Why You Should Fix Mattress Sagging As Soon As Possible?

When you notice that your mattress is developing an obvious dip or dent, it is called sagging, and it is usually at the parts where the heaviest parts of the body lie, such as hips or shoulders, where the biggest force on a bed is. 

Some companies add the terms in a warranty that around 1-1.5 inches sagging, then the mattress should be replaced for free. 

The usual causes of the sagging mattress

Even the strongest mattress sag after a certain amount of heavy usage. Normally there is the saying that a mattress lifespan is around 7-8 years, no matter how durable its material is, 8 years would be a reasonable threshold. We have covered an in-depth about this topic, see here. 

Mostly, the mattress sags because of heavy or prolonged usage, uneven weight distribution, ill maintenance of the mattress, improper foundation, or inadequate care. 

We have covered how to match your foundation with your mattress here. And how to maintain your mattress here. 

In the following, we will list out some possible reasons that your mattress sag a bit too much or too early. 

1. Uneven sleeping positions

Whether you sleep alone, with your partner, or with a pet, if you sleep on one side of the mattress every day, it puts all the pressure on one place only, which easily causes the spot in particular to sag. 

If you spoon with your partner or cuddle in one position all night, every day, that point of the mattress is likely to sag.

If you have a pet companion, their routine spot is likely to sag also. 

The mattress sags mostly where your shoulders and hips lie because of your body weight.

2. Inadequate support

When your mattress doesn't get enough support either from the foundation, it's likely to sag in some areas. Especially for the larger sizes such as queen and king-size beds, which require proper support. If there are weaker spots in the mattress, especially in the middle parts, they are likely to sag. 

It's wise to invest in quality beds frames, foundations, and quality mattresses. Also, if any part of the bed is broken, consider repairing it as soon as possible to avoid further sagging. 

3. Normal wear or tear

Eventually, your mattress will wear out. Whether it's latex, foam mattress, or spring mattress. For instance, the springs might lose their firmness to bounce back when you sleep on them. As for the foam and latex mattresses, they can become moldable as the materials compress from prolonged use.

How to avoid or fix sagging

Regular inspection of the mattress for dents

Make sure you evaluate the status of your mattress frequently. And be aware that you can flip the mattress every three to six months. We have also covered this topic here. 

Of course, you need to confirm with the manufacturer that it's advisable to flip the mattress before doing it. 

1. Change sleeping positions

If you sleep on one side of the bed, try to alternate to the other side occasionally. 

When sharing the bed with your partner, also try to alternate sleeping sides. These will help avoid having one side sag, maybe because of the weight of one person or the both of you.

2. Add necessary support

Box spring usually helps as a good foundation. It gives enough support to your mattress and prolongs its lifespan. A good foundation makes the mattress last, especially when it comes to a foam mattress. 

Also, always replace any broken parts of the bed immediately to ensure correct balancing.

3. Add a mattress topper

Using a mattress topper could protect your mattress well, keep it clean, and always ready if you need to return or for anything warranty-related. 

Adding a topper creates an even surface, provides extra support, and extends the lifespan of the mattress. 

A mattress topper is also an extra layer of comfort, for contouring, cooling properties, and better pressure relief. They are usually inexpensive but quite useful in addition to the support of the mattress. 

We have covered extensively the topic of the topper here. 

Now, we come to discuss what problem mattress sagging will cause if you do not resolve them in time. 

Problems and harms

Sleeping on a saggy mattress can be more harmful than you think. You might think let’s get by for a while, but very soon, you will notice the decrease of the sleeping quality, wake up in pain or aches, and possibly a nightmare. 

1. Back pain

As a mattress age and begins to wear out, it starts to sag in the middle. So rather than sleeping on a flat, comfortable surface, you end up sleeping on one that’s awkwardly curved in the middle, it might be similar to sleeping in a hole.

Chiropractors agree that sleeping on an old mattress is a recipe for chronic back pain. That can mean tossing and turning through the night to find a more comfortable sleeping position, or simply waking up the next morning feeling stiff and sore.

Over time, the back pain would not be gone in a day, it is harder to be digested during the night, which will lead to a vicious circle. 

The pain itself can make it harder to sleep at night, which can create a vicious cycle of discomfort and exhaustion.  

Strategically placed pillows can help you find short-term relief: Place them under your knees if you sleep on your back, or between your knees if you sleep on your side.

2. Weight gain

You will be surprised to gain weight after a few nights of restlessness and deteriorated sleep. A sagging mattress reduces your sleeping quality which will mess up your metabolism and slows down your immune system. 

In this case, you will be craving for fuel, which prompts you to eat whatever it is that you can think of just to sustain your energy levels, and gain weight as a result.

3. Difficulty in recalling and storing memories

Another reason to stress how important good quality sleep is. There have been tests showing that those who missed a good night's rest are incapable of solving the same problem as those who slept well are.

4. Depression

One of the worst effects of not being able to sleep well at night will be a decrease in your mental state. People seldomly realize that a lack of sleep is likely to cause bad moods and even depression within this vicious cycle. 

Pay attention to the quality of your mattress today and now. If you do not have a 100% happy mattress yet, do the action and the positivity it brings will surprise you.