Recognizing a Bad Mattress: Symptoms and Effects You Should Know
Your mattress could be the cause of your discomfort. A bad mattress may cause you to have trouble sleeping, or even lead to illness and pain during the day.
This guide can help you determine if your mattress is the cause of your problem. This guide will walk you through the symptoms and signs of a bad bed and help you decide what you should do.
How To Tell if Your Mattress is Bad
Some mattresses have structural issues, while others sag or distort with time. If you are concerned about a possible bad mattress, here are some things you can look for:
- Can’t sleep If you can’t settle down or are tossing around in bed, it could be that you have a defective mattress. You may find it difficult to sleep if your mattress is uneven or has excessive wear.
- Visible distortion along the sides- If your mattress’ sides show excessive bulging, it is likely that its internal structure has begun to break down. If you lie down on a mattress, the sides should bulge a little. Over time, this can get worse, and it may even become irregularly shaped.
- Visible sags and bumps on the mattress surface- After sleeping on a mattress, it will usually show bumps or dips. However, most mattresses should return to their normal state during the day. It may be an indication of a serious problem if your mattress has permanent depressions or lumps.
- At night, you always feel hot and sweaty – The layers in a mattress regulate temperature and support the body. You may notice that your mattress is too hot or you wake up sweaty if these layers are worn out.
- This mattress is older than eight years -A good mattress will last for many years but some mattresses may start to feel uncomfortable after this age. Check your mattress regularly if it is older to make sure the surface is even and that the support is sufficient.
- Is the mattress too firm or soft? -Mattresses have a specific level of support. You’ll notice that they become harder or softer as they age or when parts stop working properly. These issues can cause a variety of problems including persistent lower back pain.
- Your mattress smells bad or triggers allergies- It is a breeding ground for bedbugs, mould spores, and dust mites. The mattress also collects sweat, dead skin, and dust. Your allergy symptoms may be worse at night if your mattress is in need of care. Mould is the main cause of a mushy, damp smell coming from your mattress. If you have itchy skin when you get into bed, your bed may be infested.
It might be time to replace your mattress if you suspect you are sleeping on an old one. Find the latest tips and advice in our article: When should you replace your mattress?
What are the Effects of Sleeping on a Bad Mattress?
- Itchy eyes and cold symptoms- Dust mites can be attracted to old mattresses. This can trigger an allergic reaction in some people resulting in red, itchy, or runny eyes.
- You wake up always tired This could be because of a late night or medical condition. However, it could also be caused by an uncomfortable mattress. If you wake up feeling tired, it’s a sign that your sleep is not good enough.
- Your neck or back hurts- A mattress that no longer supports you can cause neck and lower back pain, especially in the morning.
Can a Bad Mattress Cause Body Aches?
A bad mattress can cause body aches. Your body may not be able to achieve the neutral position it needs during sleep if your bed is too soft or firm. It puts pressure on certain parts of the body, and you may feel aches and discomfort when you awaken.
Other causes of body pain include:
- Your Pillow– A good pillow supports your neck and head enough to align it with your spine.
- Your sleep position Some sleeping positions can cause discomfort and body pains.
- A medical problem – Although some body aches are caused by sleeping and bed habits, they can also indicate a medical condition. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about body pains.
How Can I Tell if My Mattress is Causing Back Pain?
It’s also important to note when back pain is the most prominent. It may be that your mattress is causing or aggravating the problem.
Is an Old Mattress Bad For You?
Can You Fix a Bad Mattress?
There are some things you can do to extend the life of a mattress and make it more comfortable.
- Use an extra-thick mattress topper. A mattress topper will provide additional layers of foam or cushioning of other types. Toppers can help to smooth out bumps and provide additional support. To compensate for a deep sag, you should use a topper of at least 7cm. Memory foam and latex toppers can soften or firm up your existing mattress.
- Air out your mattress at night – Folding the quilt and top sheet back improves airflow, reduces bat odours, and prevents bacteria buildup.
- Flip or rotate the mattress at least every three months. This will help reduce the damage caused to the mattress. Set up a Google calendar to remind you of the rotation schedule.
- Replace base or boxspring– A sagging bed can sometimes be worsened by an old base. The mattress will also be firmer if you add extra support underneath the mattress, or replace the box spring. If the box spring feels bad, you can test it by placing your mattress down on the floor. Check if it still feels saggy.
- Place plywood underneath the mattress– Use a 1/4” thick piece of plywood to provide more support. A 1/4″ thick plywood is flexible, but supportive enough to keep you from feeling like you are sleeping on the ground. If you prefer a firmer mattress, use 1/2” plywood.
The conclusion of the article is:
It’s important to determine the exact problem. You can then decide whether you need to replace your mattress or if the problem can be resolved.
Budget mattresses are a good option if you have a bad mattress and no other solution has worked. Our picks for Australia’s Best Budget Mattresses 2022. If you are planning to purchase a new mattress make sure that you properly dispose of the old one.
