Getting a good night's rest is crucial for your overall health and well-being, and your mattress has a huge impact on your shut-eye. Once you choose the perfect mattress, you can expect it to last several years as a long-term investment in your sleep quality. But how long is long-term exactly?
Over time, your mattress will experience some wear and tear from daily use — it is completely normal. What's not normal is feeling uncomfortable or tossing and turning in your sleep, which can keep you up at night. Your mattress should help you feel your best, and knowing the signs to replace it is key to maintaining the best sleep environment.
Learn the average mattress life span and how often to upgrade yours in this complete mattress replacement guide.
How Often Should a Mattress Be Replaced?
Let's say the average person sleeps about eight hours a night, the recommended time for optimal health. This means they will sleep for about 2,920 hours a year — that's precious time spent between the sheets. Because we use our mattresses for about a third of our lives, they need replacing periodically to achieve peak comfort and performance. The average mattress life span is about 7 to 10 years. However, this number depends on a few key factors, like the mattress type.
For example, how often should you replace a memory foam mattress? Memory foam molds to your body during your sleep and can spring back to its initial shape once you wake up and get out of bed. Because of its unique adaptability, it tends to last a little longer than traditional spring mattresses, and you'll likely need to replace it closer to every 10 years.
Factors Impacting a Mattresses's Life Span
Not all mattresses are created equal — some may outlive others. However, its age is not the only factor that influences the life span. Various aspects come into play and can inform how often you change the mattress.
Mattress Quality
The mattress material goes a long way and impacts more than its usable life, it also influences its comfort levels and potentially your sleep quality. A high-quality option will last longer than one made with low-quality materials.
We recommend doing a little research before buying, as there are plenty of durable and affordable mattresses on the market.
Frequency of Use
How often you buy a new mattress will largely rely on its overall design and your use. Mattresses that are used more frequently may not last as long as ones that are utilized sporadically.
For example, the main bedroom mattress will need to be replaced more frequently than the one in the guest bedroom, which is likely used less often.
Weight Distribution
Sleeping in the same spot and position can start to form an indent from the uneven weight distribution onto the mattress. This may cause sagging in a specific area or premature wear. Depending on the person's size and go-to sleep positions, some individuals add extra pressure onto the mattress, which may cause it to lose its supportive capabilities faster.
Care and Maintenance
The amount of care and maintenance you put into your mattress also plays a role in its life span. Regular cleaning or flipping of the mattress may reduce the speed of wear and tear while keeping it more hygienic. Also, try to avoid eating and drinking in bed to keep it from being damaged or stained.
Personal Preference
In some cases, the frequency of changing a mattress depends on the individual's personal preferences. Some people may feel more comfortable replacing the mattress more often than others, which is okay. If there is anything bothersome about the mattress, it's valid to change things up.
5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Mattress
So, how do you know it's time to replace your mattress? Explore a few telltale signs you should make a change.
1. Waking Up Sore
If you start waking up with unknown aches and pains, it may be an indication to get a new mattress — especially if it occurs frequently. An old and worn-out mattress might leave you with neck, shoulder, back and hip pain. Waking up with a sore body may be due to the mattress being unable to provide enough support.
2. Trouble Sleeping
An older mattress may not provide the comfort and support a new mattress gives, which can make it hard to fall asleep. With little sleep comes a low mood and exhaustion, impacting nearly every other aspect of your day. To test whether it's your mattress at fault, sleep on a different bed for a night. If you notice an improvement, it's likely a sign.
3. Visible Wear and Tear
If you can see any signs of wear and tear on a mattress, it's time to replace it. Here are a few clues you have a worn-out mattress:
- Holes
- Lumps
- Odors
- Ripping
- Sagging
- Stains
- Tears
Other significant signs of mattress damage include the following:
- Deep indentations
- Shifting or failing foam
- Getting poked by bed springs
- Feeling the bed's foundation
4. Worsened Allergies
As the years pass on, the more older and dirtier a mattress may become — even with regular cleaning and care. It gives unwanted guests more time to establish their home in your mattress, worsening your allergies. These may include:
- Bacteria
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Other allergens
5. Over 10 Years Old
If your current mattress is 10 years old or older, it is likely time to upgrade to a newer option. Working with a trusted mattress provider is key to finding the perfect replacement to support your sleep and overall well-being. Remember, getting quality sleep is not a luxury, it's a necessity.
Some of the top-quality options include innerspring, memory foam and hybrid mattresses. A mattress expert can help you discover the perfect fit.
Find Your Next Quality Mattress at INTERIORS HOME
Although mattresses don't last forever, you can maximize your investment with a durable yet comfortable mattress from a reputable supplier, like INTERIORS HOME.
We are a locally owned and grown business with stores in Lancaster, Camp Hill and York, Pennsylvania. Our team is dedicated to enhancing your home. We offer a wide range of mattress types, sizes and brands which can further be personalized to your comfort and design needs. Our team will help you determine the right mattress for your sleep preferences and space, so you can enjoy a more restful night and improved sleep quality.
You can also book an appointment with our interior designers to see how we can help make your space uniquely yours with our free design services.
Find a local INTERIORS HOME branch near you.