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How Do I Fix a Sagging Mattress?
There are several ways to fix a sagging mattress depending on the source of the problem, including replacing the box frame, supporting the mattress with blankets, and getting it replaced by its warranty. In some cases, the box frame is so damaged that it cannot properly hold up the mattress anymore, in which case it needs replacement. Sometimes the mattress itself is broken, but it can be padded using blankets until you can comfortably afford to buy a new mattress. In addition, if you still have your proof of purchase, your mattress might qualify for replacement under its original warranty, so contact the manufacturer to inquire.
Sometimes a sagging mattress is caused by the supportive box spring that holds it up. Check the box spring for broken, rotting, or warped boards. The box spring can develop a problem over time and not be noticed until there is an obvious problem with the mattress’s comfort. For example, an excessive amount of moisture can accumulate because of a leak, thereby slowly rotting the boards of the box spring. You can fix this problem by sealing any leaks, purchasing an entirely new box spring, or at least replacing the damaged boards.
If the box spring of a sagging mattress seems intact, the problem may lie with the mattress itself. In the case of spring mattresses, which are mattresses containing hundreds of springs to support the body, some springs might be broken. You can usually tell when springs are broken by removing all covers from the bed and looking at the mattress. Springs often start to break in the middle of the bed or wherever the most pressure is applied on a regular basis. Fixing the springs is usually not a financially smart move, so many people fold a blanket to place on the broken area to pad it.
A good majority of mattresses come with a warranty to guarantee they last a certain number of years. If you still have the receipt to the mattress or other proof of purchase, contact the manufacturer to request a replacement. In general, they will likely refuse to replace the mattress for several specific reasons: either you do not have the receipt, the mattress is not sagging enough to meet replacement requirements, or the mattress’s age exceeds the warranty’s guarantee. Some manufacturers are well known for failing to fix a sagging mattress even when it meets requirements, so try to research their background before buying a new mattress.
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![A sagging mattress can be replaced if it is still under warranty.]()
By: karam miriA sagging mattress can be replaced if it is still under warranty. -
![It's important to sleep on a mattress that supports the spine and keeps it aligned.]()
By: WavebreakMediaMicroIt's important to sleep on a mattress that supports the spine and keeps it aligned. -
![A sagging mattress may cause some people to experience neck pain.]()
By: vladimirfloydA sagging mattress may cause some people to experience neck pain. -
![A mattress can make all the difference when it comes to achieving a good night's sleep.]()
By: Monkey BusinessA mattress can make all the difference when it comes to achieving a good night's sleep.
Discussion Comments
If you can sew or have a friend who can, you can also make a "topper". 1) Measure the length and width of the depression on your mattress. 2) calculate how much fabric you need to make your topper cover (an old queen or king size flat sheet can be used for this, depending on the size of the depression on your mattress). Basically, you will be making an envelope that is only about 4 to 6 inches longer and wider than the depression in your mattress.
3) Once you made the envelope with fabric, you can stuff it with pillow stuffing which you can buy or if you have old pillows around pop them open and get the stuffing for you topper. You must stuff it very taught but shallow . 4) Set your topper on the bed under the fitted sheet (the one with the elastic on the corners) making sure its centered over the depression. 5) Now it's ready to use.
If you are really crafty, you could make the topper fit the curvatures of your body regardless of your usual sleep position. Just have someone measure the areas where there's space between your body and the topper. I'm a back sleeper and doing this has worked for me. Saved me from having to buy a new mattress. Good luck!
@burcidi-- I second the memory foam idea. You can use a regular memory foam and cut it up as you like. Or they sell mattress toppers especially for sagging that's made of memory foam in stores. A very thin sheet of wood on top of the box spring is also effective. If you have neither, you can place thin pillows underneath the mattress.
The most ideal solution is prevention. Sagging can be prevented by rotating a new mattress every month.
@burcidi-- You can place memory foam or a piece of cardboard between the mattress and the box spring. Just place it where there is a dip and it will provide extra support there so you can lie on it more comfortably.
There are also certain products that can be placed underneath the mattress and air pumped to get rid of sagging but I'm not sure if you would want to invest in one of those.
It might also help to turn the mattress over if it's a double-sided mattress. The other side might not have sagged so badly.
I can't afford to change my sagging mattress right now and I don't have any extra blankets. It's very annoying to sleep on. What can I do?
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