When Should You Replace Your Mattress?
Sleep experts and medical associations mention replacing the bed every 6–8 years. However, this general guideline does not fit all circumstances. The truth is that bed lifespan is more complicated than what the industry mentions. Experts reiterate these different factors when deciding on getting a new bed.
If you're thinking about whether it's time to buy a new mattress or not, chances are you're already experiencing the signs of an inefficient mattress. Read on to find out when to replace your mattress.
How Long Does a Mattress Last?
One of the biggest factors to consider is your mattress lifespan. Here's the general rundown of mattress lifespans (under optimum condition) according to the mattress industry:
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Memory Foam Mattresses - 8-10 years
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Latex Mattresses- 15-25 years
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Innerspring Mattresses- 5-7 years
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Hybrid Mattresses- 7-10 Years
Generally, a latex mattress lasts longer compared to most mattresses. Natural latex offers the right bounce and resilience to movements. However, if shopping for a latex bed, note that blended or synthetic latex mattresses are not as durable as those made from natural materials.
Another reliable foam variety is the versatile memory foam mattress. This mattress type is great for pressure relief. However, it can develop bumps over time, especially the lower density grades. On the other hand, innersprings are great for those who prefer the classic feel of a mattress. They are also cheaper to purchase than foam types, but they have significantly shorter lifespans than latex beds.
Hybrid models are ideal for people who want the benefits of multiple mattress materials, therefore called hybrid mattresses. However, they don't last as long as full memory foam or latex beds. Like an innerspring mattress, a hybrid mattress is more prone to sagging and having noisy springs.
Factors that Affect Your Bed's Lifespan
Original Mattress Quality
The original quality of your mattress when manufactured makes a big difference in its durability. Ultimately, a variety made from high-grade materials will last longer than one that is cheaply assembled.
As we mentioned earlier, a natural latex mattress is notably durable. Aside from their resilience, latex beds have natural protection against dust mites, bacteria, and fungi. Is a latex mattress the perfect mattress? The answer is it depends. Aside from the quality of materials, there are more things to take into account when thinking about the lifespan. This brings us to the next factor.
Body Weight
When it comes to mattress support and durability, your size and body weight are essential factors to consider. Heavier sleepers will need a firmer unit to provide them with optimum sleep support. Mattresses used by sleepers with heavier builds also tend to sag faster than mattresses used by light sleepers.
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position will also determine how long your mattress will hold its optimum shape. Compared to back and stomach sleepers, side sleepers will exert more pressure on their shoulders and hips during sleep. This additional weight may cause a mattress to sag faster. To address this, a high-quality memory mattress can help contour the heavier parts of the body during sleep, reducing the pain from the pressure points.
Frequency of Use
The mattress you use for your main bedroom will definitely lose its quality faster than what your guests use in the guest room. This is because the main bed is slept on more often than the guest bed. This means it receives more pressure and is more prone to signs of wear and tear than a guest mattress.
10 Signs You Need to Replace Your Mattress
Replace your mattress if:
There are Noticeable Signs of Sagging
Some good indicators that you need to replace your mattress are the obvious signs of wear and tear. These include broken or poking springs, saggy or lumpy foam, body impressions, mattress holes, or rips. Mattress sagging happens when the foam material loses its shape. This process happens faster if the spring material is built weakly.
There are Noisy Springs
A noisy coil is more evident on an older innerspring mattress. Traditional innerspring mattresses generally age faster than foam beds. When they age, their coils weaken and produce creaking sounds when used. This means your mattress coils will be more likely to begin to lose their motion isolation and may begin to snap. An old innerspring bed can also be less supportive and comfortable.
The Mattress is Too Firm or Too Soft
Your mattress doesn't have to be old to be replaced. Even a new mattress that is not supportive enough can affect your sleep quality. A mattress that is too soft for your needs might not give you the optimum support for your sleeping position. On the other hand, a mattress that is too firm may not be comfortable for many sleepers. To guarantee that your new mattress is not too soft or too firm, make sure to feel the mattress thoroughly before making the purchase. If you're shopping online, check if your mattress comes with a long free trial so you can assess its actual quality.
You Wake Up Feeling Stiff and Sore
A quality mattress is paramount to a good night's sleep. If your mattress is too old, saggy, or generally just inadequate for your sleeping needs, it's time to reassess your mattress. A good mattress should support the proper alignment of your spine with your neck, shoulders, and hips. Without a supportive mattress, these areas will receive more pressure. This causes you to wake up with stiffness and body aches.
You Don’t Feel Rested When You Wake Up
An unsuitable mattress is notorious for restlessness and sleep deprivation. If your bed prevents you from having a comfortable sleeping position, it's time to replace your mattress.
The breathability of the mattress also affects your comfort during sleep. If you sleep hot, there's a high chance you will have some issues with memory foam mattresses. To achieve the improved breathability and contouring comfort of a memory foam mattress, choose a hybrid mattress with a memory foam pillow top and gel layers.
There has been a Significant Change in Your Sleeping Situation
Not only does your mattress quality change as it ages, but your sleeping needs may also change over time. Significant weight loss or weight gain, pregnancy, growth, an additional sleeping partner or other health conditions may influence your sleep.
If there's a notable change in your needs, make sure to look for a mattress that can support your sleep better. Adding some specialty pillows or bedding can also help improve your sleep.
Your Mattress is Yellowing with Age
Aside from undergoing natural oxidation, as your mattress ages, it becomes more exposed to dirt, dust mites, spills, sweats, dead skin cells, urine, and more. These things produce stains that can be hard to remove, even with constant changing of your mattress protector or vacuuming. With all this dirt getting in contact with your mattress, you may also notice some odours and may experience allergic reactions.
You Experience More Allergy Symptoms
In relation to the previous factor, old mattresses are more prone to aggravating allergy symptoms. When allergy sufferers are exposed to dust, dust mites, and other particles, their reactions can be exacerbated. Asthma symptoms can also be felt when exposed to these particles.
Your Mattress is Already Unsupportive
A bad mattress can negatively affect your sleep quality. If your mattress is too soft, too firm, squeaky or saggy, or if it causes you to toss and turn more often just to find the best position, it's high time you toss your old bed and invest in a better one.
Your Mattress is Already Old
So, how old is an old mattress? Mattress manufacturers generally recommend replacing your mattress every 6–8 years under normal conditions. This is the rule of thumb when it comes to upgrading the mattress, but it still depends on the other factors listed above.
How Can You Make Your Mattress Last Longer
We've put together some tips to help you make the most of your mattress’s lifespan.
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Give your mattress proper support. The right box spring, foundation, or bed frame will help preserve the form of your mattress longer.
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Follow your mattress manufacturer's cleaning instructions. Different types of mattresses can be treated in different ways. Generally, a sprinkle of baking soda and vacuuming can be helpful in removing particles from the mattress. On the other hand, spot cleaning and removing spills can be done differently depending on the mattress type.
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Use a mattress protector. When you buy a new mattress, consider investing in a high-quality mattress protector. This provides waterproof protection against spills, dirt, and sweat. This can also make mattress cleanup easier. A mattress cover is snug and thin, so you don't have to worry about your bed losing its comfort with an additional protective layer.
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Wash and replace your bedding regularly. Like your mattress protector, other sleep products also serve as additional layers of protection for your mattress. Many breathable bedding accessories also contribute to an improved sleep.
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Flip or rotate your mattress regularly. Foam mattresses can be rotated regularly to make sure the weight and pressure are distributed properly. This helps preserve the structure of the mattress for longer.
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Don't let bugs in. Aside from the dust mites that mattresses accumulate as they age, bed bugs are notorious for destroying your mattress' quality while giving you discomfort. When coming home from a trip or a sleepover, make sure to inspect your belongings, including clothes, and prevent the infestation as soon as possible.
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Give extra care to your mattress if you have a lovely pet. Although many of us love to snuggle with our pets, they can contribute to a mattress' shorter lifespan. The easiest way to protect your bed from pet dander and fluids is to use a mattress cover. Other ways include giving your adorable pet a separate bed to snooze on do both of you can enjoy a better night's sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Mattress Is the Most Durable?
A latex foam is the most durable type of mattress. This can reach an average lifespan of 15 years, twice as long as an innerspring bed, when properly taken care of.
Does a Firmer Bed Last Longer?
Softer mattresses are generally more susceptible to sagging than firmer ones. Firmer mattresses also handle additional weight better than softer mattresses that might not provide ample support to heavy or shared sleepers. However, take note that having a soft bed doesn't mean it is automatically not durable. Many high-end mattress types come with softer layers on top of their supportive cores to balance durability and soft comfort.
How Do I Know If My Bed Has Worn Out?
The visible signs of wear and tear include sagging, having lumpy parts and indentations, ripping of the bed cover, holes, broken or poking springs, and other obvious signs of damage.
Can a Mattress Topper Help?
Mattress toppers are often used to cover an unsupportive bed. However, they only provide a limited remedy and will not fully add a few more years to your weary bed. If your mattress is already preventing you from sleeping soundly, the best solution is to invest in a new bed.
What Can a New Mattress Do for Me?
Look at your bed as cloth or shoes. If it does not fit you, you'll end up with discomfort. An old bed can be extremely uncomfortable and can even affect your sleep quality and overall health. The right bed, on the other hand, can significantly provide you with a better sleep.
New mattresses mean optimum benefits for quality sleep. Mattresses made of high-quality materials will provide more than just support and comfort; they will also last longer, allowing you to enjoy a better night's sleep.
What Should I Look for When Buying a New Mattress?
Aside from the initial feel of the bed, some of the most important factors to consider when shopping are the materials used, the structure, your sleep position, number of sleepers sharing the bed, firmness rates, your sleep concerns, and budget.
Do you sleep hot? How important is motion isolation in your sleep? Are you an allergy sufferer? Do you suffer from back pain? Asking these questions can help you assess the best sleep solution for your needs.
Takeaway
In optimum conditions, a mattress lasts 6–8 years on average. High-quality latex foam lasts up to 15 years when properly maintained. Hybrid beds made from durable materials are also expected to have a longer lifespan than their innerspring counterparts.
Your mattress is not a frequent purchase, so it’s important to make the most of your investment to achieve a good night's sleep.
Looking for a sleep solution? Vesper offers high quality sleep products made from a careful mixture of natural latex, gel foam for improved breathability, pocketed springs for motion isolation, a support encasement layer to handle different body weights and structures, and more premium quality layers you can take pride in for years. Click here to learn more about the ultimate Vesper mattress.
