I need to get a new mattress – my current one is all lumpy – but I have been putting it off.
I am wondering, though, if there would be any significant downside to keeping my old mattress in place, and putting the new one on top of it. The main reason I am contemplating this is that, as it is, the bed is actually much lower than I would like it to be. Now I am old and the joints are a bit stiff, it is actually getting to be bit of a problem to get out of the bed when I want to. It is not serious yet, but it will probably get worse. It has occurred to me that having a new mattress on top will actually raise the bed surface to a more reasonable height. However, I am also concerned that having an old mattress below the new one, rather than a firmer surface, may damage the new one in the long run. Am I right to be concerned, or will it be no worse than having a mattress on a box spring? The current mattress is not particularly soft, although not particularly firm either. I will be looking for something a tad firmer. Are there any other potential problems I should be concerned about?
Another possibility that has occurred to me, and that I have seen done, is to get a wooden board (well, probably chipboard or something like that) and place it between the old mattress and the new one. Is there actually any point in doing that? Will it solve the problem (if there is a problem)?
You can probably safely assume that both mattresses will be the traditional spring type. I do not have much money to spend. The bed itself is just a wooden frame with wooden slats across it. There is currently no box spring or anything like that.
I did it for a while, as I had two mattresses around and didn’t know if I’d need it later. Nothing bad happened, by the entire bed was a bit wobbly for that time. I wouldn’t necessarily repeat it, as I like things on the firm side.
The “box springs” are sometimes referred to as a foundation, which is usually what supports the matress. If you truly have just the matress on slats, by all means put in a board to save your new matress. Quarter inch or three eighths should do if using plywood. Sand off the edges to save friction wear on the new matress. Places that sell lumber can make one or two cuts if you need help with that. Likely a small charge.
Invest in a box spring to match your new mattress. Mattresses and springs are sold in sets, because they’re engineered to compliment each other. Your mattress will last longer and give you a better night’s sleep when it’s on the proper set of springs. Also, most manufacturers don’t guarantee a mattress that isn’t being used on its matching springs.
If you want your bed higher, put something under the legs of the frame. Or if you’re handy, screw wooden blocks into the legs—that’s more stable.
Most cheap box springs are just a box. IMO, if what you are buying does not come with a box spring, don’t wast your money on it. I sleep on a mattress off an old bunk bed. I do not have a box spring, nor was the mattress ever used with one. I think box springs are more an American thing, that isn’t really needed.
Just put plywood between them and I think you’ll be good.