How To Measure Mattress Sag? Easy Step-by-step Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
18 min read

If you are experiencing pain in your body, it may be time to learn how to assess mattress sag because a sinking mattress may be the cause.

Is morning stiffness and back discomfort getting you down? In some cases, age is irrelevant.

Why do you need to know how much your bed has sagged and what causes it?

Basically, you should be able to use these things to get a good night’s rest with ease and support.

You can’t get a decent night’s rest on a sagging mattress, which is bad for your health overall.

Knowing what causes the sag will help you avoid it.

5 Benefits of A Good Mattress

1. Achieve Adequate, Quality Nighttime Sleep

The major benefit of a good mattress over a bad one is that you always get a decent night’s sleep or nap. Feeling supported in the back and alleviated from pressure points is possible, as can pressure point alleviation, depending on the mattress type.

One’s sleep should be enhanced by a quality mattress, not disrupted. It may be time to replace your mattress if you are constantly tossing and turning, having trouble falling asleep, or waking up in pain. If you suffer from persistent back pain, go here now to read about the mattresses doctors suggest most.

How to Measure Mattress Sag in 5 Steps | Texas Mattress Makers

2. Promote Good Form and Posture

Everyone has their own unique sleeping position, and they may not even realize it. If you have the correct mattress, you can keep or restore your body’s natural alignment. If you sleep in the same position night after night, it’s crucial that you have a mattress that supports healthy alignment.

For instance, those who sleep on their sides are more likely to experience back pain because the fetal posture increases pressure on the spine and neck. In addition, as it will be forced down against the mattress, it may cause discomfort to the arms and shoulders by cutting off circulation to those areas. Stress on your organs is also increased when you sleep on your right side.

As luck would have it, side sleepers are taken care of by memory foam mattresses. The sensitive nature of the material might help to support proper spinal alignment and alleviate pressure in key areas. However, your spine and joints may suffer if you choose a mattress that isn’t designed for side sleepers. When looking for a mattress, it’s important to consider how you prefer to sleep.

3. Keep Your Mental and Emotional Health in Check

The quality of your sleep might be severely disrupted by a mattress that isn’t up to par. There may be a few restless evenings at first, but if you continue to sleep on an uncomfortable mattress, you may find that you are unable to get enough shut-eye. Sleep deprivation has been related to a variety of negative outcomes, both short and long term, and can have a significant impact on your mental and emotional well-being.

Some of the most prevalent psychological and emotional consequences of insufficient sleep are as follows:

  • Idleness and lack of focus and awareness.
  • Effects include sleepiness and yawning during the day.
  • Induces a state of emotional instability and agitation.
  • Increases the severity of mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADD/ADHD (ADHD).
  • Induces dysfunctional thinking and poor performance.

Sleeping on a high-quality mattress reduces the likelihood of the aforementioned negative health effects. However, keep in mind that even with the most comfortable bed, you probably won’t get the finest sleep.

4. Develop an Inclination to Your Sleeping

It’s unfortunate, but a poor mattress is just one of many potential causes of people’s dread of sleep. Additionally, there are many who are so busy with their daily activities (such as job, school, and other commitments) that they fail to give adequate time to sleeping. You may be able to get your sleep back to normal with a high-quality mattress.

Your mattress could be to blame if you’re not feeling rested in the morning. The quality of your sleep can be improved by creating a relaxing bedroom space.

Reward yourself with a luxurious night’s sleep every once in a while. Check out some tips to make your bedroom sleep-friendly:

  • Reward yourself with a luxurious night’s sleep every once in a while. Check out some tips to make your bedroom sleep-friendly:
  • Have a good night’s sleep, it’s important to your health. Here are some suggestions for making your bedroom a more conducive place to sleep:
  • Put the temperature down to a comfortable 65 degrees Fahrenheit or 18.3 degrees Celsius.
  • Do not place any electronic devices within reach.
  • Reducing visual noise
  • You should decorate your bedroom with gentler, warmer tones.

5. Get the Most Out of Your Purchase

The current market price of a mattress is not funny. It’s not easy to put up money for a mattress, even a cheap one, especially if you’re already responsible for a number of other essentials in your life.

Therefore, investing in a high-quality mattress is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. The best value may be had from a high-quality mattress because of its longevity (two years or more with proper care).

Compare the typical durability of different mattress materials:

  • Age of the Innerspring: Between Five and Six and a Half Years
  • 6–7 years for foam
  • 5–8.5 years for latex
  • The average lifespan of a hybrid is between 5 and 7.5 years.

3 Causes Of Mattress Sag

It is normal for a mattress to droop with time.

When worn frequently, the pad’s foam may break down and become less supportive.

However, time isn’t the only cause of sagging; there are other elements at play as well.

The following explanations for sagging may be of assistance:

Cause #1. Exposure to pressure

Sagging most typically occurs where your body presses down the hardest.

The parts that keep your hips, neck, and shoulders in place are included.

Over time, the support from a cushion bed will become uneven, preventing you from getting a good night’s rest.

Cause #2. Quality of material

Yes! Bedding will naturally show signs of wear and tear over time.

The quality of the materials chosen, however, will determine how long your pad lasts.

Therefore, it is crucial to think about the mattress’s quality before making a purchase.

That it will last for a long time means that you can consider that purchase an investment.

Cause #3. Wrong mattress for your body

When looking for a new mattress, don’t focus solely on quality.

Check your build, size, and how you sleep.

Investing in the incorrect fabric will cause premature sagging.

Always give it some thought, do some research, and weigh your options before making a final decision.

These sags make it unlikely that you will be able to sleep properly on your mattress, thus replacing it may be necessary.

Only the manufacturer can fix it, so you’ll have to ship it back to them. However, before you buy a mattress, it’s important to understand the terms of the guarantee.

Manufacturers typically ask for precise measurements of mattress sag, therefore knowing how to take those measurements is useful.

How To Fix A Sagging Mattress (Easy Tips & Tricks)

5 Easy Steps To Measure Mattress Sag

Trying to figure out how much your mattress has sagged?

Learn how much your mattress has sagged in just five simple steps.

What you’ll need is:

  • String
  • Tape for masking or painting surfaces
  • Tape measure (You can use any type, but it is recommended to use a stiff type of measuring device such as steel measuring tape)

Step #1. Remove all bedding

Never forget that sag measurements must be taken with the utmost precision.

Therefore, take off all bedding, including sheets, pads, and any foam toppers, and expose the mattress.

Step #2. Smoothen your mattress

In order to get an accurate reading, you should smooth the surface of your mattress.

Attempt to smooth out all of the creases in the mattress.

Step #3. Prepare to measure

Initially, you should spread the string across the breadth of the mattress.

You should check that it reaches all the way across the room.

Next, it will need to go through the lowest point in the valley.

Finally, use masking tape or painter’s tape to fasten one end of the string to the side of the mattress.

The removal of some other types of tape can leave a sticky residue on fabrics, thus this one should be considered.

Step #4. Secure the ends

It’s time to get out the measuring tape after you’ve draped the string over the indentation in your mattress.

To begin, pull the string end on the opposite side of the bed until it is taut.

Tape the string ends together to prevent them from unraveling.

The strings have been moved to the top of the bed. The sagging portion, however, has not yet been measured.

Step #5. Measure the dip and get the results

Keep in mind that the more force you apply to the mattress using a rigid measuring device, the more deeply it will sink.

Start by resting the measuring device’s tip on the mattress to get an accurate reading of the dip.

Next, locate the depth of the valley’s lowest point and take its measurement to the string’s terminus. Keep in mind that the measuring tool needs to be held with the top 90 degrees tilted upward.

Last but not least, the measuring result will inform you the extent to which your mattress has sagged.

How to Keep Your Mattress in Good Shape Longer

Here are seven tried-and-true methods for extending the life of your mattress and warding off potential disasters.

1. Make sure your mattress is properly supported.

Although it is not always necessary to buy a box spring or foundation alongside a new mattress, it is crucial to ensure that your mattress does have the proper support. This aids in maintaining the durability of materials and delaying their wear.

If you need advice, contact the maker or read the guarantee. Unlike standard spring mattresses, which can be supported by either a flat surface or a set of adjustable legs, memory foam and other speciality mattresses typically need a more robust foundation.

Queen and king sizes require additional support in the center of the bed in addition to the frame’s ability to hold the weight of the mattress and its occupants. Depending on the type and weight of the mattress, a platform bed with wide slats may need to have additional support added.

Every year or so, it’s a good idea to inspect the slats and springs supporting your bed to make sure there are no breaks that could cause damage to your mattress.

2. Use a mattress protector from the beginning.

We have previously discussed how using a mattress protector can help extend the life of your bed.

A high-quality mattress protector not only provides a layer of waterproof defense against accidents but also keeps dirt, dust, and debris from settling into your bed.

This prevents allergens such as mildew and dust mites from accumulating on your bed, keeps skin oils and sweat off the bed, and helps preserve the life of the materials inside your bed. Many modern protectors are as comfortable as a fitted sheet, and they all make cleanup a breeze if an accident does occur.

3. Wash bed linens regularly.

Sweat, oils, hair, and dead skin cells are all shed during sleep. Crumbs from breakfast in bed and cat fur are just two examples of the mess that can be tracked into the bedroom. All of this, in addition to being gross, can permeate a mattress, providing the ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and dust mites.

Most cleaning professionals agree that washing bed linens once every week to two weeks is optimal. There is still the need to regularly wash bed sheets and pillow cases, even when using a mattress protector. The mattress cover should be washed on a regular basis as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Get pets separate beds to snuggle in.

If we’re talking about things that should not be allowed to sleep in bed with us, dogs should have their own beds.

The fact is that no matter how often you brush your pet’s fur, it will inevitably wind up in your bed after a day outside. Accidents involving pets are another common source of mattress damage.

5. Rotate the mattress regularly.

Regularly rotating a mattress of any size or material is recommended. Although some manufacturers would argue otherwise, rotating can help ensure uniform wear and prevent the depressions and softness that can occur if a part isn’t turned over periodically.

You should flip your mattress regularly (every 2 to 6 months) by 180 degrees, beginning at the head and working your way to the foot. For the first few years while the mattress settles in, this is crucial.

6. No jumping on the bed!

Your mom was right to tell you not to jump on the bed. However, not only may you harm a spring, water, or air bed by being harsh on it, but you can also accelerate the wear on the mattress’s structure, foam, and foundation.

7. Take care when moving your mattress.

Avoid creases and tears by encasing your mattress in plastic before you move. Heavy-duty mattress bags that can be sealed with tape are available at many moving and box stores to protect your bed from dust, water, and scratches.

It is recommended that mattresses be moved while standing on their sides to prevent folding or sagging. If your mattress cover has handles, it is best to avoid dragging it around by them.

8. Don’t bring home unwanted hitchhikers.

One of the quickest ways to damage a mattress is by infesting it with bedbugs, which can be tough to get rid of once they’ve set up shop.

If you must sleep in a place where there is a chance of bedbugs, inspect the bed before getting in and try to avoid storing your luggage on the floor. Bedbugs are a serious problem, and if you think you have them, Texas A&M University provides some advice on how to keep them from coming home with you.

Consider utilizing a mattress encasement designed to prevent the entry of these pests if you live in an apartment or a portion of the country where they are common. In contrast to standard mattress covers, these include full-length zippers and completely encase the mattress to keep bedbugs from setting up shop.

9. Let the light in occasionally.

Once every two weeks, on a dry, bright day, remove your mattress from the bed and let the sun shine on it for several hours (though if bedbugs are possible, leave the cover on).

A study conducted at Kingston University found that doing so helped minimize both human perspiration and ambient humidity, two factors that can contribute to a high dust mite population.

How to Measure Your Mattress Size - Fresh Up Mattresses

10. Follow manufacturer cleaning directions.

Regular cleaning of any mattress is recommended in order to maintain a healthy sleeping environment and the longevity of the mattress itself.

Most beds should be vacuumed with a hose attachment to eliminate surface dust, and many manufacturers provide guidelines for removing stains and cleaning in general.

Mild water and soap can be used to spot treat stains, but you should wait until they are dry before changing the bed. In order to preserve the structural integrity of foams, it is best to avoid using strong chemical cleansers.

Once every few months to once every few weeks, depending on dust levels, allergies, or personal choice; spot treat stains as needed.

The fundamentals of mattress care and maintenance are same across mattress kinds and manufacturers. The bed should be kept clean, guarded from harm, supported, and rotated to ensure even wear.

There are a lot of variables that affect how long a mattress lasts, but following these guidelines can help you get the most out of your investment and sleep soundly for years to come. Know that a 10-year guarantee on your mattress is regarded industry standard, whether you’re shopping at a traditional mattress store or one of the new bed-in-a-box startups.

Final Words

That settles it! Follow the advice given above and you should be able to sleep well and wake up feeling refreshed.

Be aware of your warranty’s terms if and when your mattress begins to sag.

Follow the five methods you just read about to determine the amount of sagging in your mattress.

To reduce the amount of wear and tear on your mattress, quick action is essential.

One should not have to suffer when lying on their mattress.

Don’t deny yourself the luxury of a good night’s sleep.

You should invest in a high-quality mattress that will provide adequate support for your body for many years.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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