These are some clear indicators you need a new mattress if you’re having difficulties falling asleep, sagging on your side of the bed, and never manage to wake up feeling rested owing to poor sleep.
But don’t worry; a new, high-quality mattress can help you get a better night’s sleep by improving sleep quality. But how often should your mattress be replaced?
Most mattresses should be replaced every 7 to 10 years, however this can vary depending on the sort of mattress you have.
Don’t put off getting a decent night’s sleep any longer. Now is the time to improve your sleep quality. Read on to learn how often you should replace your mattress dependent on the sort of mattress you currently have.
1. Durability levels of different mattresses
1.1 Memory foam mattress
If you take proper care of your memory foam mattress and rotate it on a regular basis (as suggested), it might last you a long time. A memory foam mattress built of high-quality materials and with a thick, supportive density can last up to ten or fifteen years.
1.2 Innerspring mattress
Innerspring mattresses typically endure between five and a half and ten years. They can, however, live even longer if properly cared for, kept clean, and, if flippable, flipped over on a regular basis.
1.3 Hybrid mattress
These mattresses mix foam and innerspring coils, which provide a good level of durability provided the coil system and foundation foam materials are of excellent quality. They are reported to have an average lifespan of six to seven and a half years, although they can live longer if properly cared for.
1.4 Latex mattress
Latex beds have a long lifespan, which allows buyers to accept their usually higher prices. If you get natural or organic latex, they will be much more durable. While they can survive as little as eight years, they sometimes come with warranties of up to 25 years.
1.5 Airbeds mattress
These mattresses include adjustable air chambers that may be adjusted for personal comfort either all over or independently on both sides. Some even include convenient remote controllers for this reason.
While they are more expensive than other alternatives, they are also noted for their high-quality materials and durability, with an average lifespan of eight years. The most significant disadvantage of these is the occurrence of equipment malfunction, which may be costly to fix.
2. Factors affecting mattress lifespan
The lifetime of a mattress is influenced by a number of things. A $250 bed, for example, will decay considerably faster than a premium mattress. The following are some important elements that influence mattress replacement recommendations:
2.1 Material of mattress
The materials used to make your bed have a significant impact on its durability. Lower-quality innerspring and all-foam mattresses have the shortest lifespans because they are prone to sagging and body imprints.
Hybrid mattresses are similarly susceptible to these difficulties, but because they are frequently offered as higher-end choices and are manufactured with higher-quality materials, they are more resilient. Latex mattresses are the most long-lasting, lasting up to 8 years.
There are a few solid approaches to forecast durability depending on the material. Look for a lower coil gauge in innerspring and hybrid mattresses (which means thicker coils). Look for greater foam densities in foam mattresses (1.7+ PCF for polyfoam, 5+ PCF for memory foam). Finally, make certain that you are purchasing genuine latex rather than synthetic latex.
2.2 Maintenance and care
A mattress, like any other product, will last longer if properly cared for. This includes turning your mattress every three months or so (unless the manufacturer specifies differently) and using a mattress protector.
2.3 Sleeper size & weight
The pace at which the mattress degrades is also affected by your weight and the weight of anyone sharing your bed. Mattresses will droop faster for heavier sleepers, whereas lightweight sleepers will have less of an influence. Similarly, a mattress designed for a couple would most likely last longer than a mattress designed for a single person.
2.4 Children & pets
If you share your bed with young children or animals, you may need to change your mattress more regularly. Aside from the added weight, pets and youngsters are more prone to discolor and/or destroy the mattress.
3. How to make your existing mattress last longer
While it is unavoidable that your mattress will need to be replaced at some point, there are things you can do right now to extend its life and put off that significant purchase for a little longer.
3.1 Increase mattress upkeep
If you want to retain the quality of your mattress for as long as possible, make sure you take proper care of it. This implies that you should clean your mattress on a regular basis and rotate it every few months (three to six is about average). If it’s flippable, flip it as well (typically once every six to twelve months). If your budget allows it, consider hiring a professional cleaner once a year.
3.2 Make use of a mattress protector
Protect your mattress from spills, dust, and filth by using a good mattress protector. Many of them will help to extend the life of your mattress while also making it cushiony soft and comfy. Look for amusing features in your mattress protector, like as cooling characteristics, if you think you’d benefit from them.
3.3 Carry it correctly
If you need to relocate your mattress, be sure you do it correctly. Lift the bed from the bottom rather than using the straps, and maintain it straight when you transfer it between rooms. Never tie it to the bonnet of your car to carry it from one residence to another – this is dangerous for both your automobile and the mattress.
3.4 It should be paired with the appropriate base
Support your mattress by using the appropriate foundation, base, or box spring. Do some research to see what works best with your mattress, and definitely take into account foundations produced by the same company. Even though they are more expensive, these are sometimes the greatest alternatives since they are designed to work together.
3.5 Allow the light to enter
Air and sunshine may be an effective combination for refreshing your mattress, enhancing airflow, lightening dull white fabric, and removing any moisture that has begun to accumulate. On occasion, remove your bed’s sheets and covers, then open the windows to let the light and fresh air in. Allow it to sit in this position for as long as possible during the day.
3.6 Jumping and critter time should be limited
If you have little children, provide them with a trampoline and make it plain that they must jump on the trampoline rather than on the beds. Similarly, while animals are excellent sleeping companions, their claws, playful chewing, and filthy paws aren’t ideal for maintaining a mattress in good shape. Consider purchasing or creating their own mattresses.
4. Is it worth the money to buy a new mattress?
Is it worth it to spend a lot of money on a new mattress?
In virtually every situation, the answer is unequivocally yes. A new mattress may enhance your sleep quality, which affects everything from your energy levels to your mood to your general health. Some of the possible advantages of a new mattress include:
4.1 Sleeping better
In a 2009 peer-reviewed clinical investigation, new mattresses considerably improved sleep quality while also reducing back pain and felt stress in the trial group. The majority of new mattress owners claim that their sleep quality increased after acquiring a new bed.
4.2 Aches and pains are lessened
If you wake up with pain or stiffness in your back, shoulders, hips, or neck, it’s probable that your mattress is contributing to the issue. Older beds droop in spots, reducing support and making it less likely that your spine will be properly aligned.
4.3 Motion transfer is reduced
Older mattresses are more likely to transmit motion from one side of the bed to the other. This implies that a companion switching positions in the middle of the night might interrupt your sleep. A new mattress, especially an all-foam or hybrid bed, will transfer less motion, allowing couples to sleep better together.
4.4 Reduced allergic reactions/asthma
Dust mites, mold, germs, and other allergens grow at an alarming pace in old mattresses. Mattresses have the greatest percentage of dust mites of any home item, according to a short research conducted by the National University of Singapore, and other allergens are also quite frequent in older mattresses. If you’ve noticed that your allergies or asthma symptoms have gotten worse, your mattress might be to fault.
While it may be tempting to keep your current mattress and save money, most individuals will find it advantageous to update. Remember that you will spend nearly one-third of your life in bed – and there is no better way to invest in your own well-being than to do all in your power to assure decent sleep.
5. When should you change your mattress?
Regardless of how long you’ve owned your mattress, there are several indicators that might help you determine whether it’s time to replace it. These are some examples:
- You’ve begun having problems sleeping on a regular basis for no apparent cause.
- Your mattress has developed apparent sagging or deterioration, particularly in the center or corners.
- Its form has become uneven, with probable lumps and bumps throughout.
- You experience pain, soreness, or stiffness in your joints or muscles when you wake up.
- The memory foam retains your body imprints indefinitely.
- You notice an increase in the number of days you are afflicted with allergies or asthma.
- Your mattress is either firmer or softer than it was when you bought it.
- You begin to notice that you sleep better at other people’s houses or at motels.
- You can’t sleep on your mattress any longer, or it takes a lot longer than usual.
- The mattress is becoming increasingly noisy (for example, you can hear springs squeaking when you turn over on it)
- The edges are noticeably frayed.
- As your bed’s capacity to prevent motion transmission deteriorates, you begin to notice your spouse moving more and more.
6. How to select the best mattress for your needs
Are you ready to start shopping? Perhaps you already have a few mattress characteristics in mind. Don’t go running to your nearest shop or search engine just yet. Begin your search by considering the following other personal characteristics:
6.1 Sleeping position
Your favorite sleeping position might influence your choice of mattress. Sleeping on a mattress that does not provide adequate support for your normal sleeping posture might lead to discomfort and poor sleep.
- Back sleepers
Softer mattresses are unlikely to give adequate support to keep your spine correctly aligned while you sleep if you mainly sleep on your back. A firmer foam mattress or a hybrid mattress that mixes coils and foam may help you sleep better.
- Side sleepers
Because sleeping on your side puts strain on your shoulders and hips, you should opt for a softer mattress that cushions your body and relieves pressure at these crucial places. Memory foam or pillow-top mattresses provide an optimal balance of comfort and support for many side sleepers.
- Stomach sleepers
Healthcare practitioners often advise stomach sleepers to transition to a better-for-you sleeping posture. Stomach sleeping, according to Michael J. A. Longo, DC, a chiropractor at Renaissance Chiropractic Center in Washington, puts strain on your spine. This might lead to back and neck pain over time.
However, if lying on your stomach is the only way you can get a decent night’s sleep, you’ll want to make sure you’re sleeping on the correct mattress.
A good mattress for stomach sleepers should be firm and supportive of the spine. If your mattress is soft enough to sink under, you may wake up in discomfort and stiffness. A firm hybrid or foam mattress is typically the best option.
- Combination sleepers
Combination sleepers are those that shift positions during the night. If you regularly flip over, you’ll want to ensure that you can feel comfortable on your mattress in any position. A medium-firm mattress may provide the ideal balance of comfort and support.
You should avoid memory foam mattresses since the body contouring features that work so well for side sleepers can make changing positions difficult and leave you feeling trapped.
Latex and other forms of foam that respond well to movement are options to examine. Hybrid mattresses are also more responsive since they mix innerspring support with foam comfort layers.
6.2 Body type
Your body shape might also influence the amount of support you require from your mattress. “Everybody’s physique is different, which might affect the stress on your spine while you try to sleep,” Longo explains.
Sleepers with a lower body weight, particularly those weighing less than 130 pounds, will find a medium-firm mattress firmer than those who weigh more. It’s great if you want a harder mattress, but if you sleep on your side or require pain and pressure relief, you should opt for a softer mattress.
People weighing more than 230 pounds will normally require a firmer bed to provide enough support. Hybrids, which mix sturdy innerspring coils with the softness of foam, have the potential to give long-term durability. Look for mattresses that are taller than 12 inches, especially if you prefer foam beds, because mattresses that are shorter than 12 inches may not provide enough support.
Don’t forget to think about the mattress’s size. Because full mattresses aren’t any longer than twin mattresses, folks over 6 feet tall may struggle to find comfort on anything less than a queen mattress. Most individuals find it difficult to sleep with their feet protruding from the edge of the bed.
If you have a bigger frame and have been having trouble getting comfortable enough to sleep, it may be time to change both your bed and your mattress.
6.3 Pain
Longo notes that if you frequently wake up with lower back or neck pain, your mattress may have lost its capacity to support your body and retain your spine in a neutral posture. Continuing to sleep on a mattress that does not properly support you typically makes your discomfort worse.
Healthcare practitioners have long advised individuals with chronic back pain to sleep on very firm mattresses, but new study reveals that medium-firm mattresses may be more effective at lowering pain and increasing overall sleep quality.
If you have discomfort in your muscles, joints, or major pressure areas like your shoulders and hips, a medium-firm foam mattress may be ideal for you. According to a 2015 research of 40 older persons suffering from musculoskeletal discomfort, medium-firm foam mattresses may help decrease pain and shorten the time it takes to fall asleep.
6.4 Price
The cost of new mattresses varies greatly based on a variety of criteria, including:
- Materials: Higher grade building materials, such as natural or organic fibers, will cost more.
- Construction location: Mattress businesses who outsource manufacture to foreign nations can charge lower prices for their mattresses, but you must ensure that they still exceed US safety regulations.
- Type: Mattresses are classified into three types: foam, innerspring, and hybrid. True innerspring mattresses may be more difficult to acquire these days, but they are usually the least expensive alternative. Foam mattresses are often less expensive than hybrids, while latex foam is more expensive. Because hybrids are made of coils and foam, they tend to be more expensive, but many customers feel their longevity to be worth the extra cost.
- Brand: Certain well-known or premium brands may be more expensive.
In general, quality queen mattresses can be found for less than $1,000. Although price does not necessarily reflect quality, a fair average price range to strive for is $600–$1,100. Luxury queen mattresses may cost up to $1,500.
Looking for something a bit cheaper? You can still find great alternatives in the $300–$600 range. These mattresses are often devoid of frills. So, if you’re searching for extra features like temperature management, cushion toppers, flippability, or better pressure relief, you might want to consider paying a little more.
You may not require a premium mattress, but you will most likely not sleep comfortably on a badly constructed mattress. You may also find yourself in need of a replacement in a matter of years, so it’s frequently worthwhile to invest in the nicest mattress you can afford. A decent mattress should endure for at least ten years.
