February 4th, 2024
Mattress Settlement and Body Impressions
When a relatively new mattress starts to show body impressions, settlement, even sagging and dipping within the first few weeks this naturally causes concern.
Mattress settlement is a common cause for consumer telephone calls or emails to the National Bed Federation. Within the first few weeks of use it is normal for the filling of a new mattress to settle, become a little more compact and ‘mould’ to the user’s body. Areas of most pressure (shoulders and hips) naturally show the greatest signs of settlement.
Mattresses using polyester fibre pads or multiple layers of synthetic fillings to create a ‘high-loft’ appearance tend to exhibit more settlement. More luxurious natural materials such as cashmere, mohair, horsehair, silk, wool, cotton etc. tend to recover better so show less settlement.
How much mattress settlement should I expect?
It is difficult to determine if settlement is excessive as there is no official industry standard. There are simply too many variables to consider. Some bed manufacturers, retailers and independent inspection companies use a measuring system based on the type of mattress fillings and the age of the product but this really isn’t based on any scientific evidence and so should only be used as a broad guideline.
Settlement on its own is not an indication that the mattress is failing. Any mattress with generous layers of comfort fillings should be expected to demonstrate ‘body impressions’ and is an indication that the mattress is performing correctly. Similar to a good pair of leather shoes, a new mattress will ‘relax’ and take on the shape of the user. There seems to be a misconception amongst some people that a mattress should look and feel as good as new even after months or years of service – despite it supporting your body for around seven to eight hours every night. Of course, this simply isn’t the case.
The extent to which the mattress will show signs of settlement depends on a number of factors such as the weight of the user, the number of fillings, the type of fillings, the firmness of the mattress, whether the mattress is two-sided or single-sided. Larger size mattresses such as super king-size (180cm wide) and king size (150cm wide) will show signs of settlement more so than a smaller size mattress. This is because there is a wider area in the centre of the mattress that doesn’t get used and the fillings don’t become compacted. This ‘ridge in the middle accentuates the sleeping areas on either side of it where the fillings will have settled or compacted during the night.
Whilst these body impressions can be quite noticeable, they are not necessarily a sign that the mattress support has failed. A mattress that has collapsed or sagged will be very evident when you lie on it – there will be a distinct lack of support, almost a sensation that you can feel right through to the bottom surface of the mattress.
The NBF recommends that you follow the care instructions supplied with your mattress to prolong its life and minimise the effects of settlement. However, you should expect your mattress to show some signs of settlement and remember that it is not necessarily an indication that the mattress is failing.
