- Nature of Pillow Top Mattresses:
- Pillow top mattresses feature a layer of foam or memory foam for comfort.
- They tend to sag over time, especially with the weight of two sleepers.
- Challenges with Sagging:
- Sagging can create too much lumbar support, potentially harmful for those with lower back pain.
- Strategies to Firm Up a Pillow Top Mattress:
- Use Plywood Boards: Placing plywood under the mattress prevents further sagging.
- Keep Bedding Flat and Smooth: Avoid compressing the memory foam.
- Use a Mattress Topper: Adds padding and firmness.
- Replace Damaged Layers: Focus on inner layers that may be causing sag.
- Change the Box Spring: A sturdier box spring can provide better support.
- Place Bed on the Floor: Reduces pressure on the mattress.
- Benefits of a Firmer Bed:
- Offers more support and potentially better sleep quality.
- Prevents easy movement on the mattress, maintaining surface area coverage.
- FAQs:
- Making Firmer: Use toppers or adjustable bed bases.
- Mattress Topper Change Frequency: Every 1-2 years for optimal support.
- Mattress Protector Use: Recommended to protect the mattress.
- Lifestyle Impact on Firmness: Body weight and sleep position can affect firmness.
- Mattress Rotation Frequency: Every 3 months to prevent uneven wear.
- Mattress Pad Necessity: Adds cushioning and comfort.
- Best Base for Pillow Top Mattress: Adjustable bed base for firmness control.
- Other Firming Methods: Rearrange filling or add a mattress board.
- Conclusion:
- To firm up a pillow top mattress, various strategies can be employed, such as using plywood boards, and mattress toppers, and changing the box spring. Maintaining the bedding flat and possibly placing the bed on the floor can also help. Regular maintenance, such as rotating the mattress and using protectors, is vital for prolonged mattress life and comfort.
Many of us who suffer from lower back pain are familiar with pillow-top mattresses. These mattresses have a layer of foam or memory foam on top, making them comfortable and soft to sleep on.
The downside to this form of mattress is that the additional cushioning caused by the foam layer can cause it to sag over time. In fact, almost half of all pillow-top mattresses will sag in a couple of years.
This can be even more problematic if you have lower back pain because then your mattress will feel less comfortable than before and may actually become dangerous for you because it will create too much lumbar support across your spine. This article provides tips on how to make a pillow top mattress firmer and avoid sagging.
What Is A Pillow Top Mattress?
A pillow top mattress is a type of mattress with a layer of memory foam on the top to make it more comfortable for the sleeper. This pillow top can be made from either latex or memory foam. The latex pillow tops are not as soft as their memory foam counterparts since they are firmer and more supportive.
Memory foam is considered to be one of the most comfortable types of material to sleep on because it conforms to your body’s shape so well and does not put too much pressure on any one part of your spine or back.
Why Pillow Top Mattress Sag?
Pillow top mattress sags are caused by the natural process of wear and tear. When you sleep on your pillow-top mattress, you are causing it to compress. This means that the latex or memory foam is actually being compressed when you are lying on it.
If there is too much weight on the mattress, this compression will be even greater, and this can cause the pillow top to sag over time. This is why sleeping alone will not make your mattress sag, but if two people get in bed together and sleep for an extended period of time each night, they will see more wear and tear on the bed because they are actually doubling the amount of weight placed on a normal bed in one night.
How To Make A Pillow Top Mattress Firmer: 6 Proven Steps
There are many things you can do to make a pillow top mattress firmer. If you are looking to make it a bit firmer and less soft, then you may not have to do much at all, especially if it is only a few years old.
If it has been sagging for long periods of time or is older than ten years old, then you will need to take some more drastic measures to make the bed firmer and prevent further sagging from happening while you are sleeping on it.
Use Plywood Boards
The first thing you can do to make the bed more firm is to use some plywood boards below the mattress. This will prevent any more compression from happening in order to keep the memory foam from sagging anymore. This will most likely help prevent your pillow top mattress from sagging again if it has already been doing so for a long period of time.
Keep Bedding Flat And Smooth
Making sure that your bedding is flat and smooth is very important in order to prevent sagging. This means you should never put the mattress on top of any other items. If you do this, then you will be compressing the memory foam at any points where the bedding touches, which will cause the pillow top mattress to sag again and increase its chance of sagging even more.
Use A Mattress Topper
A mattress topper will help you make a pillow top mattress firmer. This will increase the padding that the memory foam has underneath it, which will keep your mattress from compressing as much as it would if you were sleeping directly on the foam layer.
Replace Damaged Layers
If you have had a pillow top mattress for a long period of time, then there is a good chance that there are some layers on the inside of it that are starting to sag and become damaged over time. You can replace some layers that will make a mattress firmer.
Change The Box Spring
If the box spring on your bed is supporting the mattress and causing it to compress, then this can also cause it to sag over time. If your pillow top mattress is already sagging and you think that it could be the box spring, then you should look into changing it for a newer or sturdier model.
Place Bed On The Floor
If your pillow top is very old and has been sagging for a long time, you may want to consider placing it on the floor and sleeping directly on the floor instead of on top of a box spring or any type of foundation or base. This will cause less pressure and make it firmer.
Benefits Of A Firm Bed
A firm bed will give you a more supportive and better quality sleep because you will not be getting any softness on the mattress. If your pillow top mattress sags at all then you are making it even softer, which means that your body will be able to move around far easier and cover more of the surface area of the mattress when you are sleeping. This is why if your pillow top mattress sags, you should try replacing it with a firmer type of bed, or else your back may be seriously affected in the long run.
FAQ
What is a pillow top mattress?
A pillow top mattress is a type of mattress that has an extra layer of cushioning on the top for extra comfort.
What are the benefits of a pillow top mattress?
Pillow top mattresses typically offer a soft, luxurious sleep experience with plenty of comfort and support. They also provide an extra layer of cushioning that helps with pressure relief.
What is the best way to make a pillow top mattress firmer?
You can make a pillow top mattress firmer by adding a supportive layer beneath the mattress, such as a mattress topper or mattress pad, or by using a bed base with adjustable firmness settings.
How can I adjust the firmness of my pillow top mattress?
You can adjust the firmness of your pillow top mattress by adding a mattress topper, mattress pad, or foundation with adjustable firmness settings.
What type of mattress topper is best for making a pillow top mattress firmer?
Memory foam and latex toppers are the best for making pillow top mattresses firmer because they are very supportive and help to control motion transfer.
Is it possible to adjust the firmness of a pillow top mattress without using a mattress topper?
Yes, it is possible to adjust the firmness of a pillow top mattress without using a mattress topper; however, it is not the most effective way to make the mattress firmer.
How often should I change the mattress topper on my pillow top mattress?
It is recommended to change your mattress topper every 1-2 years in order to maintain its supportiveness and ensure maximum comfort.
How often should I change the mattress topper on my pillow top mattress?
It is recommended to change your mattress topper every 1-2 years in order to maintain its supportiveness and ensure maximum comfort.
Do I need to use a mattress protector with a pillow top mattress?
Yes, you should always use a mattress protector with a pillow top mattress in order to protect the mattress from spills, dust, and other damage.
Are there any lifestyle factors that can affect the firmness of a pillow top mattress?
Yes, lifestyle factors such as body weight and sleep position can affect the firmness of a pillow top mattress.
How often should I rotate my pillow top mattress?
It is recommended to rotate your pillow top mattress every 3 months in order to ensure even wear and tear and prevent sagging.
Do I need to add a mattress pad to a pillow top mattress?
Yes, adding a mattress pad to a pillow top mattress is a good way to add extra cushioning to the mattress and make it more comfortable.
What type of mattress base is best for a pillow top mattress?
An adjustable bed base is the best type of mattress base for a pillow top mattress because it allows you to adjust the firmness of the mattress.
Are pillow top mattresses good for side sleepers?
Yes, pillow top mattresses can be a good option for side sleepers as they typically offer a softer comfort level and provide better pressure relief.
Are there any other ways to make a pillow top mattress firmer?
Yes, you can also make a pillow top mattress firmer by rearranging the filling inside the mattress or by adding a mattress board beneath the mattress.
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