How to Fix a Sagging Futon in 7 Steps

Futons are now a common staple of apartments and homes across the world. What was once relegated to dorm rooms is now commonplace. Since more and more people are using them, it is important to understand how to maintain a futon, especially if it sags. 

Any mattress will sag over time. Futons are no different. Over time, you will find your futon sagging, but you do not need to get a new futon–at least not yet. Read on to discover how to fix a sagging futon in 7 steps. 

1. Add Support to Your Futon

If you notice that your futon is sagging, you need to take action now. The longer you wait the more difficult it will be to fix later on. If you wait too long, you will need to get a new futon altogether. You may need to add support to your futon in the form of a hard surface, such as plywood. More on that later. 

If you find that your futon’s mattress is sagging it could be because of a lack of support beneath the mattress. This is true with any mattress. If there is not enough support beneath the mattress then the mattress itself will begin to sag. 

Why does your futon sag without support? There are a few reasons, which include:

• The firmness of the futon’s mattress. The firmness of the futon constitutes part of the reason why it may sag. Your first instinct is to get a soft mattress, but a soft mattress lacks firmness and is therefore much easier to sag. This is important to consider. 
• Improperly-placed weight. Weight in general is a cause of sagging. However, the issue can become more pronounced if the weight is improperly placed. For example, if you sit and sleep on one side of the futon. This can cause the futon to sag and get warped. 
• Time. Time will inevitably alter your futon. With repeated use, your futon is likely to get worn down and begin to sag.
• The frame of the futon. Many futons are affordable because they are made of inexpensive metal frames. While this is cost-effective, the inexpensive metal frames can bend easily and contribute to a sagging futon. 

Now, back to adding support to your futon. If you have found your futon beginning to sag, your first step should be to add some support beneath your futon. 

How to Add Support to Your Futon

You have decided to add support to your futon. How do you do it? There are a few steps you need to follow to add proper support to your futon to fix it from sagging. 

• The first thing you need to do is to measure your futon. Measure its width and length. You need to know its dimensions to get the proper size for the support that will go beneath. You do not want a support that is too big or too small as this can also damage your futon. 
• Next, you need to remove the mattress of the futon from the frame. You can put it off to the side. 
• You will be adding plywood slacks to the base of the futon. Get a sturdy piece of plywood and have it cut to the measurements you took initially. You want to space these evenly throughout the base of the futon.
• If you measured correctly, these plywood slacks will fit without issue into the frame of the futon. 
• Next, you can replace the mattress onto the frame. You should notice a difference in the stability of the futon, and you should see a noticeable difference in how the futon sags. 

Adding plywood support to your futon is a great way to fix a sagging futon. It will help distribute the weight better, and it will create a new firmness to the futon that will help in the long run. 

Mattress Cushion Supports

Another option to add support to your futon is to use mattress cushion supports. 

Mattress cushion supports are essentially thin support mats built specifically for a futon. They work in a similar way to the plywood method, and they will fit within the frame, too.

These can be bought easily, and they are manufactured specifically for futons, so it takes a bit of the uncertainty and out of the equation. 

2. Flip the Mattress of the Futon to Fix Sagging

The next step to look at when fixing a sagging futon is to flip the mattress. Over time, the fibers within the futon’s mattress will begin to compress from repeated use. The result is a sagging futon. 

First, you need to look at the two common types of futon mattress:

• Mattress. A mattress for your futon is the most common and the most thought of type of futon. These mattresses are not attached to the frame. They freely move and conform to the shape of the frame. Sagging is most common in a futon mattress.
• Cushion. The second type of futon is a cushion futon. These types of futons have cushions that are directly attached to the frame itself. The cushions are usually made of higher-quality materials than their mattress counterparts, which results in less sagging overall. 

When you have the mattress, you will notice it begin to sag over time. You can easily remedy the situation by flipping or rotating the mattress. 

How to Flip the Mattress of Your Futon

Flipping your mattress is a very simple way of alleviating the sagging of your futon. You take the mattress off the frame and then turn it over. 

You can either turn it over the long way or the short way. It is important to do this consistently throughout the year. 

If you flip your mattress occasionally you will prolong its longevity. Additionally, you are moving those sagging areas to the bottom of the mattress. The weight from sleeping and sitting on the upper side of the futon will help even out the sagging areas.

This is why it is important to do this consistently. You do not want the new topside to start sagging, either. 

Rotating the Mattress of Your Futon

Flipping your futon’s mattress is much more effective than just rotating your mattress. Rotating the mattress does not change which side is sagging, it just moves it to one end or the other. 

A better way to rotate the mattress is to rotate and flip it at the same time. This will add extra variety to how the mattress is being moved, and it will help fix your sagging futon. 

3. Air Out the Futon’s Mattress 

The next step for fixing a sagging futon is a relatively simple one, too. 

Futons may have minor sagging and they may have major sagging. Airing out your futon’s mattress will not help with more dramatic instances of sagging, but it can help with minor sagging. 

How can you tell if you have minor sagging in your futon? Many people think that it will be very noticeable: it will be clearly dented downward in the center. However, this is not always the case. When it comes to minor cases of sagging, it may not be visibly obvious that there is a sagging issue. 

You may have minor sagging issues if you experience some of the following:

• Muscle Pains. One of the tell-tale signs of a sagging futon is when you wake up with muscle pains. These pains are usually in your neck and back. If you wake up with a stiff neck or back when you did not do so formerly, you may have a sagging futon. 
• You are not well-rested. If you find that you are waking up just as tired as when you went to bed, or if you wake up experiencing a lot of fatigue, then your futon’s mattress could be sagging. 
• Psychologically You Do Not Like Sleeping on the Futon. If you find that you would rather sleep anywhere except your futon–though you do not know the reason why–then it could be because you’re subconsciously rejecting the futon because it is sagging and causing you uneven sleep. 
• It is hard to get out of bed. Another sign that you may have some minor sagging issues is when it is difficult for you to get off your futon. This can be due to stiff joints and muscles as a result of the sagging of the futon. 

Airing the mattress out can help with minor sagging of your futon, and when you fix a sagging futon you will eliminate the above-mentioned issues. 

How to Air Out a Futon Mattress

Airing out a mattress allows the inner fibers of the mattress to rest. When you are constantly using your futon, it wears down these fibers. They need a chance to recuperate. 

When you air out a futon’s mattress you are allowing this process to take place. So, how do you air out a futon mattress?

• First, you need to take the mattress off of the frame. It needs to be a different place to air out. 
• Second, you want to unzip the cover of the mattress.
• Third, you need to lay it flat somewhere where it can rest. You want it to rest in this way for at least a few hours. It will be better, however, if you can let it rest as long as possible. If you can let it rest all day, you should do it. 

The longer the mattress can air out the better. The extra time will let the fibers of the stuffing regain some of their strength. You will see the results when you replace the aired-out mattress to the frame. You should see a noticeable difference from when you first took it off the frame. 

4. Restuff the Futon Mattress

Futons are versatile in their functionality. They are not just beds. They are also couches. They can change styles simply by changing their coverings. When a futon sags, it can put a damper on the usefulness of the futon. 

If your futon is experiencing a major case of sagging, then you may want to consider restuffing the mattress. Restuffing the mattress will give an immediate fix to your sagging issue, but it does require some work. 

To restuff your mattress you will need some supplies to get started:

• Scissors
• New cushion foam
• Staples or needle and thread
• Trash bag
• Measuring tape
• Duct tape

There are two ways to restuff a futon mattress. One is simpler than the other, but both work well. 

How to Restuff A Futon’s Mattress

Restuffing your futon’s mattress is not hard, but it does take some work and a little patience. 

There are two methods. The first directly cuts into the mattress to add the new cushion foam. The second method does not damage the mattress directly. You can decide which method is best for your purposes. You need to consider how bad the sagging is.

Method One: Directly Stuffing the Mattress

For this method, you will need scissors (or another cutting instrument), the new cushion foam, and staples (or needs and thread). 

Follow these steps to restuff the futon using this method. Note: check your mattress before cutting into it. It may have a zipper. You do not want to cut into the mattress unless you have to. 

• Remove the outer covering of the mattress. You need direct access to the mattress, so removing the covering is important. You can just put it off to the side. 
• Cut the mattress. Using scissors or a similar cutting tool, you want to cut into the side of the mattress. Be careful! You do not need a large cut. The opening need only be big enough to insert the new stuffing. 
• Insert the new stuffing. Using the new foam, you can stuff the mattress. Try and make sure the new stuffing is even. Focus on any areas where the sagging was more extreme. You can also test out the mattress by sitting on it during this process. This will let you know if the stuffing is even and comfortable. 
• Seal the mattress. There are two ways to do this. The first is to use a heavy-duty stapler and staple the cut together. If you do not have a stapler, you can also use a thread and needle. Pay attention to the fabric used for the mattress to choose the right needle and thread. A need and thread will provide a strong seal. 
• Put the mattress back into the covering. Now that the mattress is stuffed and sealed, you can return it to the futon covering and replace it on the frame. 

If you prefer not to cut into the mattress itself, you can always use method two. 

Method Two: Wrapping the Mattress

This second method does not damage the mattress. Instead, it focuses on wrapping the mattress with the new cushion foam. 

For this method, you will need measuring tape, duct tape, a trash bag (or bags), and the new cushion foam. Follow these steps to restuff the futon with this method:

• Remove the mattress covering. As with method one, you need direct access to the mattress, so you have to remove the covering and place it to the side. 
• Measure the mattress. Using the measuring tape, you need to measure both the covering and the mattress. The reason is to ensure you have enough space for the additional cushioning you are going to add. You do not want to have to troubleshoot having to remove stuffing later on.
• Add the new cushion foam. Take the new foam and wrap it around the mattress one layer at a time. You can decide how much you need to add. Focus on how bad the sagging is and how much space you have to work with. 
• Secure the stuffing. To secure the stuffing to the mattress, you can use duct tape. Simply wrap the duct around the stuffing to secure it as if you were wrapping ribbon on a present. 
• Insert into the Covering. This part can be a bit tricky. While you can do this without a trash bag, a trash bag will help it slide easily into the covering. Simply put a trash bag or two around the mattress and slide it into the covering. The trash bag will make it easier to insert. If you do not have a trash bag, you can insert it without. 

Once you have successfully returned it to the covering, all you need to do is zip up the covering and return it to the frame. 

5. Refold the Futon to Fix Sagging

Whether you use a traditional Japanese futon that does not have a frame, or you use an American-style futon that looks like a couch, you are going to fold it. 

Folding the futon is how it is stored and how it is placed on certain “chair-like” frames. The way the futon is folded, however, can affect how it sags. 

Oftentimes, people continuously fold it in the same way throughout the lifespan of the futon. This should not be done. Folding in the same place in the same direction can have negative impacts on the mattress:

• It will wear down the mattress, especially in the center. With repeated folding in the same direction, you risk excessive wear in that part of the mattress
• It will shorten the lifespan of the futon. The longevity of a futon is correlated with how well it is maintained. If folded in the same direction continuously, the lifespan will get shorter.
• It will lessen the benefits of the futon. A futon has so many benefits. When not properly maintained, those benefits suffer. 
• Can cause sagging. If you want to fix a sagging futon, you have to maintain it properly. Minor things, like how you fold the futon, can have a major impact on how it sags and how much it sags. 

Why It Is Important to Refold a Futon

Refolding a futon is simple. You fold it in the reverse direction from time to time. This will keep the inside of the mattress in a good condition. But why should you refold it? It seems like such a simple step to take to fix the sagging of a futon, but it is an important one.

Daily maintenance is one of the most important aspects of preventing a futon from sagging. It is never too late to start daily maintenance, either. Even if you see that your futon is beginning to sag, implementing consistent maintenance will fix your sagging issues and will help prevent it from happening again in the future. 

Refolding a futon is one of the steps to fixing a sagging futon, but it, paired with other steps, is vital in restoring the benefits of a futon to your life. Consider these benefits you will regain once you have fixed your sagging futon:

• Better sleep. Futons can be more firm than a normal bed and can provide additional support for your back while you sleep. This reduces back pain and other muscle issues associated with sleeping on a traditional mattress.
• Futons do not take up much space. Futons are versatile because they do not take up much space and can be used in multiple ways. Some futons can be folded and put into a closet during the day. Others can look like couches during the day. It affords you more flexibility with the space you have. 
• Generally are inexpensive. Futons are much more affordable than a standard mattress and bedframe. This makes them cost-effective and popular. 
• Futons are versatile. As mentioned, futons are very versatile. They can be used all day long based on their design. 

Refolding a futon is part of a daily maintenance program you should implement. By maintaining your futon consistently throughout the year you ensure that you mitigate sagging occurrences and retain the benefits of the futon throughout its lifespan. Additionally, you ensure that its lifespan is extended. 

6. Wrap the Bars of the Futon Frame

A sagging futon is not always the result of the mattress. It can also be because of the frame itself. You may find that the bars and springs underneath the mattress are the cause of the sagging.

A futon frame sags for the same reasons as a futon mattress. Over time, the weight can wear out the bars and components of the frame and cause it to sag. Wrapping the bars of the futon frame can help mitigate this sagging. 

It is important to consider what type of frame you have. There are several types of futon frames to choose from. Some of them include:

• Tri-fold frames. As the name suggests, there are three folds in the structure of this type of frame. 
• Bi-fold frames. Similarly, this type of frame has two folds. 
• Metal frames. Metal frames are the most common type of material for futon frames. They are cheaper than their wooden counterparts. However, this also leads them to sag more often. 
• Wooden frames. Generally more expensive, wooden frames are usually higher quality. These frames, however, can still sag depending on the quality of the wood. 

Regardless of which frame you have, you need to take a look under the mattress to see if the frame is to blame for the sagging of your futon. 

How to Wrap the Bars of a Futon Frame

Wrapping the bars of the futon frame beneath the mattress is a great way to fix a sagging futon. 

The wrapped bars will provide extra support to the mattress above it. Support is a recurring theme when it comes to fixing a sagging futon. It is very important. Follow these steps to wrap the bars of a futon frame:

• Remove the mattress. The first step is to remove the mattress from the frame so you can see all the bars that hold the mattress in place. 
• See if the bars are bending. If you suspect sagging in your futon, you need to take note of the bars. Are any of them giving way? Bending? If so, you will need to wrap them. 
• Wrap them. Duct tape can be used to wrap the bars. The more duct tape you use the firmer the support will be. If you notice a lot of sagging in the center of the futon, you should add more wrapping there and less toward the ends. 
• Replace the mattress. Once you are satisfied, you may return the mattress. 
• Test the mattress. You should then test the mattress and see if the sagging has improved. You may find you need to add some extra wrapping beneath, but that is an easy addition. 

The mattress will hide the duct tape you have used, so no one will see it. In the end, it will provide additional support to your sagging futon, which will help it stay firm and comfortable. 

7. Check Your Warranty

Sometimes the issue came with the mattress. When you are buying your mattress you need to be diligent to avoid these pitfalls. 

Futons can come with warranties. If you just bought your futon and it is sagging, you need to check your warranty. Your issue may be covered by the warranty and you can replace the futon at no extra cost to you. After all, it was not your fault that the mattress began to sag so soon. 

But what should you look for when getting a futon to avoid having to use your warranty and, also, to avoid sagging? Consider these elements:

• Customers’ reviews. The first thing you can do is check online reviews for the specific futon you are looking at. Make sure to check for reviews from the specific seller, too. This will show you how their quality is among others who have bought it, too. 
• Test the mattress beforehand. It is important to test the mattress beforehand to see if it feels right. Some stores may offer a trial session of the mattress. Be sure to inquire. 
• Choose the right mattress. Choose the right mattress for your body. Remember, less-firm mattresses will sag easier than their firmer counterparts, but it comes down to how you feel. 
• Research. Your best option is to research the brands. See how they stack up against each other to make sure you make the best decision. 

Fixing a sagging futon does not have to be difficult. In fact, it can be quite easy. If you follow certain steps you can avoid having to use a warranty and can also prevent future sagging incidents.