My Pillow-top Mattress Is Causing Problems

Sagging

• It is common that mattresses begin to sag after regular use; pillow tops are no exception. In fact, pillow-top mattresses are known to begin sagging and develop depressions and indentations earlier than other types of mattresses. Sagging in your pillow-top mattress may cause a decline in sleep quality since the mattress does not provide the same support and comfort as it previously did. Unfortunately, there is no remedy for a sagging pillow-top mattress because your average pillow top cannot be flipped over; however, you can take measures to delay it from sagging. For example, you can rotate 180 degrees every few months and try to vary where you sleep to prevent uneven wear, suggests STL Beds, a bedroom furniture retailer.

Wear and Tear

• Pillow-top mattresses may also suffer from superficial wear and tear. The surface of the mattress can develop rips and tears. This, in turn, may cause the material used in the cushion to fall out and decrease the effectiveness of the mattress. You may use a specialized glue designed to mend mattress tears and prevent the rips from developing further.

Stains

• As with all upholstered furniture, your pillow-top mattress may get stained, tainted or wet with blood, urine or beverage spills, for example. A stained mattress is not only unpleasant to sleep on but it may also cause mold and mildew to develop both on the surface of the bed as well as the insides of the mattress if it is not cleaned and dried promptly. To cleanse stains, use terry cloths to blot-dry the stained areas and apply hydrogen peroxide. After a few minutes, dry the treated area and apply baking soda to it to eliminate odor. Before putting your bedding back on and sleeping on it, dry your pillow-top mattress completely.

Prevention

• While pillow-top mattresses may cause many problems, the onset of these problems may be delayed or prevented all together. To safeguard pillow tops from getting stained, ripped or damaged in any way, use mattress covers over the mattress. An alternative is a pillow-topper mattress pad; toppers have the same pillow-top feel but they are removable. A topper will reduce the onset of sagging because you will be sleeping on a regular mattress. The pad can be disposed of if damaged beyond repair.