You’ve been sleeping on your mattress for a few years now, and you start to notice squeaky springs, sagging foam, or you just plain hurt when you get out of bed. If this describes your sleeping situation, it’s probably time for a replacement. And if your mattress is around 7-10 years old, it’s definitely time to consider a new mattress.
The goal when buying a new mattress is to find one that will hold up under wear and tear, stay supportive no matter your sleeping position, and of course, give you a good night’s sleep. The longest-lasting mattresses are not necessarily the most expensive or “luxury”— you can typically tell how long a mattress will last based on the type of mattress, the material quality, and the warranty.
When Should You Replace Your Mattress?
If you’ve been sleeping on your mattress for a while, you might not notice that it’s causing you to sleep poorly. In fact, most people are so used to the way their mattress feels, they get accustomed to an unhealthy sleep posture without realizing it.
That’s why when you buy a new bed, it feels a little awkward and maybe even a little bit uncomfortable in the first few weeks you use it (also known as the “adjustment period”). It’s not uncommon for a new mattress to cause back pain for a few nights or even a couple of weeks.
Sometimes an easy way to tell if you need to replace your mattress is if you get much better sleep elsewhere— in a hotel or maybe even on the couch. Other telltale signs include:
- Significant sagging or dips in the surface (while you’re laying in bed and when there’s no pressure on it at all)
- Squeaky coils (in innersprings or hybrid mattresses)
- Coils that poke into your back or side (you can feel them through the comfort foam layers)
- Feeling “stuck” or trapped in the mattress
The Lifespan of Different Mattress Types
You can read mattress reviews from customers to get some idea of how long a mattress will last, but the truth is you won’t know for sure until you try one out for a few years! But this is risky— a mattress is a big investment, and you most likely don’t want to spend a few hundred or thousand dollars on one only to find it breaks down after just a few years.
Thankfully, you can typically get a general idea of a mattress’s lifespan by choosing a certain type made of quality materials. Enough data exists that we can now pinpoint when different mattress types will begin to break down (on average).
Mattress Type | Average Lifespan | Signs of Wear |
Innerspring | 5-6 years | Sagging, coils poking through, worn or flattened comfort foam layers, noisy coils |
Memory Foam | 7-10 years
|
Softening, sagging, losing support |
Latex Foam | 8-12 years | Softening, sagging, losing support |
Hybrid | 5-7 years | Sagging, coils poking through, worn or lumpy comfort layers, noisy coils |
Innersprings
Of all the mattress types, innerspring mattresses have the lowest customer satisfaction rating because they sag so quickly. Typically any mattress with coils will sag faster than one without, but some mattress brands use wrapped coils to mitigate this issue. Wrapped coils, also known as Marshall coils, have better motion isolation than the typical Bonnell or continuous coil, meaning they absorb movement on the mattress. This helps prevent the pillow top from sagging, at least for a little while.
One of the signs that an innerspring is beginning to deteriorate is that it causes pain— in fact, the best mattress for back pain is typically a memory foam or latex bed. Despite their softness, they are also quite responsive and offer support without sacrificing comfort or inflaming pressure points.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are becoming one of the more popular types because they pair with bed in a box mattress brands perfectly— thanks to their soft, viscoelastic feel, they compress easily for shipping and then expand to their original shape after unboxing.
Memory foam beds are well-liked because they have great pressure relief, conform closely to the body, and they’re virtually noiseless. They isolate motion better than most other mattress types, too, so they’re a good option for restless sleepers.
The most common complaints surrounding memory foam mattresses have to do with their construction— memory foam is pretty dense, and as a result, it traps heat. It’s also made with petroleum, which can produce an off-gassing odor when the mattress is opened— however, most of the time, this off-gassing smell goes away after a while. If you’re concerned about your memory foam bed trapping heat or having a smell, choose one made with cooling foams or plant-based foams (like the Bio-Pur® in all Amerisleep mattresses).
Latex
Latex foam mattresses are not as easy to find compared to the other three types, and they’re also more expensive, but for some people, the extra work and cost of getting one are worth it. Natural latex foam is hypoallergenic (a bonus for allergy sufferers), antibacterial, and made using eco-friendly methods. On top of that, it can last up to 15 years— longer than any other mattress type. Most natural latex beds have similar densities, which affects their longevity.
Not all latex beds are all-natural, though— blended and synthetic latex beds feel similar to natural latex, but they are made using different chemicals instead of rubber tree sap. A high-quality latex mattress should have a dense, firm support layer to prevent sagging.
Hybrids
Many hybrid mattresses are made with wrapped coils, but you’ll notice their lifespan is not much longer than innersprings. People choose hybrids over innersprings because they contain thicker comfort foam layers and they often have wrapped coils. They’re essentially a combination of memory foam and innerspring mattresses in one mattress.
How Can I Extend the Life of My Mattress?
The best way to ensure your mattress lasts as long as possible is to practice a little prevention. Always place a mattress protector or encasement on your bed as soon as you get it; this will keep out bed bugs, dust mites, and liquid stains or spills. Any or all of these things can void your mattress warranty, which you might need if the mattress shows signs of sagging during the warranty period.
To maintain a quality mattress, it’s more about what you don’t do to it than what you do.
Don’t Use it on the Wrong Foundation
Innersprings are the only types of mattresses that need box springs. If you use a hybrid, memory foam, or latex bed with one, you risk damaging it. Of course, check the brand’s website for specific foundation recommendations, but don’t just put your mattress anywhere. A low-quality bed-frame can make your mattress deteriorate faster as well, so invest in one with sturdy slats or a platform base.
Don’t Sleep on Your Mattress Without a Mattress Protector or Encasement
An encasement covers all six sides of your mattress while a mattress protector only covers the surface. We recommend a waterproof, bed-bug proof encasement if you can get one. Encasements also keep allergens, mildew, mold, and dust mites out of your bed, which can negatively affect your sleep or lead to an infestation.
Don’t Sleep on a Mattress with Low Weight Capacity
Most mattresses are built to support most body weights and types but always double-check. Obviously, the amount of weight compressing the mattress will affect its lifespan, and if you’re sleeping on a bed that’s not built to support your weight, it’s sure to sag and become unsupportive before long.
Don’t Skimp on Cleaning Your Mattress
Proper mattress care is relatively low-maintenance, but it’s worth it to keep your sleeping space hygienic and clean and make your mattress last longer. Regularly wash your sheets, mattress cover (if it’s removable and washable), and encasement. You can also spot-clean and deodorize your mattress using vinegar or baking soda.
Not sure where to begin or how to take care of a specific piece of bedding? We have a number of cleaning guides that can help you get started:
- How to Get Stains Off and Clean a Mattress
- How To Clean a Memory Foam Mattress Topper?
- How to Wash and Dry All of Your Pillows
- How to Clean a Comforter
- How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?
- How Often Should You Wash Your Mattress Protector?
- How to Wash a Body Pillow
- How to Freshen and Deodorize a Mattress
- How to Remove Urine Stains and Smell From a Mattress
- How Long Does It Take to Dry Clean a Comforter?
- How to Dry a Wet Mattress After Water Damage
Don’t Buy a Mattress Without a Warranty
A mattress warranty safeguards you against sagging and indentations below a certain depth (usually 1 inch or more). It also comes with protections against manufacturing defects, such as:
- Bunched foam
- Broken coils
- Ripped mattress covers
The standard mattress warranty lasts 10 years— if your warranty lasts less than that, it’s a sign to look elsewhere. Since most mattresses last around 10 years, you’ll want warranty protection for at least as long as you own the bed.
Additionally, the warranty can give you an idea of how long a company stands behind their product, along with what problem areas there may be. If cover damage isn’t listed as covered, for example, you may have to ask yourself if you could fix a ripped mattress.
How Much Should A Durable Mattress Cost?
As you begin to shop for one of the most durable mattresses, set a budget of around $1,000 for a queen-size mattress— be careful not to fall for cheap, promo beds made with low-quality materials.
Conversely, don’t feel like you need to spend thousands of dollars on a “luxury” mattress made with gold threads or hand-tufted buttons since these features don’t add any comfort or support to the mattress.
Replacing an Old Mattress
Perhaps after reading this, you’ve realized it’s time for a new bed. The best mattress will come with a standard 10-year warranty and be made of supportive, high-quality bases, and durable, resilient foams.
Additionally, you should try one that comes with a sleep trial because this will allow you to try out the bed for 30-90 nights and return it for a refund if you don’t like it. Bottom line: your sleep quality should not suffer because your mattress quality is subpar.
FAQs
Does a firm mattress last longer?
Because softer mattresses contain more layers of foam, they’re known to sag a bit more than firmer, thinner beds. However, don’t think just because you’ve chosen a soft mattress it won’t last.
Always choose a mattress with a highly durable support core— this will deter sagging no matter how soft or firm the top layers are.
How long should a mattress last?
It depends on the mattress type, but most beds last between 5-10 years. Memory and latex foam are generally more durable than innersprings, airbeds, and waterbeds. High-quality mattresses should last at least 7-10 years.
Will a mattress topper help?
We use mattress toppers for various reasons, but most of the time it’s to add some extra comfort to the top layers of our bed. Sometimes people buy a topper to extend the mattress lifespan, thinking it will “cover up” sags and thus make the bed more supportive and comfortable. While this is true for a little while, a topper can only do so much for an old, supportive mattress.
If your mattress is causing you pain, a topper won’t help for long. We recommend investing in a new mattress as soon as you can.
How do I know it’s time to replace my mattress?
If your mattress is 7-10 years old, it might be time to replace it, especially if you’re waking up consistently with aches and pains.
Can I put my mattress on the floor?
Some people mistakenly believe placing their mattress on the floor helps it last longer because there’s no chance of it being damaged by a frame or sagging down through the slats. However, placing your bed on the floor leaves it more susceptible to dead skin cells buildup, pests, dirt, fluids, and other things that can damage your mattress very quickly. Always use your bed on a proper frame or foundation.
About the author
McKenzie Hyde is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and a full-time writer specializing in sleep health and the mattress industry. With a Master of Arts degree in literature and writing from Utah State University, McKenzie combines her passion for writing with her in-depth knowledge of sleep science. Her articles cover a wide range of topics, including best sleep practices for students, the consequences of sleep deprivation, and choosing the right mattress for back pain relief. McKenzie's dedication to delivering accurate and informative content makes her a valuable contributor to the field of sleep health.
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