Stacking mattresses on top of each other (is it bad?)

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I’m pretty sure you know someone who tried putting a new mattress on top of an old one. They say that stacking two mattresses doubles the support as well as the comfort. Is there any truth to this? In this article, we tell you the downsides of stacking mattresses and we’ll be giving you some good alternatives that you can try instead.

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Should you stack mattresses on top of each other?

Although it’s a common “fix”, we don’t recommend stacking mattresses on top of each other because this won’t provide extra comfort and support.

If your existing mattress is already worn-out or sagging, the best thing you can do is to replace it with a new model that will give you adequate support and pressure relief.

One popular practice is to put a memory foam mattress on top of a spring mattress. People do this to have a softer foam mattress top layer and a firmer mattress below which acts as the support layer. Another reason that memory foam mattresses are added on top of innerspring mattresses is to reduce motion transfer.

It’s true that memory foam mattresses excel in motion isolation, but they are also known for their tendency to trap body heat. Stacking two mattresses on top of each other will only result in less airflow and increased heat retention. My point is that heat and moisture buildup in a mattress will also promote the growth of mold and dust mites.

So unless you want to sleep on a mattress that’s teeming with allergens, we strongly suggest getting a foam mattress topper instead for support and to prolong your current mattress’ lifespan. Mattress toppers are also a great accessory for altering the firmness and feel of your mattress.

It just isn’t a good idea to stack mattresses on top of each other. Read the next section to learn about the other drawbacks of placing a mattress on top of another mattress.

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Downsides of stacking mattresses

The downsides of stacking mattresses are:

• The mattresses can slip
• You can damage the mattresses
• Less comfort
• Less airflow
• Overheating
• Increased allergens
• It can void the warranty
• It can make your sleep surface uncomfortable

The mattresses can slip

I can personally attest to this. I remember staying at my friend’s place for a few weeks a couple of years ago. I slept in the guest room which had a bed that was comprised of two mattresses – an innerspring mattress without foam on the bottom and a memory foam mattress without springs on top. I would wake up each morning and one end of the foam mattress would be hanging off the edge of the bed.

I had to push the top mattress back every single day to make it level with the bottom mattress. If your bed frame is already high, stacking mattresses on top of one another can be a recipe for disaster, especially if you’re the type of sleeper who tends to move around a lot.

You can damage the mattresses

Most types of mattresses should be placed on a stable foundation such as a box spring or a platform bed for durable support. Stacking a mattress on top of another mattress can cause an uneven sleep surface. Both mattresses will deteriorate over time and develop saggy spots.

How?

The bottom mattress will be supporting both your body weight and the weight of the top mattress. This will accelerate wear-and-tear and effectively halve each mattress’s lifespan.

Less comfort

The lack of a sturdy base will make your mattress unsupportive. And as you may already know, the comfort level of a mattress not only depends on its firmness but also on its ability to support your body (your spine in particular). Poor lumbar support can cause back pain and discomfort.

If you aren’t happy with the firmness or feel of your current mattress, we recommend adding a mattress topper on it to make it softer or firmer. Mattress toppers extend the lifespan of a mattress and promote extra airflow depending on their construction.

Less airflow

As I mentioned earlier, stacking two mattresses will result in less air circulation. Aside from the accumulation of mold and dust mites, the heat and moisture caused by the lack of airflow can also affect the structural integrity of a mattress. When it comes to a comfortable mattress, structural integrity is everything.

Overheating

The lack of ventilation can cause extreme heat retention in a mattress, especially if its made out of traditional memory foam. This is a huge detriment for sleepers who tend to overheat at night. If you’re one of these hot sleepers, you should definitely avoid placing a mattress on top of another mattress.

Take a look at our how to make a memory foam mattress cooler guide instead for tips that actually work.

Increased allergens

Do you suffer from night-time allergies? The moisture buildup caused by stacking two mattresses will just create a breeding ground for all kinds of allergens. This could exacerbate your allergies and make it so much harder for you to fall asleep at night.

It can void the warranty

Most mattress manufacturers will not honor your warranty claim – such as Saatva’s warranty – if you aren’t using a proper bed frame for your mattress. Placing one mattress on top of another isn’t going to cut it.

It can make your sleeping surface too high

Older people and those with mobility issues might find it difficult to just get in and out of bed that has two stacked mattresses. There’s also a higher risk of falling off the bed and onto the floor.

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Alternatives to putting one mattress on top of another

If stacking mattresses won’t work, then what will? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

You can use the following alternatives for a stronger and more supportive foundation:

• Platform bed
• Box spring
• Slats
• Floor

Platform bed

Known as the most popular type of bed frame, platform beds can have a solid base or a slatted design. Just make sure you get a mattress that’s compatible with a platform bed to avoid any issues.

If your mattress feels unsupportive, it might be due to a shabby bed frame. Switch out your old bed frame with a new high-quality model and you should get better support instantly.

Box spring

Traditionally used only for innerspring mattresses, today’s box springs have adapted a different design to be compatible with most mattress types.

You can place a box spring underneath your mattress for reinforced support and extra bed height. There are also low-profile box springs if you want to decrease your bed’s height.

Many good brands also have stylish box spring covers if you want something that can enhance your bed’s appearance.

Slats

Another option is to add slats on your bed frame to strengthen it and support the combined load of your body and your mattress.

You can choose between wooden slats and metal slats; both are durable as long as they’re made from good-quality materials. Each slat shouldn’t be more than 3 inches apart to evenly distribute body weight and prevent sinking with foam mattresses.

Put the mattress directly on the floor

Last but not least, you can use the floor as a base for your mattress.

We don’t always recommend this, but this is still a better alternative to stacking two mattresses on top of one another. A flat, solid floor will provide stable support for your mattress, however, you might also have to deal with the buildup of mold and dust mites underneath the mattress.

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FAQs

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Conclusion

We don’t recommend stacking mattresses because it has more downsides than benefits. You’re going to get less support, less comfort, and less airflow.

Believe me, it’s not fun.

Some better options are to use a sturdy platform bed, a box spring, reinforced slats, or even the floor.

If your mattress is old, worn-out, and sagging, the best thing you can do is replace it with a new mattress. Take a look at our best mattress that won’t sag article for the most durable models on the market.

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Next step: Read our Amore mattress review. If you’re in the market for a new mattress, Amore is definitely a brand to consider. We go over the pros and cons so you can decide for yourself if it’s the right choice for you.

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Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?