How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?

Key Takeaways

Why Should I Replace My Mattress: Investing in a new mattress is essential for maintaining your mental and physical health, as it can improve sleep quality, reduce back pain, and alleviate stress.
How Often to Replace a Mattress: The recommended time to replace your mattress is every 6 to 8 years, although high-quality mattresses can last longer with proper maintenance.
How Do I Know to Replace the Mattress: Signs that indicate it’s time to replace your mattress include noticeable indents, feeling exhausted despite adequate sleep hours, waking up sore, increased allergies or allergy-like symptoms, noise from the mattress, and a preference for sleeping on other surfaces.

A good night’s sleep goes a long way to keep you mentally and physically healthy. Therefore, a new mattress is an investment in your health. Replacing your old and worn-out mattress can enhance your sleep quality. According to a 2009 National Library of Medicine study, Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source a new bed can improve back pain, reduce stress, and help you sleep well through the night.

We recommend replacing your mattress every 6 to 8 years. Though not all mattresses last the same amount of time, most high-quality mattresses last about that long. With proper maintenance and care, some even last more than 10 years, particularly if the mattress manufacturer went beyond what the average mattress offers.

Signs It Is Time to Replace Your Mattress

When your mattress no longer supports your body the way it used to, you’ll start feeling uncomfortable in bed. This discomfort during sleep may be the earliest sign it’s time to replace your mattress. With time, you may start noticing some other signs of wear and tear on your mattress.

If you see or feel any of the following signs, it’s probably time to replace your mattress. Depending on the mattress type, material quality, and how well you maintain it, you may notice these signs within 2 to 10 years of buying your mattress.

You Notice Indents

It’s pretty easy to spot mattress indentations and sagging. Temporary body impressions are normal, but if they don’t disappear quickly after you get out of bed, it’s a sign that the materials are losing their responsiveness.

Sagging may also be visible on the edges of your mattress from getting in and out of bed. Even mattresses with edge support can develop slumping sides if the reinforced perimeter wears down. Mattresses with soft spots and sags are no longer in good condition. The deeper the indents on your mattress, the more you will experience discomfort.

All types of mattresses such as latex, memory foam, innerspring, and hybrids sag with time. The components of the mattress break down with age, causing mattress sagging. Mattress foams and cushioning materials become soft with prolonged use. Coils in the traditional innerspring and hybrid mattresses start losing tension and break with time, affecting mattress durability.

You Feel Exhausted

You may be going to bed and waking up at your usual time, but an uncomfortable sleep surface prevents you from sleeping well through the night. If you wake up feeling exhausted even if you got a full 7-8 hours of sleep, chances are your mattress is the culprit.

You Wake Up Sore

When you sleep, your head, neck, and spine should be aligned by a supportive mattress. But a worn-out mattress lacks sufficient contouring and makes it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position, causing spinal misalignment. Spinal misalignment triggers back pain, neck aches, or muscle stiffness. If you are waking up sore regularly, then it’s probably time to replace your mattress.

Your Allergies Flare Up

Every normal human sheds dead skin cells. Considering we spent 7 to 9 hours on the bed, numerous skin cells accumulate in our mattress. Dead skin cells attract dust mites, fungi, bacteria, and other indoor allergens.

These allergens can trigger symptoms such as itchy throat, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, breathing difficulties, and skin irritation. Older mattresses may have a lot of allergen build-up. If it’s not allergy season and you are waking up with aggravated allergies, then it’s time to consider replacing your mattress. You may also experience symptoms of sleep apnea, as the congestion from allergies can cause snoring and such.

Similarly, if you notice mold on your mattress or signs of mold underneath your mattress cover, such as a musty smell, it’s imperative to replace your mattress as quickly as you can. Mold cannot be deep-cleaned out of a mattress’s insides and sleeping on a moldy mattress has too many negative consequences to make it worthwhile.

Your Mattress Is Noisy

Springs making squeaky noise when you move is a sign of wear. Worn-out springs can’t provide adequate support, making your bed uncomfortable, and their squeaks and creaks can make it hard to fall asleep fast.

To avoid this problem in the future and get a great night’s sleep free of noise, consider a memory or latex foam mattress with no springs.

You Feel More Comfortable on a Different Bed

Sometimes we get used to the discomfort. We don’t realize our mattress is uncomfortable until we fall asleep on another bed and feel much better than our own bed. If you get better quality sleep on your couch or in a different bed, it may be time to assess your mattress’s condition.

Why You Should Replace Your Mattress

A comfortable mattress with the right balance of cushion and support is crucial for a better night’s sleep. If we don’t sleep well through the night, our daytime productivity goes down. Insufficient sleep also impairs our health in many ways. Here are some of the health consequences of poor sleep:

Increased risk of diabetes, kidney, and heart disease
Higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Daytime drowsiness (dangerous while driving)
Risk of obesity
Triggers anxiety, depression, and mood swings
Weakens immune system

One reason that many shoppers are replacing their mattresses nowadays, even ones that seem in good condition, is the concern of fiberglass. Fiberglass, also known as glass wool or glass-reinforced plastic, is used to establish fire protection inside many mattresses. The material is concealed under the cover, and when exposed to an open flame, fiberglass melts and keeps the mattress’s insides from catching fire.

However, if the cover fabric should wear down, then the fiberglass particles may seep through the holes. When fiberglass escapes, it can cause skin irritation, breathing issues, and digestive problems. This is why more and more shoppers are switching to fiberglass-free mattresses, even if their mattress covers are in good condition.

How Often Should You Replace Different Mattress Types?

A lot of a mattress’s durability depends on the quality of materials and how well you maintain it. Some materials last longer than others. In this section, we discuss the most popular mattress types and their average lifespan.

Innerspring Mattresses

These traditional innerspring beds contain a coil layer at the base, topped with a thin comfort layer made of cotton or wool. Most innerspring mattresses also include a pillow top, an extra layer of padding on the comfort layer. The padding consists of foam, memory foam, latex, fiberfill, cotton, or wool.

A good quality innerspring bed can last up to 10 years. But traditional innerspring mattresses with cheaper quality coils don’t last long because the coils break, causing mattress sag. Such an innerspring mattress’s lifespan is 3 to 5 years.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses were introduced on the market about three decades ago. Since then they have been popular for their signature body-conforming hug. Memory foam is temperature and pressure-sensitive. It responds to your body heat and forms to your curves, relieving pressure points, and reducing aches.

High-quality memory foam mattresses can last up to 15 to 20 years with proper care.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are made of either all-natural latex from the sap of rubber trees, or from synthetic latex. We recommend natural latex because synthetic latex foam disintegrates faster, affecting mattress durability. Natural latex is used in organic beds. Organic beds are made using natural materials, minimizing chemical use.

These mattresses are expensive but they can last 15 to 20 years or more.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses include a pocket coil layer at the base with more than 2 inches of comfort layer on top. Memory foam or latex is used in the comfort layer. As their name suggests, hybrid mattresses combine the advantages of an innerspring mattress with memory foam or latex bed.

Hybrids last around 8 to 10 years. Their durability depends on the coil layer’s quality. Thicker coils last longer than thinner ones.

Air Mattresses

An air mattress, also known as an airbed, is a type of mattress that uses air as its primary support system. It is made of durable plastic or rubber material and has multiple air chambers inside. These chambers can be filled with air using a pump. Some air mattresses even come with built-in electric pumps for quick and easy inflation. Air mattresses are popular for camping trips or as temporary beds because they are portable and easy to store.

The lifespan of an air mattress depends on its quality and how well it is used and maintained. On average, a well-cared-for air mattress can last between 5 to 10 years. However, be mindful of sharp objects or rough surfaces that can puncture the mattress and cause leaks. Regularly inspect the mattress for any signs of damage and properly store the mattress when not in use.

Waterbeds

A waterbed is type of mattress that is filled with water instead of traditional foam or springs. It’s like having a big water-filled pillow to sleep on! Waterbeds usually consist of a sturdy vinyl or plastic casing that holds the water inside. When you lie on a waterbed, the water evenly distributes your body weight, which can help to reduce back pain or joint discomfort.

When it comes to the lifespan of a waterbed, it can vary depending on how well it’s maintained and the quality of the materials used. On average, a waterbed can last anywhere from 8 to 12 years.

Tips to Prolong Your Mattress’s Life

Mattresses age with time. Some signs of wear are bound to show up eventually even the right mattress. However, following these tips can extend mattress durability by a few more years.

Wash your bedding weekly.
Use a mattress protector, reducing the chances of spills, sweat, body oil, and allergens permeating to your mattress. Wash it once every two weeks.
Vacuum your mattress with the upholstery attachment, once every three months.
Baking soda neutralizes odors, keeping your mattress fresh. Once every six months, sprinkle baking soda on your mattress. Let it sit for 10 to 24 hours. Vacuum it clean to remove the baking soda.
Rotate your mattress regularly. We recommend every three to six months to prevent excessive wear on certain parts.
Support your mattress with the correct foundation. For innersprings, that’s a box spring. For all other mattress types, use a metal frame, adjustable base, or platform bed for a proper foundation. Slats on the platform bed should be no more than 2.75 inches apart for even support.
Keep your mattress upright when cleaning or moving it, to prevent bending and damaging it.
Never let children jump on your mattress. Standing and jumping causes excessive pressure and eventual sagging.
Use mattress pads and toppers to minimize direct pressure on the mattress. A high-quality mattress topper can also help you adjust the firmness of your mattress.

Can a Mattress Topper Delay a Replacement Mattress?

Are you longing for a comfier bed but hesitant about the cost of buying a brand new mattress? Well, there might be a solution that can buy you some time: a mattress topper. But the real question is, can a mattress topper really delay the need to replace your mattress?

Yes, a mattress topper can temporarily improve the comfort of your bed and give it a new lease on life. However, it’s not a magical fix. If your mattress is already sagging, lumpy, or has lost its support, a topper can provide a bit of extra cushioning.

But it won’t fix the core problems of an old, worn-out mattress. When considering a mattress topper or new mattress, reflect on when you intend to get a new mattress if you get a topper for now.

Think of it this way: If your car has a flat tire, simply adding more air won’t solve the underlying issue. Eventually, you’ll need to replace the tire to ensure a smooth and safe ride. Similarly, if your mattress is past its prime, a mattress topper can only provide a temporary improvement, not a permanent solution.

What Do I Do With My Old Mattress?

Once your mattress shopping is done, what to do with your old one? Mattress donation is an option if it’s still in good condition. However, if you’re replacing the mattress because it’s not comfortable or supportive, it’s best to look into ways to dispose of an old mattress.

It’s important to handle the disposal responsibly to minimize environmental impact and ensure proper waste management. Start by contacting your local municipality or waste management authority to understand their guidelines and regulations for disposing of mattresses. They will provide you with specific instructions on how to proceed and may offer services for mattress pick-up or drop-off at designated locations.

Because mattresses are bulky can take up a significant amount of space in landfills, there’s also a push for mattress recycling. Look for mattress recycling facilities or programs in your area. These facilities will break down the mattress components into recyclable materials, such as foam, metal springs, and fabric, which can be repurposed.

FAQs

Can a mattress last 20 years?

Some mattresses come with a 20 to 25-year warranty. With proper care, these mattresses may last that long. Mattress durability depends on factors such as the quality of materials used and how well the mattress is maintained. Usually, good quality memory foam and latex mattresses last 15 years or more, longer than average innerspring mattresses.

How do I know if my mattress is worn out?

If you are waking up sore often, chances are your mattress has sags, lumps, or soft spots. These are signs of mattress wear. On an innerspring bed, noisy coils are also a sign of the coil layer wearing out. Worn-out coils can’t support your mattress, causing sag.

How long should a mattress last?

Your mattress’s life depends on how well it’s cared for and the quality of the materials used to make it. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses can last around 7 to 10 years, depending on the strength of the coil layer at the base. Good quality memory foam and all-natural latex foam mattresses last about 10 to 15 years or more. Keep a mattress as long as it’s comfortable and supportive.

Why should you replace your mattress?

You should replace your mattress for your well-being. A sagging sleep surface can’t support your body properly, causing sleep disruptions. Insufficient sleep affects daytime productivity. Prolonged sleep disruptions trigger several physical and mental health problems.

Are you supposed to flip your mattress?

You can flip your mattress only if it is a double-sided mattress. Double-sided mattresses need to be flipped at least twice a year and rotated every three months, for even wear. Most mattresses are usually one-sided. Ask the salespersons or customer service representatives of the mattress manufacturers if the mattress is two-sided.

Conclusion

Even the best mattresses in the mattress industry can’t last forever. The materials used in making mattresses disintegrate with time. Regular vacuuming, washing bedding accessories weekly, and using mattress protectors can delay mattress wear. But eventually, you’ll have to replace your old mattress to keep getting good sleep.

Featured Mattresses

Featured Products