You’re Getting Skin Reactions
If you wake up itchy or with hives in the morning, your mattress could be the culprit. “Believe it or not, even organic materials used in mattresses are sprayed with pesticides,” explains Wolbers. “Other compounds such as glues or polyurethane also skin issues.”
Additionally, “mattresses can also have poor breathability and break down over time,” causing irritation, Wolbers cautions.
Foam Densities And Coil Gauges
If you want your mattress to last as long as possible, shop for mattresses with higher, sturdier foam densities when looking at memory foam beds, and thicker coils when browsing for hybrids and innersprings. Measured as pounds per cubic foot, or PCF, a good foam density for memory foam is at least 5 PCF, while for polyfoam it would be around 1.7 PCF at a minimum. For longevity, the right coils on an innerspring or hybrid would be on the thicker range of coil gauge, being at or near a 13-gauge, as these are more durable and firm. When it comes to latex, go for the all-natural models rather than synthetic.
Impressions In Memory Foam
The whole point of memory foam is that it molds to the shape of your body, using the heat that your body emits as a guide. Once you are out of bed, the mattress should return to more or less its previous shape. If you start to notice that you can still see a significant body indentation long after you are no longer lying on the mattress, its time to purchase a new one.
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You Have A Persistent Stuffy Nose
Those cold-like symptoms that last all year could be more than just your allergies acting up. “If you are experiencing new allergy signs and symptoms, a change of your mattress may be the answer to your problems,” says Nichols. “If you’re not using a mattress cover, dust and other allergens can accumulate in your mattress, leading to you waking up feeling like you have a cold.”
Mattress Myth 3 The Right Mattress Will Prevent Tossing And Turning
Babies start rolling over in their sleep at around 4 months of age and by adulthood, were moving as much as 75 times a night whether its a simple twitch or a full-out roll. We move during the night to alleviate pressure point pain and to reduce stress and strain on our backs and joints. A good mattress will reduce how much you move at night by providing pressure point relief, which will allow you to slip into deeper, healing REM sleep.
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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.
Worsening Allergies Or Asthma
If its not allergy season and theres no alternate explanation for an uptick in allergy or asthma symptoms, your mattress might be the culprit. Slate interviewed an expert on dust mites that said your mattress is a crime scene in terms of how it gets inoculated with mites over time.
The protein in dust mite feces may cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks and so can the dust that accumulates in your mattress. Vacuuming, steaming, and flipping your mattress might reduce dust and mites to ease your symptoms. If these steps dont help, a new mattress might be the solution.
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Signs Its Time To Buy A New Mattress
It can sometimes seem like a mattress is a permanent part of a house.
Youll change the sheets every couple weeks, sure.
Maybe youll invest in new toppers, new pillows.
If you really know what youre doing, maybe youll even flip your mattress every three months or so, the way youre supposed to.
But actually replacing a mattress?
Thats not something we often have to think about.
Buying a mattress is a fairly big investment, and the signs of needing a new one tend to creep up on us slowly.
Still, we all know somewhere deep down that that mattress just isnt going to last forever.
Here are a couple of the clearest signs its time to put your old mattress aside and invest in a new one.
When To Replace Your Mattress: Here Are 9 Signs
Have you checked your mattress lately? If not, now may be a good time to do so.
Many people use the warranty of their mattress as a guide to determine when its time to replace it. However, what people should know is that the comfort ingredients, on top of your spring core, wear out much sooner than the springs and that sagging or softening of the top layers is considered normal wear by the mattress industry. It doesnt have to be that way.
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When Should You Change Your Mattress
So, now for the answer youve been waiting for. How often should you change your mattress?
Under normal conditions, mattresses should be changed every 6 to 8 years.
But , this is a general rule and not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
Multiple factors affect when your mattress will need changing. These include:
- The quality of the mattress materials and construction.
- How often the mattress is used.
- How heavy the user of the mattress is.
- What type of mattress it is.
- How well the mattress is cared for
- And more
As you can see, theres a lot that influences how long a mattress will last.
At this point you may be wondering how you can tell when a mattress needs changing. Well, worry not, were about to tell you how to spot the signs that your mattress is due for retirement.
You Are Buying A Ton Of New Pillow And Toppers
Sometimes we attempt to alleviate the discomfort of signs you need a new mattress by masking the issue with new pillows, toppers, and comforters. While these can offer some short term relief, it is only a matter of time before these will need to be replaced, costing much more money than a replacement mattress would.
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Good Nights Sleep Or Good Bites Sleep
The main reason why sleep associations recommend replacing your mattress every 8-10 years is due to its potential to be a hotbed of bacteria. Imagine spending so much of your life on a 10-year-old mattress we doubt its clean at all .
Dust mites or bed bugs will make your mattress their home if left alone. Sure, you can use a mattress protector, but while that might prevent insect build-up, that wont be for forever.
Once you see one, chances are, there are others in different areas of your mattress. Nothing takes you out of the mood to sleep than a bite from a dust mite.
The presence of minuscule insects in your mattress extends beyond irritating bites. They threaten your overall health, and the longer you allow these critters to bug you, the worse its going to get.
When you discover mites and bugs, the life of your mattress is probably on its last legs. Next time you shop for a mattress, look for features such as water and dust mite-proof.
Something else to worry about is allergen accumulation. Dead skin cells and hair build up on pillowcases and mattress toppers, but they can also build up in your mattress.
If its time to say goodbye to your old and worn mattress, remember to look for a hypoallergenic and dust-mite repellant mattress.
Suffering From Allergies Or Sleep Apnea
Take this suggestion with a grain of salt- if it’s allergy season then your mattress might not be the issue.
Clean your mattress by vacuuming it and airing it out. If it persists, you could be dealing with dust mites, mold, or dander trapped inside your mattress.
New health needs such as sleep apnea can also affect your decision for a new mattress. Changing to a mattress with an adjustable base that can lift your head has proven to help with sleep apnea.
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How Often Should You Replace A Tempurpedic Mattress
If you can manage to maintain your mattress consistently, you can expect many years before it needs replacement. You can rotate your mattress regularly to keep it even. Also, dont let the kids jump on the mattress because its not made to withstand extreme pressure.
Another tip to enhance the durability of your mattress is to keep it away from too much sun exposure. The mattress is designed for sleeping, using it as a sofa bed and other purposes can reduce its average life while causing other damages. You need to use your mattress accordingly to avoid needing replacement in just a few years.
Typically, you would replace a Tempurpedic mattress after 7 to 8 years. This depends on how frequently you use your mattress as well as how you maintain it. If you feel some lumps when lying down on your mattress, then most probably its already calling for a replacement.
Tips To Make Your Mattress Last Longer
You can extend your bed’s lifespan by taking the following measures:
- Rotate the Mattress Regularly: Rotating the bed head-to-foot every three to six months can prevent deep body impressions from forming.
- Use a Topper: Toppers are individual cushioning layers placed on top of the bed’s surface. They are designed to make the bed feel softer or firmer, but they can also protect the surface from impressions and dents.
- Evaluate your Support System: Your box spring, foundation, frame, or base is also susceptible to wear and tear, and an older support system can also cause the mattress to deteriorate rather quickly. Consider buying a new support system with your mattress if this is within your budget. Also, make sure the support system’s size matches that of the bed, and check the mattress warranty for information about acceptable foundations, slat spacing, and other requirements.
- Use Pillows to Even out the Surface: Pillows can be used to pad dents and impressions to an extent. Keep in mind that pillows should also be periodically replaced, and worn-out pillows can contribute to your discomfort, too.
- Maintain a Hygienic Bedroom:Keeping your bedroom clean will protect the mattress from dust mites, mold, and other contaminants that can cause major damage to the bed’s internal and external components.
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Why Your Mattress Is Important
Before we delve into the ins and outs of mattress lifespans, we first want to take a moment to emphasise how important your mattress is.
Sleep is one area in which we all have the same basic needs. If you cant get a good nights sleep, then every other part of your life will be affected.
Sleep is the great equaliser.
Your mattress is perhaps the key factor in ensuring that you sleep well.
Heres why:
- Your mattress will impact your health – if you dont buy a mattress that properly supports your body, you can develop back and joint pains. Whats more, a poor mattress can affect your mental health, allergies and other health related issues.
- Your mattress will impact your relationship – if your mattress doesnt support both you and your partner, and minimise partner disturbance, it could negatively affect your relationship.
- Your mattress will impact your career – if your mattress is so uncomfortable you cant sleep properly, youll perform poorly at work, affecting your career.
Perhaps the most important point is that youll spend approximately 33 years of your life in bed. If youre going to be spending that long lying on a mattress, you want it to be comfortable and high quality.
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.
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You Dont Wake Up Feeling Rested
Night after night, youve got your sleeping routine down. You eat a filling dinner, wash your face, maybe wind down with a cup of tea or a book, then drift off to dreamland. But no matter how long you sleep, you dont feel refreshed when you wake up.
This could be a sign your mattress isnt delivering that deep sleep your body needs each night to perform its best the next day. Dont live your life sleepy. Join the many refreshed and satisfied customers at Casper.
Is A New Mattress Worth The Cost
Buying a new mattress can be a significant expense is it worth it?
In almost all cases, the answer is absolutely. A new mattress can improve the quality of your sleep, which influences everything from your energy levels to mood to overall health. Some potential benefits of a new mattress include:
Improved Sleep A 2009 peer-reviewed clinical trial found that new mattresses significantly improved sleep quality and reduced both back pain and perceived stress in the trial population. Most new mattress owners also report that their sleep quality improved after purchasing a new bed.
Reduced Aches & Pains If you wake up with pain or stiffness in your back, shoulders, hip or neck, its quite possible that your mattress may be part of the problem. Older beds tend to sag in places, which reduces support and makes it less likely that your spine will be properly aligned.
Reduced Motion Transfer Older mattresses tend to transfer more motion from one side of the bed to the other. This means that a partner changing positions in the night can disrupt your sleep. A new mattress and particularly an all-foam or hybrid bed will transfer less motion, helping couples get better rest together.
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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.
Your Spine Isnt Aligned When You Sleep
No matter how old your mattress, if it doesnt offer proper support and alignment, you wont get optimal sleep. For back or stomach sleepers, your spines natural S curve should be evident when youre lying on your mattress. If its flattened or exaggerated, the mattress isnt aligning your spine properly.
For side sleepers, your spine should be straight from neck to bottom if youve got proper support. A yardstick or level can confirm adequate alignment. A good pillow may correct minor issues, but if you can slide a hand in the gap between body and mattress, its a red flag that you might need a different mattress.
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You Toss And Turn At Night
If you cant pinpoint a cause for your sleep woes, your mattress might be to blame. If it isnt supporting your body and providing adequate cushioning, you may find yourself tossing and turning or waking up frequently throughout the night. Sometimes this can be fixed by investing in a mattress topper, but its a temporary solution at best.
Types Of Mattresses And Their Lifespan
Most experts say that the average lifespan of a mattress is 8 to 10 years. The issue is not all mattress are the same.
Mattresses come in many different types and qualities. The lifespan for a mattress is only a suggestion, but it can give you an idea on when to start looking for a replacement.
Let’s take a look at each type of mattress and their suggested lifespans so you can know when to replace yours.
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Your Sleeping Situation Has Changed
Even if your mattress is still in tip-top shape, it still might be time to get a new mattress. Life can change in an instant, and a mattress just might not fit your new needs.
Pregnancy, weight loss, weight gain, and/or gaining a new sleeping partner could all warrant the purchase of a new mattress. If you discover you have a health condition like arthritis, sciatica, or fibromyalgia, that may also be a cause to find a new mattress with better pressure relief.
