We have a queen mattress that is about 4 years old. My husband is around 290 lbs and I am 130. His side has a visible dip now and he constantly rolls into the middle toward me. I wake up squished or hanging off the edge. We tried a cheap memory foam topper but it made things worse. Is there a way to fix this without buying a whole new bed? Or do we need a different mattress type entirely? I am exhausted.
Mattress Sinking
My husband rolls toward me because his side sinks
A toppeer won't fix a collapsed support core. At 290 lbs, most standard foam or hybrid mattresses break down faster. You might need something with a higher density base foam or a firmer coil system rated for heavier sleepers.
What brand is the current mattress? Four years is short but not unheard of if it's a cheaper model and one person is much heavier.
we had the same problem. My side sank and I kept rolling into my wife. We ended up getting a split king with adjustable bases so we each have our own surface. It is expensive but it solved the rolling completely. Not sure if that is an option for you.
Split king is a solid suggestion if budget allows. Another option is a mattress with zoned support, firmer in the middle and under the he avier areas. But honestly if the dip is already visible, the foam is worn out. Rotating the mattress might buy you a little time if it is not a pillow top.
Try putting a piece of plywood under his side? I know it sounds redneck but it worked for my brother until he got a new bed.
Plywood under the mattress won't fix the foam compression. It just makes the whole thing firmer. The dip is in the comfort layer, not the foundation.
It is a Sealy hybrid, medium firm. We did rotate it once but the dip came back quickly. I will look into the split king idea but I am not sure we have the room. Has anyone tried those mattress wedges that go under the fitted sheet?
Those wedges are a waste of money in my opinion. They shift around and do not address the actual sag. We ended up buying a higher density foam mattress from a local manufacturer and it has held up much better for my 300 lb husband.
If you go the new mattress route, look for something with a coil count and density rating meant for heavier people. Most salespeople won't mention it unless you ask. Also check the warranty, some prorate and some exclude sagging under a certain depth.
Also consider a latex mattress. They tend to be more durable and resistant to body impressions than memory foam. They are heavier and pricier but might last longer for him.
I second latex. We have had ours for sevn years and no sagging. My husband is around 260.
Before you buy anything, measure the actual dip. A lot of warranties require a certain depth, usually 1.5 inches, to qualify for a replacement. If it is less than that they will say it is normal. Also flip the mattress if it is flippable but most hybrids are not.