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When Should I Get A New Mattress

Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Mattress

5 Ways to Know it’s Time for a New 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.

Read more: Find the best mattress in 2020: 11 top brands compared

How And When To Replace Your Mattress

  • A longer warranty may not promise a certain lifespan. if you read the fine print. If the mattress is stained because you didn’t use a mattress protector, or if you don’t use a matching foundation beneath the mattress, it could invalidate the warranty.
  • Mattresses last five to 10 years as a general rule. However, you should decide when it’s time to replace your mattress based off of other warning signs. Are you waking up sore? Is your mattress feeling lumpy? Do you sleep better on other mattresses, like at a hotel? These are all signs that its time to go shopping. Don’t forget to extend the life of your new pad by using a mattress protector, which can keep out keep out dust, allergens, spills, and other hazards.

How To Extend The Life Of Your Mattress

If you look after your mattress it could provide much comfort for many years. Ensure you vacuum the mattress, around the bed and under the bed periodically. Wash your bedding frequently on a high heat cycle and always use a mattress protector to protect it from sweat, dust, pet hair and saliva.

Mattress toppers could offer a layer of comfort, especially if youre sleeping on an old coil spring mattress. A mattress topper could be a short term solution to an old uncomfortable mattress. However, a topper is not able to provide pressure relief, only a pressure relieving mattress has that capability.

Flip or rotate your mattress so youre making use of every inch. A flippable mattress such as the AirFoam Signature 12 is a comfortable and durable option.

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When Is The Best Time To Buy A Mattress

Buying a new mattress is a big investment, and the best time to buy is obviously when the prices are discounted the most. Luckily, those times come at fairly predictable and frequent times throughout the year for many mattress brands and retail stores.

While not every company will always participate in these major sales, theres a good chance you can find a great mattress deal around these holidays:

  • Black Friday
  • Labor Day
  • New Years

Keep in mind that most mattress sales start up to a week before the holiday and can extend up to a week after the holiday.

You can also expect to save on mattresses around different company events, like grand opening sales, liquidation sales, moving sales and anniversary sales. These arent as predictable so its something to keep an eye out for.

If youre in the market for a new mattress, you might want to sign up for a few company newsletters to get alerts about sales and discounts. You can always unsubscribe later!

Hint: We always consolidate the best mattress sales for our readers on our coupons page.

Mattress Care Instructions And Guidance

How many pocket springs should I get in a new mattress?
  • Before you use your new mattress, remove all packaging and place your mattress flat on the bed base without mattress protectors or bedding. This allows the mattress to air out and any scents from the fillings or packaging to disperse. If your mattress contains memory foam or latex it may need a couple of days.
  • Daily airing is also recommended to allow moisture to evaporate. To do this, pull back the top sheets and duvet for 20 minutes.
  • Your bed base can affect how the mattress feels. If youre using a slatted base we recommend no more than 6.5cm between each slat to ensure proper support.
  • No-Turn mattresses should be positioned with the label facing up.
  • Use a mattress protector to prolong the life of your mattress and provide an extra barrier from liquids and dust.
  • If moving your mattress, we recommend you keep it flat.
  • Each mattress feels different, so youll need to give yourself time to adjust to the new sensation, support and comfort.
  • All mattresses show some body shaping as the fillings settle with use. Pillow top mattresses might show this more obviously, but this is normal and doesnââ¬â¢t affect the mattress performance.
  • Rotate your mattress once a month to limit the effect of filling settling from body pressure.
  • Liquids can cause damage and discolouration, so try to keep them away from your mattress.
  • Turn dual-sided mattresses once a month.
  • Vacuum the surface every 2 months to keep your mattress dust-free.
  • Do not stand or jump on your mattress.

Also Check: What Is A Sagging Mattress

Your Mattress Has Worn Or Frayed Edges

Worn or frayed edges aren’t the end of the world — they don’t necessarily affect the area of the mattress you sleep on. But, mattresses are built to last, and worn edges are a clear sign that your mattress is well past the average lifespan of 10 years. So even if you don’t notice any sagging or asymmetry, take a look at the edges to check whether it might be time for a new mattress.

How To Choose A Crib Mattress

There are several essential elements of choosing a crib mattress. Any crib mattress purchase should start first and foremost with safety. Key aspects of crib mattress safety include:

  • Choosing a firm crib mattress as this can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome .
  • Keeping the mattress clear of soft objects, including toys, blankets, and pillows. Loose and soft items can pose a risk of suffocation and SIDS and should not be kept in an infants crib.

Beyond safety, there are other factors to review that relate to the convenience and usability of a crib mattress:

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When Should I Replace Box Springs

Chances are if youre getting rid of an old mattress you might have a box spring with it. Traditional innerspring beds are often sold with box springs and frames. You dont have to use a box spring for a good nights sleep. But if youre going to replace a mattress, its best to swap the box spring as well. This is especially true if youre concerned about allergens and dirt buildup.

Warning Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Mattress

Mattress Buying Guide – How To Buy A Mattress And What To Look For!

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.

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What Causes Mattresses To Wear Out

Several factors can contribute to mattress deterioration, such as:

  • Normal Wear and Tear: This issue is common across all mattress types. As your bed’s materials wear out over time, you’ll notice more sagging and loss of support.
  • Insufficient Support: The box spring, foundation, frame, or base you use with your mattress can contribute to wear and tear if it doesnt provide adequate support. Support systems with widely spaced slats can be particularly problematic because the mattress is more likely to sag through the gaps.
  • Rough-Housing: Your bed is much more likely to wear out if children or pets regularly jump onto the surface. Also keep this in mind for amorous activities.
  • Exposure to the Elements: Some mattresses may wear out more quickly if you maintain an exceptionally hot or cold temperature in your bedroom. According to owners, this problem is especially common for all-foam beds.

What If Your Mattress Still Isnt Comfortable After The 30

If youre still not completely satisfied with your mattress after breaking it in for 30 days, there are a few things you can do.

Breaking in your mattress can seem like a doozy, but sometimes good things take time. If you have any questions about breaking in your mattress or have some of your own tips to share, drop us a line in the comments below.

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So How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress

There are a few things you can do to extend the life of your mattress. Start by purchasing a good mattress. A good mattress is a combination of quality materials, a solid warranty, and a firmness level whichever gives you a good nights sleep.

You should also use a mattress protector. Adding a mattress protector helps preserve the sleep surface of a new mattress. Certain covers can also slow down or even prevent the buildup of allergens over time, increasing the health of the mattress.

Its generally a good idea to replace your mattress every 7 to 10 years. Mattresses can carry allergens, dust mites, and other particles harmful to your health. The older the mattress, the greater the risk of these materials accumulating. Its also smart to replace your mattress if youre experiencing chronic back pain or pressure point issues. Innerspring mattresses can lose their strength over time. This can cause a lack of support and create pain in sensitive areas.

If your mattress doesnt feel the way it did when you first purchased it, think about replacing it. If its under warranty, check with the mattress company first. If not, its time to shop so you can have better sleep.

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Do I Need A Box Spring For My New Mattress

How many pocket springs should I get in a new mattress?

When purchasing a new mattress its important to know if you need a new box spring as well. Why?Because box springs have changed in the past decade and new box springs really dont act as a spring. Instead, they act basically like a slat system that helps keep the bed elevated making it easier to get in and out of. Below is a picture of an older box spring for illustration purposes.

As you can see in the picture these heavy gauge wires were designed to have some give so that they would collapse slightly as you laid down on your mattress. The effect would be having a little more bounce and spring to your mattress. The old box springs were designed to work with the spring systems and this was taken into account.

Today, there are so many different types of mattresses that it doesnt make sense to sell these types of box springs. Below is a picture of a more modern box spring.

Modern box springs are basically wooden slats made into a box which also has a cover. You can buy these on and they come in a box. They dont take long to setup and will give your mattress the support it needs.

However, you really dont need a box spring with a mattress. Some companies prefer that you put your mattress on slats or a box spring to help the mattress breathe but its certainly not necessary. For a little more you can buy an entire bed with a slat system from Zinus. Heres my review of the Zinus platform bed which is very sturdy and will arrive in a box as well.

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What To Look For In A Mattress

If youve done any research on mattresses already, youve probably noticed that the mattress industry has its very own lingo with words like responsiveness and motion transfer. While they might seem like fluff words, theyre actually important factors to consider when choosing a mattress thats going to best meet your needs.

Well give you a breakdown of these key mattress features in plain old English to help you understand why these are so critical when finding the best mattress. Comfort and support are two of the main factors to consider when looking at a new mattress, so its important to note that sometimes you wont be able to realize how well a mattress performs on these factors until you try it out for a few nights. So if youre not sure what mattress is best for you, make sure to invest in a mattress with a risk-free trial period. Other important factors include spine alignment, pressure relief, shipping and return policies, and the firmness level. You can learn more about each of these features and how we score them while we are testing a mattresss performance in Our Review Process article.

You Sink Deeply Into The Mattress

This issue is especially prevalent with memory foam mattresses. This is a vital sign to look for if you have an aging memory foam bed, as theyre often immune to some of the other signs of wear typically seen with innerspring mattresses.

If your memory foam mattress isnt as firm as you remember it being, especially if youre sinking more than 2 inches into the foam when you sleep, this is a good sign that its time for a new mattress.

Also Check: When Is The Best Mattress Sale

New Mattresses Have An Adjustment Period

“There is a transition period when you go from an old unsupportive mattress to a new supportive one,” says Wisconsin-based chiropractor Thomas Tozer.

If you were previously sleeping on a less-than-terrific mattress for years and years, your body likely got used to it, even though it wasn’t all that great for your back. When you move to a more supportive mattress, it may not feel quite as comfortable at the start, even though it’s much better for your back.

Think about how it feels to sit up straight after being hunched over for a long timethat’s similar to what happens when you switch from a saggy mattress to one that can keep your spine in a neutral, properly aligned position.

Here, one Saatva customer explains how it took three weeks to get used to their new mattress:

You’re Disturbing Your Partner

How long for mattress VOCs to offgas?

If your other half gets bounced around every time you roll over in bed, you’ll probably want to start researching new mattresses pronto, and not just to keep the peace at home.

This issue can apply if you sleep alone, too. A mattress that makes waves whenever you move is one that’s past its use-by date. “If you roll over in the night and then bounce around, that could be a sign of mattress wear,” says Peter.

So that you can avoid aftershocks, our experts test mattress stability by dropping a standard weight onto it to simulate a sleeping person turning over. They then count the number of bounces before it stops. Higher-scoring mattresses bounce less, which means a better night’s sleep for everyone.

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Your Allergies Are Becoming Worse

If you find out that your allergies seem worse during the night or when you wake up, it may be an indicator that you need a new mattress. Over time, your mattress may develop a build-up for dust mites, mold, and other allergens, which may account for the worsened allergy reactions. Being so small, these allergens can be hard to see, and therefore its good to consider swapping your mattress with a new model once you notice these symptoms.

How Can I Speed Up The Off

When searching for a new mattress, pay attention to the VOCs used in the manufacturing process. If you cannot easily find the chemical compounds present in the mattress, and you cannot get a straight answer from the manufacturer, consider exploring other brands. You have a right to know which potential chemical emissions you may be bringing into your bedroom.

Your mattress manufacturer will list recommendations for the off-gassing of your particular mattress, but listed below are some helpful tips to speed up the off-gassing process.

  • Open your mattress outside of your house and let it off-gas for at least two days in a well-ventilated area with a cross breeze.
  • If you cannot avoid off-gassing your mattress inside of your home, you should open your windows and increase air circulation where possible. Fans and air filtration systems can also help improve the ventilation in your house.
  • If you have a spare room, try leaving your mattress in there to off-gas for the first few days before bringing it into your bedroom.
  • Some manufacturers recommend pouring baking soda on the mattress while you air it out to speed up the off-gassing process.
  • If you would like to use the new mattress but the off-gassing smell persists, you can add a mattress cover to help contain the chemical smell to the bed. When you remove the cover to wash it, you will likely smell the off-gassing odor again, though it should dissipate over time.

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