TheRoundup is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you make a purchase via links on this site, at no cost to you.
All products are reviewed in accordance with our Review Methodology.
Old mattresses become uncomfortable when they start to wear or sag in places. Worn mattresses can cause broken sleep and aches and pains in the neck, hips, and lower back when you wake up.
A comfortable mattress significantly increases sleep quality and reduces WASO (Wake After Sleep Onset) compared to an uncomfortable mattress, according to a study by Lee and Park (2006).
The good news is that there are steps that make your mattress more comfortable, fix sagging or lumpy areas, and make it last longer before you need to replace it.
To improve the comfort of an old mattress on a budget, add a mattress topper, rotate the mattress regularly, or place a plywood board under the mattress to support sagging areas.
A firm mattress topper and a plywood board are also two of the best ways to make a soft mattress firmer.
The following six fixes all cost less than a replacement mattress.
A mattress topper is the most effective way to make an old, worn mattress comfortable again.
Mattress toppers are an extra layer that you place over the worn surface of the old mattress, so the bed feels softer or firmer depending on the firmness you choose. A topper does not lift a sag out of the old mattress underneath, so a sagging mattress also needs support from below (fix 3).
A latex topper improves an old mattress more than a memory foam topper does. Every topper in my organic mattress topper reviews is made from certified latex, wool, or alpaca fiber.
The PlushBeds Quilted Organic Mattress Topper is the best option overall for stomach, side, or back sleepers, and comes in 3-inch (7.6 cm) or 4-inch (10.2 cm) thicknesses with a medium or firm feel.
Regularly rotating or flipping your mattress can increase comfort by preventing uneven wear and even extend its lifespan.
Rotate any mattress 180 degrees every 3 to 6 months, but flip only a double-sided mattress.
Placing a plywood board under a sagging mattress puts a rigid surface between the old mattress and the bed base, so the mattress stops sinking into the gaps between the slats or into a worn box spring.
Use a furniture-grade board at least ¾ inch (19 mm) thick, cut slightly smaller than the mattress, and lay the board between the mattress and the bed base. Do not use MDF as a substitute, it is often made with formaldehyde-based resins.
Some manufacturers void the mattress warranty if you put a plywood board under the mattress in place of their recommended foundation, so if your mattress is still under warranty, check the terms before applying this fix.
The longevity and comfort of your mattress heavily depend on the support it receives from its base. An old, sagging, or broken bed frame or box spring can undermine the quality of even the best mattress.
Inspect your bed frame regularly for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Repair any minor damage, and replace any broken slats individually.
If the damage is significant, you need to replace it with a more supportive base. Get a solid wood bed frame with adequate slat spacing for robust and even support. This prevents mattress sagging, extends its life, and provides you with a far more comfortable sleep.
Once your mattress has the right structural support, the next step is to maintain its cleanliness to ensure a more comfortable sleeping experience.
Cleaning an old mattress removes the dust, dead skin, and crumbs that have built up on the surface over years of use and make the bed feel gritty and itchy.
Vacuum the whole mattress every six months and treat stains as they appear.
The full routine to clean a mattress takes seven steps and is safe on any type of mattress.
Adding a layer of blankets and/or a comforter on top of your mattress is a cheaper DIY alternative to buying a mattress topper.
Blankets don't fix severe sagging or structural degradation, but they do soften a firm mattress to an extent.
I recommend investing in luxurious organic blankets to give the impression of a softer mattress.
Spread the blankets flat directly on top of your mattress and layer as many as you need to provide adequate cushioning. Cover with a fitted sheet to hold them in place.
If you don't feel that your mattress is the problem, there are other changes you can make that help you sleep more comfortably.
Replacing your pillows and bedding, creating a cool and quiet sleep environment, or making lifestyle changes can also help you sleep more comfortably.
Pillows play a crucial role in aligning the neck and spine during sleep. Getting the right pillow helps alleviate neck pain, but different types of sleepers need different pillow thicknesses, and having the wrong pillow can lead to poor sleep quality.
Side sleepers generally benefit from a thicker pillow to fill the space between the neck and mattress, while stomach sleepers may need a soft, flat pillow to avoid neck strain.
Make sure you get a CertiPUR-US certified pillow because this certification proves it's free from chemicals and flame retardants. Avoid memory foam, which is usually synthetic and therefore does contain chemicals.
Ergonomic bedding, designed to conform to your body, can reduce pressure points and enhance sleep quality.
Look for ergonomic pillows, mattress pads, or blankets that support your preferred sleeping position.
For instance, a body pillow can provide extra support for side sleepers, while an ergonomic knee pillow can help maintain spinal alignment for back sleepers.
Temperature plays a significant role in sleep quality, and people who sleep hot often struggle to get an unbroken night's sleep.
Bedroom temperature between 64.4°F (18°C) and 71.6°F (22°C) supports unbroken sleep in most healthy adults, according to a 2025 review of sleep studies (Yasmeen et al., 2025). The best temperature within that range varies with age, region, and season.
Make sure your air conditioning isn't set too low so that your room temperature falls within this range.
If you often find yourself waking up because you're too hot, consider a mattress pad or topper designed for temperature regulation. Cooling gel toppers can help hot sleepers. But latex and wool toppers are better still because they can add warmth in the cold and are breathable when it's warm.
If you wear pajamas, try switching to a more breathable material - or removing them altogether.
A quiet, dark environment provides the best quality sleep.
One study recommends that all forms of noise in the sleep environment be reduced to below 35 dB and that complete darkness is optimal for sleep ("A Review of The Environmental Parameters Necessary for An Optimal Sleep Environment," ZA Caddick et al. 2018).
Consider using earplugs or a white noise machine to block out disruptive sounds. Blackout curtains or a sleep mask can be effective in eliminating unwanted light, ensuring your sleep environment is conducive to rest.
Finally, don't overlook the impact of your daily lifestyle on sleep quality.
Regular exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce stress, and this works for people of all ages. Yoga is a great way to relax before bedtime, but any exercise during the day will help.
Don't vary your bedtime if you can help it. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate your body's internal clock, leading to better sleep.
Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and electronics before bedtime, as these can disrupt your sleep. A holistic approach to your lifestyle can complement the physical aspects of mattress comfort, leading to a more restful night.
A mattress topper should be 3 inches (7.6 cm) or 4 inches (10 cm) thick for an old mattress that has lost cushioning.
The exact mattress topper thickness you need depends on your body weight and sleeping position.
Yes, a mattress pad makes an old hard mattress slightly softer but does not make a significant difference. A mattress pad is much thinner than a mattress topper, so the pad adds a little cushioning and no support.
A soft mattress topper, a sprung or slatted base, and a change of sleeping position are the most effective ways to make a hard mattress softer.
An old mattress needs replacing when the mattress no longer supports your body or disturbs your sleep, at any age.
Our guide to how long a mattress lasts gives the lifespan of each mattress type and the warning signs that a mattress is worn out.
Use a breathable mattress topper made of latex or gel-infused memory foam. Elevate your bed frame for better airflow underneath.
Replace synthetic bedding with cotton or bamboo materials. Install a fan or improve room ventilation. Remove synthetic mattress protectors that trap heat.
No, a mattress cover, protector, or encasement is unlikely to have a significant effect on the feel of an old mattress because they are too thin to offer significant support improvements.
