Saggy mattresses make me cranky. Like cursing-out-loud cranky.
Life in 2024 already makes sleeping an epic challenge: the news, climate change, work-related stress, and the price of Taylor Swift tickets.
So I definitely don’t need a mattress to fail on top of everything else.
So let’s break down (pun intended!) why mattresses sag and how you can buy one that doesn’t.
Best Mattress That Won’t Sag
| Brand | Best For | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Editor’s Choice |
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Overall | Shop Now |
| 2 |
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Combination Sleepers | Shop Now |
| 3 |
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Side Sleepers | Shop Now |
| 4 |
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Pressure Relief | Shop Now |
| 5 |
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Organic | Shop Now |
| 6 |
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Cooling | Shop Now |
| 7 |
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Heavier Sleepers | Shop Now |
| 8 |
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Back Sleepers | Shop Now |
| 9 |
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Luxury | Shop Now |
| 10 |
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Budget | Shop Now |
| 1 |
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Editor’s Choice
Best For:
Overall
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| 2 |
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Best For:
Combination Sleepers
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| 3 |
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Best For:
Side Sleepers
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| 4 |
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Best For:
Pressure Relief
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| 5 |
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Best For:
Organic
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| 6 |
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Best For:
Cooling
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| 7 |
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Best For:
Heavier Sleepers
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| 8 |
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Best For:
Back Sleepers
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| 9 |
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Best For:
Luxury
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| 10 |
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Best For:
Budget
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Why Do Mattresses Sag and How Do I Know If I Have a Saggy Mattress?
Most mattresses start to sag after seven or eight years of every-night use.
A mattress that sags will negatively affect the overall comfort of your sleep. A poorly made mattress that sags can lead to uneven spinal support, which may cause pressure to build up in your back and neck as you sleep. That translates into hip, lumbar or shoulder pain.
So If you’re not sleeping as dreamily as you once did or waking up with pain, a saggy mattress may be the culprit.
Mattresses that are sagging have an uneven feel and texture, with dips and flat spots where springy foam layers have seemingly disappeared. You may even be able to feel broken coils and you may see bunched fabric.
The simple fact is that poorly constructed mattresses made with cheap materials sag more quickly than well-made, high-quality mattresses. That old adage, “you get what you pay for,” applies when it comes to a mattress that won’t sag.
And while you can’t do much about a saggy mattress at an Airbnb, hotel or your cousin’s house, we don’t want you to buy a mattress that will sag before its time.
If the mattress you’re currently sleeping on is sagging prematurely, please check your mattress warranty to see if sagging is covered. Some companies will replace a sagging mattress.
But if you’re looking to buy a new bed that won’t sag, let’s review the important factors to focus on when you’re comparing mattresses.
What to Look For When Shopping For a Mattress That Won’t Sag
Every mattress eventually sags after years of steady use. And once it does, it’s time to replace it with a new mattress.
If you want to spend more blissful nights on a supportive mattress that won’t soon sag, spend a little more time (and maybe budget a little more money) when you’re comparing mattresses.
High-Quality Materials. No matter what your preference is in a mattress—innerspring, foam, latex or hybrid—we recommend you buy from a reputable, well-reviewed manufacturer with a generous sleep trial period and a forgiving return policy. When shopping, here’s what to look for in each type of mattress:
- Innerspring Mattresses. Opt for individually wrapped or pocketed coils that provide superior support and minimize sagging. Choose this type of innerspring mattress construction over traditional interconnected coil systems.
- Latex Mattresses. Known for their durability and resilience, natural Talalay or blended latex mattress options are less likely to sag over time.
- Foam Mattresses. Memory foam or polyfoam mattresses made with multiple layers of high-density foam resist sagging.
- Hybrid Mattresses. Hybrid mattresses combine pocketed coils with layers of memory foam or latex. This combination is, for many sleepers, the best of both worlds in a mattress, offering support and pressure relief, minimizing sagging and maintaining shape.
- Reinforced Edges. Reinforced edges help prevent sagging, provide better support and maintain shape around the bed’s edge, a common place where mattresses sag.
- Thickness. Choose a mattress with a suitable thickness. Thicker mattresses tend to have more materials and support systems, contributing to durability and less sagging than thinner mattresses.
- Quality and Brand Reputation. Select mattresses from reputable online retailers or big-box stores or local retailers known for quality and durability. Talk to friends and family about their mattress buying experiences. Unknown brands from online retailers such as Amazon are a bigger risk for buyers and often the hassle of returning a bed can mean you’re out a lot of money. Always read the warranty for how it addresses sagging issues.
- Proper Mattress Care. Always use a supportive bed frame for your mattress, no matter what it’s made from. Rotating a mattress lengthwise or flipping a mattress (if advised by the manufacturer) is also good practice. And avoid placing excessive weight on the mattress. To prolong your mattress’s lifespan and prevent sagging, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
The Best Mattresses That Won’t Sag in 2024
Now, let’s compare our picks for the best mattresses that won’t sag, so you can match your sleeping position and preferences to the best model available.
Best Overall: Helix Dusk Luxe
- Best For: Combination sleepers, especially hot sleepers, back sleepers, heavier side sleepers and lightweight stomach sleepers
- Price Range: $1,373.80-2,373.80
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium-firm, 6.5/10 on firmness scale
- Sleep Trial Length: 100-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-15-Year Warranty
What I Loved
One of the best mattress brands of 2024 for combination sleepers, the Helix Dusk Luxe is not too firm, soft and ideal for couples with different sleep positions. It features zoned lumbar support via individually-pocketed coils for enhanced contouring (and airflow), and three foam layers for support on pressure points. It also offers spinal alignment, back pressure-relieving and structural stability with perimeter edge support, making it a delight to lay on after a hard day. The 14-inch high Helix Dusk Luxe also has some bounce and a pillow-top feel that is popular with many mattress buyers.
What I Didn’t Love
The sleep trial period is a bit shorter than some competitors and the non-sale price tag a bit higher (but watch for frequent sales). Those who sleep exclusively on their side should check out the Helix Sunset Lux and Helix Moonlight Luxe.
Best For Combination Sleepers: Leesa Sapira Hybrid
- Best For: Combination sleepers who like freedom of movement and minimal motion transfer, sleepers who like a medium-firm combination of cushioning and bounce
- Price Range: $1,349-2,299
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium-firm, 6.5/10 on firmness scale
- Sleep Trial Length: 100-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Warranty
What I Loved
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid is an extremely versatile and well-reviewed bedtime bestseller for many types of sleepers, especially those who fall asleep on their sides and awake on their backs or stomachs. The high-performance Leesa Sapira Hybrid boasts a balance of bounce and pressure relief in a medium-firm feel that suits most sleepers. Premium memory foams—including a ventilated top layer—offer cooling and contouring, while 1,000 pocketed springs actively respond to your individual movement and sleep style. The breathable cover of ultra-fine viscose and plant-based rayon fibers helps hot sleepers stay cool. The Leesa Sapira Hybrid carries the CertiPUR-US® safety certification through independent accredited testing labs that ensure materials are low VOC and made without ozone depleters, phthalates, BPDE, formaldehyde or heavy metals. If you want to support a company with a dedication to social causes as part of its corporate mission, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid is a feel-good purchase.
What I Didn’t Love
If you prefer a plusher, cushier mattress, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid isn’t a good match. If you are a partnered sleeper, you may be prone to feeling your mate’s movements during sleep.
Best For Side Sleepers: Brooklyn Aurora Luxe
- Best For: Side sleepers, hot sleepers, sleepers with back pain
- Price Range: $1,199-2,665
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Multiple firmness levels from soft to medium-firm, 3-7/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Warranty
What I Loved
The Brooklyn Aurora Luxe is engineered to appeal to a wide array of sleepers and offers terrific value for the price. The hybrid construction—proprietary open-cell design in both the foam layers and the pocketed springs—prevents heat retention, and allows for optimal airflow and breathability. That makes the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe excellent for hot sleepers who find themselves waking frequently during the night. It’s also a nice pick for side sleepers who struggle with hip or shoulder pain because the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe has a softer, more giving feel. It’s also a little bouncier than foam mattresses like the Casper Original if you’re a coupled sleeper.
What I Didn’t Love
The edge support of the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe isn’t the best for heavier sleepers or couples. It’s also not ideal for stomach sleepers who need a firmer mattress structure to keep their hips aligned with their shoulders.
Best For Pressure Relief: Nolah Evolution 15”
- Best For: Side sleepers, sleepers with hip, back or shoulder pain, combination sleepers
- Price Range: $1,499-3,198
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Available in plush, luxury firm and firm, ranging from 4-8/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
What I Loved
If you need enhanced spinal alignment for scoliosis, shoulder pain or sciatica, the Nolah Evolution 15” may be just what the doctor ordered. This high-tech, hybrid mattress—the company’s most advanced—has been singled out by the Sleep Foundation for its outstanding features. Its targeted back support and responsive, whole-body pressure relief come courtesy of the HDMax™ Tri-Zone™ coils, while the breathable cover, heat-dissipating Euro topper and graphite-infused AirFoamICE™ (the company’s next-level memory foam) combine for luxurious cushioning and best-in-class cooling. The Nolah Evolution 15” mattress compares favorably to a Tempur-pedic.
What I Didn’t Love
The Nolah Evolution 15” may be a bit too cushy for sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress.
Best Organic: Birch Luxe Natural
- Best For: Eco-conscious shoppers, back, side or combination sleepers, chemically sensitive shoppers (including those with eczema or other skin conditions)
- Price Range: $1,936.30-3,623.80
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium-firm mattress, with a mattress topper, 4-5/10 on firmness scale, without a mattress topper, 6-7/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 100-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 25-Year Warranty
What I Loved
If you’re a finicky sleeper (I’m talking to you Princess and the Pea types!) be cradled, cool and comfortable on the ultra-plush Birch Luxe Natural pillow top mattress. Birch is committed to using organic, natural materials that pass rigorous testing and achieve the highest ratings and standards from third-party organizations. The materials—ultra-fine, organic cashmere, two organic comfort layers and non-toxic, natural Talalay latex—are breathable, moisture-wicking and cooling. The Birch Luxe Natural mattress is an upgrade to their Birch Natural mattress with enhanced lumbar support, full perimeter support and a plush quilted, organic cotton Euro top. In addition, Birch’s production credentials are eco-responsible, and their partners adhere to ethical practices and materials sourcing. A latex mattress like the Birch Luxe Natural is an excellent choice for those with allergies, asthma or skin sensitivities. There will be no off-gassing with the Birch Luxe Natural. To me, this is the Tesla of mattresses. And the durability and warranty is unbeatable.
What I Didn’t Love
Shoppers on a tight budget may find the Birch Luxe Natural cost-prohibitive. But this premium mattress delivers safety and sustainability along with an incredibly dreamy, luxe sleep experience thanks to its natural components. Watch for frequent sales that bring the price down.
Best For Cooling: Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best For: Hot sleepers, partnered sleepers, combination sleepers
- Price Range: $1,721-3,565
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Three firmness levels, ranging from 5-7/10 on firmness scale
- Sleep Trial: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty
What I Loved
The Bear Elite Hybrid is the brand’s newest and most sophisticated mattress with loads of construction innovation. Individually-wrapped coils provide superior motion distribution compared to traditional innerspring designs, while memory foam and zoned support create a perfect mix of firmness and contouring. The Bear Elite Hybrid features five ergonomic zones offering varying pressure relief levels to support the spine and joints. This system employs higher-gauged coils in the mattress’s middle section for lumbar support, while the end zones are more gently cushioned. The Elite Hybrid also performs well in several areas where other mattresses struggle. Its edge support and motion distribution are incredible, letting one partner toss and turn without disturbing the other. Temperature regulation is the Bear Elite Hybrid’s superpower, thanks to copper-infused cooling gel that draws away and disperses body heat. Nectar’s cooling-gel memory foam mattresses are worth comparing in this category.
What I Didn’t Love
This is a premium mattress, so naturally it carries a higher price tag. Also, our reviewers felt that each of the firmness models tended to run a bit softer than the ratings suggest.
Best for Heavier Sleepers: Titan Plus Luxe
- Best For: Heavy or plus size sleepers, back sleepers, stomach sleepers and coupled sleepers
- Price Range: $899-1,799
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium-firm mattress, 5-7/10 on firmness scale
- Sleep Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Warranty
What I Loved
Brooklyn Bedding’s market-leading Titan Plus Luxe is specifically designed with substantial support for heavier sleepers in a traditional medium-firmness that suits the majority of sleepers. And the price is right. The Titan Plus Luxe is a pillow top mattress that builds on the original Titan Plus, bumping up the contouring comfort and durability for plus-size sleepers weighing 230 pounds or more. The gel-infused memory foam quilted cover and latex-like, high-density polyfoam layer result in excellent stability. The company’s optional GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover can be sewn into the surface of the mattress to deliver ultimate cooling on contact—a super upgrade for hot sleepers. An 8-inch core of up to 1,032 individually encased TitanCaliber™ coils delivers ample support and pressure point relief all the way across and to the edge of the Titan Plus Luxe, along with superior motion isolation and durability. Shoppers might want to compare the hybrid super sturdy WinkBed to the Titan Plus Luxe.
What I Didn’t Love
Side sleepers weighing 130 or less pounds are likely to find the Titan Plus Luxe too firm for comfortable sleep.
Best for Back Sleepers: Plank Firm Luxe
- Best for: Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, sleepers who prefer an extra-firm bed
- Price Range: $924-1,732
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium-firm to firm, 6.5-9.5/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Warranty
What I Loved
If you’re interested in an extra-firm sleep experience, look no further than the Plank Firm Luxe. Inspired by the minimalist approach to sleep in many parts of Asia, the firmer, flatter, flippable surface of the Plank Firm Luxe mattress creates a neutral spine position that’s better for your back and overall posture. This hybrid mattress incorporates individually-encased coils under polyfoam for responsiveness and pressure point relief. The Plank Firm Luxe’s design offers two variations: the top side of the mattress feels like a traditional firm; the bottom side of the mattress is ultra-firm, allowing for highly customizable rest. Both the firm and extra-firm sides are offered with optional cooling panels for the ultimate sleep experience.
What I Didn’t Love
Extra-firm mattresses aren’t for everybody. Side sleepers, those who like the feel of memory foam and those who prefer softer mattresses won’t enjoy the firmness of the Plank Firm Luxe. Also, motion transfer is higher in the Plank Firm Luxe than other types of mattresses.
Best Luxury: Helix Midnight Elite
- Best For: Luxury mattress shoppers, sleepers who like a plush, cushiony bed, hot sleepers, back sleepers, side sleepers
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Price Range: $1,829-3,299
- Firmness: Softer mattress, 5-6/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 100-Night, No-Risk Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 15-Year Warranty
What I Loved
The Helix Midnight Elite Mattress is a top-of-the-line luxury hybrid mattress with nine layers and 16 inches of supportive comfort with a softer feel. The unique construction is designed for maximum contouring to counteract dreaded mattress sagging. Two layers of microcoils made up of thousands of small coils that are individually wrapped in fabric cradle your body and provide targeted pressure relief. This construction allows each coil to move independently, which helps to reduce motion transfer and provide a more customized level of support. By distributing your body weight evenly across the microcoil layers, the mattress can help to alleviate pressure points and reduce the risk of back, hip and shoulder pain. In addition, the Helix Midnight Elite also features a layer of high-density foam that provides contours to your body’s curves to help reduce motion transfer and provide a more comfortable sleeping experience. Finally, the GlacioTex cooling cover regulates temperature—a must for hot sleepers who toss and turn. The Saatva HD and the Birch Natural Luxe are two other excellent options in the luxury mattress category.
What I Didn’t Love
The Helix Midnight Elite has excellent construction and advanced features, so it carries a steeper price tag, so it’s not a good choice for budget shoppers. Because of the 16-inch profile of the Helix Midnight Elite, it’s not a good choice for sleepers with mobility issues. And stomach sleepers will sink into this mattress too much, which could lead to aches and pains over time.
Best Budget: Dreamfoam Hybrid
- Best For: Budget shoppers, back and side combination sleepers, buyers seeking an inexpensive bed for a guest room or a kid’s room
- Price Range: $532-999
- Mattress Type: Hybrid mattress, bed-in-a-box
- Firmness: Medium-firm, 6.5/10 on firmness scale
- Trial Length: 120-Night, Risk-Free Sleep Trial
- Warranty: 10-Year Warranty
What I Loved
The Dreamfoam Hybrid packs a lot of punch at a lower price point. Because it has a balance of firmness and bounce, it’s a solid choice for combination sleepers who may fall asleep in one position and awaken in another. The cooling cover, foam and a layer of encased coils add airflow making the Dreamfoam Hybrid a solid choice for hot sleepers. This well-priced bed is a great choice for kids and lighter teens.
What I Didn’t Love
Heavier sleepers need more support and durability than the Dreamfoam Hybrid delivers. Likewise, stomach sleepers won’t find the firm sleeping surface they need. At this price point, also consider the Saatva Classic.
The Best Ways to Dispose of a Saggy Mattress
Now that you’re ready to upgrade to a new mattress that won’t sag, you might be wondering how to responsibly get rid of your old, saggy mattress.
Even if your warranty covers the replacement of a mattress that sags, it may not cover the removal of that old mattress.
But don’t worry….you’re not stuck.
We’ve got three ideas for how you can get rid of a mattress that sags without taking a bite out of your wallet or putting unnecessary pressure on the environment.
Recycling
According to Habitat for Humanity, more than 22 million mattresses are discarded irresponsibly every year, tossed in a landfill or left on the curb. Don’t be that person. The Mattress Recycling Council estimates that upwards of 80% of any given mattress can be recycled, from steel coils to wood frames, certain foams and cover fabrics. They work with state governments to set up recycling programs, so they’re a good first step.
Donation
Non-profit organizations like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army may accept—or even pick up—your old mattress. Some shelters and church groups also accept mattress donations. Always call or email first to find out what local policies are. The Freecycle Network is another place in your local community worth investigating.
Junk Removal
If you haven’t had luck with donating or recycling your saggy mattress, you can Google a junk removal service. Expect to pay a fee for this service. City or county trash pickup services may have designated days for the disposal of bulk items like mattresses, but check first to be sure. Though it’s the least “green” option, it does solve the problem so you can enjoy your new bed.
The Best Mattresses That Won’t Sag Are Out There
All of us have tossed and turned on a saggy mattress. So we can totally relate if the current saggy mattress has you cranky.
Some sagging over time and usage is to be expected, of course. But excessive sagging can disrupt sound sleep, causing a host of daytime problems.
Old-school tactics (your parents or grands may have tried these fixes) like adding plywood between the mattress and bed frame or slats to the bed frame, or adding a mattress topper are only temporary fixes.
But these measures can’t fix a saggy mattress.
The good news for your aching body and your cranky mood is that there are some excellent choices in the marketplace for mattresses that are well-constructed and won’t sag prematurely. Our top picks also provide you extra benefits no matter what your sleep preferences are.
We hope this comprehensive primer of the best mattresses that won’t sag will help you find the perfect mattress sleep match. Once you’ve purchased a new mattress, your sleep will be transformed and you’ll look forward to bedtime for many years to come.
And while you’re researching the best mattresses that won’t sag, you might also like to read our roundup of 10 Best Mattresses for 2024.