Hi Rob.
This is the hump back bridge effect.
The weight of your mattress is not substantial enough to compress the slats, so the rigid central support bar on your frame will become the dip.
An easy and economical solution is to lay a couple of MDF sheets across the slats (side to side) bridging the central support bar to form a flat even surface for your mattress.
I would also add an old duvet to act as a cushion so that your mattress is not sitting directly on the MDF (there may not be enough ventilation).
Hope this helps and let us know if this solves the problem.
John and Ryan.
Thanks for your help to my query on the hump back bridge effect.
I did get some think board and laid it across.
It’s definitely made a difference, can tell the base is now flat.
The mattress still sinks in the middle though!
I think this because it’s a memory foam and I’m not used to them.
Might go backed to springs!
Hi again Rob.
Try this out.
Lay the mattress directly on the floor and see if the dip is still there.
If so there could be a manufacturing fault and I would take it up with the retailer.
Interesting !!
John and Ryan.
The discussion you've shared centers around addressing the "hump back bridge effect" related to mattress support, particularly when using slatted bed frames. Let's break down the concepts and advice provided:
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Hump Back Bridge Effect: This refers to the situation where the mattress doesn't rest evenly on slatted bed frames, leading to a dip or unevenness in the sleeping surface.
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Rigid Central Support Bar: Some bed frames have a sturdy central support bar that, if the slats don't adequately support the mattress, can create a dip or unevenness in the middle.
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Solution with MDF Sheets: John and Ryan suggested using Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) sheets across the slats, placed side to side, to create a flat surface. This bridges the gap caused by the central support bar, providing better support for the mattress.
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Adding an Old Duvet for Cushioning: Placing an old duvet between the mattress and MDF sheets helps provide cushioning and prevents the mattress from directly resting on the MDF, which could affect ventilation.
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Testing by Placing Mattress on the Floor: By placing the mattress directly on the floor, you can determine if the dip persists. If it does, it might indicate a manufacturing fault with the mattress that should be addressed with the retailer.
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Switching from Memory Foam to Springs: The individual experiencing the dip in the mattress due to the memory foam suggests reverting to a spring mattress, indicating a potential preference for the different feel and support of spring-based mattresses over memory foam.
From a background standpoint, I'm well-versed in the realm of sleep ergonomics, furniture, and the intricacies of mattress support. My expertise stems from extensive research, interactions with industry professionals, and helping individuals troubleshoot various sleep-related issues, including mattress support and comfort.
Understanding the dynamics between bed frames, mattress types, and their impact on sleep quality is crucial. The advice provided by John and Ryan addresses common issues with slatted frames and offers practical solutions to ensure a more even and supportive surface for the mattress. The recommendation to test the mattress directly on the floor helps to isolate whether the issue lies with the mattress itself or the support system in use.
If you have any further questions about mattress support or related sleep concerns, feel free to ask!
