Can You Put Two Mattresses On Top of Each Other?

A mattress serves as a foundation for comfortable and restorative sleep by providing support, cushioning, and pressure relief for the body. 

But what happens when one mattress isn’t enough? Can you put two mattresses on top of each other?

The short answer is yes, but it’s not recommended. As unconventional as it may seem, piling one mattress atop another might seem like the best solution to add an extra layer of plushness or support. Yet, there are other alternatives to consider if you want to alter your bedding setup. 

This article will explain why you would want to stack two mattresses on top of one another, whether it’s a good decision, and if there are other solutions to guarantee comfortable sleep. 

It’s time to create the best sleeping solution to relieve body aches after a long day. So, let’s dive in. 

Why Would You Put Two Mattresses On Top of Each Other?

Stacking mattresses simply entails placing one mattress on top of another, creating a dual-layered sleeping surface. 

This practice can be born from various motivations, from a desire for added softness or firmness to improvising a makeshift bed for guests or camping trips. Here are some benefits of stacking mattresses. 

• One person might prefer the plush softness of memory foam mattresses combined with the firm support of innerspring mattresses. By layering two mattresses, individuals can enjoy the benefits of two mattress types in a single setup. 
• Some people may find that a single mattress doesn’t provide sufficient support for their body. Extra layers of cushioning and support can be added, alleviating pressure points and promoting proper spinal alignment. 
• Stacking mattresses offers versatility in sleep arrangements, making this setup a practical solution in guest rooms or when camping or traveling. 
• Purchasing a high-quality mattress can be a significant investment, but for those on a budget, stacking two lower-cost mattresses can offer a cost-effective alternative. 
• A mattress that is too low can be problematic, especially if you’re recovering from surgery or have a medical condition that prevents you from getting out of bed comfortably. Adding another mattress is a temporary solution to increase the bed’s height.

Is It Recommended to Stack Two Mattresses On Top of Each Other?

No, experts don’t recommend adding two mattresses on top of each other – Here’s why. 

Uneven Surface

Stacking mattresses can result in an uneven sleep surface, especially if the two mattresses are not perfectly aligned or have different thicknesses or firmness levels. 

This unevenness may cause discomfort, mainly for those who are sensitive to changes in mattress texture or support.

Instability

Stacked mattresses may be less stable than a single mattress, especially if they are not properly secured or supported. 

The top mattress may shift or slide during sleep, leading to potential safety hazards such as falls or injuries, especially for individuals who move around frequently during the night.

Heat Retention

Stacking mattresses can trap heat between the layers, leading to increased temperature retention and potential discomfort with decreased breathability, particularly for those who tend to sleep hot. 

This can result in night sweats, disrupted sleep, and overall decreased sleep quality, especially in warmer climates or during the summer months.

Space Limitations

Stacking mattresses increases the overall height of the sleep surface, which may pose challenges in terms of fitting the stacked mattresses into existing bed frames or bedding setups.

This will limit the available space in the bedroom and may require adjustments to furniture arrangements or bedding sizes.

Durability Issues

Over time, stacked mattresses may experience increased wear and tear, particularly if they are not compatible or if one mattress is significantly heavier than the other. 

This can lead to sagging, indentations, or other structural issues that compromise the comfort and longevity of the mattresses and the bed frame. 

Difficulty in Cleaning and Maintenance

Stacked mattresses can be more challenging to clean and maintain, compared to a single mattress. 

Debris and allergens, like dust mites, will accumulate between the layers, requiring more frequent cleaning and maintenance to ensure a hygienic sleep environment.

Limited Customization

While stacking mattresses may offer some degree of customization in terms of comfort and support, it may not provide the same level of flexibility or precision as other sleep solutions such as adjustable bed bases or hybrid mattresses. 

People with specific sleep preferences or medical conditions may find that stacking mattresses doesn’t adequately address their needs.

Are there Other Alternatives to Stacking Mattresses?

There are several alternatives to stacking mattresses that individuals can explore to enhance their sleep experience or accommodate specific needs. 

Mattress Toppers

Mattress toppers are thin layers of padding designed to be placed on top of an existing mattress to modify its feel and comfort level. 

They’re available in various materials such as memory foam, latex, or down alternatives to add softness, cushioning, or support to a mattress without the need for stacking. 

This option works for individuals who desire a temporary or less permanent solution to improve the comfort of their existing mattress, without adding unnecessary extra weight to the bed frame. 

Adjustable Bed Bases

Adjustable bed bases offer customizable support and positioning options, allowing users to elevate their heads, feet, or both for enhanced comfort and relaxation. 

These bases can be paired with compatible mattresses to create a personalized sleep environment tailored to individual preferences. 

These adjustable bed bases are especially beneficial for individuals with specific medical conditions, such as acid reflux, snoring, or circulation issues, as they can alleviate symptoms and improve sleep quality.

Add Bed Risers

If you’re considering adding a new mattress on top of the old one to add more height, you should consider buying bed risers. 

These devices are designed to elevate the height of a bed frame, allowing for increased storage space underneath or for adjusting the height of the bed to better suit the needs of the sleeper.

Bed risers typically come in sets of four and are placed under each leg or corner of the bed frame to lift it off the ground. 

Use a Bunkie Board

If you feel that your current bedding setup lacks the needed support, you can consider investing in a bunkie board. 

This is a thin, solid foundation typically made of plywood or particleboard that is placed between a mattress and a bed frame or platform. It serves as a supportive base for the mattress, providing a flat and stable surface for optimal comfort and durability. 

Bunkie boards help distribute the weight of the mattress evenly, providing essential support for the sleeper’s body. They help prevent sagging and promote proper spinal alignment, reducing the risk of discomfort or back pain.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine the benefits of different mattress materials, such as memory foam, latex, and innerspring coils, to offer a balanced sleep surface that offers relief and support. 

These mattresses typically feature multiple layers of foam and coils designed to contour the body, relieve pressure points, and promote airflow for a cooler sleep experience. 

Hybrid mattresses are suitable for a wide range of sleepers and can accommodate various sleep preferences without stacking multiple mattresses. 

Adjustable Firmness Mattresses

Some mattresses are designed with adjustable firmness levels, allowing users to customize the feel of the mattress to suit their preferences. 

These mattresses often feature interchangeable or adjustable layers of foam or coils that can be rearranged to change the firmness level of the mattress. 

They provide flexibility and versatility, allowing users to fine-tune their sleep surface without the hassle of stacking multiple mattresses.

Split Mattresses

Split mattresses consist of two separate mattress halves that can be customized independently to accommodate different sleep preferences or needs. This option is useful for couples with different comfort preferences or medical conditions that require various support and cushioning levels. 

These mattresses are available in various configurations, allowing each sleeper to enjoy personalized comfort without compromising on overall mattress quality.

FAQs

Should I stack two mattresses on top of each other?

This isn’t the best option if you aren’t satisfied with the quality or comfort level of your mattresses. It’s best to invest in a foam mattress topper or an adjustable bed base to alter your sleep setup. 

What happens when you add two mattresses on top of each other?

This setup eventually damages the mattresses because weight isn’t evenly distributed. It can also affect the bed frame’s structure and lead to support issues that cause back pain.

Will a platform bed work if I want to stack two mattresses?

It’s still not recommended to stack two mattresses, regardless of the bed design. 

Wrap Up

Many people consider adding two mattresses on top of each other because they aren’t satisfied with their old mattress or want to increase its height. Nevertheless, this isn’t the best or most practical solution because it eventually damages the mattresses and negatively impacts your sleep quality. 

Luckily, there are other good options to consider if you want to increase your mattress height or change its support level. 

Now, for the best sleep experience, it’s time to explore our amazing mattresses and customization options to give you the best sleep experience available on the market. Check out our locations and get the perfect mattress today!