You Wake Up With Aches And Pains
The old thinking was that you should replace a mattress every 10 years, but that’s not really the case anymore. Mattresses have made a lot of new advancements in the past 10 to 15 years,” says Nancy H. Rothstein, director of Circadian Corporate Sleep Programs. The materials back then weren’t as good as they are now, so new mattresses can possibly last a lot longer.”
What you should focus on is how you feel when you wake up. If you feel stiff or sore, and this is happening two to three times a week, it’s pretty likely that you need a new mattress,” Breus says. This can happen because of wear and tear over the years or because your body has changedmaybe you gained weight or got in an accident and need more support than you used to.”
I Wake Up Stiff And Uncomfortable
Similarly, if you’re waking up feeling like youve just had a workout rather than a restorative slumber, this could be the result of using a tired mattress. That’s particularly the case if you wake up stiff or sore, and then the discomfort alleviates after some stretching and into the morning.
When seeking out a new mattress, be aware that firm models aren’t always the solution to uncomfortable limbs or back pain – sometimes a medium-firm can be a better option. Sleep testing different mattresses is highly recommended to find the best for your specific requirements, and many companies now offer this service. We’d recommend reading our Saatva Classic Mattress review for a model that’s highly rated for back pain support.
What Type Of Mattress Lasts The Longest
Certain types of latex mattresses have shown to have a longer life because of their materials. Innerspring mattresses can often wear down quickly if theres a low coil count. Because each type of mattress can be made with different quality materials, each type can break down quickly or last for a long time. An innerspring with a high number of coils or a memory foam bed with higher quality materials will last the longest.
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Your Allergies Or Asthma Is Worse
âIf your allergies have gotten worse and itâs not allergy season, it could be your mattress. Dust mite feces can cause respiratory problems which trigger allergies and asthma. An older mattress can have more dust mite issues than youâd think.
âThough older mattresses typically have the highest amount of dust mites present than any other item in your house, your old mattress may contain more than just dust mites. It might also be harboring the following:
- Dust mite feces
- Other allergens
My Mattress Is Lumpy Or Saggy
If theres a dent in your mattress thats not going away, it’s a sure sign that its time for a refresh. All mattress types can break down over time: springs can wear, and foam can break down and sag. This can happen both in the area where you sleep, as well as around the edges of the mattress. But an uneven mattress will cause aches and pains, and is a clear signal that it’s time to replace your mattress.
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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.
How To Tell You Need A New Mattress
We dont often think of a mattress as being vital to overall health and well-being. But in reality, your mattress could be one of the most powerful tools you have to fight off a host of health issues including colds and flus, obesity, depression, heart disease and other maladies.
You spend about one third of your day in bed, said Terry Cralle, a registered nurse who also a certified clinical sleep educator and consultant for the American Sleep Apnea Association, a well as director of Business Development for the Woodlands Sleep Evaluation Center in The Woodlands, Texas.
If youre sleeping on a mattress thats worn out or needs to be replaced, you could be robbing yourself of restorative, restful sleep.
Our sleep surface comfort requirements change over time because our bodies change over time, Cralle said. For instance, a person may need a different mattress as they age or if they have become frail, lost or gained weight, had an injury or surgery or a medical condition such as arthritis.
Mattress Warranties are not an indicator of how long the mattress should be used before it needs replacing, Cralle noted. The sole purpose of the warranty is to protect the consumer against a defective mattress and materials, not the gradual and inevitable loss of comfort and support.
Warranties typically are longer than the actual lifespan of a mattress, which averages seven to 10 years. And mattresses that see a lot of use may need to be replaced after five years.
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Visible Signs Of Wear
âWhen your mattress starts to show signs of wear and tear, itâs time to replace it. Signs of wear include:
- Sagging
âOther signs of mattress damage you shouldnât ignore include:
- Lumpy or deep indentations
- Foam that is failing or shifting around
- Springs that are poking you
- Feeling the foundation
Here Are 9 Signs To Determine If You Need A New Mattress:
1) Your mattress is over 8 years oldThe age of the mattress is one of the first things to consider. Most people dont remember when they bought their last mattress. If you are not good at keeping files, you should write the date of purchase on the mattress label. Consumer Reports magazine recommends replacement every 7 to 10 years. This may be a shock to many people who have purchased a mattress with a 20-year warranty. You should know that the warranty is meant to cover certain parts and workmanship and not a mattresss overall comfort.
2) You dont feel rested when you wakeIf you get a good nights sleep you should wake up feeling refreshed and rested. If you find that you are waking up tired and feeling drowsy during the day it may be due to too much tossing and turning throughout the night. Your body is working overtime to find a comfortable sleeping position that does not exist.
3) You wake up with aches and pains and holding your back
Are you waking up stiff and tired every morning? If you are then chances are you need a new mattress. Old mattresses tend to gradually lose the ability to provide proper support and once the comfort zone has matted down you will get pressure points by sleeping directly on the springs. As the comfort layers lose their compression , your mid-section, which represents the heavier part of your body, will sag into the mattress.
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You Wake Up Feeling Stiff
Many of us dont enjoy waking up at the best of times, but if youre experiencing new pains in your neck, shoulders or back , you may not be getting the support you need from your mattress. Over time, they lose their ability to support your body as they should. Dont forget that you can change too, and your body may now need a different level of firmness than you currently have perhaps a specialist orthopaedic mattress will work best for you.
How Much Should A New Mattress Cost
Once youve committed to buying a new mattress, you may be wondering how much you should budget for it. You can find mattresses for less than $100 and more than $3,000. So whats a fair price to pay for a quality mattress?
We recommend budgeting roughly between $1,000 to $1,500 for a queen-size mattress, although its quite possible to find a quality mattress for under $1,000. Be careful of any mattress costing far more than this, as it may not last significantly longer than a mattress in our suggested budget and may just have unneeded extra features. And a mattress that costs far less, under $500, is unlikely to last you more than a few years.
There are a couple of ways you can cut down on mattress costs. You can buy your mattress online rather than in-store. Online mattress brands have fewer business expenses than a storefront business, so they can offer their mattresses at a lower cost.
You can also keep an eye out for mattress sales. Some of the big sales days are New Years Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, and of course Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
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Tips For Mattress Replacement
Once you decide that it is time to replace your mattress, youâll need be careful that you replace it with something that is in fact an upgrade. Here are a few tips to help ensure you make the right choice.
- Make sure that you replace both the mattress and the box springs. Itâs not worth it to only replace the mattress, or to try and “fix” bad box springs.
- Determine what you liked and didnât like about your old mattress, and if there have been any changes to your sleep style or sleep space. Take all this into account when choosing your new mattress.
- Wear comfortable and loose clothing when you go mattress shopping. These better imitate the clothes that you will be wearing when you sleep.
- Keep an open mind when you go mattress shopping. You may be loyal to one brand or style, but be sure to consider all your options before falling back on the familiar one.
- Know that the more you spend, the longer your new mattress is likely to last. A cheaper option may save you money now but force you to replace your mattress sooner.
Your Mattress Is Sagging
If your mattress is starting to sag, its an obvious sign that you might need a new mattress. Sagging can occur when the coils in a mattress start to weaken or the memory foam begins to lose its shape.
You can partly tell that a mattress is sagging if there is a noticeable body impression in the mattress this is especially common for heavier people, whose bodies may leave a deep indentation in the mattress. If you get up and your mattress does not quickly return to its normal, flat appearance, it might be time to consider a new mattress.
If a mattress not sagging over time is important to you, be sure to read our list of the best mattresses that wont sag.
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So When To Replace Memory Foam Mattress
One of the things that you need to know about when to replace memory foam mattress is that there isnt a specific time. So, when you read or hear someone tell you that if a memory foam mattress should be replaced every 7 years, 8 years, 10 years, or anything like that, you need to pay attention because no one can know. The reality is that the durability of a memory foam mattress depends on the use you give as well as on whether you maintain it in the best conditions possible.
There are two main aspects that have a huge influence on when to replace memory foam mattress:
Your Mattress Has Stains
You get rid of your clothes when they have stains you can’t get out in the washand you should extend the same courtesy to your mattress, too. “Excessive staining of your mattress can foster mold and microbe growth that can cause illness over time,” says Nichols.
The good news? “The use of mattress protectors and the occasional flipping of certain types of mattresses can extend the life of your mattress,” while preventing some of those stains in the first place, says Nichols.
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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.
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A mattress can be an expensive item, so it’s no wonder people are tempted to keep theirs around for a long time. But at a certain point, you are going to need a new one.
Mattresses don’t come with timers in them, like turkeys, that pop out when they’re done,” says Michael Breus, PhD, a clinical psychologist and fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. And they don’t really fail, per se. They don’t disintegrate on you like sneakers do, so it’s easy to convince yourself it’s still working.”
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This Is When You Need To Replace Memory Foam Mattress
One of the main benefits of using a memory foam mattress is that they are extremely durable. In addition, since they dont require a lot of maintenance, they tend to be one of the favorite mattresses types for many people. However, we all know that every product that you buy has its own lifespan. And so does the memory foam mattress.
Your Mattress Is Noisy
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.
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You Fall Into The Mattress
Your mattress doesnt appear to have any bumps or unevenness, but when you lay down, you just feel like youre falling into a hole or as if youre sleeping in a hammock. As your mattress starts to fail, body impressions can occur, and the core in your foam will soften. When it reaches a certain level of wear, it can impact on your sleep and how you feel the next day. A new memory foam mattress will solve the problem built-in layers will mould to shape of your body.
Visibly Saggy Or Lumpy Mattress
This is an easy one to spot. Over time, mattresses are subjected to natural wear and tear. If you notice that your mattress has very visible lumps or dents, or the springs are protruding, then it is time to look for a replacement. Continuing to sleep on a mattress in this condition can lead to back and lumbar problems.
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Your Allergies Are Worse Than Usual
Do you get stuffed up or start sneezing as soon as you lay down at night? If youve ruled out common culprits such as your bedding and pillows, it could be your mattress causing allergy issues. After years of use, dust mites, mold, mildew and other allergens can work their way into your mattress. Unfortunately, theres no way to get them out.
Giving your mattress a thorough cleaning may help for a while, but youll definitely want to start budgeting for a new sleep surface.
It Feels Harder Or Softer Than When You Bought It
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.
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Assessing Wear And Tear
