Adjustable Bed Advice
Dip In your mattress? How to fix a sagging middle & avoid back pain
Are you starting to notice sagging or a dip in your mattress, or a sagging middle?
This is common in older mattresses, but you shouldn’t have to live with it.
A sagging mattress prevents proper support and spinal alignment, which can worsen back pain or injury. So, it is important to solve this problem sooner rather than later.
At Oak Tree Mobility, we are here to help.
Read on to learn how to fix a sagging mattress, what causes mattress dips and how to prevent them to avoid further back pain, so you can sleep through the night and enjoy the restorative rest you deserve.
Key takeaways:
- Sagging mattresses can worsen back pain and discomfort.
- Quick fixes can temporarily solve the issue, but the best way to fix a sagging mattress is usually to replace it.
- Choosing the right mattress and well-supported base can prevent future sagging.
Why does my mattress sag or dip in the middle?
If your mattress is sagging or dipping in the middle, it may be due to a variety of reasons, including:
Quality of mattress
The higher the quality of the mattress you choose, the slower it is to start sagging.
A poorly constructed or lower-density mattress may wear out much quicker, and your body will never fully relax if it’s compensating for a lack of support.
Improper foundation
If your bed base is uneven, it can prevent your mattress from being supported evenly and cause a ‘dip’ or sagging effect.
Wide-spaced wooden slats, broken slats, or older bed bases may also not give the support that your mattress needs.
Uneven use and body weight
Foam softening and localised deep compression can happen when the mattress isn’t used evenly – such as repeatedly sleeping in the same position. This creates uneven surface impressions, leading to sagging or ‘dips’ in the mattress.
One way to solve this is to choose the right-sized mattress for your needs and body weight. For a solo sleeper, it could be as simple as choosing a smaller mattress.
Wear and tear
Wear and tear is one of the most common issues. Like anything, the more you use your mattress, the more likely it is to wear over time.
Buying a high-quality mattress can delay signs, but wear is still inevitable. Over time, mattresses can lose their ability to bounce back to a flat surface.
Regularly sitting on the edge of your bed can also place additional pressure on the perimeter of the mattress, contributing to wear over time.
How much sagging is too much?
So, how much should a mattress sag? A mattress dip that exceeds 1.5–2 inches is generally considered too much and can start to affect spinal alignment, comfort and sleep quality.
Mattresses generally last around 7 to 10 years. If your mattress is approaching this and has developed a dip, replacing it may be the best solution. Read more about how often you should replace your mattress.
Quick fixes for a sagging mattress
- Rotate or flip your mattress: Most modern mattresses should be flipped over about 3-6 months. However, make sure it’s a double-sided mattress, as flipping over a single-sided one can cause discomfort.
- Use a firm mattress topper: A topper is a great way to improve surface support and add structural resistance.
- Inspect your bed base: If your bed base is damaged or poorly constructed, it could worsen the sagging. Check the slats and frame and tighten or replace if needed.
- Stuff with pillows: If you are in a pinch and waiting for a new mattress to arrive, placing pillows inside your mattress can even out the surface for a temporary fix.
Please note these are not permanent solutions. The best way to stop a mattress from sagging is to replace it with a new, high-quality mattress.
Which mattress won't sag in the middle? Choosing the right base and mattress together
The mattress is just as important as your bed base when it comes to a comfortable night’s sleep.
That’s why we offer three premium mattress options – including Medical Grade™.
"We're proud to be the UK's first and only direct mobility furniture supplier to offer Mammoth's foam mattresses." - Tom Powell, Co-founder, Oak Tree Mobility.
Designed originally for the healthcare industry and trusted by the UK's leading athletes, Medical Grade™ mattresses have been clinically shown to improve sleep* and provide 46% greater pressure relief. **
*Assessed under the guidance of Prof. Jason Ellis at Northumbria University's Centre for Sleep Research (2012).
**In independent tests by industry experts against leading healthcare beds.
But keep in mind that choosing a mattress is personal. A more active sleeper might prefer a pocket sprung mattress over Medical Grade™, while those looking for more pressure relief could benefit from a memory foam option instead.
It’s also important to make sure your mattress is compatible with your chosen bed base, especially if you’re considering an adjustable bed.
During our free home appointment, we’ll talk you through our options, so you can choose the right base and mattress to suit your needs.
Preventing sagging in future
When sleeping on an old, poorly made mattress on an uneven foundation, sagging is inevitable. However, with a high-quality mattress on a well-supported bed frame, you’re starting from a much better place - and can take actionable tips to help prevent your mattress from sagging in the future:
- Rotating your mattress, if double-sided, every 3-6 months.
- Checking the condition of your bed frame regularly, replacing it if the frame’s slats are broken or damaged.
- Matching your mattress type to your base type, ensuring the mattress is getting adequate support.
- Protecting against moisture with a mattress protector. If liquid gets in, it can cause internal structural damage and accelerate sagging.
FAQs about fixing mattress dips
Why is there a dip in the middle of my mattress?
A dip in your mattress can happen when there is a breakdown of materials within the mattress, or a structural issue with your bedframe that means it's inadequately supported.
How do I fix a mattress with a dent in the middle?
There are some quick fixes you can do to help your mattress become more comfortable to sleep on. However, the only way to stop a mattress from sagging is to replace it with a new, high-quality mattress.
Why is my mattress sagging after only 3 months?
Early sagging of your mattress usually points to a manufacturing fault or wrong base pairing, not normal wear, and is worth a warranty check.
What is the average lifespan of a mattress?
The lifespan of your mattress depends on the type of mattress. We recommend replacing your mattress every 6-8 years for the best comfort and support.
What are signs that you need a new mattress?
Signs you might need a mattress include waking up at night, experiencing aches and pains, unevenness, seeing signs of wear such as stains and rips on the surface, worsening allergies, overheating in bed, an unpleasant smell, or noisy springs.
What are the symptoms of a bad mattress?
A bad mattress is one that doesn’t give you the comfort and support you need.
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain while sleeping, it might be a good idea to consider upgrading to a new, higher-quality mattress.
What kind of mattress won't sag in the middle?
At Oak Tree Mobility, we pride ourselves on delivering the best quality in every product we make – and that includes our mattresses.
Every adjustable bed comes with a choice of mattress that best suits your needs, helping you get the restorative, quality rest you deserve.
Seeking better comfort at night? Speak to the team at Oak Tree Mobility.
Our friendly mobility experts are on hand to help you at every stage of your comfort journey. From choosing the right size bed to finding the mattress that best supports your needs, call us on 0808 258 0508 or request a FREE brochure to discover more about our complete made-to-fit furniture range.
Sources and references
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-fix-a-sagging-mattress
https://www.homesandgardens.com/sleep/how-to-fix-a-sagging-mattress
https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/signs-your-mattress-needs-replacing-aqDB10w5nPrw
