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Best Mattresses That Don’t Sag and Can Offer You Proper Support

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Written by: Alex Savy
Read 32 minLast updated on March 7, 2023

Since your mattress is often the most expensive piece of furniture in your bedroom, you expect it to last a significant amount of time.

So, I can only imagine how you feel when your bed starts to sag after just a couple of years. Surprisingly, there’s a lot more to it than just your disappointment: A saggy mattress can easily ruin your quality of sleep and have serious impacts on your health.

So, I’ve done some thorough research and am ready to share my reviews of the 5 best mattresses that don’t sag over years of active use. I’m sure your sleep will be peaceful and healthy with any of them, so check them out below.

A Quick Preview

Saatva
Best Overall - Editor’s Choice

Saatva
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Puffy
Runner Up

Puffy
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AS3 by Amerisleep
Best for Back Pain

AS3 by Amerisleep
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WinkBed
Best for Heavy People

WinkBed
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GhostBed Luxe
Best Cooling Option

GhostBed Luxe
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Our Reviews of 5 Top-Rated Mattresses That Won’t Sag

Best Overall - Editor’s ChoiceSaatva

Saatva Classic Mattress

 

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Highlights

  • tempered steel support core for reliable performance;
  • high-density foam encasement around the edges to offer more sleeping space and uniform support all across the surface;
  • 3-inch pillow-top for improved comfort and gentle pressure relief.

The Saatva Hybrid deserves its spotlight on the list of the best mattresses that don’t sag due to its reliable build. The manufacturer uses thick, tempered steel coils for the base and wrapped low-gauge coils for the comfort layer. Such a combination of quality, rigid materials makes the Saatva quite resilient. Chances are, this mattress won’t disappoint you with premature sagging. 

There’s also foam reinforcement around the edges meant to provide uniform support and extra sleeping space. Now, some users tend to avoid foam as it can sag and lose its supportive properties. However, you don’t have to worry about it with the Saatva. This model uses top-quality high-density foam that should withstand years of use without developing indentations.

All in all, I think this mattress can be an optimal solution for those users who want a mattress that won’t sag. It can boast of reliable construction meant to serve sleepers loyally for a long time (which is backed by a 15-year warranty).

Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information.

Runner Up — Puffy

Puffy Mattress Review

Highlights

  • optimal firmness for most sleepers;
  • great motion isolation, ideal for restless partnered sleepers;
  • surprisingly good edge support, offers increased sleeping space;
  • medium feel, would work for a wide range of users;
  • removable and stain-resistant cover for effortless cleaning.

The second place in this selection of the top-rated mattresses that don’t sag goes to the Puffy. It’s an all-foam model with a pretty simple construction; which nevertheless, can offer you superb support and nice pressure relief.

The mattress packs three layers under the polyester cover, resulting in a soft to medium feel. There’s a gel-infused foam layer for cooler sleep, a foam transition layer for better load distribution and precise contouring; and finally, a dense foam base for good motion absorption and overall stability of the mattress.

Restless sleepers and partners, here’s something to cheer you up: 

The Puffy has incredibly low motion transfer so any movements will be absorbed right from the get-go. And no, it won’t suck you in like quicksand — you will still be able to easily transition between sleeping positions.

To sum up, I’d say that the Puffy is a reasonably priced mattress with an incredible ability to relieve your pressure points, maintain your spine alignment, and lasts longer than other all-foam models.

Read our full Puffy mattress review for more information.

puffy mattress cover review
Puffy Mattress On Bed Frame

Best for Back Pain — AS3 by Amerisleep

Amerisleep AS3

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Highlights

  • extra-long warranty for improved customer protection;
  • thick and dense support core for long-lasting performance;
  • open-cell Bio-Pur foam for cooler sleep without giving up proper contouring.

Having a bad back equates to tossing around a lot before settling on a position for the night; however, with this mattress immediate relief is assured once you lay down. The first thing that surprised me about this mattress was how it made my back feel. I experienced zero tension, even if my back felt extra-stiff that day. This has to do with the AS3’s zoned transition layer. It offers optimal tension alleviation for different body parts, which can also aid pain alleviation.

Now, it’s also worth mentioning the incredible support the AS3 can provide. This mattress molds to the shape of one’s body and aids proper weight distribution. At the same time, because the AS3 uses Bio-Pur foam, it’s not as restricting as regular memory foam models. As a combination sleeper, I appreciate that a lot, as I tend to switch positions frequently during the night and hate feeling like I’m stuck in quicksand.

Read our full Amerisleep AS3 mattress review for more information.

Amerisleep AS3 Review-P1133774
Amerisleep-as3

Best No-Sag Mattress for Heavy People — WinkBed

The WinkBeds Mattress Review

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Highlights

  • Optimal mattress breathability and cooling components that aid thermoregulation;
  • lifetime warranty to guarantee unparalleled customer protection;
  • extra-strong edges for uniform support all across the surface.

Ranging from the plush option that lightweight sleepers prefer, to the extra-firm option that heavy stomach sleepers enjoy, this WinkBed mattress offers it all. Then the Winkbed might be your guy. This mattress has a sturdy construction, with a system of independent coils that could deliver sturdy support for years. Additionally, the WinkBed was designed to work for all sleeping styles and different body types, as it comes in 4 comfort options. No other mattress on this list can compete with that (even the Saatva offers 3 firmness options only).

Thanks to such a comfort variety, each user can choose what would work for them based on their particular needs. I decided to test the Luxury Firm model. It worked for sleeping on both my back and stomach. This model felt rather supportive, with enough cradling to make me feel relaxed almost instantly.

Read our full Winkbed mattress review for more information.

WinkBeds Mattress Review P1077779
Winkbeds-P1077851

Best Cooling Option — GhostBed Luxe

Ghostbed Luxe

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Highlights

  • High density core and bottom layer for support and durability
  • Medium plush firmness level that provides sinkage without giving up sturdiness
  • Surface and core cooling properties for thermoregulation
  • Gel-infused memory foam that cradles and reliefs pressure points

The GhostBed Luxe is one of the best mattresses that won’t sag that you can find on the market. Its core, which is made up of 7.5 inches of high density foam, makes up for more than half of the mattress, thereby lending the mattress support alongside durability, you can use it for a long time without having to worry about changing your mattress.

It also features thermoregulation properties, from the quilted Ghost ice fabric cover to the gel-infused and well aerated ghost bounce layer, the mattress is designed to keep a sleeper cool by drawing away heat from the body.

Layers
Construction

Our Methodology - Why I Picked These Mattresses

In this review, I chose mattresses with robust and tempered steel coils or high-density foam cores to find the best mattresses that don’t sag.

I use in-house techniques to check mattresses for support and durability by taking apart the layers, analyzing the feel and grade of each, and seeing how all the layers feel together when trying out different sleeping positions. I also checked the sinkage, measuring how deep the compressions allow on different body parts. If there’s some cradling for comfort and support for spinal alignment, I’ll know this mattress is an excellent fit to be anti-sagging for a long time. A mix of hands-on reviews of other mattresses, plus knowledge in the mattress field, help me better decide on which mattress is best for not sagging. I will also share more methodology tips at the end of the article so you can better choose which mattress works best for you.

Why Does a Mattress Sag?

I hate to break it to you, but no mattress will remain uniform and supportive forever. All beds start to sag eventually. The quality of materials, along with how well the mattress is made, is the determining factor in how quickly this could happen.

So, what can contribute to faster sagging?

  • Poor foam quality. All types of foam tend to soften and lose their resilience over time, and with cheaper quality foam, it tends to happen faster. Budget manufacturers use polyurethane or less-dense memory foam that has a significantly shorter lifespan and is more prone to forming indentations.
  • Uneven load. If you tend to utilize one particular area of your mattress for sleeping, this may lead to indentations in this area, which will make the surface uneven and reduce its supportive properties.
  • Improper utilization. Placing a foam mattress near the heater or in a room with high humidity can damage the materials and make them more prone to sagging.

And finally, if your mattress is close to hitting the 10-year mark, chances are it has already started sagging, even if you don’t see or feel it yet.

Most Common Places for Saggy Spots to Appear

To determine if your mattress is saggy and it’s time to replace it, you need to inspect the most common places for indentations to appear.

Here they are:

  • The area right under your body. If you share a bed with your partner, you might have two similar indentations on both sides of the mattress. 
  • Edges. Saggy edges often are a result of sitting at the edge of your mattress. A mattress is designed for sleeping only, so if you often use your laptop, watch TV, or read while sitting on it, the risk of sagging can increase. 
  • Both corners at your feet. Indentations there may appear if you have pets and allow them to sleep with you.

Keep this in mind:

Try utilizing the surface more evenly if you can. You can also try rotating the mattress to promote even weight distribution and prevent premature sagging.

How Will a Saggy Mattress Impact Your Sleep?

Your body can adapt to nearly anything, including pretty uncomfortable sleeping conditions. However, it will still send you signals that something’s not quite right. In the case of a sagging mattress, look out for the following sleep-related signs:

  • Tossing and turning. When the surface of your mattress loses its uniformity, you will need more time to find a comfortable position to sleep. Also, you may find the positions you once felt relaxed in start causing stiffness and pain in your lower back or neck (1).
  • Insomnia. Spending hours rolling in your bed from side to side can impact your overall sleep quality and duration. This could even lead to anxiety and worry about getting to sleep.
  • Headaches. When your mattress doesn’t provide proper spine alignment and support, your neck and shoulders are the ones that suffer the most. Squeezed nerves and blood vessels in these areas can result in tension headaches or migraines.
  • Allergies. Saggy spots make a great place for all the nasty things to build up. That includes organic particles, which are the food for dust mites. And you guessed it — most US homes have detectable levels of dust mite allergen in their bed. [2] So, if you start noticing you’re getting a sniffly nose or sore and dry eyes when you wake up, your saggy bed could be the one to blame.
  • Back pain. Sleeping on a saggy mattress can cause the spine to fall into misalignment. The thing is, when the sleeping surface is not uniform and can’t deliver proper support for the back, it would allow for unhealthy curvatures in the spine during sleep. As a result, this can cause pressure build-up in certain parts of one’s back. Later, tension accumulation can lead to back pain and poor sleeping posture.

Poor quality of sleep caused by all these factors can trigger a whole host of chronic disorders that can contribute to a decline in overall health. So, if you think the root cause of these issues could lie inside a saggy mattress, be sure to replace it with a new one as soon as possible.

The Most (And the Least) Sagging Mattress Type

Pay attention, because I’m going to outline the main features that stop a mattress from sagging. The first one is the mattress type.

Today, there are many types of mattresses on the market. Although most of them can be initially uniform and supportive, not all of them stay so for years to come. Let’s dive into each type in more detail.

Memory Foam

The most common material for mattresses, memory foam is quite unpredictable when it comes to sagging. The density and firmness are determining factors here. But other things — such as mattress foundation, the intensity of use, and temperature of the room — may have an impact on how fast your foam mattress loses its resiliency.

Polyurethane Foam

Polyfoam is a cheaper version of memory foam as it requires far less manufacturing resources. It’s also an open-cell structure, which allows it to retain a little less heat compared to memory foam. Yet, this structure is the culprit when it comes to saggy mattresses: 

Polyfoam typically starts losing its shape a lot faster than viscofoam.

Latex

The most long-lasting mattress material nowadays (3), latex, is the vulcanized sap of rubber trees. Despite having an open-cell structure like polyfoam, latex has smaller cells and thicker cell membranes, which results in greater resiliency and more supportive properties.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses feature a coil system as the base layer. The other layers are typically foam, latex, or other fibers. Coils are more rigid compared to foam, so they can help keep the surface uniform for a longer time, preventing the upper foam layers from developing indentations. But of course, the quality of the material that the coils are made of is the important part here.

Innerspring

Traditional innerspring beds have a simple construction. Unlike the hybrids, they only feature 1-2 comfort layers above the spring block. They are also firm and durable, but their overall durability, just like the hybrid, depends on the coil count and steel gauge used for making the springs.

Air Mattress

Most air mattresses tend to lose some air during the night due to temperature fluctuations, so they generally become softer and sag more deeply. But in the case of a sagging air mattress, it’s easily fixed by simply adding more air. Unless the cause of deflating was a puncture. Then you would first have to patch your air mattress properly.

Water Mattress

Waterbeds are great when it comes to cradling because a layer of water encased in vinyl is the most adaptive material ever invented. Also, if you keep your water mattress in good shape, it can offer uniform support, literally forever. 

How to Choose a Mattress that Won’t Sag According to Your Needs

There are many more factors that make a great mattress that won’t sag, not only durable materials and build quality. And considering them can help users make the right choice. So, here are the main pointers shoppers might want to check before finalizing their purchase.

Mattress Type

Now, while users might have an idea of which mattress type is less likely to sag, they also need to figure out which type would feel the most comfortable for them.

In this case, it’s better to consider both the strong suits and the weaknesses of each mattress type. They will give shoppers at least a rough idea of how the mattress would perform for them.

Mattress type

Overall feel

Pros

Cons

Memory foam

Cradling,
hugging,
slow-moving,
enveloping

  • does an excellent job of reducing pressure;

  • great for motion isolation (for
    partnered sleep);

  • adaptive and usually offers targeted support for different body parts,
    which aids proper spinal alignment and weight redistribution during sleep.


  • may restrict movement;

  • not ideal for sex;

  • mediocre edge support, which usually means less sleeping space for partners;

  • tends to trap heat (unless infused with cooling gel or has an open-cell structure).

Polyfoam

Cradling but a bit more resilient

  • more affordable than memory foam;

  • not as restricting and makes moving in bed easier (great for combo sleepers);

  • cradling and offers effective pressure relief.


  • cheaper but often has a shorter lifespan than memory foam;

  • also tends to trap heat.

Latex

Adaptive but responsive; makes users feel like they are sleeping on top of the mattress rather than “in” it

  • extremely durable;

  • in most cases, safer than foam (in terms of chemical components used during the manufacturing process);

  • highly adaptive and excels at tension alleviation;

  • does not restrict movement;

  • isn’t likely to sleep hot;

  • more resistant to bacteria build-up and dust mites than foam, great for allergy-prone sleepers.


  • expensive;

  • doesn’t offer that much of a hug;

  • can transfer shock from motion.

Hybrid

Balanced, sturdy, responsive, with enough cradling when the comfort layers are thick

  • nicely combines cradling with support, could be an excellent option for someone who wants a balanced feel (somewhere in the middle between cradling foam and bouncy innerspring);

  • isn’t that likely to sleep hot;

  • sturdy edges in most cases, which means more sleeping space.


  • usually thick and heavy, can be hard to transport;

  • some motion transfer is possible, especially if the comfort layers aren’t very thick;

  • can be rather pricey.

Innerspring

Bouncy and responsive

  • does not restrict movement;

  • can deliver sturdy support (especially great for heavier sleepers);

  • reliable edges that offer more legroom for couples;

  • breathable and doesn’t sleep hot;

  • affordable and widely available.



  • relatively short lifespan when compared to many other mattress types;

  • bouncy and doesn’t absorb shock from motion, which could be an issue for partnered sleepers;

  • doesn’t usually offer enough of a hug (not ideal for side sleepers).

Air mattress

Sturdy, supportive, with minimal to no cradling

  • allows users to adjust the firmness level by inflating or deflating the mattress;

  • portable;

  • relatively cheap.



  • not very durable;

  • can’t usually deliver proper targeted support;

  • doesn’t offer that much cradling, which means less effective pressure alleviation.

Waterbed

Adaptive, cradling

  • adaptive feel, great for pressure alleviation;

  • allows users to control the firmness level;

  • can be very relaxing thanks to its unique feel.


  • prone to punctures, can be hard to maintain;

  • isn’t the most supportive mattress type;

  • might be hard to shop for bedding accessories.

Sleeping Style and Firmness

A good mattress that doesn’t sag should also be able to support the sleeper’s body properly. After all, one’s sleep posture has a direct effect on their back health.

So, here are the general recommendations:

  • Side sleepers. Lying on one side means the shoulder and the hip will dig into the mattress. Therefore, for this sleeping style, it’s better to choose softer models that would allow the protruding body parts to sink in.
  • Back sleepers. Back sleepers require reliable support to keep the spine properly aligned throughout the night. At the same time, back sleepers need a little bit of sinkage for the hips and buttocks. Therefore, for this sleeping style, medium mattresses usually work the best. Medium-firm models might also do the trick (for those sleepers who prefer slightly firmer support).
  • Stomach sleepers. The most important aspect for this sleeping style is support. Stomach sleepers need to remain in a relatively straight line during the night, without the belly sinking and creating an unhealthy curve in the spine. Because of that, stomach sleepers are recommended to pick firm mattresses.
  • Combination sleepers. For this sleep position, ease of movement is usually the most crucial aspect. Most combo sleepers enjoy using medium-firm mattresses. This comfort level can be a good compromise between support and cradling for multiple sleeping styles. Plus, medium-firm mattresses are less likely to restrict movement.

Weight

It’s crucial to remember that heavier sleepers apply more pressure to the mattress. As a result, this can cause sagging sooner than expected.

That is why heavier folks (over 230 pounds) are advised to pick slightly firmer mattresses for each sleeping style mentioned above. A firmer mattress would deliver sturdier support. Additionally, firmer models typically use denser foams and thicker coils, which are less likely to start sagging sooner than expected.

As for lightweight sleepers (less than 130 pounds), they shouldn't worry about premature sags. Instead, they need to take care of their pressure points. Choosing softer mattresses for each sleep position can usually help avoid sharp pressure spots, as it’s easier for petite users to compress the comfort layers of softer mattresses (instead of crushing into the surface).

What Else to Consider When Shopping for a Great Mattress that Won’t Sag?

To make the best choice possible, here are the extra factors users might want to consider when shopping for a mattress that won’t sag:

  • Warranty. As a rule of thumb, durable mattresses have longer warranties. Naturally, they are less likely to sag. 
  • Foundation. A supportive foundation can prevent sags and indentations. Therefore, before investing in a top-quality mattress (which are often expensive), shoppers need to make sure their current foundation would suffice. Solid and slatted foundations are among the most popular types these days. Solid ones can offer firmer support. Slatted foundations are more breathable. However, the slats shouldn’t be spaced too far from each other, especially for foam mattresses (no more than 3 inches).
  • Flippable design. Flippable mattresses can offer multiple benefits. First off, they give users more comfort options (and thus, more chances to find the perfect set-up based on their specific needs). Secondly, using a flippable mattress can prolong its lifespan. By flipping it regularly and sleeping on both sides, users can reduce the load on the mattress. This could help slow down the natural wear and prevent sagging.
  • Motion transfer. Often, mattresses that don’t sag have a more responsive feel. This can be an issue for partnered sleepers, especially if one of them wakes up easily during the night. Responsive mattresses may allow shock from motion to travel across the mattress’s surface. To avoid that, partnered sleepers may want to consider a hybrid mattress with extra-thick comfort layers, a soft to medium latex model (if this firmness level works for their sleep positions), or a high-density, quality memory foam mattress.
  • Edge support. Edges often develop sags earlier than the rest of the mattress, so it’s better to pick models with firmer edges. Hybrid and spring mattresses typically perform the best in this category. Some foam mattresses use extra-dense foam around the edges to reinforce the perimeter. Such models can cost a bit more, but they may postpone sagging around the edges.

Wrapping Up

Anti-sagging properties of the mattress are influenced by many factors, with the most important being the quality of the materials and mattress construction. Look for models made of denser foams, natural latex, and those with higher coil count and reinforced perimeter, as these typically last longer than others.

Now, allow me to share my champion, the Saatva Hybrid. This mattress was built to deliver reliable, long-lasting performance. It has a coil-on-coil design to provide resilient support and uses high-quality tempered coils that won’t let you down for years to come. Plus, there’s an extra pillow-top layer to add that touch of luxury that so many sleepers would appreciate.

And if you’re looking for something more cradling and hugging, check out the AS3 mattress by Amerisleep. This model offers gentle contouring, uses zoned support, and aids fast relaxation. With its top-quality foam and an extended warranty, the AS3 is a real gem on the mattress market.

So, have you tried any of the above anti-sagging mattress models? Which mattress model from the list appeals to you the most? Let me know in the comments below!

 

References

  1. Retrieved from https://www.self.com/story/mattress-health-effects
  2. J Allergy Clin Imunol 2003 Feb;111(2):408-14. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12589364/
  3. Abe Abbas (2020, May 8). When to Replace a Mattress? Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/how-often-to-replace-mattresses-1391234

Our research

25

Mattresses Considered

80

Hours of Research

2

Sleep Experts Consulted

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