Getting a good night’s rest can be very hard for some. Many people struggle with a lack of sleep every night. However, they often don’t realize that the reason why they can’t sleep is that their mattress is way outdated and needs to be replaced.
So, how often should you replace your mattress? Well, unfortunately, the answer to that question isn’t all that black and white. Many factors determine if a mattress is ready to be replaced, and here we’ll be looking at the most important ones. Additionally, we’ll discuss ways to make your mattress last longer so you can get the most out of your investment. Therefore, if you’re wondering whether you should replace your old mattress, and are not sure what to replace it with, then continue reading.
How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress: General Mattress Lifespan
A mattress’s lifespan depends on external factors, such as how you sleep, your weight, and the number of people sleeping on a single mattress. But as a generalization, it can be assumed that the lifespan of a mattress is approximately eight years. Aside from these factors, two very important factors can give you an even better estimate: the type and the quality of the mattress.
Mattress types and quality
The first thing we’ll be looking at is the mattress type and its quality. This is because they should be the first factors you should check if you’re planning to replace your mattress soon or buy a new one. More often than not, people don’t even give a lot of thought to the mattress they’re buying – if it’s a rectangle, has springs, and is white, then it’s a mattress. But there’s a lot of depth to the existing types of mattresses and their quality.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are the first thing that pops into a person’s head when you mention a mattress. These are the standard ones with a coil system that helps distribute your weight across the mattress.
A good quality innerspring mattress can last up to 10 to 15 years, especially with good care, which includes flipping the mattress from time to time, but you’ll get more information about that later.
Memory foam
Foam mattresses come from many different types of materials. The term “foam” is more of an umbrella term. If a mattress is made from foam, this means that it’s made from some type of polymer material. And each polymer type has a unique density as well as other characteristics.
Quality memory foam mattresses last from 10 to 15 years, again with good care.
Latex
A latex mattress might not sound very comfortable. However, when you think about a latex mattress, think about something similar to a topper. Mattress toppers are usually made from latex material. And they can be made from synthetic or organic latex, which definitely can influence how long they last.
According to many sources, including the Sleep Help Institute, latex mattresses can last between 20 to 25 years. So when buying these mattresses, you know you’re getting some bang for your buck.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of innerspring mattresses and foam mattresses. They work by positioning a layer of coils under a layer of thin polymer foam. This way, you get the best of both worlds in a single mattress.
Unfortunately, these mattresses have a very short lifespan. Most hybrid mattresses last about six years if you’re lucky.
Waterbeds
Waterbeds might seem like a thing of the past, but lately, people have started using them again. There are two types of waterbeds that you can choose from, soft-side and hard-side. Hard-side waterbeds are the classic ones made with vinyl. Soft-side waterbeds are more modern ones, made with a box-shaped foam that looks like a usual mattress.
They can last anywhere between 5 to 10 years, and you’ll know when you need to replace them.
Toppers
Toppers are not exactly mattresses, but close enough. They are usually used to add an extra layer to a mattress and add a little bit more comfort at a lower price. However, you should keep in mind that this extra layer does not exactly prolong the lives of mattresses. Toppers themselves actually have a definite lifespan of about ten years. After this period, they can start to deform and cause discomfort when sleeping.
Read More: How to Arrange a Small Bedroom With a Queen Bed
What Influences the Lifespan of a Mattress?
So now we’ve established how an old mattress can have a negative impact on you and how a new one can help. And it might still be tempting to keep an old one to save up on some cash, especially since a mattress, by default, is still functional even after its due date. And even though it might be necessary to change your mattress for the countless health benefits, there are a few factors to consider if you want to make your mattress last longer in the future and get the most for your money.
The mattress material
Materials that are used in the manufacturing process directly influence how often you should replace your mattress. Low-quality innerspring or foam mattresses usually have the shortest lifespans possible. Innerspring ones usually sag after a few years of using them, and foam ones get deformed from body impressions. Hybrid mattresses are usually at a much higher price point but have the shortest lifespan of the three.
If you want a longer-lasting mattress from the get-go, then the best choice is a latex one. These last the longest of the four main types of mattresses available on the market. Though they come at a higher price point, around double the price of innerspring and foam ones, they last twice as long.
So all in all, no matter which material you choose, they all may last the same. The only difference is that innerspring and foam mattresses will need to be replaced after about 10 years, while latex ones last around 20 years. So you end up paying the same amount of money. Additionally, with latex mattresses, there’s no need for regular flipping; you can find more about that below.
Maintenance and care
It is very possible to considerably prolong the life of a mattress by taking extra care of it. A very common way to avoid sagging and deforming mattresses is flipping them often. Most experts recommend flipping them every three months unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise.
Deep cleaning your mattress could be a great way to combat dust mites and other allergens, and it’s especially recommended if you suffer from allergies. This should be done about once a year. You can do it at home if you have a deep cleaning vacuum or steamer, and if you can’t do it, you can take it to professional dry cleaners.
A mattress topper could also be an excellent investment that can greatly increase your mattress lifespan. You can get a good quality mattress topper for about $50. A topper can help alleviate the stress you feel from your mattress and also greatly improve your comfort. It might seem like an unnecessary expense at first, but it ends up saving you a lot more money by increasing the lifespan of your mattress.
User size and weight
The user’s weight and how many people are sharing the mattress directly impact its lifespan. Heavier users will find that mattresses get deformed more quickly, while lighter users have much less of an impact. Similarly, a mattress used by a couple will likely have a much shorter lifespan.
So it’s important to think about these factors when buying a mattress. Latex mattresses, as mentioned before, tend to be more resistant to sagging and other physical deforming. And even though it comes at a higher price point, it might be smarter to invest in one since it will last you considerably longer.
Use a quality bed base
Different kinds of mattresses use different bases, and you must use the correct type of base to support a new mattress. The most popular bases nowadays are adjustable ones. These bases allow users to customize the position of the mattress by raising the head or leg area. Some of these bases include heating and massaging functions too.
Furthermore, traditional innerspring mattresses should usually be placed on a conventional box spring base, while foam and hybrid ones are best used with sturdy, more supportive foundations. You should always follow manufacturer instructions when it comes to picking a base for your mattress. Although most of them are sold as a set, foundations often last longer than mattresses.
It’s also a good idea to inspect the foundation for signs of damage like warping.
Try to keep pets off the bed
It might be very hard to resist the temptation to cuddle with a furry friend while lying down in your bed, but it could significantly prolong your mattress’s life. Younger pets could have an accident on the bed that could leave it ruined, and some bored or anxious pets could damage the bed by ripping or tearing it. Instead, you should buy a good quality pet bed, and try your best to cuddle away from the new mattress.
Read More: How Big Is a California King Size Bed
Why Should You Replace Your Mattress?
So we’ve mentioned the many types of mattresses and how long they generally last. Now comes the question, “why should you replace your mattress?”. Buying a new mattress can be a very significant expense, so is it worth it? Absolutely yes. While an old mattress can be damaging to your health in many ways, a new mattress can have an influence on you in countless positive ways, such as:
Improved sleep
In 2009 a peer-reviewed clinical trial had proven that a new mattress might significantly improve sleep, reduce body pains, and lead to people feeling more rested. Most new mattress owners also report that they have much better sleep quality right after using their new mattresses.
No more aches and pains
If you wake up with a lot of pain or stiffness in your back, neck, or shoulders, then it’s time for a new mattress. Older beds have a tendency to deform and sag in places where more weight is applied. This means that parts of the body that are heavier than others, like the head and upper back, could cause the mattress to lose its form. Usually, this is the cause of pain in these areas after sleep.
Less motion transfer
Older mattresses usually transfer more motion from one side of the bed to the other. This can lead to one of two people constantly waking the other by turning in their sleep. And this can be very annoying and could lead to a few arguments. A new mattress, in particular a foam or hybrid one, could eliminate motion transfer and help couples sleep more soundly.
Reduced allergies
It’s common knowledge that old mattresses can accumulate much more dust, mold, bacteria, and other allergens at a surprising rate. A study by the National University of Singapore found that mattresses had the highest concentration of dust mites out of every household item.
It’s additionally very common to find such allergens stuck in old mattresses that could have you sneezing and struggling with a stuffy nose. It’s possible that an old mattress could be their source of living, and you don’t even know it. So, by replacing the old mattress with a new one, you’ll notice significant health improvements.
Also Read: How Wide Is a Queen Bed Frame
Checking the Common Signs That the Mattress Needs Replacing
Now we’ve noted estimates on how often should you replace your mattress and ways to make it last longer. But it might be hard to keep track of everything, like how long it’s been since you’ve bought your mattress or how long it is supposed to last according to the manufacturer. To make things simple, here are some common signs to look for to easily determine if a mattress is ready to be replaced:
- Your mattress shows visible sagging or damage
- It has become asymmetrical in shape, with lumps and bumps
- You feel pain or stiffness when you wake up
- You experience more problems with allergies or asthma
- You realize you sleep better in other homes or hotels
- The mattress started to get noisy
- It has noticeably frayed edges
- It takes you a long time to fall asleep
- You wake up more often when your partner moves in bed
Conclusion
People spend one-third of their lives sleeping, and getting a good night’s sleep can affect how you spend the other two-thirds. So investing in a good quality new mattress makes sense. Look through the types of mattresses and find the one that’s perfect for you. And try to implement the usual methods for maintenance and care to make your new mattress last longer.
