How to Tell if You Need a New Mattress or Just a Box Spring

If your bed feels uncomfortable, uneven, or less supportive than it used to, the problem could be your mattress or your box spring. In general, visible sagging, body impressions, and surface-level discomfort usually mean you need a new mattress. If the mattress still feels fairly comfortable but the bed lacks support underneath, your box spring or bed frame may be the issue.


Related Blog: How to Choose the Right Mattress for Your Sleep Style

Knowing the difference can help you make the right replacement and improve your sleep quality.

1. Sleeping Positions

Surprisingly, how and where you sleep can significantly affect the longevity and shape of your mattress.  Whether you sleep alone, with your partner, or with a pet, these habits can lead to uneven pressure on specific points of the mattress. You might notice the most sagging around where your shoulders and hips rest.

Here are some signs that your sleeping position is the culprit: 

• You sleep on one side of the mattress every night. 
• You spoon or cuddle with your partner in one position all night. 
• Your pet sleeps in one spot of your bed all night, every night.

How to fix it:

• Adjust Your Position: Changing your sleeping position or where you sleep on the mattress can help prevent concentrated areas of sag. Whether it's you and your partner, your pet, or just you, try to alternate to the other side occasionally.
• Check Your Mattress for Dents Every Month: Make it a habit to check the balance of your mattress at least once every month. That way, it's easier to notice when you have parts that are not flat enough and fix them early enough.

2. Inadequate Support

Even a high-quality mattress can sag if it is not properly supported. Your box spring or bed frame plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of your mattress.

Signs your support system may be the issue:

• Sagging appears in the middle of the bed
• You hear creaking or shifting when getting in or out of bed
• The mattress feels uneven but looks relatively intact
• Slats or frame components are bent, broken, or spaced too far apart

How to fix it:

• Inspect your bed frame regularly and repair any weak areas
• Upgrade your foundation with a sturdy box spring or platform base
• Ensure proper support for larger mattresses like queen or king

If your mattress is still in good condition, improving your foundation can make a noticeable difference.

3. Wear and Tear

It's recommended that you get a new mattress every 8 years before they wear out. Whether it's latex, foam, or a spring mattress, the materials lose their strength with time. For instance, the springs might lose their firmness to bounce back when you sleep on them in traditional spring mattresses.

That will, in return, lead to the mattress sagging in such positions. As for the foam and latex mattresses, they can eventually become moldable as the materials compress from prolonged use.

But, if your mattress is sagging after only a year or 2, here's how to fix it: 

• Rotating and Flipping: Regularly rotating your mattress can spread out the wear and tear and help maintain its shape. You can also flip your mattress at least every six months. The bottom side faces up and vice versa. Flipping the head to face the tail is also great. If your mattress wasn't designed to be flipped, turn or rotate the bed regularly.
• Additional Support: Consider using mattress toppers or adding a recommended box spring to provide extra support and delay the onset of sagging.
  

If your mattress is sagging after only one or two years, it may be due to poor support or lower-quality materials.

How to Know What You Actually Need to Replace

If you are unsure whether the issue is your mattress or your box spring, here are a few simple ways to tell:

You likely need a new mattress if:

• You see visible dips, sagging, or indentations
• You wake up with consistent pain or stiffness
• Your mattress is more than 7 to 10 years old
• Rotating or adjusting does not improve comfort

You may only need a new box spring or foundation if:

• The mattress surface still feels comfortable
• Sagging is isolated to the center or base
• Your bed frame or support system looks damaged or weak
• You notice improvement when placing the mattress on a different surface

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you replace your mattress?

Most mattresses should be replaced every 7 to 10 years, depending on the quality, materials, and how well they have been maintained.

Can a box spring cause a mattress to sag?

Yes, a worn or broken box spring can lead to uneven support, which may cause your mattress to sag or feel uncomfortable.

Is it better to replace the mattress and box spring together?

In many cases, yes. Replacing both helps ensure proper support and can extend the life of your new mattress.

Consider a Mattress Replacement

If you've tried all the above tips and your mattress is still sagging, sinking, or has uncomfortable dents, then it's time to replace it. At Land of Sleep, we can help you find a durable mattress that fits all your sleep preferences.

Your sleep quality and health are too important to risk another sagging mattress, so make sure you check out our mattress cheat sheet so you can pick the highest quality mattress for your needs! Visit us at one of our store locations to get your best mattress yet!