Common Mattress Problems and How to Solve Them

Even quality mattresses can develop problems over time, and sometimes issues emerge that you weren't expecting. Before rushing to replace your mattress, it's worth understanding what's causing the problem and whether there's a solution. Many common mattress complaints have relatively simple fixes, while others indicate that it's genuinely time for a replacement. This guide helps you diagnose common mattress issues and determine the best course of action.

Sagging and Body Impressions

The most common mattress complaint is sagging—when the sleep surface develops visible dips or depressions, typically where the heaviest parts of your body rest. Body impressions differ slightly from sagging: they're indentations that form in foam materials but may not indicate structural failure.

Understanding the Difference

Normal body impressions: Memory foam and some hybrid mattresses naturally develop shallow impressions (typically 2-3cm) where you regularly sleep. This is the foam conforming to your body and isn't necessarily a defect. These impressions usually don't affect support.

Problematic sagging: Deep impressions (4cm or more), sagging that affects your spinal alignment, or depression that occurs across the entire sleeping surface indicates the mattress has lost structural integrity.

Solutions for Sagging

• Rotate your mattress: If you haven't been rotating regularly, doing so can sometimes redistribute the wear and reduce the severity of impressions
• Check your foundation: Sagging is sometimes caused by inadequate support from the bed base. Ensure slats are intact and properly spaced, and that the frame is level
• Use a mattress topper: A quality topper can add surface comfort over mild sagging, though it won't fix structural issues
• File a warranty claim: If sagging exceeds warranty thresholds, you may be entitled to a replacement or credit
• Replace the mattress: Significant sagging usually means the mattress has reached the end of its useful life

Sleeping Hot

Heat retention is a common complaint, particularly with memory foam mattresses. If you're waking sweaty or uncomfortable, several factors may be at play.

Why Mattresses Sleep Hot

• Dense foam materials trap body heat rather than allowing airflow
• Waterproof mattress protectors can reduce breathability
• Non-breathable bedding compounds the problem
• Room temperature and humidity contribute significantly

Solutions for Overheating

• Switch to breathable bedding: Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and bamboo wick moisture and allow airflow better than synthetics
• Choose a breathable protector: Some waterproof protectors are more breathable than others. Look for options specifically designed for temperature regulation
• Use a cooling topper: Gel-infused or latex toppers can add a cooler layer between you and a heat-retaining mattress
• Improve room conditions: Lower the thermostat, use fans, or consider air conditioning during hot months
• Next mattress choice: When replacing, prioritise innerspring, latex, or hybrids with good airflow if heat is a concern

Squeaking and Noise

A mattress that creaks, squeaks, or makes noise when you move can seriously disrupt sleep. The source of the noise determines the solution.

Identifying the Noise Source

• Mattress itself: Innerspring mattresses can develop squeaky springs over time. Foam mattresses rarely make noise
• Bed frame: Often the real culprit—loose bolts, worn joints, or metal-on-metal contact
• Foundation or slats: Wooden slats can squeak against the frame, and box springs can develop internal noise
• Floor: Occasionally, the floor beneath the bed causes noise that seems to come from the mattress

Solutions for Noise

• Tighten all connections: Check and tighten every bolt, screw, and connector on your bed frame
• Lubricate joints: Apply furniture wax or silicone lubricant to metal-on-metal contact points
• Add felt pads: Place felt or rubber pads between slats and frame to reduce friction noise
• Check mattress placement: Ensure the mattress sits squarely on the foundation with no overhang
• Replace worn parts: Sometimes the frame, slats, or foundation need replacement rather than the mattress

Edge Support Collapse

Edge support refers to how well a mattress maintains its structure when you sit or sleep near the edges. Poor edge support makes the mattress feel smaller and can make getting in and out of bed difficult.

Why Edges Fail

Edge breakdown often occurs because:

• Regularly sitting on the edge when getting dressed or putting on shoes concentrates weight on a small area
• Lower-quality mattresses may lack reinforced edges
• Foam mattresses generally have weaker edges than innerspring or hybrid models

Solutions for Edge Issues

• Avoid sitting on edges: Use a chair for activities that involve sitting on the bed edge
• Rotate more frequently: Rotating helps distribute edge wear
• Consider a bed frame with side rails: These can provide some containment support
• Next purchase: Look for mattresses with reinforced edges, particularly if edge support matters to you

Odours and Off-Gassing

New mattresses, especially those using foam materials, often emit odours when first unpacked. This off-gassing is usually harmless but can be unpleasant.

Understanding Off-Gassing

Off-gassing occurs when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) trapped during manufacturing are released. Bed-in-a-box mattresses, which are compressed for shipping, may have more initial odour. Most off-gassing dissipates within a few days to a week.

Reducing Off-Gassing

• Unpack the mattress in a well-ventilated area if possible
• Allow the mattress to air out for 24-72 hours before sleeping on it
• Open windows and use fans to increase air circulation
• Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress, let sit for several hours, then vacuum

Feeling Too Firm or Too Soft

Sometimes a mattress that seemed perfect in the showroom or during the trial period becomes uncomfortable. Before concluding the mattress is wrong for you, consider these factors:

Adjustment Period

Most mattresses need 30-60 days to break in, and your body needs time to adjust from your old sleep surface. A mattress that initially feels too firm may soften as materials loosen, and your body may adapt to a different firmness than you're used to.

Solutions for Firmness Issues

If too firm:

• Give it time—new mattresses often soften with use
• Add a soft topper (memory foam or plush foam) to add cushioning
• Check your foundation—a very rigid base can make some mattresses feel firmer

If too soft:

• Ensure your foundation provides adequate support
• Add a firm topper (latex or high-density foam) to create a firmer surface
• If sagging is the issue, address that separately

Allergens and Dust Mites

Mattresses can harbour allergens including dust mites, dead skin cells, and mould—all potential triggers for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Prevention and Treatment

• Use allergen-proof encasements: Full encasement covers (not just protectors) seal the mattress against allergens
• Wash bedding in hot water: Weekly washing at 55°C or higher kills dust mites
• Vacuum regularly: Use a HEPA-filter vacuum on the mattress monthly
• Control humidity: Keeping humidity below 50% discourages dust mites and mould
• Consider replacement: Very old mattresses may have accumulated allergens that can't be adequately addressed

When to Replace Rather Than Repair

Not every problem can be solved. Consider replacement when:

• The mattress is over 8-10 years old
• Sagging exceeds 4cm or affects your sleep quality
• You consistently sleep better elsewhere
• You wake with pain or stiffness that improves after getting up
• Visible wear, stains, or structural damage is present
• No combination of toppers or adjustments solves the problem

A mattress is a significant investment, but it's also an investment in your health. When repair and adjustment no longer provide comfortable, supportive sleep, replacement is the right choice.