Here at SlumberSlumber, your sleep is our most important priority. We want you to be informed about your sleep choices, so decided to put together this guide on mattress settlement.
What is Mattress Settlement?
Mattress settlement is generally a cause for unnecessary concern.
It usually starts to show within the first few weeks of use as the mattress fillings ‘mould’ to fit the user’s shape. The areas of most pressure, such as your shoulders and hips, show the greatest signs of settlement. It may appear that this area is wearing quicker than the rest of the mattress, but constant turning and rotating of the mattress will help this equal out in time.
What Causes Mattress Settlement?
There are many reasons why mattresses may show signs of settlement;
- The user’s weight
- Type of mattress fillings
- Mattress firmness
- Two-sided or single-sided mattress
- Larger sized mattresses, such as a King or Superking, are more susceptible, as there is a wider area in the mattress that doesn’t get used
- All mattresses with multiple layers can be susceptible to mattress settlement.
Although these impressions can be quite noticeable, they are not necessarily a sign that the mattress support has failed. If a mattress has collapsed or sagged, there will be a clear lack of support when you lie on it, almost a sensation that you can feel right through to the bottom of the mattress or the bed frame.
Ways You Can Minimise Mattress Settlement
Relyon suggests these three ways to minimise mattress settlement;
- Give your mattress a daily airing by leaving the covers off after you get up.
- Turn your mattress regularly (unless your mattress is ‘no turn’, which will be stated on the label).
- Rotate your mattress top to tail every so often so that natural settlement from body pressure is evenly distributed
All About That Base
Most mattresses are used in combination with a bed base, such as divans and bedsteads. Remember to make sure that the mattress and base you choose are suitable together, especially if you are buying them separately. An old base can reduce the lifespan and overall quality of a new mattress and in some cases this can invalidate the guarantee. It can also affect the support and comfort that a new mattress can offer.
- Divan Bases
Sprung edge divans are the most luxurious option and feature a complete open coil or pocket spring unit mounted on a frame, which acts like a giant shock absorber, increasing the mattress’s durability.
- Slatted Bases
Slatted bases are mostly used with bedsteads. They are either rigid (with no give) or flexible. Wear and tear on a mattress will be greater the wider the gaps between the slats. Most manufacturers will give you their own recommendations for slat spacing to suit their brand of mattress, so check these before buying as they do vary. Relyon recommends that slats should be no greater than 70mm apart. If the gap is wider than this a ventilation peg board is recommended.
- Bedsteads
Bedsteads come in a vast array of styles, from traditional classics to more modern designs, and are available in wood, metal, plastics, upholstered, or any combination of these. Your choice will largely be an aesthetic one, but bear in mind mattress support and the effect it could have on your mattress.
Follow The Care Instructions!
Read the manufacturer’s care guide on how to look after your mattress. This comes with the delivery of your mattress, and will tell you how to expertly care for it.
Remember, not all mattresses are alike. Even if you are familiar with your brand, their care guides may have changed.
Settlement and indentations are going to occur in all mattresses.
There often is a misconception that a mattress should look and feel as good as new, even after months or years of use, but this simply isn’t the case. Similar to a good pair of leather shoes, a new mattress will ‘relax’ and take on the shape of the user. People are not the same size and shape, and body-shaped impressions will occur.
At SlumberSlumber, we recommend the use of mattress toppers to allow this settlement to happen slowly over time. The mattress topper will provide an extra layer between you and the mattress, slowing down the indentation.