The right mattress can save you from sleepless nights and unnecessary pain. It should also last up to seven to 10 years without sagging. Unfortunately, sagging is one of the most common reasons people look to buy a new mattress.
Here, we’ll break down the causes of mattress sagging, why you shouldn’t sleep on a sagging mattress, and how to avoid it in the future, plus share the mattress that might be the answer to all of your anti-sagging dreams.
What Is Mattress Sagging?
Mattress sagging is pretty easy to identify: It’s when the mattress surface dips under the heaviest areas of the body—typically beneath the torso and lower back—creating an uneven and uncomfortable sleeping environment. Over time, the foam layers in your mattress will soften beneath the pressure of your sleeping body, leaving a permanent dip very different from a supportive (and temporary) body impression that comes with a well-constructed mattress. Here’s what we mean.
Mattress Sagging vs. Body Impressions
Mattress sagging refers to a bed losing its support in certain areas. Body impressions occur when a mattress conforms to your body’s shape, offering even greater pressure relief and more restorative rest. Body impressions are temporary and will only appear in a well-designed mattress with proper support and adaptive layers, whereas mattress sagging is the permanent state of your bed.
Is It Bad to Sleep on a Sagging Mattress?
Mattress sagging is one of the top complaints from sleepers, and we don’t recommend anyone should sleep long-term on a mattress they know has a pronounced dip. Doing so can:
- Make it harder to fall asleep
- Cause aches and pains
- Create poor spinal alignment
- Shorten the lifespan of your mattress
Luckily, there are ways to avoid mattress sagging (or new models to replace an old bed).
How Do You Fix a Sagging Mattress?
While there is no way to fix an already-sagging mattress, there are ways to increase support and prevent a sag from worsening. Keep reading to understand what we mean.
Replace the Foundations
Sometimes, the “sagging” you may feel isn’t your mattress at all—it’s your base. If your bed is resting atop a broken box spring or warped base, it’s going to cause your bed to feel as though it’s less supportive. We’ve found adjustable bases provide the best foundation for all mattresses as most are designed with steel and serve as solid platforms.
Rotate Your Mattress
Another tip to prevent your mattress from sagging in the first place is to simply rotate it. If you’re someone who only sleeps on one side of the bed, this is an easy way to break in the other side evenly.
How Can You Avoid Mattress Sagging?
Proper maintenance can ensure your mattress lasts the normal seven to 10 years without sagging and creating an uncomfortable environment. This includes rotating your mattress and using a solid foundation.
Maintenance also refers to the cleanliness of your mattress. We suggest everyone use a mattress protector to keep out grime and sweat, which can decrease the lifespan of your bed. By doing these three things, mattress sagging will be a thing of the past.
New Mattress Technology to Prevent Sagging
We couldn’t talk about mattress sagging without mentioning the new Sleepy’s by Sealy® Premium Memory Foam Mattress. It’s first-of-its-kind and is equipped with anti-sagging technology–ViscoBoost™ to extend the comfort life of your bed. It actively resists dipping and conforms to your body for enhanced pressure relief, adaptive support, and durability. If you’ve been kept awake by a sagging mattress, this new Sleepy’s by Sealy® bed could be for you.
Learn More: Sleepy’s by Sealy® Premium Memory Foam Mattress
Mattress Sagging FAQs
That was a lot of information about mattress sagging, and we know we didn’t cover everything. Here are a few FAQs that we may have missed:
- How long should a mattress last before sagging?
- A mattress should last between seven to 10 years if you treat it with the proper maintenance.
- Does your body weight affect sagging and body impressions?
- Yes, body weight can have an effect on mattress sagging and body impressions. To get the longest lifespan out of a mattress, be sure to invest in a quality bed that's designed to withstand any type of sleeper.
- What is the best bed base to use in order to avoid mattress sagging?
- We find adjustable bases are the best foundation to use if you’re trying to avoid mattress sagging. Most of them are steel upholstered bases and aren’t likely to warp over time.
- How do I know if it’s time to get a new bed?
- There are a few signs to look for before deciding it’s time to get a new bed. If you’re experiencing the following, it’s time to upgrade:
- Waking up with aches and pains
- Visible sagging or other signs of wear
- Hearing creaks and squeaks when you move
- Feeling significant movement when your bed partner shifts around
- Your mattress is over seven to 10 years old
- There are a few signs to look for before deciding it’s time to get a new bed. If you’re experiencing the following, it’s time to upgrade:
If you can relate to each of these bullets, it may be time to visit your local Mattress Firm store and find a bed perfectly suited to your sleep.