Stacking Memory Foam Mattresses | Can You Put One Mattress on Another?

There may be several factors because of which you are unable to have a good night’s sleep. The most common being the uncomfortable mattress.

Factors like misjudged firmness, thickness, material’s heat retentive and contouring properties, issues related to old or sagging mattress, etc., can give you sleepless nights.

In all these circumstances, you are left with the option of buying a new mattress or adjusting/repair with current ones with some DIY tricks. 

The most popular way of trying to solve the above issues is placing another mattress on the current one if there is an extra same size mattress in their home.

People find the idea convenient, simple, and cost-effective. But do this solution work for everyone? What if you have a memory foam mattress? Can it be put on top of another mattress? What will the pros and cons of piling up two mattresses?

If you are searching for answers to such queries, you are at the right place. Here in this article, we will clear all the confusions related to the placement of a memory foam mattress on another mattress. 

Can you put a memory foam mattress on top of another mattress?

If put on top of another mattress, memory foam mattresses will eliminate motion transfer, provide ample support to the spine, and offer pressure pain relief.

Overall a sleeper gets a more comfortable night’s rest. Hence one can say that the combination of the two mattresses will add to the comfort.

Unfortunately, the combination may not work for everyone and in every situation. However, 

Placing a memory foam mattress on top of another mattress is a workable option depending on what type of the bottom mattress is. 

1. The bottom mattress is regular and traditional

Firstly. You should have a solid and sturdy base or foundation underneath your standard mattress set, such as a steel bed frame; otherwise, the mattress you’re using on top will sag and lose its structure.

Even the durability gets reduced when memory foam mattress gets placed on another mattress with no or weak foundation.

Secondly, you need to check that the memory foam mattress you are planning to put on top is thinner than a current mattress. Then lightweight mattresses will be conforming more.

Thirdly, putting a memory foam mattress of the same size on top of another mattress helps the bottom mattress compress evenly. If the top mattress is more extensive, then the sides will tend to slant. Also, variable sizes will compress weirdly and ruin both mattresses. 

2. The bottom mattress is memory foam

If you plan to put two memory foam mattresses on top of each other, we will recommend not to do so.

Also, the layering of memory foam mattresses is denser and firm at the bottom, so stacking the two together will crush the softer layer of the second and what one will get is an unstable surface to sleep.

The combining may lead to damaging the mattresses, and you may risk the warranty in such a case.

Another pitfall of such a combination is back pain, allergies, and chances of overheating due to changes in firmness, stability, etc.

3. The bottom mattress is a spring mattress

it is advisable not to put a memory foam mattress over the spring mattress. It may destabilize the cell structure of the foam.

Instead, you can use a plywood sheet / wooden slats between the two mattresses to avoid the spring to dig into the foam mattress and cause any injury or discomfort.

Tip: keep your memory foam mattress rotating and regularly flipping to avoid indentations and dips under any circumstances.

Pros & Cons of Putting Memory Foam Mattress on top of another Mattress

Pros (The upsides)

Here are some benefits of adding a memory foam mattress on top of another to attain a more cushioned and supportive sleeping surface:

• Relieves pain: The main advantage of sleeping on memory foam is its ability to support spine and back alignment and prevent or lower; hip, shoulder, and neck pain.

• Works for all sleeping positions: The memory foam mattress can accommodate all types of sleepers, i.e., side, back, or stomach. Its viscoelastic property molds all curves.

• Provides firm structure: Placing two mattresses on top of each other and the top one being memory foam then get assured to benefits from its firmness. You can get restful sleep and pressure points reliefs on sensitive areas.

• No Motion Transfer: The memory foam mattress helps to eliminate motion transfer. This feature is absent in traditional mattresses. Motion transfers lead to sleep disturbance between partners, especially those who are light sleepers. Hence the combination of two mattresses will result in improved motion deadening.

Cons (The downsides)

It is not always preferable to put a memory foam mattress on another one. Some inherent properties in foam mattresses may lead to certain disadvantages in doing so. Do consider the following before putting a memory foam mattress on another:

• Breakable: Placing a memory foam mattress on top of a standard mattress with a solid base will destabilize the top mattress, and you will experience untimely sagging and wear & tear.  

• Non-Breathable: All mattress irrespective of the material and type needs proper air circulation. Be it cotton, wool, any padding material, the bottom mattress will lose ventilation if you place some other mattress on top. Loss of air circulation will further lead to allergies and molds.

• Overheating: If mattresses are unable to breathe, then it will cause overheating of the bedding. Both the beddings will trap more heat and making the sleeping surface more uncomfortable. Accumulation of sweat and moisture will result in foul odor and damage.

• Invalid Warranty: Memory foam mattress comes with a good time warranty. But if you do not follow the underlying guidelines, the manufacturers will not entertain any claims on the damages that occurred. Read the manual carefully to know the warranty rules.

• Change in Shape: The height of the bed elevates. It may be a concern getting on and off for older people and children.

What is the best way to stack memory foam mattresses?

As discussed above, it’s not advisable not to stack two or more memory foam mattresses on top of each other for sleeping purposes or makeshift beds.

But Stacking memory foam mattresses for storage purposes is completely fine. The best way to stack them:

1. Make sure the floor/area where you are placing the two mattresses is clean.
2. Place level stacks /plastic sheets or cardboard on the floor.
3. Lay down the mattresses on top of each other.

Important Tips & Precautions while stacking memory foam mattresses

• Never stack two differently sized mattresses. It can create a dent on the bigger-sized memory foam mattress, or the larger one can slant on sides and deform.

• Avoid stacking mattresses too high. It will be safe for you to reach them when require and take them down quickly. Over piling may damage the bottom one because of excessive weight.

• It’s advisable to stack memory foam mattresses in a flat position instead of upright. This is due to the law of gravity. The relentless pushing down of mattresses in an upright position will damage the padding and create lumps on one side.

• Don’t push or slide the memory foam mattresses. It will ruin the cover fabric. You can use the straps for lifting and moving the mattresses.

• Don’t stack the mattresses in the basement or area where humidity and dampness are present. It will lead to the smell and birth of molds.

Final Words:

A foam mattress on top of your existing mattress is acceptable if you want to add a layer of comfort and support. But one should be mindful while doing so.

We have already listed the pros and cons of putting a memory foam mattress on top of another. Hopefully, the information will enlighten you on various aspects of placing two mattresses together. 

Please note: If one requires additional cushioning and support because of sleeping issues erupting out of an old mattress, preferably buy a new one rather than placing a memory foam mattress on top of your current mattress.