How Often Do I Change My Mattress

When Should I Replace Box Springs

Chances are if youre getting rid of an old mattress you might have a box spring with it. Traditional innerspring beds are often sold with box springs and frames. You dont have to use a box spring for a good nights sleep. But if youre going to replace a mattress, its best to swap the box spring as well. This is especially true if youre concerned about allergens and dirt buildup.

Here Are 9 Signs To Determine If You Need A New Mattress:

1) Your mattress is over 8 years oldThe age of the mattress is one of the first things to consider. Most people dont remember when they bought their last mattress. If you are not good at keeping files, you should write the date of purchase on the mattress label. Consumer Reports magazine recommends replacement every 7 to 10 years. This may be a shock to many people who have purchased a mattress with a 20-year warranty. You should know that the warranty is meant to cover certain parts and workmanship and not a mattresss overall comfort.

2) You dont feel rested when you wakeIf you get a good nights sleep you should wake up feeling refreshed and rested. If you find that you are waking up tired and feeling drowsy during the day it may be due to too much tossing and turning throughout the night. Your body is working overtime to find a comfortable sleeping position that does not exist.

3) You wake up with aches and pains and holding your back

Are you waking up stiff and tired every morning? If you are then chances are you need a new mattress. Old mattresses tend to gradually lose the ability to provide proper support and once the comfort zone has matted down you will get pressure points by sleeping directly on the springs. As the comfort layers lose their compression , your mid-section, which represents the heavier part of your body, will sag into the mattress.

How Often Do You Need To Change An Innerspring Mattress

Innerspring mattresses are oftentimes the most affordable option. You might be tempted to go for one yourself, however, this is false economy, because springs wear down faster than other materials. This means that your mattress will start to sag quicker, wont offer the needed spinal support and will need replacement in no time.

Most pocket spring or innerspring mattresses only last around four to six years. There are some higher-quality models on the market that use better quality wire and construction design and are therefore guaranteed to last a bit longer than the average spring mattress.

Innerspring mattresses are more traditional. Their construction is a straightforward layer of metal springs. In pocket spring mattresses the spring are individually enclosed in a fabric pocket, which allows each coil to move independently from the rest. This offers less motion transfer than the innerspring as well as better support and more comfort.

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Which Mattress Type Lasts The Longest

On average, a natural latex mattress has the longest lifespan, lasting for about 12 to 15 years. A quality memory foam bed is close behind, lasting about 10 years or more.

The trade-off to the durability of a natural latex mattress is its one of the more expensive types of mattresses on the market.

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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How Do You Make Your Mattress Last Longer

Regular maintenance of your mattress and following a few key prevention principles can go a long way in ensuring it lasts as long as possible. Here are three ways to get there:

Let Me Upgrade Ya: Signs Your Mattress Is Donezo

Okay, so youve had your memory foam mattress for 10 years does that mean you should definitely replace it right this moment? Nope.

First make sure the mattress is actually ready to be switched out before you make an upgrade. It might have some life left in it! Although, if you notice the below, its pretty much ready to go.

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Are You Supposed To Flip Your Mattress

You can flip your mattress only if it is a double-sided mattress. Double-sided mattresses need to be flipped at least twice a year and rotated every three months, for even wear. Most mattresses are usually one-sided. Ask the salespersons or customer service representatives of the mattress manufacturers if the mattress is two-sided.

I Get A Better Night’s Sleep Anywhere But In My Own Bed

Do you love the comfort of a hotel bed? Perhaps you get the best night’s sleep when you stay with friends or family. If you sleep well anywhere but in your own bed, it’s time to invest in a good quality, comfortable mattress of your own.

Don’t just take our word for it! In this video, the National Bed Federation explain when it’s time to replace your mattress:

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How Often Should You Wash Your Pajamas

Since we wear our pajamas to bed, it’s easy to neglect taking care of them because for much of the time we’re in our PJs, we’re unconscious. The truth is, we need to treat them like regular clothes to maintain good health. According to the American Cleaning Institute, we need to wash them every three to four days, and we’ve researched the reasons why it’s a good idea to change your nightwear regularly.

How Often Should You Replace Your Bedding

You should replace your bedding pieces as follows:

• Mattress: Every 7 to 10 years
• Mattress Protector: Every 1 to 2 years
• Pillows: Every 1 to 2 years
• Bedsheets: Every 2 years
• Comforters and Duvets: Every 10 to 15 years

With regular maintenance, you can help your bedding last longer. However, if holes are developing, seams are tearing, or you notice yellowing on any of your bedding, its time to replace them.

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I’m Tired All The Time

There are many factors that can contribute to feeling tired. However, taking a look at your mattress is a good first step. A good quality mattress should be comfortable, support your body correctly, prevent aches and pains and help you achieve deeper sleep. This all helps you to wake up feeling rested and ready for the day ahead.

Tips To Prolong Your Mattresss Life

Mattresses age with time. Some signs of wear are bound to show up eventually. Following these tips can extend mattress durability by a few more years.

• Use a mattress protector, reducing the chances of spills, sweat, body oil, and allergens permeating to your mattress. Wash it once every two weeks.
• Vacuum your mattress with the upholstery attachment, once every three months.
• Baking soda neutralizes odors, keeping your mattress fresh. Once every six months, sprinkle baking soda on your mattress. Let it sit for 10 to 24 hours. Vacuum it clean to remove the baking soda.
• Rotate your mattress every three to six months, preventing excessive wear on certain parts.
• Support your mattress with the correct foundation. For innersprings, thats a box spring. For all other mattress types, use a metal frame, adjustable base, or platform. Slats on the platform bed should be no more than 3 inches apart for even support.
• Keep your mattress upright when cleaning or moving it, to prevent bending and damaging it.
• Never let children jump on your mattress. Standing and jumping causes excessive pressure and eventual sagging.
• Use mattress pads and toppers to minimize direct pressure on the mattress. A high-quality mattress topper can also help you adjust the firmness of your mattress.

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An Inconsistent Mattress Message

On the one hand mattress companies extol the high quality construction of their materials. Thats why when you go to a mattress store there is always one model on display with the cut-away look. They have sliced a mattress in half so you can see the inner workings of how the springs and other mechanisms are designed to support you.

Warranties on mattresses vary depending on their price. A low-priced mattress typically comes with a 10 year or less warranty. However, purchasers of these mattresses are not usually looking to use them full-time or for a long time. This might be the type of mattress youd purchase for a college student or a spare bedroom.

Many consumers will then step up from these models into the mid or high-range price points. Here they will find better construction materials that would typically be reserved for the mattress that will be used day in and day out. Warranties also get better as they will range anywhere from 10 to 20+ years for the highest priced models.

So, if Im buying a mattress with a 10-20+ year warranty, why do I need to replace it every 5-7 years? What am I missing here?

You Gained Or Lost Weight

For those that experience a significant gain or loss in weight over the life cycle of your mattress, the change might alter the effectiveness of your mattress. A Canadian study linked both inadequate and excessive sleep to weight gain so how you sleep and what you weigh are intermingled.

Heavier body types trigger more wear and tear on springs, foam, cushioning and mattress components. Also, if you were a solo sleeper but now have a partner in your bed, your mattress might not offer adequate sleep surface or support for the extra weight. That means its time for a new mattress.

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How Do I Choose A New Mattress

Now comes the big question: how do you pick your next mattress? Well, it depends a lot on your sleeping style and even your body type both can influence what firmness and mattress type is best for you.

A side sleeper typically needs a plusher, softer mattress than a back sleeper, while a stomach sleeper needs an even firmer mattress than a back sleeper does. Similarly, a heavier sleeper needs a firmer mattress than a sleeper of average weight, while a lightweight sleeper needs a softer mattress than the average sleeper. We break all of this information down in the table below:

We recommend a bed between 10 to 14 inches thick for most sleepers, although heavier sleepers should shop for a bed at least 12 inches thick. The right mattress firmness and thickness are important not only for proper support but also because your mattress can wear out quicker if its not made to take on your body weight.

Then theres the type of mattress thats best for you. Of the mattress types on the market, the four main ones to consider are memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses. All of them have their upsides and downsides, as there is no such thing as the perfect bed.

Do You Wake Up Tired Or Sore

We all know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. If you regularly wake up tired and sore, it’s likely your mattress has stopped supporting your body properly while you sleep. This can cause you to toss and turn through the night, which will prevent you from getting the rest you need. If this is something you struggle with, it’s probably time to look for a replacement.

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What Should You Look For In A New Mattress

Once its clear that you need to replace your mattress, youre probably wondering what to consider when purchasing a new mattress. How can you make sure you get a high-quality mattress that will last a long time?

First, if you are looking for a mattress that contains foam, you should find a mattress with a higher-density foam. Ideally, a 4- to 5-lb density is what you should be looking for. Three- to 3.5-lb foams may break down more quickly, but higher-density foams are more durable and should make for a longer-lasting mattress.

Second, consider a mattress with coils these mattresses are durable and can make for longer lasting mattresses. Mattress coils can help fight sagging and ensure that shoppers are making a wise investment.

Besides finding durable materials, you also want to make sure the mattress is a good fit for your sleeping preferences. Here are some general guidelines:

• Back sleepers will want a mattress with a balance of comfort and support. You want support in this position, but you also want your hips to sink in somewhat.
• Side sleepers should find a softer mattress you want a soft comfort layer to relieve pressure on your shoulders and hips.
• Stomach sleepers should opt for a firmer mattress your hips need enough support to ensure they dont sink in when youre stomach sleeping.

Is A Mattress Protector The Same As A Fitted Sheet

While mattress protectors are attached to a fitted sheet, theyre different from a fitted sheet in a bedsheet set. Ideally, use both a mattress protector and a fitted sheet on your mattress.

Fitted sheets are soft casings you lay directly on top of and theyre mainly for comforts sake, but they also protect your mattress from dirt and stains. Mattress protectors, on the other hand, arent really comfortable to sleep on because they do not add any softness or comfort.

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A Good Mattress Saves Time And Money

If you are having trouble sleeping, you may not even realize that your mattress is the problem until you take the time to examine it. Although changing a mattress can involve both expense and effort, its important to consider just how valuable a good nights rest is. Sleep problems spill over into your job and your daily routines – and the consequences can be financial and medical. When you do choose to make a change, investigate your options – there are so many mattress types available that you should be able to find the perfect fit for your needs.

So How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress

The Better Sleep Council recommends changing your mattress every seven years. You’ll find slightly different advice from expert to expert, but most agree on a window between six-ten years, depending on how often the mattress is used and what level of quality it is.

However, as the specialists at the Better Sleep Council point out, your body changes over time, and your need for comfort and support increases as you age. “Your body may be ready for a new mattress before the seven-year mark,” they say, “so listen to what its telling you.”

The good news is that if you do need to invest in a new mattress, most of the leading brands run sales throughout the year. We’ve rounded up today’s best mattress deals elsewhere on the site – plus, each company will be launching its own Labor Day mattress sale in the next few weeks.

So is it time to change your mattress? If any of the issues below sound familiar, then yes, it probably is…

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How To Wash A Mattress Protector

Mattress protectors are super easy to wash and typically washing machine-safe. Plus, every mattress protector size should be able to fit inside a standard home washer.

However, you should always check the care label for exact wash instructions and exact temperatures. We dont recommend dry cleaning mattress protectors, as the heat can ruin the waterproof material.

Signs Of Wear And Tear

In the final measure, mattress ratings or warranties don’t dictate a mattress’s lifespan nearly as effectively as your own subjective experience of sleeping on it. A mattress is an investment in your wellbeing, and there are several signs that your mattress is ready to be replaced:

• You are uncomfortable when you lie down and wake up tired and achy.
• You see visible signs of wear and tear on your mattress. There is sagging, or you notice lumps. You can hear the bed springs when you lie down.
• You’ve tried rotating it or flipping it but to no avail. It still doesn’t feel more comfortable.
• You suffer from allergies and have had the mattress for a long time. If you have not been using protective, allergy-reducing covers, dust mites could pose a problem. Even the cleanest beds can have dust mites. There are other ways of addressing the dust mite problem, but it helps to start with a clean, mite-free mattress.
• You are older than 40 and have been sleeping on the same sleep surface for around 10 years. The human body becomes more sensitive to pressure points with age. Pressure points can lead to tossing and turning and disturbed sleep, which can be bad for your overall wellbeing.

Buying a quality mattressone that carries a good warranty from a well-known manufactureris a very good investment. Not only will it last a long time, but it also will improve the quality of your sleep and your wellbeing. Great online mattress options are available.

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