You know you’re supposed to replace your mattress after a certain amount of time. You might even notice that your current mattress doesn’t feel as comfortable as it once was, and you’re thinking about buying a new mattress. But how often should you replace your mattress for the best sleep while also getting the most out of your investment?
Frustratingly, the answer to this question isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different sleeping habits, body types, and mattress materials can greatly affect how long your mattress lasts.
In general, though, most mattresses last seven to ten years.However, that doesn’t mean you should suffer through an uncomfortable mattress just because you’ve owned it for less than seven years. Or that your mattress is guaranteed to wear out after 10 years of use. So how often should you replace your mattress, really? And what other factors, aside from age, can mean the end for your trusty bed?
How Long Will Your Favorite Mattress Material Last?
Just a few decades ago, most mattresses were made from the same standard materials. Today, though, walking into a mattress retailer means sorting through all different types of materials: innersprings, memory foam, pillow-tops, and even adjustable air-filled designs.If you search for an answer to, “How often should you replace your mattress?”, most sources will give one answer (normally for a standard innerspring mattress).
Of course, the quality of your mattress’ materials will play a role in how long your mattress lasts. But the type of materials will also determine its overall lifespan:
Of course, the quality of your mattress’ materials will play a role in how long your mattress lasts. But the type of materials will also determine its overall lifespan:
Innerspring
When you think of a mattress, you probably envision an innerspring mattress. These mattresses typically have a quilted fabric outer layer, with structural springs inside for support.
Innerspring mattresses can last up to ten years, on average. If your innerspring mattress is flippable, it might even last longer.
Pillow-Top
A pillow top is a soft layer of padding sewn on top of the mattress for added comfort. The pillow top layer is made of cotton, wool, down, fiberfill, memory foam, or latex foam.
Typically, pillow-top mattresses feature a normal innerspring base with a cushioned layer on top. Pillow-top mattresses might offer luxurious comfort at first, but they can pose a problem for those looking to get as many years out of their mattress as possible.
First, the pillow-top layer means that you can’t flip your mattress to extend its life. You can rotate it, but that’s it.
Second, the pillow-top itself doesn’t have much internal structure of its own. This means that, over time, the cushioning can dimple, shift, and otherwise break down.
Latex
In the past, latex mattresses were too expensive for most people’s budget. But in recent years, this mattress material has become increasingly popular and much more affordable.
One of the biggest selling points for the latex mattress is its long lifespan.
Some manufacturers claim their mattresses can last as long as 20 or 25 years, and they offer warranties to back these claims.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses took the bedding market by storm a few decades ago. Although memory foam isn’t as revolutionary as it once was, the material is extremely popular and still found in countless bedrooms around the nation.
When shopping for a new mattress, or evaluating your current one, keep in mind that memory foam’s longevity is largely dependent on the quality of the material.
While high-quality memory foam mattresses can last up to 15 years, lower-quality models probably won’t.
Hybrid
You might not be familiar with hybrid mattresses, at least in theory. But an increasing number of mattresses currently on the market fall into this category.
However, hybrid mattresses also offer some of the shortest lifespans. Hybrid mattresses combine supportive innersprings with the comfortable sleep surface offered by memory foam. Like 100 percent memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses will last longer if you invest in high-quality materials.
Even with top-quality materials, though, your hybrid mattress will only last a short six years, on average.
Air Mattress
Every year, your air bed will start to lose its seal or leak. This will gradually make it softer and less comfortable to sleep on at night. So what does this mean for you? Well, first of all, it means that if your air mattress is past its lifespan (the time after which you should replace it), then chances are it’s an indication that the mattress is either leaking or losing its seal.
This means that if your air bed has exceeded this time limit, then you really should be looking into replacing the mattress entirely before the leaks accumulate and render it unusable altogether. The time limit that I’m referring to is the point at which the bed loses its seal or starts to leak.
This will last you anywhere between 2-10 years depending on how often you use it, the strength of the person using it, and how well you actually look after your air mattress. So if you’re interested in having a good night’s sleep, then you should learn some tips on how to extend its lifespan or replace it altogether.
Age Isn’t The Only Reason To Change Your Mattress
Obviously, answering a question like, “How often should you replace your mattress?” focuses on your mattress’ age. But passing time isn’t the only thing that can and will wear out your mattress. No matter the age of your mattress, if you notice any of these signs it might be time to invest in something new:
Your Mattress Is Sagging
A sagging mattress is hard to ignore. You might find yourself waking up in the same dent every morning or unable to get comfortable before falling asleep. Despite the frustration of a sagging mattress, many people will ignore this sign because their mattress isn’t technically old enough to replace. But sleeping on a sagging mattress is a recipe for aches and pains down the road.
You’re Waking Up With Allergies
Waking up with itchy eyes, puffy skin, and a plugged nose is never fun. But when it happens every morning, you have a problem. Mattresses can hold all types of allergens, including debris from bedbugs and mites.
While you shouldn’t jump straight to tossing out your mattress if you experience morning allergies, you should definitely keep the possibility in mind. Before throwing your mattress in the bin, rule out other allergen sources that could be ruining your sleep.
Bedding, including pillows, can also house dust and other particles, so make sure you use clean sheets and pillowcases. Seasonal allergies can also hit first thing in the morning, so consider the season and when your symptoms started. If these steps don’t fix your allergies, though, it might be time to replace your mattress.
You’ve Gained Weight
Choosing a mattress is an extremely personal experience. What feels comfortable to you likely won’t feel the same to someone else. Your body shape, including your weight, determines what mattresses work for you.
So when these factors change, your mattress might need to change, too.
And that weight doesn’t necessarily need to be attached to you. If you’ve recently started co-sleeping with a partner, your mattress might not be suited to the extra body weight.
Your Body Aches Or Feels Stiff In The Morning
When morning aches and pains come on gradually, you might hesitate to blame your bed frames. Actually, though, this is probably one of the first things you should consider.
Yes, back pain and other body aches can come about from injuries or poor posture. But when you stop and consider how long your spine sits in one position throughout the night, it’s no surprise that mattresses are to blame for much of the world’s back pain.
If you experience aches and pains in the morning, especially if they dissipate with standing and stretching, your mattress is likely the culprit.
Your Other Mattress Questions Answered
Here are some other popular questions related to “How often should you replace your mattress?”:
How Often Should You Change Your Box Spring?
Not all beds rely on a boxspring for extra support. But if your bed does, a quality boxspring can be just as important as your mattress.
Fortunately, boxsprings experience less direct wear and tear compared to your mattress. Because of this, they do tend to last longer.
Some box springs last less than ten years. Others last twice as long. Overall, physically inspecting your boxspring is the best way to determine if you need a new one or not.
Signs that your box spring is at the end of its life might include:
- Squeaking or creaking
- Broken wood slats
- Bowing from the bottom
- Bent metal frame or grid
Most boxsprings feature a dust mattress cover, which you’ll need to pull back to inspect any internal parts. However, checking your boxspring can save you from buying a new mattress when the problem isn’t actually further down.
When Should You Replace A Toddler Or Child’s Mattress?
When most people wonder, “How often should you replace your mattress?”, they’re thinking of adult beds. But if you have children, your own mattress isn’t the only one in your home.
Honestly, it’s easy to grow complacent about your child’s bed . After all, their body doesn’t experience the aches and pains that working adult bodies go through.
Since children are constantly growing, often at an incredibly high rate, it’s difficult for their mattress to keep up. The mattress that worked for your five-year-old might not work when they’re a ten-year-old and the same goes for children’s bed frames.
Although there’s no set life expectancy for a child’s mattress, you should regularly check for sagging, obvious wear, and other signs that your child might not be getting the best sleep possible.
Does Rotating And Flipping Your Mattress Make A Difference?
To get the most out of your mattress, there are two things you can do: rotate and flip.
Most, if not all, mattresses can be rotated. Even if you and your partner are similar sizes and weights, rotating your mattress will help balance any wear and tear and prevent sagging.
Generally, you should rotate your mattress at least twice each year.
Flipping your mattress can make a huge difference in its lifespan. Unfortunately, not all mattresses can be flipped.
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If your mattress is the same on both the top and bottom, you should flip it at least once per year. But if it’s not, like in the case of a pillow-top mattress, you’re out of luck.
Invest In Top-Quality Sleep Today
Even a cheap mattress is a large investment, especially if you’re living on a tight budget. So when asking, “How often should you replace your mattress?”, you might dread hearing the truth.However, the cost of using a mattress past its prime can lead to discomfort, body pain, poor sleep, allergies, and other harmful side effects.
If your current mattress is still in good shape, and you want to get the most time out of it as possible, you do have options. Maintaining a thorough rotating and flipping routine can prevent sagging and other wear, giving your mattress a few extra years of life.
And if you’re worried about collecting dust and other particles in your mattress, make sure to use a clean bedding mattress and monitor your bedroom’s humidity. You can even invest in hypoallergenic sheets or mattress protectors for your mattress for extra protection.
Do you have any tips for making a mattress or boxspring last as long as possible? Let us know in the comment section below!
