How often should you replace your mattress? The answer depends on a few different factors. Read on to find out more about mattress lifespan and how long you should keep a mattress and why.
When to Replace Your Mattress?
Most mattresses will last anywhere from 7 to 10 years. After that, it’s highly recommended to replace your mattress. Of course, there are signs to look out for to determine whether or not you need to change your mattress even sooner, or could you possibly survive a little longer with it?
Here are a few signs that are telling you to replace your mattress sooner rather than later:
- The mattress makes squeaking noises
- The mattress sags
- It smells or has stains you can’t get rid of
- It is uneven (otherwise known as lumpy and bumpy)
- You are developing asthma or allergies
- You are suddenly finding yourself waking up in pain or discomfort
What Affects Mattress Lifespan?
The durability or lifetime of a mattress depends on more than just its age. The type of mattress it is can have a direct impact on how long your mattress will last.
Mattress Type
If you choose a spring mattress over another type, you can expect to change it sooner. The inner springs take on more wear and tear than a memory foam mattress, for example. This can mean the springs will give way sooner, and you may not even make it to the 10-year mark.
Mattress Quality
Springing for the more expensive mattress isn’t always necessary, but your decision shouldn’t simply be based on which mattress is cheaper. Sometimes, a very inexpensive mattress won’t last anywhere near the seven-year mark. Long-term, it is much more cost-efficient to select a mattress that is of the highest quality you can reasonably afford.
How to Make Your Mattress Last Longer
There are a whole bunch of things you can do to actually help preserve the lifespan of your mattress and really maximize your spend. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Get a mattress protector: At a relatively affordable price – especially in comparison to the value of your mattress – it is well worth the spend. A mattress cover can protect your mattress from stains. It also adds an extra layer so your mattress protector will absorb much of the wear and tear for the beginning, leaving your mattress intact.
- No more bouncing on the bed: Children love to bounce on the bed, but you should try your best to stop that practice. Jumping on the mattress will only weaken the mattress fibers quicker.
- Don’t eat or drink in bed: The stains and damage caused by food and drinks can damage your mattress.
- Keep pets out of your bed: This can be tough for many people, but animals in the bed add more damage to the mattress, especially if your pet sheds or wets the bed.
- Vacuum the mattress: A mattress with bed bugs or allergens is a lost cause. Vacuuming it regularly can help keep the mattress cleaner, longer.
- Rotate or flip the mattress regularly: Lumps, bumps, and sagginess happen much quicker when the mattress is never moved. Shifting it around will give the mattress fibers a break.
Most Common Mattress Types
Here is a look at some of the most common types of mattresses on the market and how durable they really are.
Innerspring Mattress
An innerspring mattress is one of the most common for one simple reason: it’s the most affordable. Unfortunately, it also wears out much quicker than other types of mattresses. You may not get a full 7 to 10 years of comfortable sleep out of an innerspring mattress.
Memory Foam Mattress
This mattress material is designed to hug and support the body very snuggly. It makes you feel as though you are sinking into it, but it is actually supporting your back and spinal alignment and are one of the best mattresses for side sleepers. These mattresses tend to be costlier but are usually very high quality. Designed to last a full 7 to 10 years and provide quality sleep the entire time, a memory foam mattress is a great choice.
Gel Mattress
Hot sleepers will love a gel mattress. Designed to cool the heat naturally absorbed as you sleep on your mattress, a gel mattress can help hot sleepers stay cool and fresh all night. These mattresses have a lifespan even higher than the standard at about 10 to 15 years.
Latex Mattress
This is a natural bedding choice for eco-friendly buyers. It is ideal for retaining some heat to keep you warm and molds to your body, like memory foam. The real advantage here is that a latex mattress has a lifespan of about 12 to 20 years.
Waterbed Mattress
Waterbeds were all the rage in the 80s, but they tend to offer very little in the way of support. The soft nature means you are constantly bouncing as you move. The longevity is not quite seven years, so it may not be the best purchase if you’re looking for a long-term solution.
Pillow Top Mattress
A pillow top mattress comes with its own built-in protector. It adds several inches of thickness to absorb your movements. This is a durable mattress that tends to cost a little more but should give you a solid 10 years of comfortable sleep.
The Bottom Line
When it comes time to buy a mattress, be sure to take your time. Try out different mattresses, research the pros and cons of each one, and pick the one that is best suited to your needs. When you are buying a mattress, make sure there is a reasonable return period without any string attached.
If you are not sure which mattress is right for you, go to your local mattress store and try a few out for yourself. You won’t know what suits you best until you try it out. Be sure to keep your budget in mind, but try to think long-term, too. Is it worth it to save some money today, only to find yourself sleeping uncomfortably in a year from now?
Never make a rash decision when it comes to choosing a mattress. Make a list of your top priorities when it comes to choosing a mattress and head to the store to start your process of elimination. And remember, once you have selected that perfect mattress, take all the necessary steps to protect it for as long as you can!
