Do Memory Foam Mattresses Sag? Let’s Find Out

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A comfortable memory foam mattress distributes your weight evenly across every square inch, giving you pressure-point relief. Fitting snugly around the spine and hips, it is an excellent option for those who suffer from back pain, hip pain, or arthritis.

There’s no denying the level of comfort and support that comes with sleeping on a memory foam mattress. Often touted as the perfect mattress because of its ability to return to its original shape, do memory foam mattresses sag?

What Is a Comfortable Memory Foam Mattress Made Of?

Designed to embody the feel of sleeping on a cloud, the foam material used in memory foam mattresses is soft, pliable, and fits your body like a glove.

Memory foam mattress materials are made of either polyurethane (PU) or latex foam. Although both provide comfort layers, PU foam tends to be softer and more flexible than latex.

Open-cell and closed-cell foam are the two types of foam used to manufacture these mattresses. They differ in several ways.

For one, open-cell polyurethane mattress material is usually softer and provides a more comfortable sleep. However, it tends to sag over time. On the other hand, closed-cell mattresses are firmer and less likely to sag. The problem is that they aren’t as breathable and tend to be out of many people’s price range.

Do Memory Foam Mattresses Sag?

Memory foam beds are designed to provide support and comfort. They come with many foam layers. They also have various features that include adjustable firmness, cooling properties, and regulation of temperature.

This supportive mattress is often recognized as being better than other traditional mattresses because it offers more significant levels of soothing pressure relief that others just don’t. However, some consumers claim that a memory foam mattress loses its shape and becomes less supportive.

This leads many to ask, “Do memory foam mattresses sag?” The simple answer is yes, but the fact of the matter is that all mattresses sag over time.

While many factors contribute to a saggy mattress, a comfortable memory foam mattress is the most durable. It also supports exceptional sleep quality. Perhaps the question should be, “What’s the difference between sag and body impressions?

How Is a Mattress Sag Different From Your Body Impression?

The mattress industry considers a mattress is already sagging when there is more than a one-inch distance between a flat board or yardstick lying on the mattress and its surface. In contrast, your body’s impression appears in areas where your body weight compresses the mattress’s layers, creating an uneven surface.

Actually, memory foam beds are made to form around your body, giving you pressure-point relief. Therefore, seeing your body’s impression is normal and desirable. That said, if your memory foam bed is sagging by more than an inch, there are some things you should know.

How Does Foam Density Relate to Mattress Sagging?

A foam mattress’s sag is directly proportional to its foam density. In other words, the higher the foam’s density, the more durable and sag-resistant it is.

Foam mattress models come in low, medium, and high-density. Typically, low-density foam mattresses are used minimally because they are not as durable and sag-resistant. Low-density foams are often used in cheaper mattresses.

In comparison, medium-density foam mattresses may be suitable for the average everyday person. They are good for a stomach sleeper, a side sleeper, and lighter body types.

High-density foam mattresses are high-quality mattresses. They are firmer, more durable, and, therefore, more sag-resistant. For these reasons, they are better suited for those with back problems and heavy people. 

While way more expensive than lower-density mattresses, they do sag slower, making them a good investment in the long run.

learn if do memory foam mattresses sag

What Causes a Memory Foam Mattress to Sag?

There are several reasons a memory foam mattress sags over time. To find out if you can remedy the issue or prevent it from happening again, it would help to learn about these possible causes.

Mattress Thickness

Thinner types of mattresses sag more because there are fewer supportive layers. In comparison, thicker mattresses that often come with a special comfort layer are more sag-resistant.

A high-quality memory foam mattress with more than 10 inches of thickness offers the highest level of protection from sag.

Extra Weight

When it comes to extra weight, there is really nothing you can do to slow down the progression of sag. However, for those weighing more than 250 pounds, expect more compression over time. Naturally, spending a lot of time in your bed will also cause your mattress to sag more quickly.

Lack of Support

The bottom layer, also called the support layer, is the section of the mattress that prevents you from sinking too far in. More importantly, it helps the mattress keep its shape. Poor support will cause a faster sag.

Wrong Foundation

The type of foundation and bed frame are critical to a mattress’s sag. The bed frame usually consists of four panels, legs, a headboard, and a footboard.

Meanwhile, the foundation is made of either a sheet of plywood or individual slats that rest on top of the bed frame. Gravity can force the mattress down through the slats of an improper frame, resulting in premature sagging.

Are There Ways To Prevent Your Mattress From Sagging?

There are tricks you can do to prevent your foam mattress from sagging. Here are ones we’ve personally tried and tested:

Change sleeping positions.

Many people sleep in the same position night after night. If a sagging foam mattress is a significant concern for you, try changing your sleeping positions every week or switching sides with your partner every other night.

Rotate it.

Swapping the foot of the mattress with the head every six months will limit memory foam sagging and prolong the life of your mattress.

Strengthen your mattress foundation.

Using a foundation with more than four legs will adequately support the middle of the mattress, preventing premature sagging. A sturdy, supportive foundation will help stop mattress sag by providing a solid base.

Are There Ways to Remedy a Sagging Foam Mattress?

After taking these preventive measures, you still may feel yourself sinking further and further into your mattress. So, what should you do? Before replacing your sagging foam mattress, you might want to consider the following remedies.

Add a memory foam mattress topper or mattress pad.

Probably the easiest way to remedy a sagging foam mattress is by adding a mattress topper. Memory foam toppers are equipped with the same properties as your memory foam mattress. This leads to a similar feel that can instantly improve your sleeping comfort.

Moreover, a mattress pad protects you from dust mites and allergens but can also help prevent everyday wear and tear.

Bolster your foam mattress with additional support.

Adding more support to an improper frame will aid in securing the bed frame by filling in the space between the slats. Completely filling the gaps will be your best bet.

Rotate your mattress regularly.

Rotating your foam mattress is both a preventive measure and a remedy. Sleeping in the same spot night after night creates an unpreventable dip. Therefore, rotating the mattress might help remedy your old saggy mattress.

What about your mattress’s warranty?

When all else fails, and you think it might be time to consider replacing your saggy mattress, check your warranty first.

Mattresses typically come with a mattress warranty that covers premature sagging due to a defect in the foam. The coverage can be different depending on the manufacturer, so check your warranty to determine what is covered and what is not.

Are Memory Foam Mattresses Worth Their Price Tag?

Yes. When you need maximum comfort and a restful, re-energizing night’s sleep, nothing compares to a memory foam mattress. It is excellent for side sleepers and those with lower body weights who are back and stomach sleepers.

A high-quality, durable mattress that gives you proper spine alignment will allow your body to rest completely, especially after a hard day’s work. Therefore, if you’re looking for a new mattress, you may want to consider investing in a classic memory foam mattress.

The problem is that a comfortable memory foam mattress may not be within everyone’s price range. However, approaching the purchase as an investment in your well-being that will last more than 10 years is priceless.

Many nights of healthy sleep on a bed that resists memory foam sagging will benefit you for years to come. If foam sagging is a big issue for you, one common solution is getting a hybrid mattress instead.

What Are Hybrid Mattresses?

Hybrid mattresses combine the spring coils of traditional mattresses with the foam layers of memory foam mattresses. They are more desirable for couples and sleepers who change sleeping positions through the night.

A hybrid model will last longer because they have the bounce and adequate airflow of a spring mattress. In addition, they also offer the pressure point relief and the superb motion isolation of a memory foam mattress.

As you can imagine, they will last longer because they are more sag resistant. That said, some companies use the word “hybrid” as a marketing term and not a mattress type, so please be careful when purchasing a hybrid model.

Getting a Memory Foam Bed

To be fair, all mattress types sag over time. Some last longer, while thinner and cheaper ones will give up sooner. A good-quality memory foam mattress is an investment, but it is one of the most important purchases you can make with your hard-earned money.

It is the best option for anyone who suffers from back pain, hip pain, arthritis, and other physical ailments. By distributing your weight evenly and giving you relief, it may very well be the only thing missing in your life.

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