Your Mattress Is Dirty
Even if you wash your linens, use a mattress protector, and clean the mattress and pillows regularly, you wont be able to get everything. And by everything, we mean a buildup of dead skin cells, body oils and fluids, dust mites, mildew, fungal spores, pollen, and a list of other allergens.
Mattresses have been shown to carry one of the highest concentrations of dust mites. If you or anyone in your house is experiencing allergic reactions, or you just want to be sure youre resting on a sanitary surface, consider getting a new mattress.
How Long Does A Memory Foam Mattress Take To Inflate
Generally, manufacturers say it takes 24-48 hours for a memory foam mattress to fully inflate. This time frame is not set in stone as each memory foam mattress is unique. Some new mattresses will take longer or even less time. You also do not have to wait a full 24 hours to put on your mattress protector or topper. Also, you can sleep on a mattress on the first night, just know the bed may feel different on night two or three.
How Do You Know When Its Time
If you notice any of the following, then it may be time to replace your mattress:
- Signs of wear and tear. Signs of wear include sagging, lumps, and coils that can be felt through the fabric.
- Noisy springs. Springs that squeak when you move is a sign that the coils are worn and no longer providing the support they should.
- Muscle stiffness. When your mattress isnt comfortable and no longer supporting your body the way it did, you could wake up feeling sore and stiff. A
You may be able to prolong the life of your mattress with some extra care. The following are things that you can do:
- Use a mattress protector to protect against spills, dust, and debris.
- Make sure your mattress is properly supported with the right box spring or foundation.
- Rotate the mattress every 3 to 6 months to promote even wear.
- Clean your mattress as directed by the manufacturer.
- Open your windows regularly for better ventilation, which can reduce dust and moisture buildup.
- Keep your mattress upright when moving it to prevent creasing or damage to the springs.
- Keep pets off the bed to reduce the risk of damage from claws and chewing.
- Dont let your children jump on the bed as this can damage coils and other mattress components.
- Remove sheets and mattress covers occasionally to air out your mattress.
Regular vacuuming can help keep allergens and dust mites to a minimum. You can also sprinkle your mattress with baking soda and vacuum it 24 hours later to help remove trapped moisture and odors.
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Keep Your Mattress Protected
Anyone whos tried to clean a dirty or stained mattress knows how hard the task can be. Save yourself the hours of blotting and dabbing by keeping your mattress from stains in the first place. A popular way to do this is by using either a mattress protector or mattress pad. While a mattress protector is a thin, almost sheer, layer of material which wraps around like a fitted sheet, a mattress pad is a thicker cover placed on top of the mattress. Both covers go in between your mattress and bedsheet, acting as a protective layer of defense against dust and dirt.
Your Sleeping Situation Has Changed
Even if your mattress is still in tip-top shape, it still might be time to get a new mattress. Life can change in an instant, and a mattress just might not fit your new needs.
Pregnancy, weight loss, weight gain, and/or gaining a new sleeping partner could all warrant the purchase of a new mattress. If you discover you have a health condition like arthritis, sciatica, or fibromyalgia, that may also be a cause to find a new mattress with better pressure relief.
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You Often Wake Up Throughout The Night
Do you feel like you wake up every couple of hours, or even more frequently, throughout the night? Persistent awakenings can seriously ruin a good night’s sleep, but the remedy could be as simple as getting a new mattress.
Again, you’ll want to rule out medical conditions that cause sleeplessness before blaming your mattress. Make sure it’s not sleep apnea, anxiety, depression, insomnia, indigestion or another condition that can cause nighttime wakefulness.
How To Know If Your Mattress Is Old
You might be surprised to see that your mattress feels comfortable well beyond its life expectancy.
The above timelines help give you a general idea of when to replace your mattress, but every model differs.
Instead of following the general time-frames, it can be beneficial to inspect your mattress to know if and when it needs replacing.
Here are tell-tale signs that you should be scouting for a new one:
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What Happens If You Leave Your Mattress Rolled Longer
If you leave your new mattress rolled up in the packaging it was delivered in longer than the recommended period, there is a risk that the memory foam may not fully expand once opened and it may not be as comfortable as it could be.
Depending on the agreement that comes with your mattress, it could also void the warranty.
Bottom line, dont leave your mattress rolled up in the corner for months on end if you want to experience the very best of what memory foam has to offer!
Your Mattress Is Sagging
If your mattress is starting to sag, its an obvious sign that you might need a new mattress. Sagging can occur when the coils in a mattress start to weaken or the memory foam begins to lose its shape.
You can partly tell that a mattress is sagging if there is a noticeable body impression in the mattress this is especially common for heavier people, whose bodies may leave a deep indentation in the mattress. If you get up and your mattress does not quickly return to its normal, flat appearance, it might be time to consider a new mattress.
If a mattress not sagging over time is important to you, be sure to read our list of the best mattresses that wont sag.
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How Long Is A Mattress Good For
Can a mattress last for 20 years or longer? The simple answer is that most mattresses will last for roughly 7-10 years. That doesnt necessarily mean that your bed will be in great shape for that long, however.
The durability of a mattress depends on several factors, including what type of materials are used in the mattress, the construction type and quality, and how the mattress is used. Its important to choose a high-quality mattress to ensure its longevity.
Factors that affect the durability of the mattress include:
Materials Used: Certain types of material will wear out faster than others. For example, soft foam mattresses will compress fairly rapidly, while latex and denser foams will last much longer. The same goes for the fabrics involved. Thinner, lower-quality fabric wears through faster than the higher-quality options.
Mattress Construction: Overall, you can expect a latex mattress to hold up longer than any other type of mattress. If you have a more traditional bed with only one or two layers of springs, then it wont last long at all, usually a maximum of six years.
Is It Still Able To Support Your Body
One day, youll wake up in a depressed spot of your bed, and its a sign that you should replace it. Depressed spots show that your bed is no longer optimal in supporting your body.
Mattresses lose their support as their age, and its an apparent sign to determine how long should you keep a mattress.
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Why Should You Rotate Your Mattress
Overuse of certain areas sags your mattress. Sleeping on a sagging mattress disturbs the neutral alignment of your spine. Spinal misalignment triggers back pain, neck aches, and muscle stiffness. Rotating your mattress allows one area to recover from regular use, as another area gets used. It prevents mattress wear, extending durability.
Your Mattress Has A Bad Smell
This may not be the most pleasant thing to consider, but your mattress may just start to smell. This can happen over time as mildew, mold, and fungi build up in the mattress it can happen even more quickly if you live in a humid climate.
If you take a whiff of your mattress and smell some serious must, it might be time to get rid of it.
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Is Your Mattress Still Comfortable
First and foremost, comfort should be your main concern in deciding how long you should keep a bed or mattress. Forget looking at the ten or twenty years warranty or listening to what other people say if your bed no longer gives you comfort, its time to replace it.
Your body ages as you sleep, and you certainly want it to age like a fine wine.
Dont Bring Home Unwanted Hitchhikers
Bedbugs are one of the fastest ways to ruin a mattress, as they can be difficult to get rid of once they infiltrate.
When sleeping away from home, always inspect the bed from signs of bed bugs and try to keep luggage off the floor. If you suspect bedbugs, Texas A& M University has a few tips for preventing bringing them back home.
In apartments or areas of the country where these critters are common, consider using a bedbug-proof mattress encasement. These differ from mattress protectors as they have impenetrable zippers and cover the bed on all sides to prevent bugs from making their home in your mattress.
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Don’t Bring Home Unwanted Hitchhikers
Bedbugs are one of the fastest ways to ruin a mattress, as they can be difficult to get rid of once they infiltrate.
When sleeping away from home, always inspect the bed from signs of bed bugs and try to keep luggage off the floor. If you suspect bedbugs, Texas A& M University has a few tips for preventing bringing them back home.
In apartments or areas of the country where these critters are common, consider using a bedbug-proof mattress encasement. These differ from mattress protectors as they have impenetrable zippers and cover the bed on all sides to prevent bugs from making their home in your mattress.
Sleep On The Mattress Every Night
If youre not sleeping as well as you expected to after the first few nights on your new mattress, your first instinct might be to migrate to the couch. Resist the urge. The more consistently you sleep on your mattress, especially within the break-in period, the better your body will start adjusting to your mattress and vice versa.
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How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress It Depends
Find out when to replace each type of mattress. Plus, how to tell when it’s wearing out and how to make it last longer.
The average mattress lasts somewhere between six to 10 years — but many folks can and do keep them longer due to their cost. Truth is, there’s no single way to tell for how long every mattress will actually last. Plenty of factors play into that fluctuating number of years, including the type of mattress, the quality of its materials and how well you take care of it. Below, we explain how often to replace your own mattress and how to shop for longevity, plus a few ways to extend the life of the bed you already have.
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How Long Should You Leave A New Mattress Before Sleeping On It
It is recommended to wait 24-48 hours before sleeping on a new, memory foam mattress. It is up to the consumer whether to wait or not. Defects will not be as obvious before the expansion process has been completed, but expansion should not slow down because you slept on your new memory foam mattress.
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How To Unroll Your Memory Foam Mattress
- First, remove the packaging and unroll
- Position the mattress on your bed
- Allow the mattress to expand. Your mattress will take a couple of hours to expand to its original size
- Once fully expanded, you can add a mattress protector or memory foam mattress topper for extra comfort
- And your mattress is ready to sleep in!
How Long Does A Mattress Last
My mattress is getting on in years. In fact, Bill Clinton was in his first term as president when I last bought a new one. Is it time for me to replace my mattress?
Youve probably logged more than 30,000 hours in your bed, and your mattress has likely become less comfortable and less supportive. But theres no set formula for determining when you need to replace a mattress. It might be time to buy one if: You regularly wake up tired or achyyou make Oscar the Grouch seem as cheerful as Mr. Rogers. You tend to sleep better away from home, than in your own bed. Are you planning unnecessary business trips or looking for any reason to go on a weekend getaway? Your mattress looks or feels saggy or lumpyit needs go on the Abs Diet. Youre over age 40 and your mattress is five to seven years old. Remember, your body tolerates less pressure as it ages. As if getting older werent tough enough . . .
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Factors That Impact How Long Your Mattress Will Last
We spend a significant amount of time in bed. Rest is a vital part of our health it can determine how much energy we have for the day and contribute to our mental state. This is why choosing the mattress best suited for your lifestyle and needs is important. When deciding upon a mattress that contours your health and needs, there are several factors involved with the degradation of your mattress. Below is a list of variables to help determine the longevity of your TempurPedic Mattress.
Weight Support
Queen and king mattresses require a particular frame with an added bar for support. Larger bed frames without a sufficient frame may insufficiently distribute weight and offer increased strain to springs, as well as other internal materials. When a couple sleeps on a bed, or even if an individual that is heavier occupies a mattress, the added weight will degrade the mattress at a faster rate.
Density
When purchasing a bed, there are a variety of materials that can compose your mattress. Certain materials, like memory foam and latex, can offer long-term longevity due to their exceptional density. Less dense beds, like those that use continuous springs or independent springs, can offer firmer support but may degrade significantly over time. The components that make a mattress are selected for different reasons, so be sure to choose the mattress most suitable for your health and wallet.
Mattress Health And Care
Wear And Tear
Carry And Move Your Mattress Properly
One of the things that can reduce the lifespan of a mattress is incorrect handling. Every time your mattress is dropped, placed down on the floor incorrectly and generally crushed or squished, youll be damaging it – and reducing its usable lifespan.
To avoid this, always use the attached straps . Never bend your mattress, and keep it straight when you move it i.e. dont try and bend it around corners.
Oh, and dont ever tie your mattress to the roof of your car, itll not only damage your mattress, its dangerous. If you have to move it between places, hire a van
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Can You Rebox A Memory Foam Mattresses
Unless you own a machine like the one in the video I posted above you wont be able to compress and rebox your memory foam mattress so that it looks exactly like it did when it arrived.
But theres another way that can get you pretty close!
You can compress your memory foam mattress up to around 1/10th of its size using a mattress vacuum bagin some cases.
This is a cheap solution that you can implement using your vacuum in conjunction with a specifically designed mattress vacuum bag that you can buy online.
Watch the video below to see how to compress and roll up your memory foam mattress using a vacuum bag so that it takes up less space:
Noticeable Wear And Tear
The next time you change your sheets, scan over the entire mattress. Check for any significant lumps, saggy spots, worn edges, or rips in the material. These indicate the mattress has seen better days, and its usually not going to get any better. The sleep surface area will continue to wear down and any tears will only get bigger, allowing more dirt to enter the mattress.
Before going out to buy a brand new bed, check the warranty of your current mattress. Most brands are usually willing to replace a mattress with any manufacturing defects, excessive wear and tear despite normal usage, and sagging greater than 1 inch.
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Should You Rotate A Tempurpedic Mattress
Rotating means turning your mattress at an angle of 180 degrees so that the head part becomes the foot part of your bed. However, not all mattresses require rotation because they are made differently with unique features. The overall advantage of rotating mattresses is keeping the spine aligned during sleep.
With various materials used in manufacturing mattresses, the need to flip or rotate them may or may not be necessary. For instance, mattresses, like the Tempurpedic mattress, doesnt require flipping or rotation. You can refer to your care manual to check and verify this. For sure, you will find an instruction where it indicates the Tempurpedic mattress doesnt need rotation.
On the other hand, if your mattress requires rotating, its essential to know the proper ways of turning or flipping it. Here are some helpful tips you can follow:
