Why Replace Your Mattress
There are a few reasons to replace your mattress, with the main one being comfort. Over time, a mattress can lose its shape and begin to sag, creating dips and lumps. An uncomfortable mattress can interfere with your ability to get a good nights sleep.
has been linked to a number of diseases, including:
Dust mites and other allergens also accumulate in mattresses, which can cause or worsen symptoms in people with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. A 2015 study found that mattresses contain the highest concentration of dust mites in a household.
Do I Need A New Mattress And How Do I Find The Perfect One For Me
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Nothing quite beats the feeling of sinking into the comfort of your own bed at the end of a long day.
So why let an old mattress get in the way of this?
Its true, mattresses dont last forever and it is often difficult to know when to change them. Weve provided some tell-tale signs below to help you know when its time to separate yourself from your beloved mattress.
I WAKE UP WITH PAIN
If youre waking up with pain throughout your neck, shoulders and back, your mattress isnt supporting your body whilst you sleep through the night. Mattresses are one of the most used items in your home and over time, gradual wear means that they lose their ability to support your body properly. As well as this, pain is often the first sign that you are on the wrong comfort level.
YOUR MATTRESS IS GETTING OLD
Studies have shown that the life-span of a mattress is 8 10 years, but this varies according to the manufacturer and also how you sleep. Whats important is the knowledge that your mattress wont last forever, and excessive wear and tear will age it faster.
If your mattress is old and you cant remember when you replaced it this is a clear sign that you may need a new one!
A NEW EXPERIENCE
Sleeping away from home can be difficult, and can often lead to interrupted sleep when youre in unfamiliar surroundings with unfamiliar sounds.
TIME TO UPGRADE
The Perfect Mattress For Me
If youre thinking about investing in a new mattress, dont put it off!
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Mattress Type & Material
Lower density foam beds may need to be replaced after 4-6 years. Over time the foams will break down under your weight and movement throughout the night. Higher density models could last up to 8-10 years.
Organic and natural latex materials may need to be replaced after 8-10 years. Synthetic latex beds may only last 6-8 years to perform at their best capacity. After this amount of time they may begin to sag or lose some of the bounce that makes them so popular.
These may need to be replaced by a new mattress every 3-5 years. It’s always a good idea to save any warranty information just in case they wear out before their time. Independently wrapped coils may also be some of the quickest to show wear, as they tend to compress much more than interconnected coils, making for great motion isolation, but faster wear.
A high-quality hybrid could last longer than 10 years, some brands even claim to last up to 15. However, because over time your bed will absorb oils and bacteria from your body, begin sagging, and may lose some of its bounce, it is still recommended to replace your mattress every 7 10 years.
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How Do I Rotate My Mattress
Rotating a mattress is simple and straightforward. Whilst one person can do it, it’s easier with two.
Here’s how:
Your Mattress Is More Than Five Years Old
While this isnt the only criteria to use when deciding how often you should change your mattress, its still an important one. If youve had your mattress for at least five years, its recommended you start monitoring its health more regularly. You should ask yourself all of the above questions at least once every six to 12 months. If your mattress isnt allowing you to rest, its degrading, or its affecting your partners sleep, it could be time to change your mattress.
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Should I Flip My Mattress
Many older, traditional mattresses were made to be flipped, but a lot of modern designs are built with certain materials needing to be on top and cannot be flipped . Its best to check your warranty to see if youre able to flip it. You can also rotate your mattress 180 degrees every six to eight months to lengthen its lifespan.
You Wake Up Stiff And Sore
Signs you need a new mattress include waking up with aches and pains that can make us feel old before our time. It puts a dampener on our day, you feel low in energy, grumpy, and sore. Most importantly, you could suffer chronic back pain from sleeping on an inadequate mattress. Therefore, causing you long-lasting pain and discomfort. A pressure-relieving mattress could change all that overnight.
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When Is The Best Time To Buy A Mattress
Again, theres a bit of an old wives tale mentality around when to buy a mattress. Back in the days, long before you could buy a mattress online, it was touted that late summer/early autumn was the best time to buy a mattress, as thats when new lines would come out. The truth is that this isnt the case anymore.
There is no such thing as the best time to buy a mattress. And, without blowing our own trumpet, any time of year is the best time to get a new mattress at Bedtime. We continually have sales popping out throughout the year, and theres barely a day goes by where you wont see unbeatable deals on every type of mattress imaginable.
The Actual Age Of Your Mattress
The standard mattress will start showing telltale signs of age anywhere between seven to 10 years. So once your mattress starts hitting these numbers, its best to start observing any changes to how it looks and feels. Are there spots which arent as firm as they used to be? Are you unable to sleep as well as you used to? While your mattress may still have a few solid years left, being able to catch the trouble spots before they get worse can save you a lot of backaches and sleepless nights.
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Your Allergies Are Acting Up
An unpleasant fact about mattresses is that, over the years, they accumulate tons of dust, dead skin and other detritus. Its a bit gross to think about, but it’s said that, after 10 years, your mattress is about 10 pounds heavier than it was when you bought it. This added weight is mostly from your dead skin.
If you notice that your allergies are worsening, especially when you wake up in the morning, this can be a good indicator that its time for a new mattress.
How Long Do Innerspring Mattress Last
An Innerspring mattress could last up to seven years if you flip it on occasion. The coil spring system in an innerspring mattress may not be as durable as foam mattresses as the springs are under continuous pressure every night. Theres also high motion transfer due to the bounce factor, so not a comfy option for couples.
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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?
You’ve probably logged more than 30,000 hours in your bed, and your mattress has likely become less comfortable and less supportive. But there’s 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. You’re 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 weren’t tough enough . . .
How Do You Know When Your Mattress Needs Replacing
Once you see or feel sagging you should look for a new mattress. If youre suddenly experiencing back pain, it might be your bed, not your body. Its possible your memory foam or innerspring mattress can no longer support your body. If you see exposed layers, rips, and tears then its a sure sign the bed needs to be replaced. This is especially critical if you have health concerns since ripped mattresses can be susceptible to bed bugs.
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How Often Are You Supposed To Change Your Mattress
Lucy Bolland, marketing manager from bed retailer Happy Beds, believes “Your mattress can have more impact on your sleep than you might think.”
She told Newsweek: “Sleeping on an old or damaged mattress can make it difficult to fall asleep and could be stopping you from getting the rest that you need.
“Usually, mattresses need replacing every 6-8 years, but this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
“If you find that it’s making more noise than usual, is noticeably saggy or damaged in certain areas, or you sleep better in other beds, it could be time to say goodbye to your old mattress.”
James Benton, retailers “of all things slumber” Mattressman, agrees, adding: “Keeping your mattress clean is certainly needed for a hygienic sleeping environment, and it’s extremely easy to keep on top of.
“When you change your, sheets gently vacuum the mattress surface in order to eradicate dead skin cells and dust. It’s also a good idea to let the mattress ‘breathe’ for a couple of hours before you put fresh sheets back on.”
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.
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How Often Should I Rotate Or Turn My Mattress
Your mattress should provide you with years of comfort and good support. To keep your mattress in great condition, we recommend that you rotate it at least once every three months. This means moving your mattress from the head of your bed to the foot – from top to bottom.
Rotating your mattress regularly is important, because it helps to keep the comfort fillings evenly distributed. It also means that you’ll use each side equally. It’s an easy way to improve its lifespan and it forms part of general mattress care.
When Is It Okay To Keep My Old Box Spring Or Foundation
Now you understand why the mattress industry automatically assumes new mattress shoppers need a new foundation or box spring. Are they being 100% truthful and accurate? Nope, not quite. But still, chances are pretty good that youll be better off replacing your old box spring or foundation.
If your old box spring or foundation meets the criteria below, it might be okay to keep it for a bit longer:
- No damage or excessive wear
- Not more than 3 to 5 years old
- Is a newer foundation design without springs or coils
- No exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, excessive dust, etc.
- Supports/slats are close enough together to support modern mattress designs
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When To Change Your Mattress
Sleep specialist Carl Walsh recommends investing in a good quality mattress as they are supposed to last between seven and 10 years.
He told Newsweek: “Throughout those years, you should be flipping your mattress every six months to spread out the wear-and-tear.
“Generally speaking it becomes quite obvious when it’s time to change your mattress. Either there are visible signs of deterioration or you could begin to have trouble sleeping as you’re not able to get comfortable, or waking up sore from a worn-down mattress'”
Lily Cameron, Fantastic Services’ domestic cleaning expert and team supervisor, suggests it may come “as a surprise, mattresses, just like everything else, have a limited lifespan.”
She told Newsweek: “You could easily tell if it is time to get a new one when yellow stains won’t come off and bad smells recur after the mattress had a few good cleans.
“Oxidization of materials, excessive exposure to sunlight and moisture, are just some of the factors that will speed the aging process.
“And if you’re unsure whether it’s time to say bye to your old mattress, we recommend replacing it with a new one every eight to nine years.”
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.
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How To Extend The Life Of Your Mattress
If you look after your mattress it could provide much comfort for many years. Ensure you vacuum the mattress, around the bed and under the bed periodically. Wash your bedding frequently on a high heat cycle and always use a mattress protector to protect it from sweat, dust, pet hair and saliva.
Mattress toppers could offer a layer of comfort, especially if youre sleeping on an old coil spring mattress. A mattress topper could be a short term solution to an old uncomfortable mattress. However, a topper is not able to provide pressure relief, only a pressure relieving mattress has that capability.
Your Allergies Or Asthma Worsen
If you find yourself constantly waking up with the sniffles or skin irritation, you may be sleeping on a mattress that is triggering your allergies. Some people are sensitive to the chemicals that might be used in the manufacturing of some bed-in-a-box brands. Others are allergic to latex and might need to avoid those models.
Thankfully, there are lots of organic and hypoallergenic bed options out there that employ gentle and clean materials for better health, and an effort to relieve some of these symptoms. Many brands put an emphasis on asthma, allergy, and eczema sufferers to ensure even the most sensitive of sleepers are able to rest comfortably.
Even if you don’t have any known allergies to chemicals or mattress materials, sometimes an old mattress will hold onto dust and dirt that could be causing your congestion. If changing your sheets doesn’t help and you don’t have a way of cleaning deep into your mattress, it’s probably time for a change.
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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.
KJ Callihan
KJ Callihan is a freelance writer with a background in mental health and education. Her writing often covers product reviews and lists, animals and pet care, food and hospitality, health, wellness, and culture. When she isn’t crafting the perfect sentence, you may find her bingeing true crime documentaries, browsing mid-Michigan farmer’s markets, and tasting her son’s latest homemade cuisine
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.
