Saturday, April 20, 2024
HomeHow Often Should You Change Your Mattress

How Often Should You Change Your Mattress

Can A Mattress Last 20 Years

How often should you change your bed sheets?

Yes, many mattresses in the market can last for more than 20 years with you, but that depends on how you use the mattress? Or what is the build quality of the mattress? There are some memory foams and latex foams that last for 15 or more than 20 years.

But on the other hand, if your mattress is not made of high-quality material, your mattress might not be able to last for more than 20 years. Most of the Innerspring mattresses might not be able to last for a long time. So, if you are planning to buy a mattress that would last for more than 20 years, you should go for memory foam or latex mattresses.

Does Your Partner Sleep Poorly

Moving on, you should also analyze your partners sleep when thinking about how often to replace your mattress. If your partner continually tosses and turns during sleep, it will also deplete your nighttime experience even if there are no problems at your side of the bed! So if your path complaints or shows signs of inadequate sleep, that is also an indicator that you need to look for a new mattress.

How Can You Tell When You Need A New Mattress

Some people may become accustomed to the feel of an old unsupportive mattress. Others may put off buying a new mattress and prefer to buy a new car or go on holiday instead.

We should all be investing in good quality sleep. If you try sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress, whether its lumpy or causing you aches and pains, youll wake up feeling worse than you did before you went to bed.

Several signs may indicate your mattress is past its best.

Don’t Miss: What Size Air Mattress Fits In A Ford F150

Why Is It Important To Replace Your Mattress

You might be left wondering why you should bother getting a replacement bed. There are many reasons why its a good idea to change regularly. The most obvious answer is that after a while, an old mattress wont be able to give you a good nights sleep. A sagging or lumpy mattress can easily interfere with your sleep pattern.

Research shows us that when we dont get enough sleep, our health begins to suffer. Lack of sleep has been linked to everything from diabetes, to heart and kidney disease.

Additionally, dust mites and allergens can also accumulate within a mattress, leading to worsening symptoms of asthma. The presence of dust mites in the bedroom is why its important to ask yourself not only when you need to replace your mattress, but also:

  • How often should you change your pillows?
  • How often should you change your duvet?
  • How often should you change your bed?

Heres an interesting video from Good Morning Britain:

You Sleep Better On A Different Mattress

How Often Should You Change Your Mattress

You might want to replace your mattress if you notice that you sleep much better on a different mattress. If you often wake up with a stuffed-up nose or joint pain, and then they sleep in a hotel and wake up with none of those problems, this could be a sign that your mattress is causing your sleep troubles.

If you think your mattress might be reaching the end of its lifespan, you should try sleeping on a newer mattress and compare your experience.

Recommended Reading: Where Can You Buy Mattress Bags

Wait A Second Should You Flip It First

Maybe youve heard that you should try flipping your mattress over before buying a new one. This very simple tip could save you some money and buy you some time but does it actually work?

With a two-sided mattress, flipping it every 6 to 12 months just might do the trick. It can distribute the wear so that it stays comfortable for longer. But most new mattresses today, especially memory foam and pillow top options, are one-sided, so flipping really isnt going to do anything.

If Your Allergies Start Acting Up Replace Your Mattress Protector

Although protectors are designed to protect you against allergens, with frequent washing in the machine, the material can lose its integrity and become less resistant to allergens and other bacteria. When that happens, you might start waking up with a runny nose and sore eyes. If you start to notice that you are waking up tired and with allergy symptoms, its time to look at your mattress protector to see if it is time to change it.

Do you know someone going off to college soon? Make sure to also take a look at our article on how to choose a mattress topper vs a mattress pad for college for more valuable information too.

You May Like: Which Mattress Is Better Saatva Or Dreamcloud

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.

How Old Is Your Mattress

How Often Should You Change Your Bed Sheets?

Among all the factors listed in this article, perhaps none is more accurate than this one when it comes to how often you should change your bed mattress.

Researches show that the average lifespan for a mattress is around 8 years. But this varies with the manufacturer, the type of mattress, and other factors like whether you sleep alone or with the partner .

Also Check: How To Remove Sweat Stains From Memory Foam Mattress

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.

The Mattress Is Lumpy Or Saggy

If your mattress is infested with lumps, or theres a dent in the middle in the shape of your body, thats a good sign you need to go shopping. Sagging and lumps can happen with virtually any type , and these symptoms indicate that youve worn away the material within.

The deeper the sag, or the larger the bumps, the more discomfort youll experience when you try to sleep. Even if the mattress isnt lumpy or saggy yet, but youre noticing that you get a better nights sleep when you stay at a friends house or a hotel, thats a clear sign that something isnt right.

Recommended Reading: What Is The Width Of A King Size Mattress

Tip 2 Adjusting The Laundry Temperature May Increase The Lifespan Of Your Mattress Protector

Unless your manufacturers directions say otherwise, you can usually wash your mattress protector with other items such as sheets, towels, and clothing. You can use cold or medium water temperature with your regular detergent. However, make sure that no bleach or bleach alternative is added to your regular detergent. Bleach will destroy the waterproof membrane and weaken other materials in the protector.

Change Your Mattress For A Good Sleep

How Long Does a Mattress Last: Is It Really 20 Years?

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.

Also Check: How Can I Throw Away Mattress

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.

Myth 8 You Dont Actually Need A Mattress Protector

Mattress covers are designed to cover a mattress to protect it from daily wear and tear, shielding it from dust, allergens and spills. But a mattress protector can also help maintain a consistent temperature in the microclimate of the bed, reduce tossing and turning. Some can even improve the comfort-level of the mattress.

Mattress protectors also protect your mattress in a financial way. Regardless of where you buy your mattress, all manufacturers require that your mattress be from soils and stains if a warranty claim is filed. In other words, a dirty mattress voids your warranty. Why so strict about stains? Because of health concerns for people who work in mattress factories think of diseases transmitted through bodily fluids stained mattresses cant be returned for service and/or replacement.

Also Check: How Long Is A Queen Size Mattress

What Is The Best Way To Tell If My Mattress Is Ready To Be Replaced

Materials in your mattress will degrade over time. However, there are many factors that go into this, such as weight, how often it is slept in, and more. Analyze a few things before making the leap such as the quality of sleep coming from it, what condition the mattress is in when inspected, and how other people who sleep in the bed feel.

Faqs About Mattress Durability

How to choose the RIGHT mattress for you? When to replace your mattress?

Q. Should you always replace a foundation when replacing a mattress?

Not necessarily. In fact, users can typically anticipate a decade of use from quality mattress foundations, which can be up to twice the lifespan of certain types of mattresses. However, make a note of any squeaking, wobbling, or structural damage. Additionally, its a good idea to identify your ideal foundation type and whether your current bed base is compatible with your new mattress.

Q. If I own an adjustable bed frame, will I need to replace my mattress more often?

While adjustable bed frames angle mattresses anywhere between 4070 degrees from their standard positions, the only really affects a mattresss lifespan if its not compatible with a powerbase. Make sure to read the manufacturers warranty to determine whether your new mattress selection can be used with an adjustable bed baseor let one of our mattress specialists find out for you!

Recommended Reading: Can I Ship A Mattress Through Ups

Allergy And Asthma Flare

An old mattress may cause allergy or asthma flare-ups. Every night we lose around half a pint of body moisture and shed roughly a pound of dead skin each year, mainly into the mattress. This provides the perfect breeding ground for dust mites to thrive, which can trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks.

Regular mattress cleaning may help, but it may be time to change your mattress if symptoms persist.

Your Bed Makes Noises

Does your mattress creak, groan or pop? That’s a sign you need a mattress replacement. It shouldn’t, even when you’re tossing and turning. Mattresses with springs and coils tend to get noisy after years of use, as the springs lose their springiness and the inner workings of the mattress get wacky. If you use a wooden or metal bed frame, rule that out first, and then consider investing in a new mattress.

You May Like: Where To Buy Plastic Mattress Covers

My Mattress Is Six To Eight Years Old

There are a variety of factors involved in determining how often you should change your mattress. Cheaper mattress are usually made with less robust materials that simply wont stand the test of time for as long as their more expensive counterparts. Lower quality innerspring and all-foam mattresses tend to submit to body impressions and can begin to sag more quickly than other types. Latex is the most durable these mattresses can even last in excess of eight years.

Your weight can also play a part. If you are a larger build or you co-sleep with someone who is this can also impact on the lifespan of the mattress.

Similarly, the care and attention you pay to your sleep station can determine its lifespan. Using a mattress protector and rotating your mattress both contribute towards a longer life.

How To Increase The Lifespan Of Your Mattress

How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress? in 2021

There are, of course, ways which can extend the life of our mattress – hopefully minimising the frequency that we have to invest in a new one. Here are a few tips that may be worth bearing in mind:

  • Use a base/bed – the floor or incorrect base can lead to dust and dirt accumulating and structural damage, respectively.
  • Use a mattress protector – this could potentially be your mattress’s best chance at a long life.
  • Flip the mattress – as discussed, this can evenly spread out the wear and tear.
  • Clean and maintain the mattress – as per manufacturer instructions.
  • Dont allow pets, food or drink, or jumping on the mattress .
  • Check the mattress every six months for tears, stains, or other damage.
  • Recommended Reading: What Does A Mattress Pad Do

    It Feels Much Different Than When You Purchased

    If you’ve had your mattress for several years, you may not be able to tell if you need a new mattress on feel alone — a changing mattress is one of those things that sneaks up on you over time. But you can still try to evaluate your mattress this way.

    Think about how you felt getting into bed for the first year you had your mattress. Were you excited, happy, comfortable? Now think about the last few nights. Feel kind of “bleh,” not particularly excited? That’s a good sign you might benefit from a new mattress.

    If your mattress is less than a couple years old and you already notice that it feels different, look into the manufacturer’s or retailer’s warranty. You might be able to get a partial refund or points toward purchasing a new mattress.

    Lack Of Care And Maintenance

    Like most things, mattresses reflect the kind of care they get. If you dont use a durable mattress protector or encasement, you run the risk of staining your mattress permanently or letting dust mites, allergens, dead skin cells, and bed bugs infiltrate it. Any damage to the mattress can and usually does void your warranty, inherently decreasing the mattress value.

    Mattress protectors are not very expensive, and most of them are made with noiseless materials now, so you shouldnt even know the protector is there. Protectors significantly extend the life of your mattress, so we think theyre a worthwhile investment.

    Taking other precautions can make your mattress last longer, such as vacuuming the sleeping surface with a hose attachment, spot-cleaning any stains using a gentle cleaning solution, and trying not to eat in bed.

    Recommended Reading: Anti Snore Sleep Apnea Pillow

    Which Other Factors Influence How Often To Change A Mattress

    The buildup of dust mites, along with mold and bacteria will lead you to want to change a mattress after seven years or so for reasons of health and hygiene. But you might want to change it sooner. These are the signs to look out for.

    Are you sleeping worse than you used to? asks Karen Yu. If youre no longer as well rested as you used to be, it might be time for a new mattress.

    Feeling stiff or achey after a nights sleep when that didnt used to happen may mean its already time to change your mattress. This may happen sooner than it should if you do not regularly flip your mattress to extend its lifespan.

    Sleeping better when youre in a different bed might also start alarm bells ringing that a mattress has reached the end of its lifespan.

    Sags, lumps and tears in the mattress are also signs that the time has come for a new mattress.

    Allergies or asthma symptoms have become worse. An old mattress could be the cause, or at least playing a part although you should also think about the frequency with which you are changing bedsheets if this is an issue.

    Rolling together or disturbing each other more at night if you share a mattress. Older mattresses can begin to transfer motion between sleepers when one of you changes position.

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular