When To Toss Them: 1 To 2 Years
And how about where you lay your weary head? The National Sleep Foundation tells us to plan on replacing pillows every year or two. Why so often? Apparently they absorb body oil, dead skin cells, and hair, which can create the perfect environment for dust mites . They also recommend washing your pillows every six months and using a protective case between the pillow and pillowcase. How do you know when it’s time for a new pillow? Fold it in half and see if it stays that way, they say. If it does, its time for a new one. If you spring for a quality down pillow and take good care of it, lifestyle guru you can get 10 or 15 years out of them.
If you’re over 40 you can expect even less time out of a bed, since your body tolerates less pressure as it ages.
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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Are You Experiencing Pain
This should be a no-brainer. A good mattress can offset pain you experience, not cause it! If you are waking up every morning with stiffness in your joints and muscles, your bed may very well be part of the problem.
If your mattress is an incorrect match and does not suit the curves of your shape or weight, you may be sleeping with poor spine alignment or with inadequate pressure relief.
Want to read more? Check out the most commons symptoms of sleeping on a bad mattress.
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Is There Deformation In The Mattress
Peel back the sheets and give your sleep space a really good once over. Can you see yourself in it? You really shouldnt be able to, and if you can, it may not be good for you.
Rotating and flipping your mattress regularly can help offset the inevitable formation of body impressions, sagging areas, and dips. However, almost every bed will develop these over time, and they can affect how well it is able to support your body properly and deliver the right amount of comfort.
Reasons To Replace Your Mattress
It may seem like mattresses should last forever, but once they lose their support, it affects how you sleep. Squeaky, uneven mattresses are noisy and uncomfortable when you try to sleep. And sleep deprivation leads to a range of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, and issues with the immune system. It can make you feel irritable, fatigued, and unable to maintain an active lifestyle.
The effects of sleep deprivation on the brain are harmful to your health and unfortunately, lost sleep cant be rectified. Sleeping five hours one night and ten hours the next isnt the way a healthy sleep schedule works. Its best to receive consistent, high-quality sleep each night versus longer hours for a single night every once in a while.
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Are You In Need Of An Upgrade
Youre not wearing the same clothes or driving the same car you were in college, so why are you sleeping on the same mattress? Entry-level and budget-friendly beds are fantastic for folks just starting out on their own, but older and more established people deserve an upgrade on their sleep, especially as your body ages and has more critical support and comfort needs.
Need help? Check out our guide for best rated mattresses here.
Our Top Tips For Buying A Mattress Online
Theres a lot to be said for traipsing around bed shops, trying out mattresses, but its time-consuming, tiring and, in any case, the lockdown has forced non-essential retail to close its doors . Buying online might feel risky, but it neednt be if youre well prepared. Consider our top tips for a stress-free virtual shopping experience:
Do your due diligence
There are so many mattresses on the market that shopping can quickly become overwhelming and frustrating. Narrow down your search from the off according to what youre looking for, be that a soft memory foam mattress or a firm pocket-sprung one.
Most websites now offer filters, meaning you only see the products that match your budget and requirements. Save time and minimise stress by deciding what those are before you open all those tabs.
Measure twice, cut once
Mattresses sizes can differ slightly between brands. Play safe by measuring the base of your bed frame and checking it against the listed dimensions. This is especially wise if you havent bought a mattress in years, as sizing systems may change.
Check the guarantee
Nobody wants a mattress that will start sagging after only a few months. Check that there is a guarantee in place to protect you against any faults and be careful not to invalidate it. Bear in mind that standard wear and tear is unlikely to be covered, so youll need to look after it well.
Make use of cooling-off and trial periods
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How Often Should You Change Your Pillow
As a general rule, you should replace your pillow every 1-2 years. But, if you’re looking to get into specifics, the life span of each type of pillow varies. For example, memory foam, latex, synthetic and natural pillows all have different recommended life spans.
In this guide, we’ll explain how often to change your pillow, the benefits of replacing it and what you can do with your old pillow. We’ll also give you some tips on washing your pillows and when you should change your pillowcases.
What Is The Best Mattress
This is one of the most common questions that I get. Its a simple question, but the answer is not. The real answerit depends. Mattresses are not one size fits all. Your decision should be based on your specific sleep preferences. For a more in-depth look, check out our Mattress Reviews. Otherwise, below are our recommendations based on the category.
Editor’s Pick
Best Bed in a Box
Leesa Original
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Delivery And Return Policies
Whether purchasing online or in a store, be sure to inquire about the delivery policy to ensure that the mattress can be safely delivered to your house. Many online retailers use known courier services like FedEx or UPS to ship their products, but regional availability may vary and your location may incur an additional surcharge.
If mobility and lifting large boxes is an issue for you, you may inquire if the company offers a White Glove Delivery service. For an extra charge , the company will engage a professional delivery service to bring the mattress into your home and install it in your bedroom.
Most mattresses are returnable if you are not satisfied with your purchase, but make sure you read the fine print on their return policies so that you know exactly how mattresses are removed from your house, how much you are refunded and how soon you can expect to have your money back. Beware that some companies require you to keep the mattress for a full month before initiating a return to ensure you have given the bed a proper test run.
Is Buying A Used Mattress Illegal
Being safe while buying a used mattress is why used mattress law differs from state to state. There are laws on sanitation, labeling, tagging, and mattress filling.
- Some states will allow used mattresses to be sold only if they are disinfected
- Red or yellow labels in some states alert you to the mattress condition
- Some states permit only the filling to be reused
- Laws in place to protect consumers from unethical business practices, rules generally dont apply to one individual selling to another individual *contact your local department of health for guidance
Side sleepers need a particular mattress style to find comfort
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Warning Signs That You Need A New Mattress
Your Allergies Flare Up
Every normal human sheds dead skin cells. Considering we spent 7 to 9 hours on the bed, numerous skin cells accumulate in our mattress. Dead skin cells attract dust mites, fungi, bacteria, and other indoor allergens. These allergens can trigger symptoms such as itchy throat, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, breathing difficulties, and skin irritation. Old mattresses may have a lot of allergen build-up. If its not allergy season and you are waking up with aggravated allergies, then its time to consider replacing your mattress.
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Longevity: Considerations For Long
A good mattress can last you years if you choose correctly based on your long-term plans and life trajectory. Though budget or space constraints may factor into your choice, brands that can live with you will maximize your investment.
Size
Your choice of sides will depend on several factors, including how much space you have, your body size, growth expectations, and if you need to share it. Lets discuss each standard mattress size one at a time, but note that some companies may not offer every size. Height will also vary depending on which brand you choose.
Thickness
Mattress height varies depending on which brand you choose, and more entry-level choices tend to be much thinner and simpler in their design that taller luxury matress brands that have more complicated comfort layers and support systems. If you have trouble getting in and out of bed, a mattress that is exceptionally tall may prove to be a problem.
Durability
Beware that price is not always an indication of quality, and some materials will naturally wear out faster than others, depending on how they are formulated and placed. In general, latex tends to last longer than poly foams, and tufting tends to endure natural wear and tear longer than adhesives. The longevity of coils will depend on their gauge and how they are attached to one another.
Adaptability
Change Your Mattress For A Good Sleep
If you wake up in the morning with stiffness, or aches and pains it could be that your mattress isnt providing the level of support and comfort it needs to. Feeling tired throughout the day and sleeping better in a hotel bed than your own bed are also signs that your mattress might be on the way out.
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Helps To Reduce Allergic Symptoms
No matter how much you clean your pillow, dust mites can always linger, which can cause your allergies to worsen. This could mean that you sneeze more and your eyes and nose itch during the night.
Replacing your pillow will mean that dust mites won’t build up, so your allergic symptoms will be kept at bay.
If you’re looking for a pillow that can help with your allergies – so take a look at our wide range of hypoallergenic pillows!
When To Get New Bed Sheets
Heres how you know when its time to invest in new sheets:
- If the sheets are stained beyond redemption
- If the fabric has become too thin or has holes
- If the edges are fraying
- If the fabric has become rough and scratchy and you cant fix it
- If the sheets have an odor that wont wash out
Taking care when buying will also ensure your sheets last as long as possible, since certain fabric blends will last longer than others. Sheets that are 100% cotton are hardier and will last years as long as you care for them properly.
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Become An Informed Consumer
If you suspect you need a new mattress, do your homework, and educate yourself before you buy. Understand the lingo and gimmicks employed by mattress firms so that you get the product you need that fits your budget and gives you the best nights sleep. Theres no prescription for which mattress will best fit your unique needs.
Look for a mattress that offers adequate support for spinal alignment. Comfort is subjective its how a bed feels to you. You might find a firmer mattress superior to a softer one or vice-versa. Mattress selection is highly personal and should be your preference at the cross-section of proper alignment, support, and comfort.
What Happens To Your Mattress After 10 Years
Over time your mattress will begin to gain weight. For example, you purchase a new mattress that weighs 100 pounds, after 10 years, that mattress will double its weight to 200 pounds because over the years it collected all the body oil, dead skin, dirt, dust mites, and, yes, dust mite fecal matter. If those arent good enough reasons to buy a new mattress, then we dont know what would be.
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How Do I Know If My Bed Is Worn Out
Ask yourself if youre still getting a good nights sleep on your mattress, or if it still looks like its in good condition. A mattress thats sagging or has permanent indentations likely means the bed has lost its support. If you continue to sleep on it, you may find yourself waking up with a bad back.
Other signs that the mattress is losing its shape include lumps and rips. Before you buy a new mattress, you might want to double-check your warranty. Most manufacturers will replace a sagging mattress, but how much the mattress needs to sag to qualify for a replacement varies.
If you find yourself getting a full nights sleep and still wake up tired, it may mean that your mattress is no longer comfortable and supportive enough to help you recover while you rest. And if you wake up and find yourself sneezing or feeling congested, the culprit might be allergens that have built up in your mattress over the years.
Match It With The Proper Base
Support your mattress by pairing it with the proper foundation, base or box spring. Do a bit of research to find out what works best with your mattress, and definitely consider the foundations made by the same brand. Sometimes these are the best possible options because they’re made to go together, even though they may cost a bit more.
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Sleeping Position Weight And Original Quality
Along with the materials and construction for your bed, some otherkey factors will affect the average lifespan of a mattress. Below we will discuss how your weight, sleeping position, and original quality can also be signposts for how to know when to replace your mattress.
Sleeping Position and Weight
Your sleeping position andweightcan determine how and when your mattress wears out. For example, if youre a side sleeper, your bed has probably started sagging exactly where your hips and shouldersrest.
Furthermore, heavy sleepers will likely encounter sagging issues much sooner than average weight or lighter individuals. So, when purchasing a new mattress, keep in mind that certain types are better for specific sleeping positions and body types.
Original Quality
The last determining factorthat could have you changing your mattress sooner than youd like is its original quality. You cant buy the cheapest mattress available and expect it to last for twelve years.
On the other hand, expensive mattresseswill likelylast longer. However, there are some things you can do or avoid doing to increase the lifespan of your bed.
Continue reading to find out!
How Often Should I Replace My Pillows And Sheets
Fortunately, the mattress lifespan has a much longer shelf life than pillows and sheets. The recommendation is to replace these every one to two years. Like mattresses, pillows can lose their plushness and at a much faster rate. They serve as a breeding ground for dust mites from dead skin cells, oils, and dirt, which can lead to allergies and problems sleeping. Wash your pillows every few months and replace them as soon as they start lacking support.
A pillow thats past its prime can cause neck pain or strains to your spine. And sheets also have a shelf life: After a few years, the fibers start to break down and become more threadbare. They wont keep you warm enough and may not feel as good against the skin. Since comfort is key when sleeping, switch to new pillows and sheets every two to three years.
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