How to Fix a Sagging Mattress

What Exactly Is a Sagging Mattress? 

Before we delve into how to fix a sagging mattress, let’s find out what it's all about.

A saggy mattress is when some part (usually the middle) of your bed becomes lower than the rest of the mattress. You may hear the term "deflated mattress." If it happens, then you probably have a sagging mattress.

It also depends upon the type of beds you use: box springs, platform beds, or air beds. Even if you purchase an expensive bed frame, there's still no guarantee that the mattress will fit properly and won't sag. Some brands come with built-in adjustments, while others do not.

In fact, even the top-rated hybrid mattresses in Canada can become sagged over time. Unfortunately, one cannot completely predict how long a mattress might last. You could have the same problems within six months to two years after buying a new mattress. This is why it is advisable to check for signs of sagging as soon as possible before any serious damage occurs. 

Finally, you should always check the warranty information before buying a new product; most times, manufacturers offer free repair services on products they sell under their own label. 

Sagging Causes

A common cause of mattress sag is improper storage. Beds should never be stored flat for prolonged periods. Always keep them folded on their sides, rolled up, or stacked vertically. Doing these simple steps during storage will prolong the life of the mattress.

A mattress can look deflated because of worn-out springs, which lead to poor support. When a spring wears out, the coil loses resiliency, causing the mattress to flatten.

Ensure that every bed frame has enough clearance for a full adult body. Keep in mind that heavier people tend to sink into softer materials. 

Low foundations are more susceptible to sags since the center of gravity is closer to the floor. Elevate the foundation by putting extra shims beneath the footboard frames to avoid this. This could cost $50-$200, depending on the size of your house. 

If your mattress has been resting on a platform directly under the foundation, then the entire bed may be sagging. The solution is to move the bed frame onto a level surface such as concrete blocks to sit flat against the wall.

Older mattresses can become sagged as well. Over time, the coils can stretch, making the mattress less firm. Other factors may also affect the way a mattress ages. 

These include the type of material used:

• Innerspring mattresses
• Latex mattresses
• Hybrid mattresses
• Memory foam mattresses
• Polyfoam mattresses

Other factors include the quality of the stitching, the thickness of the mattress cover, whether there is any residue in the seams, and whether the mattress was ever flipped over. Flip-flopping is known to shorten the lifespan of a mattress.  

Ways To Reduce The Effects of Sagging In Mattresses 

Sometimes, sagging can be very difficult to identify. But if you know how to look for signs of sagging, you'll be able to save lots of money while buying a new mattress.

Mattresses aren't cheap — they can range anywhere from $800-$2,500, making them one of the biggest purchases we make as homeowners. After spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a mattress, it's important to do everything possible to prevent further damage. 

To help you save as much as possible, here are four ways to fix a sagging memory foam mattress:

1) Rotate The Mattress

When it comes to mattress maintenance, don't underestimate the power of rotation. It involves turning the mattress periodically throughout the year. While some sleepers like to rotate their mattresses when changing seasons, others prefer to wait until after major and deep cleaning.

It all depends on the individual preference. If you live in a cold climate where you spend most nights sleeping warm, rotating your mattress during winter might not benefit your health. 

However, rotating the mattress just before springtime is ideal in warmer climates. During this process, you're going to want to flip the mattress upside down and shake it vigorously, but gently enough to not bounce the springs off the ground.

2) Get A Mattress Topper 

Mattress toppers are great when looking to fix a sagging memory foam mattress. Toppers come in different varieties. Some are designed to enhance the current mattress design by adding more cushioning.

The best mattress toppers in Canada add comfort through increased airflow. They also improve sleep hygiene by providing temperature regulation, which helps keep the sleeper at the proper body temperature while minimizing the need for blankets (1). Toppers can also be essential tools in cases involving allergies or asthma.

3) Add More Pillows To The Affected Area

If you have a saggy area on your mattress, try placing a few pillows under that region so that it looks like the rest of the mattress has plenty of support. This trick works wonders because it gives the illusion that the entire mattress is fully supported.

4) Fix A Sagging Mattress With plywood

Yes, you can fix a sagging mattress with plywood! It is one of the best things you can do to restore the structural integrity of an old mattress. You can use plywood to increase the stability of your mattress by creating additional layers around areas prone to sagging. 

For example, if you notice that the middle of the bed is more supportive than the sides, you could get yourself a piece of plywood (available at any home improvement store). While it shouldn't be a permanent solution, plywood can allow you additional time before getting a new mattress.