If you own to mattresses at home you might be wondering if you can stack them on top of each other? Sure, you’ll be able to use both for sleeping, and save yourself the trouble of throwing one out or finding space for it in your home.
While sleeping on two mattresses placed on top of each other is okay on the short run, there are several shortcomings to this, which we’ll discuss in this guide.
Can you stack one mattress on top of another?
If you sleep on two mattresses stacked on top of each other for a long period of time, you’ll most likely ruin both mattresses, void the warranties on both, and increase the likelihood that your bed will become a breeding ground for allergies and other undesirables.
Also, if you toss around a lot while you’re sleeping, the top mattress can move and even fall off.
6 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Stack Your Mattresses
Here are some of the most important reasons why you shouldn’t put two or more mattresses on top of each other.
1. Both mattresses will become damaged
It’s not a good idea to stack mattresses because it makes the overall structure unstable. The weight distribution on the bottom mattress will likely be off.
In any case, the weight pressing down on the bed would eventually destroy the mattress below.
The condition of the top mattress won’t improve over time, either. Particularly with a memory foam mattress, impressions, sags, and dips will develop over time.
The added weight will cause the bottom mattress to sink between the slats of a bed. The bottom of the top one will always start to protrude in the same spots over time. Adding more slats to the bed won’t prevent it from sagging either.
2. Your bed needs a solid and stable foundation
A mattress needs to be placed on a solid foundation. This can be the a divan bed, ottoman bed or bed frame with sprung or solid slats.
Putting a mattress on top of another one won’t make for a very solid foundation. Avoid stacking mattresses by placing them directly on the floor instead. At the very least, that would provide a stable basis.
Tip: Check out our guide on how to soften a firm mattress.
3. The top mattress will shift and slide
A mattress placed on another mattress may move or slip for no apparent reason. Mattresses will start to shift with all the climbing on and off, or when you toss and turn in bed during the night.
Some mattresses have covers made from smooth and silky fabrics, which will aid with slipping between the layers.
The worst that may happen is that you’d have to do some daily adjusting to get the mattresses back to a level position. The mattress’s integrity will be jeopardized by all that shifting around.
They might bend and break if they’re equipped with coil springs inside. If the top comes crashing down, you might as well hit the floor with it.
4. Can cause discomfort and back pain
The quality of your sleep depends significantly on the shape, structure and materials used inside your mattress.
When you stack one mattress on top of another, it might change the shape and structure of the mattress, which can impact how well it supports your body weight. Because of this, users may experience back pain and discomfort when they wake up.
5. You may feel too hot/mattress not aired properly
Keeping a mattress ‘aired’ and in good shape is accomplished by allowing air to circulate through its layers. Moisture and heat may build up if the mattress is not allowed to breathe properly.
Additionally, mattresses made of memory foam tend to be warm. Memory foam mattresses respond to your body heat by contouring to your unique shape. When heated, the memory foam’s pressure causes the molecules to rearrange.
More heat than planned will be trapped within the mattress, and the aerated layers will shift due to the added mass if more than one mattress is placed on top of it. This will make it too hot to sleep comfortably.
6. The mattress’ guarantee will become void
New mattresses are covered by a warranty, which usually lasts 5 or 7 years. Under the warranty, mattresses are covered by any damage or faults caused by normal tear and wear.
However, it is very unlikely that a warranty allows for their mattress to be used on top of another mattress.
Most mattress guarantees require that the mattress be used with a specific type of bed frame and often specify the type and exact spacing of slats that must be used. So be sure to check your manufacturer’s warranty for more details.
Tip: If you want to get rid of your old mattress, check out our guide on how to you can donate it to a charity. Another option is to have it recycled or take it to the tip.
What are some alternatives to stacking your mattresses?
If you’re not ready to throw away both of your mattresses, you can keep one that’s in better shape and use a mattress topper.
A mattress topper is usually 5-7cm deep and will add an additional layer of comfort. They have straps on all sides, so they will stay in place and won’t move or slip.
Check out the Fogarty mattress toppers, which are priced £60 – £225 depending on the model and size you want to buy.
They regulate body temperature very well, and add a layer of support and comfort when you lay down.
Another popular product is the Simba mattress topper. It has a layer of up to 2,500 micro pocket springs, plus Simbatex® foam comfort layers to keep you cool and comfortable.
It comes with 10 year guarantee and 200 night home trial, so you can test and sleep on it at home.
A new mattress is your best bet in the long run. Make sure you check out our guide on the best mattresses with free trial. They have 100 or up to 365 night trail, so you can sleep on them at home and make sure that they are comfortable.
