Nothing is more frustrating than a mattress or bed frame that squeaks and creaks all night. You can't even change your sleeping position without hearing that annoying sound. If the bed squeaks loudly enough, it may even wake you from deep slumber. However, there is some good news for you. You don't have to suffer from a squeaky mattress forever. There are ways to eliminate the squeak and get a peaceful night's sleep.

Determine the Source of the Noise

Various parts of a bed can make a squeaking noise. To identify the source of the sound, dismantle the bed, place the mattress on the floor, and lie down on it. If the noise persists when shifting around, the culprit may have been identified. 

If the bed is not making noise, the issue may lie with the box springs or the bed frame. Identify the source of the noise by gently pressing on the box springs in different spots to see if they squeak. If the noise is not coming from the box springs, move on to the bed frame, carefully pushing on the frame and wiggling it in different directions to determine if it is the source of the noise.

It can be more complicated to fix if the mattress or box springs are squeaking. However, if the bed frame is causing the noise, there are ways to address it.

To Fix a Squeaky Bed Frame

Bed frames usually squeak because of friction at the joints or where the slats meet the frame rails. To stop the squeak: 

Method One: Tighten Up Joints

Inspect the bolts on the bed frame and tighten any loose ones to prevent the squeaking sound from joints rubbing against each other.

Method Two: Use a Lubricant

Bed frames, especially the metallic ones, can often produce a squeaky sound, even if the joints are tightly screwed. This happens because of the small movements that the bolts cannot prevent. To fix this issue, use a lubricant such as WD-40 or vegetable oil and apply the lubricant between the joints and the area where the slats meet the rails. Doing so will help reduce or eliminate the squeaking sound.

Method Three: Cushion the Slats

To stop the noise caused by the friction between the slats and the mattress on a metal or wooden bed frame, place soft materials such as felt tape, fabric patches, or even old socks on top of each slat. This will cushion the spots between the slats and the mattress, preventing the noise.

Method Four: Replace Nails and Screws

If a bed frame is full of old or rusty nails and screws, it might cause squeaking because the hardware can no longer hold the frame together or prevent it from moving. To fix this issue, it is recommended to inspect the bed frame thoroughly and replace all stripped, rusty, or damaged nails and screws with new ones. This should eliminate unwanted noise and ensure the bed remains stable and secure.

To Fix a Squeaky Mattress

Regrettably, it is challenging to eliminate squeaks from a mattress. In particular, innerspring mattresses produce noise due to their interwoven coils, which may start squeaking as they age and wear out. Although there are some ways to lessen the noise, ultimately, the mattress will need to be replaced.

Method One: Rotate and Flip

For those experiencing the discomfort of lying on top of squeaky coils, rotating the mattress can be a quick solution. Rotating the mattress can place weight on less worn-out coils, so rotate the mattress by 180 degrees on the bed frame.

While some mattresses are double-sided and flippable, most mattresses only require rotating to maintain their shape and quality over time.

Method Two: Use a Mattress Topper

Sometimes, adding a mattress topper to an innerspring mattress can reduce noise and enhance comfort by providing a buffer between your body and the open coils.

Method Three: Try a Bunkie Board

Bunkie boards can help reduce bed squeak by eliminating uneven support underneath the mattress – a common problem with metal coils or wooden slats. Place the bunkie board directly underneath the mattress to help even out support. 

Method Four: Replace the Squeaky Mattress

If all other methods of reducing noise fail, it may be time to invest in a new mattress. Unfortunately, innerspring mattresses are prone to developing squeaks that cannot be resolved. Although purchasing a new mattress may require a higher upfront cost than keeping the old one, it will provide a peaceful night's sleep.

Sticking to the same noisy mattress will only partially solve the problem. Try a mattress that is less likely to become noisy when considering a replacement. These types of mattresses not only eliminate squeaks but also provide excellent support and comfort for a restful sleep environment.

Mattresses that Won’t Squeak

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses are designed to eliminate the squeaking sounds often associated with traditional innerspring mattresses. They use pocketed coils, which are individually encased in a foam or fabric pocket. This eliminates metal-on-metal contact and prevents friction and the noise it creates.

For those seeking a top-tier hybrid mattress, look no further than the Onyx Pro Hybrid Medium. This exceptional mattress substantially improves over traditional innerspring models, boasting cutting-edge graphene cooling technology and antimicrobial copper infusions. Rest assured, it provides a blissfully quiet sleep experience, free from any unwanted squeaks or disturbances.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are an excellent option for those who desire a noise-free sleeping experience. This is because they are entirely made of foam, eliminating metal-on-metal contact that causes squeaking.

To discover and enjoy the ultimate sleep oasis, consider the MLILY Harmony Chill 3.0! Crafted from premium memory foam, this plush mattress has five cooling layers that provide a refreshing and cooling sleep surface and unparalleled support, ensuring a tranquil and undisturbed night's sleep.

To Fix Squeaky Box Springs

Box springs may become noisy due to metal-on-metal contact between their inner coils, causing squeaking. Unfortunately, much like a squeaky mattress, little can be done to fix a squeaky box spring.

Method One: Oil the Coils

Sometimes, it can be helpful to lubricate the coils inside a set of box springs. Here's how:

1. Remove the box springs from under the mattress and flip them upside down. A thin film of cloth stretched over the bottom called the backing, will come into view.
2. Carefully remove a section of the backing by either cutting it away from the staples that hold it on or by removing the staples.
3. Spray WD-40 on each spring. Make sure to apply it evenly.
4. Once the springs have been lubricated, replace the backing using fresh staples.

Method Two: Rotate the Box Spring

Rotating a box spring can help reduce noise in a bed, similar to rotating a mattress, which allows the sleeper to sleep on less worn-out springs. However, it's important to note that box springs have a top and bottom and should not be flipped over.

Method Three: Replace the Box Spring with a Foundation

Just like innerspring mattresses, box spring coils eventually lose tension and break down, causing them to squeak no matter what. When this occurs, it's time to replace the box springs. However, buying another box spring will lead to the same problem in the future. Fortunately, there's a simple solution: mattress foundations.

Foundations are a combination of a box spring and a platform bed. They have a perimeter frame similar to a box spring, but instead of coils, they feature thin slats with narrow gaps between them, like a platform bed. Since mattress foundations don't have coils that break down, they're less likely to squeak. And, if they do, they're easier to fix.

The only disadvantage of replacing a box spring with a foundation is the cost and hassle of replacement. Since free foundations are only provided with new mattresses, purchasing a foundation will require additional investment in the new bed base and possibly independent shipping arrangements.

Preventative Maintenance

It is best to take measures beforehand to prevent a squeaky bed, which can be easily achieved by regularly inspecting and maintaining your bed frame and mattress. Here are some tips to follow:

• Check for loose bed frame bolts and tighten them to prevent squeaks caused by shifting.
• Lubricate the bed frame joints where the slats meet the rails with vegetable oil or WD-40 to reduce friction and noise.
• Replace any worn or damaged bed frame hardware like bolts, nails, and screws before they lead to squeaking.
• Rotate the mattress and box springs every three to six months to distribute weight evenly and prevent aging in one spot.
• Place felt pads or cushioning material between bed slats and the mattress to reduce friction.
• Periodically tighten the fasteners on the box spring to prevent loosening and noise.
• Inspect all bed components regularly for wear signs and promptly address any issues before more severe problems or noise develop.
• Keep the bedding tight and taut to minimize friction against the bed frame.

Conclusion

Solutions are available if you're tired of dealing with a squeaky bed. While fixing a squeaky bed frame may be easy, eliminating squeaks from a box spring set or an innerspring mattress can be more challenging. If it's time to replace the bed, consider investing in an MLILY mattress or bed base to achieve the desired silent, restful sleep. Don't wait any longer to improve your sleep quality - upgrade your mattress or bed base today!