How to Prevent Mattress Settlements & Indents

How to Prevent Mattress Settlement and Indents

Mattresses full of synthetic fibres will require more care than expensive natural filled models with a significantly higher lifespan; in the case of Winstons Beds, our mattresses will last 30 years.

Organic flax or coir as an insulating layer is exceptionally robust and resilient to compression. Therefore, we always add a minimum of 1000gsm above the spring unit to bridge the springs and the comfort layers. If these were not placed in this position, when the primary comfort layers begin to compress, they would be directly compressing on the springs leading to settlements, indentation and sagging.

Luxury mattresses with natural fibres utilise fillings such as horsehair, pure wool, organic cotton, mohair, alpaca, bamboo, cashmere, silk, coir or hessian offer unmatched levels of robustness, comfort, breathability and lifespan, which means they will not compress to a level where they will not return to their original loft.

You can prevent your new mattress from giving into settlements and indents by following a few simple steps.

Rotate and turn your mattress every month

• Whether your mattress is filled with fibres, springs or is made from memory foam, turning it ensures that underused parts can play their role, and the most used parts get a chance to rest and recover.

Adding a mattress topper

• A mattress topper made from natural fibres is a great way to ensure that weight is evenly distributed and takes the strain off the filling. In addition, it provides and an extra layer of comfort and cosiness.

Buy a double-sided mattress

• These are designed with two sleeping sides, and it’s even possible to buy mattresses of this sort with a different level of support on each side. Double-sided mattresses are an excellent way to minimise the potential for settlement, as they’re built to withstand wear and tear on both surfaces. Avoid ‘no turn’ mattresses.

Try and change your sleeping position

• It is challenging to implement, but ensuring that your body is in contact with different mattress parts can help minimise indentation.

What Causes Mattress Settlement and Indents?

Mattress settlement & indents are caused by compression of the filling, responding to repeated exposure to pressure.

Usually, the first parts of the mattress to register these problems tend to support pressure points such as the elbows, ankles, hips and shoulders. They appear in the areas where you put the most pressure on during the night, as you would expect if you always sit on the same sofa cushion or walk on the same piece of carpet. If you’ve bought a new mattress, you may notice this within the first 30 to 90 days of using it.

However, settlement is an entirely natural response and not necessarily a sign that your mattress is faulty. Within the first few weeks, the filling reacts to your weight and body temperature. For most people, just like breaking in a pair of leather shoes, this can lead to increased comfort levels and targeted support. However, if the mattress becomes uncomfortable to sleep on, then you may want to consider options such as rotating or turning it as over time, this can lead to significant dips or sagging in the mattress, which is more prominent in those made from cheaper materials.

Settlement in Different Mattress Types

If you prefer the comfort and support offered by natural fibres, then be sure to check out natural mattresses filled with the likes of wool, cotton, alpaca, horsehair, cashmere, coir, and mohair. These are the most resilient and resistant natural fibres you’ll find, ensuring a longer lifespan and consistent cosiness. While other natural fibres might appeal, they take much more maintenance and, unless cared for regularly, you can find that your mattress becomes uncomfortable within two or three years.

While memory foam mattresses are renowned for their hug-like qualities, only having one side, they can’t be turned over. The rotation might help, but in the long-term, you might be better off looking at a latex option instead. Memory foam is more susceptible to settlement, as the foam cells can become compressed quicker than fibres.

Latex mattresses are double-sided, so flipping them over once a month isn’t going to be a problem. Being made from the sap of a southeast asian rubber plant, latex falls into the ‘natural fibres’ category. Hypo-allergenic and resistant to dust mites, latex is more durable than memory foam and, if cared for properly, can have a lifespan of 20+ years.

Synthetic fibres such as polyurethane, white fibre and polyester are designed to mimic natural fibre characteristics and provide similar levels of comfort and support. While they’re easier to care for than the likes of cashmere and mohair, they are less robust.

Blended fibres such as polycotton, rebound cotton and rebound wool are a mixture of synthetic and natural materials. In essence, the synthetic fibres provide strength and support, while the natural ones are for comfort and heat transfer. Mattresses made from blended fibres benefit from turning over, and rotation and you can expect them to last longer than their purely synthetic counterparts.

How Mattress Fibres Affect the Settlement & Indents

All mattresses are constructed to have progressive support from the spring unit upwards, with the elements used directly beneath the primary comfort layers gradually increasing in tension.

If a mattress has a softer, primary layer such as wool or cotton, the probability of compression within the first 30 to 90 days will be noticeable, particularly when compared to a firmer layer of foam found in cheaper mattresses.

Wool, which is included in mattresses for comfort and a softer feel, can be blended with other fibres such as cotton. This is where you can see an actual luxury mattress compared to that trying to imitate one. For example, wool layered with horsehair is a great way to keep its loft and reduce settlements and idents. In contrast, when layered with cotton, it will quickly flatten and have noticeable settlements and indents. The addition of horsehair to the wool helps increase its robustness with no loss of comfort.

Polyester

• Synthetic
• Feel – Soft
• Cheap – low end of market

White fibre

• Synthetic
• Feel – Soft
• Cheap – low end of market

Memory foam

• Synthetic
• Feel – Soft
• Cheap – low end of market

Polycotton

• Synthetic
• Feel – Medium
• Cheap – Low end of market

Rebound cotton

• Synthetic
• Feel – Medium
• Cheap – Low end of market

Bonded cotton

• Synthetic
• Feel – Medium
• Cheap – Low end of market

Rebound wool

• Synthetic
• Feel – Medium
• Cheap – Low end of market

Pure wool

• Natural
• Feel – Medium soft
• Expensive – High end of market

Organic cotton

• Natural
• Feel – Medium soft
• Expensive – High end of market

Mohair

• Natural
• Feel – Medium Firm
• Expensive – High end of market

Alpaca wool

• Natural
• Feel – Soft
• Very expensive – High end of market

Bamboo

• Natural
• Feel – Soft
• Very expensive – High end of market

Pure cashmere

• Natural
• Feel – Soft
• Very expensive – High end of market

Horsetail

• Natural
• Feel – Soft
• Very expensive – High end of market

Horsehair

• Natural
• Feel – Firm
• Expensive – High end of market

Silk

• Natural
• Feel – Soft
• Very expensive – High end of market

Coir

• Natural
• Feel – Firm
• Expensive – High end of market

Hessian

• Natural
• Feel – Firm
• Mid price – High end of market

Summary

A degree of settlement is entirely natural in any mattress, regardless of how expensive or top of the range it might be. Following our guidelines ensures you keep on top of any material or fibre movement and minimise the potential for settlements and indents before it turns into something more problematic. Turning your mattress, rotating it and being mindful of your sleeping position can help you get the most from your mattress.

If things do become a little lumpy, try a topper for extra comfort and support. At Winstons Beds, we want our customers to buy the best for their budget and enjoy a relaxing sleep as long as the mattress lasts. We aim to be as transparent as possible so, if you have any questions or queries, feel free to get in touch, and we’ll be happy to give you our expert advice.