Using a Mattress Topper on Existing Mattress

dantes on 04/02/2023 - 17:01

Hi all,

My folks have a Sealy mattress where the top comfort layer is sagging at the points where they sleep.

It doesn't appear to be the failure of the springs, just the compression of the comfort layer. The mattress is single sided with a 8cm comfort layer.

Despite my advice, they are not ready to fork out $1000 for a new mattress and want to get a topper instead. One of the toppers in consideration is https://www.emma-sleep.com.au/emma-diamond-mattress-topper/

My question is do they flip over the mattress and put the topper over the firm side (direct pocket spring contact)? Or do they put the topper over as is? My gut tells me putting a topper over a sagging comfort layer is not going to work very well.

I've searched the internet but couldn't find an answer. The answers I've found only apply to mattress with failing springs.

Would love to hear from anyone who has experience in using a topper to rectify an existing mattress with a sagging comfort layer.

Thanks in advance

Home & Garden Mattress Topper

Comments

  • AustriaBargain on 04/02/2023 - 17:22
    +5

    How old is the mattress? It might be seally to keep it if it's too old.

    • dantes on 04/02/2023 - 17:41

      Not sure, could be 8 years+

      • AustriaBargain on 04/02/2023 - 18:37
        -1

        8 years seems to be the consensus for time to change mattress. Some search results say 6-8, others say 8-10. So it's probably time. If it's sagging then it's definitely time. I bet a new mattress is about more than just compression, it probably helps breathing by not having 8 years worth of dust and bacteria and shit sitting in the middle of your room.

        • dantes on 04/02/2023 - 18:43
          +1

          Agreed, but I haven't been able to change the old man's mind.

          • AustriaBargain on 04/02/2023 - 18:47

            @dantes: Wha if you take them mattress shopping anyway, just to see if they find one they like better than what they have. Maybe their bodies have changed in the 8+ years they had it and would like to test something else. You could pretend like you need a new mattress for yourself so you need to do it anyway.

            • dantes on 04/02/2023 - 18:52

              @AustriaBargain: It was a task to do that 8 years ago. We convinced them to go for the Sealy brand and it ended up not lasting as long as their previous mattress. I don't know if that has reduced my credibility.

              My other thought was just buy a whole new Emma mattress and "spring" it on them… but most of the negative reviews have indicated it to be quite firm.

              • AustriaBargain on 04/02/2023 - 19:10

                @dantes: What if you spring on them a non refundable gift card to mattress king or whatever.

                • [Deactivated] on 04/02/2023 - 19:13
                  +2

                  @AustriaBargain: lol OP advised his parents aren't povvo so why keep pushing for the kiddos to pay for a new mattress?

                  • AustriaBargain on 04/02/2023 - 19:24

                    @[Deactivated]: To force their hand into getting a new mattress.

                    • [Deactivated] on 04/02/2023 - 19:31
                      +2

                      @AustriaBargain: But they don't want a new mattress so forcing something will have the parental hackles up, quick smart. If they're anything like mine, their pride will kick in & they would allow the gift card to lapse rather than use it just to teach us kiddos a lesson about who is STILL boss.

                      • AustriaBargain on 04/02/2023 - 20:04

                        @[Deactivated]: Then I'd steal their mattress while they are out of the home and swap it with a brand new one.

                        • [Deactivated] on 04/02/2023 - 20:09

                          @AustriaBargain: lol

                          For your insubordination, my father would make you return the mattress by carrying it on your back to the store!

                          • AustriaBargain on 04/02/2023 - 20:15

                            @[Deactivated]: What would your father sleep on though, if I had the old mattress were destroyed.

                            • [Deactivated] on 04/02/2023 - 20:24

                              @AustriaBargain: They have 3 spare BRMs.

                              But your life would not be worth living as you listen to him complain for weeks on end about how uncomfortable it is to sleep on a double bed because you effd up.

              • RockyRaccoon on 05/02/2023 - 11:37

                @dantes: Emma like most other in the box mattresses give you 100 days to try if not money back. I found that in my case it started to show signs of sagging, so rather than risk it I asked for a refund. This was given, the only thing they couldnt pick it up so I had to arrange for a council Rubbish collection. (They really cant be sold again - in some areas they get Salvos or someone else to pick up)

                Have gone with OneBed and its on trial so far so good, and slightly softer than Emma.

                Yes some here may suggest keep returning before time is up move on to next - bargain. But I have done it because with a store bought mattresses you cant trial them, and all mattresses need a longer trial than just 5 minutes lying on one at a store.

                • dantes on 05/02/2023 - 16:43

                  @RockyRaccoon: Which Emma mattress was this? How long till the sagging started and can I ask your weight range?

              • ColtNoir on 05/02/2023 - 14:25

                @dantes: As someone who’s buying a new mattress now and wants to make sure it lasts.
                I’ve discovered that a waterproof mattress protector is the key. The moisture from sweat causes the foam in the topper and mattress to deteriorate over time. So I think you’ll find that it’s not just the topper sagging.

                I don’t think a topper is going to cut the mustard.

                If they don’t want to buy a new mattress, don’t get involved in the topper as you’ll be blamed when it doesn’t work and they still need to buy a mattress

                • dantes on 05/02/2023 - 16:46

                  @ColtNoir: I've been asked to buy the topper, because the oldies don't know a thing about online shopping. I think the topper is high risk whereas a new mattress is lower risk. It's hard to change the minds of someone who is stubborn.

                  • RockyRaccoon on 05/02/2023 - 22:54

                    @dantes: Explain it this way. the dip will still be there the topper doesnt flow into the sag to bring that up to the same level as the high points. it just adds the same amount of thickness.

                    Of course it will make a harder bed softer, but thats not the issue here. Instead of 8cm with a dip it will be 10cm with a dip the same. (or whatever added height the topper is)

                    They have been watching too much daytime TV where they promote such rubbish everyday.

                    • dantes on 06/02/2023 - 14:45
                      +1

                      @RockyRaccoon: You're exactly right. They did see an ad on TV which started them down this path. I need to get into a clear headspace before trying to talk them out of it. I'm not a patient person when it comes to explain something that is trivial.

    • kanmen on 04/02/2023 - 18:38

      I'm appreciating the pun

      • dantes on 04/02/2023 - 18:43

        Haha, I didn't spot that till you mentioned it.

  • Mechz on 04/02/2023 - 17:23
    +3

    The correct answer is you buy the new mattress for them.

    • AustriaBargain on 04/02/2023 - 17:33

      Yeah may as well, he'll inherit the money they don't spend on a new mattress eventually anyway. So they might as well get better sleep on a new mattress in the meantime.

    • dantes on 04/02/2023 - 17:43

      Our offer to replace as a gift was declined. It's not a money issue. Rather, a philosophical one on the bedding industry. Don't ask!

      • bobbified on 05/02/2023 - 14:20

        Our offer to replace as a gift was declined.

        With parents, don't offer - just do. They'll initially complain it's a waste of money, blah blah but they'll eventually enjoy it.

        • dantes on 05/02/2023 - 16:49
          +1

          This thought has crossed my mind many times. But with a bed, it's kinda difficult because everyone has difference preferences. Buying the right bed is hard, let alone buying for someone else. Heck, I've been trying to find the right pillow for myself for 10+ years!

  • [Deactivated] on 04/02/2023 - 17:35

    Try their chat support for advice. Good thing about Emma is that your parents can get 100 Nights to test the Diamond Topper & if it's not quite right, they can send it back for free + full refund.

    • dantes on 04/02/2023 - 17:46
      +1

      I believe they are inundated. A week ago, I waited on chat but no response. Emailed instead - only autoresponder. I see recent comments on Product Review of similar delays and the 100 night trial is actually a nightmare to claim a refund. Not sure what to think now.

      • FoxJump on 04/02/2023 - 18:01

        we are happy with two Emma mattresses. ymmv

        • dantes on 04/02/2023 - 18:44

          What age group if you don't mind me asking. My parents are 60+, have read Emma is quite firm? Any old folks using Emma can comment?

          • FoxJump on 04/02/2023 - 21:32

            @dantes: we're 38ish, queen emma
            my dad is 79, single emma

            • dantes on 05/02/2023 - 16:50

              @FoxJump: What model of Emma bed? It seems the softest in the range would be the top model Diamond.

              • FoxJump on 05/02/2023 - 16:55

                @dantes: one is the Emma original
                the other i think is the Emma comfort

          • jonho on 05/02/2023 - 10:58

            @dantes: We bought a king sized Emma based on choice magazine reviews. Can confirm it’s super firm. Thought I liked a firm mattress until now - it was too much for me. Wife does like it though (in our 40’s)

            • dantes on 05/02/2023 - 16:51

              @jonho: Which model did you get? Do you currently have a topper on it?

              • jonho on 06/02/2023 - 09:07

                @dantes: There was only one option at the time, looks like the Confort (without springs), and scored top ratings in Choice. When I complained that to them that it was too firm for my liking, they sent out a free topper. Slightly better, but still super firm.

                • dantes on 06/02/2023 - 14:46

                  @jonho: Are you a side or back sleeper? I suspect a lot of those who find Emma mattresses firm are side sleepers?

      • [Deactivated] on 04/02/2023 - 18:14

        Oh - I was chatting with Soraya from Emma just then & she offered an additional 5% discount on top of their 25% sale so you may want to try them again.

        • dantes on 04/02/2023 - 18:45

          Thanks, might have to try again later then. The 5% discount can also be claimed if you join their newsletter and give your phone number.

  • garetz on 04/02/2023 - 18:37
    +1

    Not alot of people understand this, but mattresses have a limited life span usually between 5-10 years, as soon as you see sagging it is time to replace it. A topper is not going to fix the fundamental underlying problem the mattress has.

    • TEER3X on 04/02/2023 - 18:45
      +3

      Nah we keep mattresses for 50 years where I'm from

      You need to harden up

    • dantes on 04/02/2023 - 18:48

      There was a post a while back from someone who makes mattresses and has taken apart old mattresses from competitors. He said most mattress don't fail due to the springs. The majority fail at the comfort layer.

      So my theory was if I could flip the bed over and lay the topper over on the firm springs, it would could possibly achieve the same effect as a new one.

    • nuker on 04/02/2023 - 22:34

      as soon as you see sagging it is time to replace it.

      Springs don't sag, its the soft top/bottom layer that gives up. I bought a 8cm thick memory foam topper on eBay for ~$100 Queen size. It kinda works, much more comfy now. Problem is it slipping sideways if you not using some fitted sheet/protector to keep it in place.

    • reactor-au on 05/02/2023 - 09:03

      I have a Simmons beauty rest worldclass or whatever from 2010, replaced it in 2016 because of a undiagnosed medical condition that I blamed on the mattress but it's in the guest room and it's still great, I sleep there occasionally.

      I have a serta perfect night something something from 2016, still feels the same as the day I bought it, expecting it will go for another 6 years no problem.

      I believe if you buy a quality mattress that's rated above your weight, flipped monthly (or rotated for one sided) then it should last a decade at least. That said both my mattresses have a replacement price in the thousands of dollars so that could have a lot to do with it.

      • dantes on 05/02/2023 - 16:58

        This is what I thought when I recommended my folks buy their mid range Sealy. The ensemble cost about $3000 from memory.

        Waste from mattresses could probably be reduced if manufacturers chose make the top layer replaceable.

        • [Deactivated] on 05/02/2023 - 17:04

          Buy a non-pillow top mattress & add a topper

          • dantes on 05/02/2023 - 17:05

            @[Deactivated]: Yes that's what I would do in future. But currently choice is not mine.

  • cookie2 on 04/02/2023 - 18:57

    First flip the mattress and see how it feels, make sure no sagging on the underside. You may even try putting a doona or something thick down and then see how it feels compared to lying straight on it. Obviously it's going to feel firm but it will give you an idea of how much a topper is going to help. I'd be using the topper with the mattress flipped otherwise it'll still sag anyway and the $ will be a waste. Alternatively if they're price concious consider The salvos and other second hand options. I know that the salvos steam clean mattresses before selling.

    • disturboed on 05/02/2023 - 10:21

      most Sealy mattresses use a LFK type spring which is different on top then on bottom (not a normal Bonnell spring) so flipping it will probably be a bad idea.

      • dantes on 05/02/2023 - 17:00

        Anyway I can quickly tell?

  • Benoffie on 04/02/2023 - 20:39

    Personally, I keep adding my old mattress protectors to mine to soften our mutual ageing fatness :)

    But if it's bothering you, I suggest this mattress topper:

    https://hotelhome.com.au/store/mattress-topper-gen-ii.html

    Damn things are like sleeping on a cloud. And if they do need a new mattress, at least wait for one of the 'pay for a single, get any size' sales.

  • dtc on 04/02/2023 - 22:28

    Just try it and see. If it works great, if it doesn’t then your parents may get a new one and you have a mattress topper

  • tabitha731 on 05/02/2023 - 07:55

    $1000 on a mattress is a pretty good deal.. a mattress’s topper isnt really going go make much difference to your existing bed, its just a thick doona sheet kinda thing. $1000 for a mattress where u spend a good chunk of ur day over a few years is a good investment. Its not as if you will be spending $1000 every month for a new mattress.. its a long term purchase

    • dantes on 05/02/2023 - 17:01

      The mattress topper they want is a memory foam one - see link in OP. It's totally different to the doona ones.

  • ForkSnorter on 05/02/2023 - 10:04

    After 8 years, a mattress will be absolutely filled with dust mites and other critters, and a lot of moisture and dried sweat. Unless you're vacuuming it once a fortnight, could get itchy.

    Also, a sagging mattress really needs to be replaced. The mattress topper won't fix the sagging, it will just sag further into the depressions. Don't need to spend $1000 on a mattress. As long as you get a decent memory foam topper, a cheaper mattress is fine. Bouncy slats will help too.

  • Euphemistic on 05/02/2023 - 10:19

    If it’s the comfort top that is sagging it needs to be removed from the equation before installing my another topper. Either by flipping the mattres or removing the layer.

  • ssmith3104 on 05/02/2023 - 10:33
    +1

    Recently, I had the same dilemma. Initially I tried flipping the mattress over, but it was too rock hard. So, I then purchased a pure LATEX mattress topper, which costs about $300 for a King Size. It is working very well, and I can recommend this. Don't buy the cheaper "memory foam" versions. Latex is best. In King size, the thickest I could find was only 5cm thick, but in Queen Size there is a 7.5 cm version, which I would have preferred if it was available in King.

    Only time will tell if this solution is only short-term successful, or if it will last for a few years. If it buys me, say, 3 years, I'll remain happy because a new King mattress of the quality I require will cost me $1800 because I refuse to purchase any mattress that comes out of a BOX. They never have adequate side support.

    • leiiv on 05/02/2023 - 11:57

      Any recommendation where to buy it from?

      • ssmith3104 on 08/02/2023 - 11:56

        Kogan or Amazon were similar pricing.

    • dantes on 05/02/2023 - 17:04

      Ah, finally someone who has experience in the matter!

      I gather your mattress was single sided then? Are you putting the topper on the flipped side or it's normal side?

      • RockyRaccoon on 07/02/2023 - 09:15

        The only issue here, is that some people (inc myself) can have a latex allergy and can be ok intially but overtime the body can react. So just be aware of this should in the future these symptoms occur. (1% is supposed to be percentage than can be affected)

        This isnt to say dont do it, just be aware as my Mother had same issue years ago and suffered rashes for 6 months with numerous medical visits, before we worked it out. I got it with a pillow and as such realised real quick, the issue.

        These are
        Skin irritation: Itching, inflammation, redness and swelling
        Rash: An itchy rash appears where the latex touched your skin.
        Hives, runny nose and sneezing: Itchy, watery eyes and inflammation around the nose and mouth are common.
        Trouble breathing: People who have severe allergic reactions may wheeze or have difficulty breathing.

        Again if this works (which it should) everything is ok - ie 99% will be ok, just watch the symptoms in case they occur

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