How Often Should You Change Your Mattress?

Last Updated on January 18, 2023

How often should you change your mattress is a question that barely skips the minds of many, especially if you’ve had the mattress for a very long time.

Despite several answers that can fit this question, there is no concrete time of year when you should change your mattress. On the flip side, the Better Sleep Council advises that you should replace it after every 7-10 years.

While this recommendation may work for many, the answer to how often you should change your mattress depends on you.

That being said, let’s look at how often you should change your mattress. Read on!

General Guidelines

For starters, let’s tackle the basics.

If the mattress you own is past its best before date, you want to consider replacing it. Bear in mind that a mattress’s lifespan is approximately eight years, according to the NFS. However, the type you own makes the difference. Here is a simple illustration.

Inner Spring Mattress

This type of mattress comes with coiled inner springs on the inside — which aid in distributing your weight evenly across the bed’s surface. Innerspring mattresses tend to last for about ten years or more. Suppose you own a two-sided one. Flipping and rotating it can help extend the mattress’s lifespan.

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses are designed to absorb your weight, giving you a healthier and more comfortable sleep. They normally last for about 15 years with the appropriate care and maintenance.

Hybrid Mattress

A hybrid mattress uses both springs a memory foam to give you quality sleep. They are known to last for about eight years. However, the longevity of a hybrid mattress also depends on the exact composition of your bed.

Latex Mattress

A latex mattress is categorised into two groups – organic and synthetic. The longevity of this mattress depends typically on the mattress material you settled on. However, according to the Sleep Help Institute, a latex mattress has 25 years.

Waterbed Mattress

It’s noteworthy to mention that waterbed mattresses are not as prevalent currently as they were in the past. And they can last for about 5-10 years only if they aren’t popped.

Why Should You Replace Your Mattress?

It’s needless to say that an old mattress won’t give you a good night’s sleep. And a lumpy or saggy mattress will also interfere with your sleep pattern. On the flip side, a firmer mattress ensures you get a better night and healthier sleep.

Keep in mind that there are plenty of benefits with new mattresses, such as improved health and hygiene with better sleep quality.

When it comes to good hygiene, keep in mind that around half a pint of fluid is lost every night. And we shed close to a pound of dead skin cells each year. This not only creates a convenient environment for bacteria and mould to grow. But also, dust mites can thrive in such conditions, and the allergens they produce may build-up to create a sleep environment that is not hygienic.

On the other hand, improved sleep quality can depreciate over time when your mattress loses shape. And its ability to provide both comfort and support like it once did. Sleeping on an old mattress may cause some back pain and neck pain. Also, it reduces your overall sleep quality and time, thus preventing you from feeling rested for a new day.

Furthermore, dust mites and allergens may accumulate within an old mattress. This may, in turn, lead to worsening asthma symptoms and other allergic reactions.

Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Mattress

Suppose you cannot keep up with the rule of changing your mattress after seven or ten years. You can opt to overlook the age of your bedding when you are looking forward to replacing them.

For example, if you’re sharing your bed with your partner, the mattress is likely to wear out faster when compared to you sleeping alone. Also, if you have put on extra weight or you’re a larger person, you may consider replacing it often.

Here are some visible signs that indicate it’s time for a new mattress.

Sign 1: If the Mattress Is 7-10 Years Old

According to the National Bed Federation research, mattresses have roughly eight years. However, this timeline may vary depending on the manufacturer and the mattress type. How you sleep and whether you sleep with your partner or not.

Also, if you’re a large person, your mattress may likely wear out faster than what the manufacturing guidelines suggest.

That being said, keep in mind that mattresses are not designed to last forever. And excessive wear and tear may make your mattress age faster. While inferior products may not withstand the test of time, the highest quality mattresses also have a maximum mattress lifespan, and eventually, they will need to be replaced.

So, if you own an old mattress, that is the first sign that you may need to replace it.

Sign 2: Sagging

If you own a mattress with a dent, that is a sure sign that you need to replace it. Sagging may occur in any mattress apart from a waterbed mattress. This can be observed at the edges and under your sleep area. Also, if you own a mattress with springs, it may break down and cause it to sag.

It’s noteworthy to mention that pillow tops, foam, and fibre materials break down. And the deeper the visible dip on your mattress is, the more discomfort you’ll likely encounter when asleep.

Saggy mattresses may disrupt and cause both back pain and neck pain. If this is the case with your mattress, ensure that you replace it.

Sign 3: Mattress Is Uncomfortable to Use

Whether you own an old or new mattress, you may not have the best night’s sleep if it doesn’t offer proper support and alignment. Regardless of your sleeping style, your spine should be aligned when lying on it.

However, when it comes to side sleepers, ensure that your spine should be aligned in a straight manner from neck to bottom if only the matters have proper support. You can also incorporate a pillow to correct any minor issues when sleeping. However, if you can slide a hand in the gap between your body and the mattress, this is a sure sign that you require a different one.

Furthermore, if you generally feel uncomfortable when using your mattress, then it could be that you need to try a different firmness or style.

Sign 4: Worsening of Allergies

If your allergies are acting up for no good reason, your mattress may be the problem. A mattress that has proven to withstand the test of time may have accumulated dust mite faeces that cause allergic reactions and, at times, asthma attacks.

So, it’s advisable to steam and vacuum it regularly. Also, rotating and flipping your mattress may be a short-term solution to reduce dust and mites to ease your symptoms. If these don’t help, a new mattress may be the solution you need.

Planning to Change Your Mattress?

That is, it on how often should you change your mattress. Keep in mind that if you own a mattress showing any signs of wear and tear, it’s time to replace it. Also, you should replace an uncomfortable mattress if you want to get a great night’s sleep.

Whether you constantly wake up when you’re feeling tired, your mattress keeps your partner awake during the night. It would help if you replaced your mattress for your well-being.