How to Fix a Mattress From Bowing

A bowed mattress can create uncomfortable pressure points on your body.

A bowed mattress can keep you from getting a good night's rest and can cause aches and pains. A bowed mattress features a saggy area in the middle or on one or both sides of the mattress. Improper center support, overuse or deep body impressions can cause a mattress to bow. Because proper rest is vital for your overall health and mood, it is vital that you fix a bowed mattress before you suffer even more.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Plywood
• Inflatable mattress support bladder (optional)
• Sanding paper
• Duct tape

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of your mattress with a measuring tape. Write down these measurements for future reference.

2. Purchase a piece of quarter-inch thick plywood from a home improvement or lumber supply store. The length and width of the plywood should both be a half-inch less than the mattress' length and width.

3. Remove the mattress from the bed. Place the plywood on top of the box spring, and then put the mattress back on top of the plywood.

4. Consider purchasing an inflatable support bladder. To use the support bladder, remove the mattress and plywood from the bed. Position the support bladder on top of the bed frame in the area where the mattress has sunk or bowed. Connect the provided hose to the support bladder and attach the provided hand pump to the hose. Use the hand pump to inflate the support bladder. Place the mattress on top of the support bladder and either trash or store the plywood.

5. Rotate the mattress 180 degrees every two months if you sleep on only one side of the bed. If you sleep on both sides of the bed or share the bed with another person, then rotate the mattress 180 degrees and flip it over once every two months.

Tips & Warnings

• Refer to the mattress' warranty if it has one. You might be able to obtain a replacement mattress under the warranty. Immediately contact the manufacturer with your warranty information to determine your eligibility for a replacement.

• Consider the age of your mattress. If you are over 40 years old and have owned your mattress for five or more years, then you may need to buy a new one. (See References 2)The older you get get, the less pressure you can tolerate from a bowed or sunken mattress.(See References 2) With proper care, a new mattress can last for more than 10 years. (See References 2)

• Make sure your bed has a center support beam. Some antique beds may only have side support beams which can cause the mattress to sink or bow in the middle.

• If you use a plywood support underneath a mattress, make sure that plywood's edges do not stick out beyond the bed frame creating a potential hazard. You can sand down the plywood's edges or cover them with duct tape to be safe.

• The majority of plywood is made with glue that uses a formaldehyde-based resin. Because formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, consider purchasing formaldehyde-free plywood from a brand such as Europly that uses a soy-based glue.

References

• Curbly: Three Quick Fixes for Your Old Mattress
• Contour Living: Contour Mattress Remedy
• Consumer Reports: Q&A: How Often Should I Buy a New Mattress?
• Camperize.com: Plywood