Sleeping is a necessity. There are a lot of body functions that only happen when a person is asleep. One of the main things one can do to ensure proper sleep is to get a comfortable mattress to enjoy resting in.
Mattresses should be replaced every seven years, 5 to 6 years for heavier or very active sleepers, and models with poor-quality materials. They can last up to 20 years with infrequent use, quality design, and durable materials.
Different Factors That Influence Your Mattress’ Longevity
The durability will depend on the materials used by the manufacturer. There are low-quality foams that tend to have short lifespans. These are foams that become saggy over short periods.
Some are firmer than others. The wrong foam and spring combination can create a stiff bed, contributing to higher chances of lower back pain. (Source)
Children. If children use the mattress, there’s a higher chance that it will wear off faster. If children frequently play on the bed, there’s a higher chance that the springs and foam will get deformed more quickly.
Care And Maintenance
You can always prevent, or slow down, the wear with proper care. Rotate it every 2 or 3 months. You can also schedule it for cleaning with professionals who do deep mattress cleaning.
Pets. Having pets at home may mean more dirt on it more often than you’d like. Pets can scratch or pee on the bed, leaving it damaged and stained.
Size and Weight of the Person Using The Bed. Mattresses are like clothing items; you need to find the one that best suits you. The weight will influence the rate at which it will deteriorate.
Why You Should Change Your Mattress Every 7 Years
The period you will have to change it will vary depending on its use. But it would be best to replace at an average of at least every seven years.
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A well-maintained or a new one will allow you to have improved sleep. Multiple clinical trials show how having new ones can significantly improve the sleep quality of individuals.
Changing it every seven years will also reduce your chances of acquiring body pain in your sleep. Worn-out mattresses can cause back pain and even stiffness in the neck, which can be painful for some.
The purpose of your bed is to support your body in your sleep to prevent bone and muscle soreness.
Research shows that Latex models absorb weight and pressure better than cheaper polyurethane models. It means better sleeping posture and fewer disruptions during use. (Source)
Reduce Motion Transfer
Another reason you should change it every seven years is to reduce motion transfer. Worn-out ones can transfer motion from one side of the bed to the other.
When a partner on one side changes their position or moves during their sleep, the person on the other side of the bed will also feel this movement through the foam. It can become a disruption if one is a light sleeper.
Can A Mattress Last 20 Years?
Durable models can last up to 20 years but not without proper care. The longevity still depends on how it is used and maintained.
A high-quality model with plant-based memory or latex foam has a high chance of lasting longer than an average mattress (read more about when to replace memory foam models last in my article here).
You can also use coil pockets to prevent springs from moving. It also helps the springs respond better to pressure, and movement.
Should I Replace My Mattress After 10 Years?
It will help if you consider replacing your mattress after ten years. The average lifespan for is only eight years.
Most mattress companies, though, offer a warranty for an average of 10 years. But some brands make it a selling point to provide their customers with more extended warranty periods like 15 to 20 years.
On rare occasions, companies even offer a lifetime of warranty coverage.
How Do I Know If My Mattress Is Worn Out?
There are many tell signs to know if it is wearing out. How it is used and maintained will determine if your bed will wear out quickly. Let’s discuss some signs.
When It Is Seven Years Old
The maximum time you should use your mattress is eight years, after which your mattress may not serve you efficiently then.
Some can start to make more noise over time due to damage in the innerspring. Ultimately, the springs hold the foam and the shape of the bed together.
They can lose their original shape over time. If you start to see saggy parts and damage in your mattress, it may be time to dispose of it (my tips for how to fix sagging here).
Some worn-out mattresses become stiff on uneven parts. It makes it less helpful in creating better sleep.
When Experiencing Body Pains
If it is starting to give you back pain, muscle pain, or joint stiffness, it’s also a good indicator that your mattress is already wearing out.
Another sign is if you start having more allergies and asthma, the more time you spend in bed. It could indicate loose portions in your mattress or parasites in your bed (my 5 tips I use to eliminate odors here).
Allergies are usually a sign of a bed bug infestation on your bed. Most infestations can cost you not only financially but also psychologically. (Source)
Remember that you use it to get proper sleep. If your mattress no longer serves this purpose, then it’s time to let it go.
What Happens To A Mattress After 10 Years?
Mattresses usually start to wear out after ten years. After this period, it will begin showing signs of deterioration. Some of these signs would be evident in the shape of the bed. At this point, the foam may be deformed.
It will also start showing signs of stiffness of the springs, which makes the mattress harder and more painful to use.
In some cases, the springs may penetrate the outermost layer and can start to poke the person who will lie down on it.
People who use old mattresses can also start to develop allergic reactions. It is from dust mites, sweat, dead skin cells, and other parasitic elements that may already be present.
In severe cases, people can develop asthma and other respiratory issues because of the dirt accumulated.
Prolong The Life Of Your Mattress
One of the best ways to protect your mattress is to keep it covered with a protective pad. This way, any dirt or stain will not go directly to your mattress and into the foam inside it.
A mattress protector is a sheer type of layering material that wraps tight around the mattress. It helps in preventing bed bugs from penetrating your bed.
There are available toppers in the market called Hygienic Wood toppers (read more about my thoughts on if toppers are worth using here). These toppers can prevent house dust and allergen load. In most cases, using hygienic wood toppers reduces allergic issues. (Source)
Another item that you can use is a pad that you can use on the top part to prevent damage to the foam instead.
Replace Your Mattress Appropriately
Flip your mattress as much as possible. It will ensure you’re using up all sides and even the pressure on the foam.
If you have the budget for it, schedule your mattress for regular deep cleaning to keep dust mites and bed bugs away.
Even with all precautionary measures and maintenance care, you should change your mattress every seven years. This way, you get the most out of your sleep and rest time.
Sources
- Kovacs, Francisco M. Ph.D., Abraira, Victor Ph.D., Pena, Andres MD, Martin-Rodriguez, Jose Gerardo MD, Sanchez-Vera, Manuel, Ferrer, Enrique Ph.D., Ruano, Domingo Ph.D., Guillen, Pedro Ph.D., Gestoso, Mario MD, Muriel, Alfonso MSc, Zamora, Javier Ph.D., del Real, Maria Teresa Gil & Mufraggi, Nicole MD “Effect of Firmness of Mattress on Chronic Non-Specific Low-Back Pain: Randomised, Double-Blind, Controlled Multicentre Trial” Accessed June 2022 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673603147927
- Chua, Matthew Chin-Heng Ph.D., Low, Fan-Zhe, Lim, Pan-Yin & Yeow, Chen Hua Ph.D. “Effects of Mattress Material on Body Pressure Profiles in Different Sleeping Postures” Accessed June 2022 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1556370716300116.
- Gwira Baumblatt, Jane A., Dunn, John R., Schaffner, William, Moncayo, Abelardo C., Stull-Lane & Annica & Jones, Timothy F. “An Outbreak of Bed Bug Infestation In An Office Building” Accessed June 2022 https://www.jstor.org/stable/26330012
- Koburger, Torsten, Pitts, Deike & Kramer, Axel “Results of A Field Study On The Influence Of HygienicWood Mattress Toppers On The Number Of Mites in Bed Dust And The State of Health of People With House Dust Mite Allergies” Accessed June 2022 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2951107/.
