mattress

While none of these methods can actually fix a sagging mattress, they may help make increase its longevity.

Related: Do You Need to Flip Your Mattress?