Firm or Saggy Dorm Mattress? Here’s How to Upgrade Your Setup (on a Budget)

As exciting as it is to move into your dorm room for the first time and meet your new roommate, the old, saggy dorm room mattress that you have to crawl into bed every night is probably less appealing.

It can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep on your not-so-comfortable dorm bed. Getting a good night’s sleep is important for knowledge and memory retention, with some studies suggesting that getting a good night’s sleep before an exam can lead to better grades and a higher grade point average.

In a perfect world, your bed should meet your specific needs such as: sleeping position and or preferences. Mattresses in dormitories are usually firm, made from either inferior foam or innersprings. You’d also hope that the mattresses would be swapped out with each new resident arriving, but that’s far from the truth. There is no telling how many dust mites and dander have accumulated in the beds over the years. Luckily, there are ways to make your sleeping space cleaner and more comfortable—even if you’re on a budget.

Below we list the best ways to upgrade your dorm mattress for a comfortable, enhanced night’s sleep.

For more tips on upgrading your bedroom decor, check out our article on creating a bedroom Memory Foam Mattress Sleep Cooler, Soften your firm mattress and Create the perfect sleeping environment.

Continue reading: Best mattress for 2022

Invest in a mattress topper

A mattress topper is a great way to make your bed firmer or softer, depending on what you’re looking for. It can also change the feel of your mattress, whether you like memory foam or a more responsive latex foam feel. You can even consider a cooling mattress pad that is breathable and/or provides cooling relief. There are also budget mattress pads that will make your mattress cozy for less than $70.

A mattress protector can work wonders

Protect your mattress from bed bugs, household allergens, and nasty spills by getting a mattress protector. Your dorm space is limited, and chances are you’ll have at least a few meals in your bed while binge-watching Netflix. A spilled drink on your mattress can stain and wear down your foam. With a protector you ensure that your bed stays nice, clean and like new.

They are placed on your bed like a fitted sheet between your sheets and the bed (or topper). They are water-repellent, comfortable – and depending on the material – breathable. Typically, mattress protectors are made from cotton, polyester, polyurethane, latex, spandex, or vinyl.

Don’t underestimate the power of a good pillow

Your pillow should not only be comfortable, it should also suit your sleeping position. Side sleepers usually sleep best on a high pillow that supports the head in line with the neck and spine.

On the other hand, stomach sleepers should consider a thin pillow that doesn’t cradle the neck like sitting in the front row of a movie theater.

Back sleepers should find a pillow somewhere in the middle. The goal is a nice, neutral “C” shape at the nape of the neck. If you have a pillow that supports your head so much that you’re looking at the wall in front of you rather than the ceiling, your pillow is too high.

Continue reading: Best mattress for side sleepers

Upgrade your sheets and linens

Your college may provide you with a catalog of dorm bundle sets that you can purchase for a small fee. The problem with these bedding is that they are cheaply made and will match anyone else buying from the catalogue.

I made the mistake of doing this when moving into my college dorm for convenience, and ended up with the same matching, uncomfortable, starchy bedding as my roommate. Consider finding at least 200 thread count sheets and a quality duvet to upgrade your dorm bedding.

Use a fan to cool down

One of the biggest buzzkills for sleep is a hot temperature. If you go to an older college, you may not have air conditioning in your room. Newer dorms have central air conditioning, but you may not be able to regulate the temperature. Survive a hot dorm room by opening a window and blowing a fan next to your mattress. You can even use makeshift air conditioning by placing a bowl of cold ice water in front of your fan and forcing it to blow cool frigid air your way.

Ask your college if you can bring your own mattress

Your college may not let you bring your own mattress, but it’s worth asking. Call your university’s student services and find out what their policy is if you bring your own twin XL bed. If so, even a cheap mattress is usually more comfortable than an old dorm mattress. This way you can choose a comfortable bed that is clean and fits your specific preferences and sleeping position.

Learn about simple ways to improve your sleep How to create the perfect sleep playlist or check out ours Wellness Editors’ Favorite Sleep Hacks.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or health goals.