Hi Teyah,
I thought I would chime in.
First, regarding your Saatva mattress: it’s designed in a way that doesn’t easily lend itself to being flipped and adding a topper. It’s a complicated construction, and while I won’t comment on its quality, it’s important to note that the multiple layers involved might not be ideal for this approach.
Body impressions can be normal in certain mattresses, especially those with natural fibers. However, if you’re noticing significant indentations after only four years, it may indicate issues with the mattress or the foundation. For example, if the twin XL box springs are misaligned, shifted, or warped, that could create sagging or imbalances in the mattress. Often, split foundations can cause this issue. When the foundation boxes are pushed together, the part where they meet is very firm—much like the joist that holds up a floor. This firm area can make the mattress appear higher at that point on the surface, while the rest of the mattress may sink lower under the weight of the body. Additionally, You can see what is going on the inside of your mattress here. At about 7 minutes in you can see what their definition of lumbar support it, a little strip of foam.
Without a clear picture of what is going on with your situation, it is hard to make a determination. @TheCleanBedroom suggestion at analyzing from the bottom up is right on, as the root of the problem may stem from down there.
Then again, a sleeper at 275lbs on a mattress with horrible lumbar support, on a mattress that may not have been rotated, is likely to create a depression in the mattress enough to strain the back and create unwanted pain.
If you haven’t already rotated the mattress, that’s the first step I’d recommend. If the box springs seem uneven, a sheet of plywood might help level them out. For the mattress itself, one option is to place a coir layer on top of the mattress, followed by a topper. The coir layer can provide enough firmness to mask the body impressions, helping the 3-inch topper work more effectively. However, keep in mind that this temporary fix can get costly. A sheet of plywood typically costs around $100, a coir layer is about $200, and a topper’s price will vary depending on material. While these modifications can temporarily improve comfort, the total cost might approach that of a new mattress. The upside is that a quality topper, when used with a mattress, can help extend its life, and these components—coir, plywood, and the topper—can be reused with a new mattress, potentially providing long-term value.
As for a mattress topper, latex could be a decent option in the short term. A 3-inch firm Dunlop latex topper should offer better support and might help alleviate pain by providing more firmness. But, be aware that a topper will only mask the existing depressions in your mattress, not fix them. It’s a temporary solution, and the depression from the mattress may transfer to the topper over time.
Finally, if back pain continues to be an issue, especially with someone at 275 lbs, it’s likely that the Saatva’s questionable lumbar support could be contributing to the problem. A mattress with inadequate lumbar support, combined with body impressions, can cause additional strain and pain. It’s important to address both the mattress and the foundation to fully resolve the issue.
Hope this helps you figure out a solution!
Best,
Maverick
My husband and I changed 2 mattresses in the last 6 years and I believe the problem is our weight. There is a 100 lbs difference between us, one is 175 lbs and a stomach sleeper, one 275 lbs and a back/side sleeper (starts on the side, spends 85% of time on the back).
