Most mattresses begin to sag sooner or later due to wear and tear. Your body weight, sleeping position, and other factors, such as the bed base or foundation used, come into play, too.
While it’s not really possible to fix a sagging mattress, you can make it feel firmer and more comfortable. All it takes is some creativity, a mattress topper, a few extra pillows, or other basic items.Â
In This Guide
Rotate Your Mattress | Foam Topper | Mattress Helper | Extra Pillows | Foundation | Summary
Simple Ways to Make a Sagging Mattress Firmer
A sagging mattress can cause neck or back pain, discomfort, and poor sleep. You may also feel like falling from the bed or find yourself tossing and turning at night.
One solution is to buy a new mattress, but you may not be able to afford one right away. If your old mattress is still under warranty, reach out to the manufacturer.
Most mattress manufacturers cover visible indentations on the mattress as part of the warranty. The best warranties will cover body indentations of just 1.0″ or more. A more typical warranty will cover sags of 1.5″ or more.
Warranties that only cover 2.0″ or greater exist as well, and they certainly aren’t ideal.
In any case, make a point to check your warranty to see what it covers. If it exceeds the brand’s threshold they may repair or replace the mattress.
That said, you do want to make sure you are using a proper foundation. Many times mattresses will sag earlier and deeper due to being placed on an improper or otherwise unsupportive foundation. Some foundation and frame types will void your warranty.
#1. Rotate Your Mattress
Generally, it’s recommended to rotate your mattress once or twice a year. This practice ensures even wear and tear, which may help prevent sagging.
But if your mattress has started to sag, rotating it may help increase your comfort during sleep.
For example, you could do that with a mattress that’s sagging in the area where you rest your head or shoulders. However, this trick won’t work if your mattress is sagging in the middle.
Some mattresses can also be flipped, so that’s an option to consider. Just make sure you have a two-sided model, such as the Saatva Zenhaven or the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm mattress.
#2. Add a Foam Topper
A foam topper can make your mattress firmer or softer, depending on the model. The thicker it is, the bigger the difference in firmness.
Note that mattress toppers are different from mattress pads, which have a thinner profile.
While both products can add an extra layer of comfort, a foam topper is better suited for making saggy areas firmer and more even. Due to its thickness, it may also help reduce motion transfer if you sleep with a partner.
Simply place it on top of your mattress, below the sheets. Ideally, choose a 3-4″ model made of foam rather than cotton, feathers, or wool.Â
#3. Get a Mattress Helper
The Mattress Helper is a polyurethane foam board with raised panels. It goes underneath your mattress, lifting the sagging areas.Â
Alternatively, you can use a piece of plywood, but it may not feel as comfortable.
Our recommendation is to use either product along with a mattress topper. This way, you’ll get the support you need while minimizing the risk of back pain and pressure points.
#4. Sleep with Extra Pillows
If you’re dealing with excessive sagging, use extra pillows to even out the mattress surface. Place them directly under the sagging areas or on top of the mattress, such as under your knees or lower back.
Another option is to sleep with a body pillow, but you may still feel like you’re sinking in. However, the pillow can help distribute your weight more evenly and reduce discomfort.
#5. Invest in a More Supportive Foundation
Sometimes, it’s not the mattress but the foundation or bed frame that’s causing issues.Â
For example, when one or more slats break, they can no longer adequately support the mattress. As a result, your mattress can sink under your weight in the areas corresponding to the damaged slat.Â
In addition, slats that are too thin, too far apart, or too flexible can also fail to provide proper support, resulting in a more dramatic and earlier mattress sagging.
The same goes for box springs and other types of foundations, which can wear out over time and cause that sinking feeling.Â
Is It Time to Replace Your Mattress?
Like most products, mattresses have a limited lifespan and will wear out sooner or later. If yours is over 8-12 years old, it may be time to replace it.
Below are some signs you should get a new mattress rather than “fix” your older one:
- Your mattress has all sorts of lumps
- It makes odd noises when you move during sleep
- It has visible tears, stains, holes, or foul odors
- You wake up feeling tired and achy
- Your allergies are flaring up
If you’re having any of these issues, see our guide on how to choose a mattress.
As a final word, take the steps needed to keep your mattress from sagging—especially if it’s still in good condition.
Rotate it every six to 12 months, use a supportive foundation, and don’t let your kids jump on the bed. Apart from that, consider using a mattress protector to reduce wear and tear.Â
