When Should You Replace Your Mattress? 8 Signs To Look Out For

(Guest Writer: Dimple Malhotra) 

Mattresses are often a significant investment, so people try to use them for as long as they can. But that is not healthy. Another thing that people believe is that you should replace your mattress after 10 years, which is again a myth. The idle time period is said to be seven years. That being said, there are many other factors that you should consider when determining if you need a new mattress.

Photo by Lina Verovaya on Unsplash

One of the things you need to check is related to the type of mattress you have; the other points in the checklist are usually associated with you and your experience.

The type of mattress you own is a massive factor in deciding its lifespan. A mattress's lifespan depends on its material and construction. Let us take a look at how long each mattress type generally lasts:

• Innerspring - 5.5-6 years
• Memory Foam - 7-10 years
• Latex Foam - 8.5-15 years
• Gel Foam - 10-15 years
• Latex Hybrid - 8.5 years
• Hybrid (innerspring with foam) - 10 years
• Airbed - 7.5 years
• Waterbed - 10-12 years

This is all with proper care, and according to manufacturers' suggestions concerning the lifespans of different mattress types. But there are several factors that lessen these lifespans.

Now, let us look at different sleeping conditions, as these are just as important as mattress lifespans.

• You wake up feeling stiff, numb, and aching all over your body.
• Even after a full night’s sleep, you still feel sleep-deprived and tired. Do you know that according to this 2018 sleep study by Osim, most Singaporeans value sleep as less than $100 per month? Time to change our sleeping habits!
• Your mattress is sagging.
• Your mattress has lumps that make sleeping on it a pain.
• Spine alignment feels off. You do not feel supported.
• There are signs of wear and tear like worn edges, stains, rips, aforementioned lumps and sagging, etc.
• Your mattress is dusty - has dust mites. You get itchy sleeping on it.
• Sleeping on it makes you feel uncomfortable and triggers your allergies.
• You have gained or lost weight, or you have added a co-sleeper.
• Your partner is facing any of these issues.

Changing our mattress at the right time for the right reasons will help improve our sleep. Now that we have listed some common issues that persuade a mattress change decision, let us examine them a little more.

1. Your Mattress is Too Old

One of the signs of your mattress being too old is that you can’t even remember how old the mattress is. It could have been seven years, or it could have been 15 years since you purchased a new mattress.

Another obvious thing is that you will notice wear and tear in your mattress. You will notice deterioration in its quality, and as a result, in the quality of your sleep.

2. You Wake Up Tired and Sleep-Deprived

If you do not feel fresh even after a good night’s sleep, then you might want to check if the mattress is right for you. You can have aches, and your body can feel sore. Sleep is when your body repairs itself. If you do not have the right mattress to aid your body, you might wake up feeling worse than the night before.

3. Your Mattress is Sagging

This is one of the common issues with old mattresses - years of sleeping on it cause dents in them, in the shape of your body. The dents often set and become second nature. You will often find yourself rolling to the middle of the bed. If you sleep with a partner, both of you might roll in the middle to sleep in the best part of the mattress. This is when you need to change your mattress. If you are unwilling to splurge on a new mattress, a firm latex mattress topper can also be applied on top of your mattress to provide a fresh sleeping surface. 

4. Your Mattress Has Lumps and is Uncomfortable

If your mattress is uncomfortable to sleep in, then you may have to dispose of it (or you can try to fix it). When you sleep on the same mattress for years, as discussed above, it can dent. These dents also help make lumps in the mattress. Those lumps can be felt when you lie on the mattress, making it an uncomfortable experience overall.

5. Spine Alignment Feels Off

Your sleeping position will help you choose the correct firmness. If your mattress isn’t suitable for your sleeping type, then you might wake up feeling sore and stiff. You will start experiencing aches in places you never had before. This can happen with a new mattress, too, if it is not suitable, and your spine may not align well with the mattress.

6. Your Allergies are Being Triggered

Old mattresses tend to harbour dust over time. This can cause dust mites and other issues. It can set off allergies. You will start sneezing, coughing, and feel a tightness in your chest. Health conditions like asthma can also flare-up. New mattresses are usually made with hypoallergenic material. Hypoallergenic material is supposed to be dust mite-resistant, which is a must if you are prone to allergies or similar health issues.

7. Weight Change

If you have recently gained or lost weight, then you may need to change your mattress to suit your body type, especially if it is a sizable change. Another factor is the number of people sleeping on the bed. If a co-sleeper has been added recently, then you might want to rethink your mattress type.

8. Consider Your Partner

You may be doing fine, but if your partner is facing any of the above issues, then it is still time to get a new mattress. Your partner not getting enough sleep is going to affect you and your relationship as well.

Takeaway

If you have started to feel like you need a new mattress, then there are high chances that you do. Research and learn what type of mattress works the best for you. Take into account your health, weight, body type, and the number of people sharing the mattress.

Look for adequate spine support. The type of sleeper you are will dictate how firm your mattress is supposed to be. These factors play a role in a mattress's lifespan.

Remember, comfort and support are what you should be looking for. After a good night’s sleep, you should wake up feeling fresh and energized.

Author Bio:

Dimple, an avid book reader and content wizard, is the Editor-In-Chief for Mixeron, including phatfusion.net - a site that helps you find the best mattresses and sleep accessories. Phatfusion focuses on providing people with sleep education through detailed guides, comparisons, reviews, and tips.