Is It OK To Put A New Mattress On An Old One?

If you’re having sleepless nights, it might be because your mattress isn’t supporting you like it used to. This can cause joint pain and aches, as well as a host of other problems. 

It may seem like a good idea to simply put a new one on top for extra comfort and support. But can you put a new mattress on an old mattress? Is it ok to sleep on two mattresses? We have the answers to your questions.

Read on to learn if you can stack mattresses to fix your sleeping woes and when you should replace your mattress.

Purple mattresses have Gelflex Grid to instantly adapt to your body. While providing the support and comfort you need.

Can I Put A New Mattress On Top Of An Old Mattress?

No it is not recommended. Placing a new mattress on top of an old mattress can cause uneven support, poor ventilation, damage to your mattress and a violation of warranty.

Why You Shouldn’t Put A New Mattress On Top Of An Old One

You shouldn’t put a new mattress on top of an old one because it can actually make your sleep less comfortable and cost you more in the long run. 

Here are the biggest reasons you shouldn’t put a new mattress on top of a new one.

It Reduces Breathability

When you put a new mattress on top of an old one, it automatically cuts off ventilation regardless of what materials both mattresses are made of. This is a huge problem for hot sleepers, as it will trap heat and moisture, making for uncomfortably sweaty sleep.

This added moisture also creates the perfect environment for dust mites and fungi. Dust mites, a.k.a. bed bugs, eat the dead skin cells you shed on your bed. They release their droppings into the air, which you breathe in while you’re sleeping. This can cause allergic reactions like sneezing and coughing.

Fungi and mold are more likely to invade your mattress if its breathability is reduced. They release spores into the air and can also cause allergic reactions. 

Fair warning: while you can air out your mattress more regularly to get rid of dust mites and prevent fungi from growing, moving and cleaning two mattresses can be very tiring. It’s usually not worth the extra work.

It Voids Your Mattress Warranty

Many mattresses come with a warranty to cover issues like sagging and faulty workmanship. The typical mattress warranty can be as short as five years, but many last up to 15 years or even more. If you void your warranty, the manufacturer will refuse to replace or refund your mattress.

When you buy a new mattress, it should come with a list of things that will void your warranty. Using an unsupportive foundation is one common reason for voiding a warranty because using the wrong foundation can cause premature mattress sagging.

To prevent sagging and uncovered wear and tear, manufacturers typically have recommendations for a bed frame, spacing, and even slats in the warranty. Stacking your new mattress on top of an old one is considered a failure to use the manufacturer-specified foundation, which voids the warranty.

It Will Damage Your Mattresses

Putting a new mattress on top of your old mattress will only damage your new one, especially if your old one is already deformed. The top of your old mattress will rub against the underside of your new one, causing wear and tear. Dust mites, fungi, germs, and other debris from your old mattress may also transfer to your new mattress as well, reducing its lifespan.

Mattress Stacks Are Unstable

Mattresses need a solid foundation, which typically consists of a wooden or metal bed frame with slats or solid upper layers to keep them in place. However, your traditional bed foundation will only be able to keep one mattress in place – not two.

Two mattresses stacked on top of each other aren’t a stable sleep setup. As you get in and out of bed or move in your sleep, your new mattress may shift off your old one. It’s even more dangerous if you’re using bedding made from shiny, silky, or slippery material, such as satin.

If you try to sleep on stacked mattresses, you’ll likely have to realign them every morning so you can sleep comfortably later at night. The constant movement will damage your mattress’ structure. In the worst cases, you can end up falling on the floor and hurting yourself if the top mattress shifts too far while you’re sleeping.

A Mattress Stack May Make Your Bed Too High

Putting a new mattress on top of an old one and its foundation will increase your bed’s overall elevation. This may make it difficult for you to get in and out of your bed with ease. A bed that’s too high can lead to a nasty fall or trip – you may even need to keep a stool on hand just so you can move comfortably.

Can I Put A Foam Mattress On Top Of A Regular Mattress?

Yes, you can put a foam mattress on top of a regular mattress. Foam mattresses have thinner variations than other mattress types, making them easier to stack. Below are a few other benefits of foam mattresses:

• They help with motion transfer – their material prevents movements from rippling across the mattress and disturbing the other person.
• They provide better spine alignment, helping achy sleepers reduce their joint pain in the morning. 
• The extra support will help restless sleepers settle in more comfortably as they shift into various positions throughout the night.

Keep in mind that, while you may reap some benefits from putting a foam mattress on top of a regular one, this doesn’t take away the cons of mattress stacking. Foam mattresses will eventually feel the wear and tear of being stacked on top of old ones and become more prone to mold and mites.

What Can I Do Instead Of Stacking Mattresses?

Instead of wasting your time and money stacking mattresses, you can buy a platform bed to place your new mattress on top of. This will give you a sturdy platform for your mattress while adding air flow. Purple has platform bed frames to fit various mattress sizes.

How Do I Protect My Mattress?

You can protect your new mattress if you take a few simple measures to maintain them:

• Use a mattress cover: A mattress cover adds a protective layer that resists spills, mold, mites, and other things that could damage your mattress’ material. Note that this needs to be removed and cleaned separately every two months.
• Don’t jump on your mattress: Jumping on your mattress is fun, but it deforms your mattress quicker.
• Regularly clean your mattress: Vacuum your mattress at least once a month to remove debris, dead skin cells, and dust mites. You should also deep clean it every two to three months with baking soda and sunlight. This will help disinfect your mattress and eliminate unwanted odors.
• Rotate your mattress: Manufacturers generally recommend that you rotate your mattress once or twice a year.