Do you generally wake up with a stiff spine, hip pain, or sore back? The reason could be your pillow mattress. Most of us ignore backache because it can be caused by several reasons.
However, there could be a problem if you notice that the stiffness or pain goes away as the day passes.
Look for sagging spots on your pillow mattress. An uneven sleep surface causes stiffness because it never allows your spine to rest naturally.
We sleep for around 6 to 9 hours every day. Out-of-shape spine for such long durations makes negative impacts on your blood flow and muscles.
Why do mattresses sag?
Mattress sags due to multiple reasons. We have mentioned some common ones here.
Regular wear and tear: Frequent usage is one of the primary causes of pillow-top mattress sagging. Significant pressure every night softens the cushion after some weeks of usage.
This softening results in a lack of support and sagging.
Low-grade built material: The longevity of a pillow mattress depends upon the quality of materials used to manufacture it. If the cushion is made of poor substances, it will sag after a few days.
Some manufacturers use inexpensive materials to reduce production costs and increase profits. Such products sag after a few weeks of frequent usage.
Inadequate foundation: Low-grade foundation is another reason for early mattress sagging. The base supports the upper layers of a mattress and prevents sagging.
Hence, you should inspect the base or foundation material before purchasing a new mattress. Also, check the warranty.
Spillage or liquid penetration: Moisture can damage several layers of your mattress, which results in sagging. Generally, such accidents are not covered under warranty.
So, use a waterproof mattress protector. The protector is easy to wash and keeps your mattress safe for multiple spillages in the future.
How to fix a sagging pillow-top mattress?
Most pillow mattresses cannot be flipped. So, try to rotate your bed. Flip the cushion if it’s two-sided. Your weight distribution will improve after this step and could also even the cushion.
Check the box spring for any damage or weak spots. Try the given steps if you cannot find any broken parts.
Fix a sagging mattress using plywood
You can use plywood to fix minor sagging. It also works if your mattress needs extra support in particular areas. The ply also increases the lifespan of your cushion.
Take out the sheets and find the gaps where the cushion has lost its original form if you cannot trace the sagging spots. Use a ruler or something similar for this step. The area loses its smoothness once you sleep over it regularly. Apply the plywood after identifying the weak spots. Follow the given steps.
- Take measurements: The first step is to measure the sagging spots. Make sure the plywood fits these areas. If not, then cut it accordingly. Use AB or BC soft plywood.
- Place the plywood: Lift the cushion to see the innerspring frame. Place the plywood sheet and test your mattress. Make sure the bed is comfortable and supportive.
- Test the mattress: Check for squeaking sounds. If you cannot hear any noises, then the plywood is placed appropriately. The sagging partially disappears once you follow this step.
Fix a sagging mattress using a topper
You can fix slight mattress sagging with the help of a topper. It’s effective if you sleep alone or if you are not over or lightweight. Keep in mind that a topper makes your mattress soft. So, pick something according to your required firmness level.
A mattress topper adds more comfort so that you can enjoy a sound sleep. Plus, it’s easy to use. Place the topper on your mattress and experience the added coziness. Plus, it also improves the edge support of your mattress.
Fix a sagging mattress by replacing the foundation
A weak foundation can also result in the sagging of your mattress. A foundation with less than six legs generally causes sagging in the upper layers.
Plus, a foundation built with slats also results in sagging. The areas in between the slats are prone to sagging because of the low support underneath.
Fix a sagging mattress with the help of extra pillows
You can use extra pillows in the spots where your mattress is uneven. The pillows offer extra support and shape retention. So, you can use them under your legs, hips, and back.
Check the warranty
Explore the mattress’s warranty coverage if it’s sagging. If such damages are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, then your mattress will be repaired without any extra charges.
You can also get a replacement if the sinking cannot be fixed.
Frequently asked questions
How to fix a sagging mattress?
As we discussed above, you can rotate the pillow top mattress, use a topper, apply plywood or replace its base to prevent sagging. You can also use extra pillows under your hip, back, or legs to reduce the impacts of an uneven sleep surface.
Why does a pillowtop mattress sink in the middle?
Inadequate support in the central area results in mattress sinkage in the middle. Such problems generally happen with thick cushions. The coil spring-based mattresses also sink after frequent usage because the springs cannot bounce back to their original shapes.
When to replace your mattress?
The strategies explained in this post are temporary solutions to a sagging pillow-top mattress. So, you need to replace the cushion if the sagging persists. Generally, a mattress needs replacement after every 6 to 10 years. However, the duration reduces in case of excess sagging.
Conclusion
Sagging is one of the most common problems if you use a pillow-top mattress. But now you know some effective ways to get rid of such troubles.
A pillow-top mattress is better than regular cushions because the former relaxes the pressure points on your spine. But, it can also cause pain in your spinal cord to disturb your lifestyle.
Try to purchase a pillow-top mattress manufactured by a reputed brand. Also, make sure the bed is made of high-quality materials and a strong base.
Change your sleeping position after some days to keep the mattress even. Follow the above-mentioned methods to deal with sagging.
