How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?

If your bed is a little worse for wear and you can’t seem to get a good night’s sleep, then you may be wondering, “How often should you replace your mattress?” This is a valid question because proper sleep is crucial to your health, and even the highest quality mattresses deteriorate over time.

We promise to do our best to answer it as thoroughly as possible in our guide below.

What Influences Mattress Longevity?

Because so many factors can influence a mattress’s lifespan and sleep quality, purchasing a cozy yet durable one can be difficult. In the section below, we’ll discuss some of these factors and which ones will help you get the most use out of your bed.

Materials and Type

The materials used to construct a bed will undoubtedly affect its longevity. Therefore, with so many choices on the market, it’s a good idea to become familiar with what the mattress industry currently offers.

Memory Foam Mattresses

A memory foam mattress’s lifespan is somewhere around eight to 10 years. However, you can increase a memory foam mattress’s durability by caring for it using some tips and suggestions that we’ll mention a little later in this guide.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are highly durable. In fact, their average lifespan can range between eight and 12 years. Also, keep in mind that latex mattress durability will depend on whether it’s made with natural or synthetic material.

Those made of natural latex usually last the longest but are also pricier. Synthetic latex mattresses don’t have quite the same durability but are more affordable.

Innerspring Mattresses

In terms of durability, innerspring beds have a shorter lifespan than latex and memory foam mattresses, usually between five and seven years. Because of this, they tend to be less expensive.

However, they usually have a thin comfort layer, meaning that, as it wears out, you’ll eventually feel the coils.

Hybrid Mattresses

When it comes to mattress durability, a comparison between innerspring and hybrid mattresses indicates that they share similar longevity.

Hybrid mattresses aren’t the most durable. Some estimations put their average lifespan at around six to 10 years. However, a hybrid mattress can last longer if properly maintained and made of quality materials.

Sleeping Position, Weight, and Original Quality

Along with the materials and construction for your bed, some other key factors will affect the average lifespan of a mattress. Below we will discuss how your weight, sleeping position, and original quality can also be signposts for how to know when to replace your mattress.

Sleeping Position and Weight

Your sleeping position and weight can determine how and when your mattress wears out. For example, if you’re a side sleeper, your bed has probably started sagging exactly where your hips and shoulders rest. A heavy sleeper will also make a more lasting impression on the mattress than a light sleeper often shifting positions.

Furthermore, gaining weight or adding a sleeping partner will cause more sagging. So, when purchasing a new mattress, keep in mind that certain types are better for specific sleeping positions and body types.

Original Quality

The last determining factor that could have you changing your mattress sooner than you’d like is its original quality. You can’t buy the cheapest mattress available and expect it to last for 12 years.

On the other hand, expensive mattresses will likely last longer. However, there are some things you can do or avoid doing to increase the lifespan of your bed.

Continue reading to find out!

How To Extend the Lifespan of a Mattress

How long does a mattress last? The mattress industry says that depending on the type and quality of its construction, a new mattress can last between six and twelve years.

However, we have a few tips on how you can increase its lifespan or, at the very least, enjoy the most comfortable sleep possible while it lasts.

Hygiene

Regular cleaning is essential for a good night’s sleep and overall health. Keeping your bed free of bacteria, dust particles, and dust mites can make it last longer. For instance, changing your bedding once a week (or more) can increase longevity.

Furthermore, a mattress protector, especially a waterproof one, is a great way to shield your bed against spills, dirt, and bodily fluids.

Flip and Rotate

Similarly, you can flip your mattress every few months. However, this isn’t true for all types. Some recommend just rotating your mattress regularly. So, read the instructions or contact the company before you commit to either of these practices.

Prevent Bed Bugs

Another thing to consider while trying to keep your mattress from ageing too rapidly is bed bugs. If you’re an avid traveller, make sure that you inspect your sleeping area for these elusive little critters.

If you do come in contact with them by chance, make sure you immediately wash and dry all of your clothes at the highest temperature possible upon returning home to avoid infesting your mattress.

How Long Should a Mattress Last and When Should You Replace It?

As stated before, the longevity of a new mattress depends on many factors. But, typically, it will last six to 12 years before it starts affecting your sleep quality. But if one or more of the following issues apply, it’s most likely time to buy a new bed. So, just how do you know when you need another mattress?

• It’s over six to 10 years old
• It’s sagging or damaged
• Your quality of sleep has diminished
• It’s making more noise than usual (typical for ageing innerspring mattresses)
• Your allergies and or asthma are acting up
• You realize that you’re getting better sleep in other beds
• You begin to wake up with stiff muscles or joints

Although these are some tell-tale signs of a worn-out mattress, there isn’t an absolute answer to when or how often you should replace your mattress.

However, if you notice more than one of these issues mentioned above or have been thinking about a new bed, it’s most likely time to purchase one.

Conclusion

So, exactly how often should you replace your mattress? Approximately every seven to 10 years. Although many brands promise durable beds at reasonable prices, the reality is that it depends on the quality, materials, and how well you care for them.

Hopefully, our guide has given you all the information you need to know when to start searching for a new bed and choose the right one for your specific needs. Remember that proper care can help extend the typical lifespan of a mattress.

If you need specific tips, check out our mattress reviews for some of the top models on the market.

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FAQ

What happens when a mattress gets old?

Some common signs of a bad mattress will depend on which type you own. For instance, when your lower-quality innerspring mattress gets old, it submits to body impressions and starts sagging, which leads to box spring coils poking into you as you sleep. It will likely get noisier as well when the springs begin to wear out.

By the same token, when memory foam mattress longevity is compromised, it will lose its firmness, and your body’s impression marks will be deeper and last longer. And as any certified sleep science coach will tell you, this is a certain way to wake up with back pain and feel even more tired than if you had slept on a bad couch.

What type of mattress lasts the longest?

Natural latex mattresses are the most durable and can last up to 12 years and even longer if properly maintained. Synthetic latex mattresses are similar to their natural latex counterparts in terms of durability but usually wear out a bit faster and cause some people to sleep hot.

By contrast, all-foam mattresses tend to have the shortest lifespan.

Can you put a new mattress on an old one?

Some people put their new mattress on top of an old one, thinking it gives them more support and restful sleep. And this is not without any merit, as it could be more comfortable, but there will likely be consequences.

The reality is that by doing this, you stop your old mattress from breathing. This can aggravate allergies, exacerbate asthma symptoms, and even lead to mould. Therefore, to get a little more life out of your current bed and a better night’s sleep, your best option would be to buy a mattress topper.

How do you extend the longevity of a mattress?

If you’re wondering how to extend the longevity of a mattress, you should know that cleaning your mattress often to get rid of dead skin cells and dust mites, using a mattress pad and cover, changing your sheets at least once a week, and steering clear of bed bugs are a few surefire ways to prolong the life of your bed.

Of course, the best way to ensure a mattress’s long life is to buy a good-quality mattress in the first place.

How long do mattresses last?

Generally speaking, the average lifespan of a mattress is between seven and 10 years. However, bear in mind that high-quality mattresses that are adequately cared for can last longer. An example would be using a waterproof mattress protector.

So how often should you replace your mattress? The mattress industry says most mattresses should be replaced every 10 years or so, but there are ways to prolong the life of your mattress. Using a mattress protector is one way to go, while regular cleaning is essential for keeping dust mites away.