Recently, I sat on the edge of my bed and noticed that my mattress sagged and sloped towards the floor. Generally, mattresses need to be replaced every six to ten years, so what was wrong with my two-year-old mattress? After doing some research I learned that my mattress’s edge collapsed.
My mattress edge collapsed. What are my options?
Unfortunately, there are very few options to fix a collapsed edge on a mattress. Most people decide to buy a new mattress with better edge support to avoid the problem in the future.
What Causes a Mattress Edge to Collapse?
There are several reasons why a mattress edge will begin to collapse. The main cause is normal wear and tear. Depending on your habits, the edge of your mattress generally takes more direct and focused pressure than the middle areas where you lie down.
I tend to sit on the edge of my mattress when I am putting my shoes on or talking on the phone. I put my laundry basket on the edge of my bed when I fold clean clothes. I also have two dogs that like to jump up on my bed, often landing on the edges with force. All of these daily habits are slowly wearing down the edges of my mattresses which will eventually lead to a collapsed edge.
In addition to your daily habits and normal wear and tear, there are several other reasons why your mattress edges might give out.
Mattress Quality and Construction
The type of mattress you have, how well it was constructed, and the quality of materials used, will determine how much stress the mattress edges can withstand. Unfortunately, some mattresses are made without edge reinforcement which results in the mattress losing its shape and experiencing edge collapses earlier than it should.
Unlink center sagging which can be mitigated fairly easily, there is very little that can be done to protect your mattress edges. Lower quality foam and spring coil mattresses tend to have more edge collapse issues. Higher quality mattresses will have better edge support built in and that is something you should look for when you are shopping for a new mattress.
It is also important to consider what kind of bedframe and box spring and you will have your mattress on. If your mattress isn’t properly supported as advised by the manufacturer, even the best quality product will eventually fail.
Excessive Weight or Excessive Force
Mattresses are designed to handle a set amount of weight and if you exceed this weight, your mattress will begin to break down. Do you have kids that like to jump on your bed? Excessive force will also cause the mattress to the deteriorate more quickly.
Sleeping Position
If you and your partner like to cuddle at night, you may be putting an uneven amount of weight on a certain side of the bed. Uneven pressure distribution can lead to the edge that is supporting more weight to collapse.
Sharing the Bed
If you are anything like me, you can’t resist having your four-legged best friend climb into bed with you. A heavy dog will add to the weight your mattress is supporting. If your pup likes to sleep on one edge of the bed like at the foot; the constant pressure could cause the edge of your mattress to collapse.
Sitting on the Edge of the Bed
As I admitted earlier, the more I thought about it, the more I realized how much extra pressure I was putting on the edges of my mattress. Whether I was putting on shoes before work, texting a friend, folding laundry, or packing for a trip with a heavy suitcase situated on the edge of my bed, my mattress was enduring more wear and tear than I realized.
Choosing the Right Mattress with Strong Edge Support
The type of edge support you need to look for in a new mattress depends on what kind of mattress you want to buy. A foam core mattress requires a high quality, firm, solid foam edge while an innerspring mattress needs a steel perimeter frame or butterfly side supports. Edge supports act as a load-bearing wall to your mattress.
A thicker mattress, although more expensive, will generally be better constructed and less susceptible to edge collapses. You should always test the sides of the mattress and ask the salesperson about the construction. Reading reviews about the mattress you are thinking about buying and checking to see if the mattress specifically mentions edge support is also a good idea.
How to Prevent Mattress Edge Collapse
There are a few precautions you can take to add to the longevity of your mattress—even if it has already started to sag and you aren’t ready to purchase a new one.
When I noticed my mattress edges sagging, I added a mattress topper to my bed. This provided me with an additional layer of comfort and a more even sleeping surface. Although a mattress topper isn’t a permanent fix, it will buy me some time before I have to replace my mattress.
When searching for the perfect mattress topper, consider how badly your mattress is sagging. The worse condition of the mattress, the thicker topper you will want to purchase.
Regularly rotating your mattress is another way to prevent significant sagging. When you rotate your mattress, you are changing the areas that experience the most pressure and giving these parts of your mattress a break. It is recommended that you rotate your mattress every three to six months to prevent sagging. Even if your mattress is already experiencing sagging, regular rotation can help slow down the process.
Why is it Important to Keep your Mattress in Good Condition?
When a mattress has a collapsed edge or any sort of sagging, it can greatly affect your sleep quality. Lack of support can keep you up at night or cause you to wake up sore in the morning. If your mattress edge does collapse, unfortunately there isn’t much you can do to fix the issue. This is why prevention, regular care, and investing in a quality mattress is so important.
Related Questions:
Can a Sagging Mattress Cause Back Pain?
Yes. A mattress that is sagging and not offering you enough support will cause your spine to fall out of alignment while you sleep. This can result in back pain and soreness in the morning. If you go to bed feeling good and wake up sore, it is a good indication there is something wrong with your mattress.
Do Mattress Warranties Cover Sagging?
Most warranties will cover excessive premature sagging in your mattress. It is normal for a mattress to begin to sag with some time or for small indentations to form where you sleep. However, excessive sagging is the number one sign of a mattress defect. Contact your manufacturer to inquire about their warranty and how to determine if the sagging in your mattress is significant.
How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?
Generally, if you purchase a quality mattress and take care of it, your mattress should last you between six and ten years. If you feel like your mattress is sagging though, you may need to replace it sooner.
