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How Often Should A Bed Mattress Be Replaced

Use A Mattress Protector

How Often Should I Replace My Mattress?

Keep spills, dust and dirt from damaging your mattress by covering it with a great mattress protector. Many of these will extend the life of your mattress while making it cushion-y soft and cozy at the same time. Look for fun features like cooling properties in your mattress protector if you’d benefit from them.

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.

Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Mattress

Mattresses don’t last forever, but how do you know when it’s time to replace yours?

Waking up with back pain? Yeah, it’s time…

Though every mattress has a different lifespan depending on the material, manufacturer and usage, the average lifespan of a mattress is about 10 years. Of course, you can continue sleeping on a mattress much longer than that , but sleeping on a worn-out mattress can have real consequences on your sleep quality and overall health.

If you find yourself wondering why you can’t fall asleep or why your back hurts so much when you wake up, it’s probably time for a new mattress.

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Your Mattress Has Indentations

Take all the covers off your mattress and look at where you sleep to see if it’s uneven anywhere. It’s a good idea to rotate your mattress occasionally to even out the wear and tear . If you’re like most people and you don’t rotate your mattress, you may have parts of your mattress that sag.

When you lie in bed do you notice that you seem to fall into a certain spot, or that it’s hard to get out of that spot? The problem with a sagging mattress is that your spine is out of alignment, and it keeps your muscles from relaxing, which will make you sleep poorly.

Mattress warranties usually cover having an indentation of more than 1″ in the mattress.

Mattress Myth 2 A Firm Mattress Is The Best Mattress For Your Back

How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?

To minimize pain and discomfort and help your body relax into healing, regenerative sleep, you need a mattress that conforms to your favorite sleeping positions while supporting all areas of your body conformability and support. In general, mattresses fall into three categories.

  • Soft mattresses tend to conform to your shape but fail to deliver uniform support across the entire body.
  • Medium-firm mattresses tend to deliver equally on conformability and support and alleviate pressure point pain in most people.
  • Very firm mattresses offer good support but little conformability, which can lead to pressure point pain.

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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:

Type of Sleeper
Weighs more than 230 pounds Medium-firm to firm

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.

Mattress Type
  • Aims to deliver the best of foam and innerspring mattresses
  • Can contour to the sleeper, though not as well as a foam bed
  • One of the more expensive types of mattresses
  • Doesnt last as long as a quality memory foam or latex bed

Question : Whom Can I Contact For Answers To Other Questions About Hbsw Information

Answer: The HBSW Advisory Committee will address questions on HBSW documents. Send questions via e-mail to the Committee by contacting National Safety Technologies via their Web site www.nst-usa.com or send questions to the Committee via e-mail to . Put Attn: HBSW Advisory Committee in the subject line or header of any communications. The Committee will discuss each question and update the FAQ accordingly.

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You Get Better Sleep Somewhere Else

Do you find yourself getting better shut-eye in hotels and guest rooms? If yes, you probably need to replace your mattress . You should get the best quality sleep in your own home, on your own mattress, since that’s where you spend the vast majority of your sleeping hours.

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 health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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 health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

Is A New Mattress Worth The Investment

When should I replace my mattress?

Generally speaking, yes, a new mattress is worth the cost because quality sleep can directly contribute to your overall well being. You should consider buying a mattress a long-term investment and avoid low-quality beds.

There are many high-quality online mattresses priced near $1,000 USD. If the mattress lasts 5 years it will cost a single person approximately $0.55 per day. In comparison, a lower-quality mattress may cost you less right now. However, it could ending costing you more in the long-term if you have to replace it immediately and/or your health suffers.

Buying a high-quality mattress may make a improve your life in these areas:

  • More focus / energy

Our team covers as many areas of expertise as we do time zones, but none of us started here as a so-called expert on sleep. What we do share is a willingness to ask questions , seek experts, and dig deep into conventional wisdom to see if maybe there might be a better path towards healthy living. We apply what we learn not only to our company culture, but also how we deliver information to our over 12.7M readers.

Sleep research is changing all the time, and we are 100% dedicated to keeping up with breakthroughs and innovations. You live better if you sleep better. Whatever has brought you here, we wish you luck on your journey towards better rest.

  • Sleep Advisor

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Mattress Myth 7 Its Against The Law To Remove The Law Tag On Your Mattress

The warning against removing the law tag of your new mattress tag can be intimidating. The truth is that once youve bought the mattress and its in your home, you can do whatever you want with it. But if you ever need to file a warranty claim, it needs to be attached to the mattress because it contains critical information that will help the manufacturer process your claim.

Whats the cost of a good nights sleep? If you spent $2,000 on a new mattress and slept comfortably on that mattress for 7 years, the cost of healthy sleep would be $1.27 per night much less than the cost of a Starbucks coffee in the morning

Signs You Should Replace Your Mattress

Its easier to judge if your mattress needs replacing by its condition and comfort than by how long youve had it. Most people notice the same telltale signs of underperformance when they decide its time for a new mattress: sagging and indentations, pain, insufficient sleep, or worsening allergies.

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What To Do With An Old Mattress

If youre ready to buy a new mattress, great. Now you just need to clear out the old bed to make way for the new one. While its tempting to keep an old mattress as a spare in a lesser-used room, the same problems that caused you to purchase a new mattress will still persist.

Rather than live with a mattress you dont want, get rid of it. When you buy your new mattress, check the delivery options. Some companies will offer to take your old mattress upon delivering your new one. Most of these companies will either recycle or donate your mattress.

If pick-up isnt an option with delivery service, check your local listings for donation sites. You can usually donate an old mattress to a variety of charities. Its also possible to recycle your old mattress. This process is best for the environment. Check with your local waste management services for a recycling center that accepts mattresses and box springs.

Do Some Mattresses Have A Longer Lifespan Than Others

How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?

Like with most things, you get what you pay for. So if you pinched pennies and went with a low-quality option, the lifespan of your mattress is not going to be nearly as great as a higher-quality mattress and will likely wear out long before it sees its tenth birthday.

Natural or heavy-duty materials usually last longer than synthetic ones, Breese says. For example, latex will offer you support for a minimum of 10-12 years. The same goes for hybrid beds with a higher coil count in the spring base and latex comfort layers. Traditional innersprings have a shorter lifespan and can only last for seven to eight years. Its similar for foam mattresses.

And one more thing: Dont buy into the alluring 20-year warranty some mattress brands offer. These warranties typically have a lot of restrictions, Breese says. So, if you ever need to file a claim, you might not end with a free replacement or repair. Also, extended warranties result in higher prices. No matter what the warranty says, you should still replace your mattress every decade, so you dont really need the super longer warranty. Save your dollars.

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It Takes You Forever To Fall Asleep

It should only take 10 to 20 minutes to fall asleep. If you find yourself lying awake at night, it may be time for a new mattress. Of course, you should first rule out conditions such as insomnia and anxiety, and you should also make certain that you aren’t just battling your own internal clock.

If you determine that you’re healthy and on a regular sleep cycle, yet you still can’t doze off for hours, it’s time to consider getting a new mattress.

How To Make Your Mattress Last

Mattresses arent necessarily cheap, which means you may be holding onto your current mattress for as long as you can to avoid buying a new one.

To keep your health in check while still maintaining a good-as-new mattress, consider these tips:

  • Rotate your mattress: If you have a memory foam or hybrid mattress, rotate your bed every few months to prevent pressure from concentrating in one spot.
  • Flip your mattress: If you have an innerspring mattress, flip your bed every few months to take the pressure off of the coils and springs.
  • Use a mattress pad and protector: A mattress pad and mattress protector can help prolong your mattresss life. A mattress pad will add another supportive layer that can absorb weight, while a mattress protector creates a liquid barrier, protects your health, and increases mattress longevity.
  • Use a bed frame or box spring: Giving your mattress proper support with a supportive mattress base can help your mattress last longer. Most bed frames and box springs last a long time, which means you can use them for multiple mattresses.
  • Keep your pets off of the bed: While sleeping with your dog sounds like a dream come true, their paws and teeth can damage your mattress.

While these tips can help make your mattress last, there comes a time when you need to part ways. When you get rid of your mattress for a new one, make sure to discard it properly by bringing it to a mattress recycling center or donating it, if possible.

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Warning Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Mattress

You might be ready to replace your mattress if you notice or experience the following issues:

  • There are deep body impressions on the surface that make the bed feel less supportive. Keep in mind impressions may be covered under warranty if they reach a certain depth .
  • You notice new aches and pains in your neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and other sensitive areas of the body. These can arise from insufficient mattress support.
  • You have started to sleep hot, whereas temperature regulation wasn’t an issue before. As comfort layer materials soften with age, you may find yourself sinking more deeply into the mattress. This can restrict airflow across the surface and cause you to feel uncomfortably warm.
  • When getting in and out of bed, you notice significant sinkage along the edges. The perimeter of your mattress is especially vulnerable to wear and tear.
  • The coils have become louder in your innerspring or hybrid mattress. You’ll probably hear more squeaks and creaks from the springs as the bed nears the end of its lifespan.
  • You and your partner feel less comfortable during sex. Loss of support and surface-level body impressions can make certain movements more awkward for couples.
  • Your mattress is seven years old. Even if you don’t notice any sagging or other structural issues, you should consider replacing your mattress after reaching the eight-year benchmark. Some latex and airbed models may last longer.

You Gained Or Lost Weight

Buyer Tip: Replacing Your Mattress

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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Damage To The Mattress

Any mattress with visible damage such as cracking or exposed foam layers should be replaced immediately. A damaged cover leaves a mattress exposed to the environment. This can cause an accumulation of dirt, moisture, and even insects like bed bugs.

If a mattress cover is ripped or broken, consult your warranty immediately. You might be covered if the damage is considered a defect in construction or materials. In either case, you should replace your mattress right away for health reasons.

What Are The Signs Of A Bad Mattress

Any mattress is a bad mattress if you cant get a good nights sleep on it. The first thing to check for is visible signs of wear and tear, such as sagging, rips, or torn fabric. Also, any loss of shape very early in the life of a mattress is a sign of poor materials and construction. Consult your warranty immediately if this is the case.

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Do You Really Need A Box Spring With A New Mattress

Box springs often last longer than a mattress does, with some recommending you replace a box spring every 10 years. However, many modern mattresses no longer require a box spring to feel comfortable. Using a box spring with a foam mattress can even damage the mattress. Foam mattresses need consistent support when placed on a box spring, theyre prone to sink between the coils and lose their shape.

How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress

How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?

No mattress lasts forever. Experts differ on exactly how often you should replace your mattress – and everyone’s situation is different – but if you’re wondering whether it’s time to change yours, there are some clear signs to look for.

If your mattress is affecting your sleep, it’s time to change it. A good nights sleep is key to feeling fresh and in control, and maintaining a healthy body and mind – but achieving this is an ongoing quest that many of us find ourselves on. Adults aged between 18 and 64 need seven to nine hours sleep per night and around 35% of US adults report sleeping for fewer than seven hours.

If this rings true for you – and youve tried cutting your caffeine, dabbled in evening mediation, placed lavender beneath your pillow and left your mobile phone in the kitchen – then its probably time to change your mattress .

Here, we’ll walk you through the signs to look for, to help you know when its time to bid your mattress goodnight for the last time.

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