How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress? Is a New Mattress Worth the Cost? Update 12/2024

A good night’s rest is essential to a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Our bodies and minds are unable to repair and replenish themselves if we don’t get a good night’s sleep.

Mattress comfort is one of the most important aspects of a good night’s sleep. Few other products have the potential to have such a profound impact on our well-being and contentment. As a result, it’s critical to choose the greatest mattress possible and to change it in accordance with professional recommendations. However, when is the right time to buy a new mattress?

Mattresses should be replaced every six to eight years under typical circumstances.

That being said, it’s important to keep in mind that this isn’t a universal solution. When it’s time to get a new mattress, a number of things come into play.
How often should you replace your mattress? - Chiropedic

If one or more of the following is true, you should replace your mattress:

  • It’s at least 6-8 years old.
  • It’s interfering with your slumber.
  • In some places, it appears to have been destroyed or saggy.
  • There’s a noticeable increase in noise level (noisy springs are common in old innerspring mattresses).
  • It’s been my experience that when I stay in hotels or friends’ residences, I get a better night’s sleep.
  • You notice a rise in allergies and/or asthma symptoms.
  • You wake up with stiffness in your muscles or joints on a regular basis.

Essentially, if your bed isn’t allowing you to get a good night’s sleep anymore, it’s time to change it. To be honest, there’s no definitive method to tell whether it’s time for a new bed, but if you’re considering one, you should probably make the purchase sooner rather than later.

Factors Influencing Mattress Lifespan

Several elements determine a mattress’s lifespan. For example, a cheap $250 mattress will degrade much more quickly than a more expensive mattress, such a $1,000 one. Guidelines for mattress replacement are affected by a number of different circumstances.

Choosing the right mattress material can have a significant impact on how long it lasts. All-foam and innerspring mattresses of lower quality are more likely to sag and leave body impressions over time, making them less durable. Although hybrid mattresses are susceptible to these difficulties, they tend to be more lasting because they are generally advertised as higher-end options and are manufactured with better materials. In terms of longevity, only latex mattresses can compete with latex, with a lifespan of up to eight years.

There are a few reliable methods for gauging how long something will last, depending on its composition. Look for lower gauge coils in innerspring and hybrid mattresses (which means thicker coils). Look for higher foam densities in mattresses with foam (1.7+ PCF for polyfoam, 5+ PCF for memory foam) when purchasing a mattress. And last but not least, make certain that the latex you’re purchasing is made from natural rather than synthetic sources.

A mattress will live longer if it is properly maintained and cared for, just like any other product. The manufacturer’s recommendation is to rotate your mattress every three months or so and to use a mattress protector.

The weight and size of the person sleeping on the mattress have an impact on how quickly it degrades, as does the weight and size of the person sleeping on it. Mattresses may sag more quickly for heavier sleepers, whilst lighter sleepers would have less of an effect. Additionally, a mattress for two people is likely to wear out sooner than a mattress for one person, as the two people share the mattress.

Pets and children – If you have pets or small children sharing your bed, you should expect to have to replace your mattress more often than normal. Pets and children are more likely to soil the mattress due to the additional weight they carry.

Is a New Mattress Worth the Cost?

Investing in a brand-new mattress is a substantial financial commitment.

Absolute answers are virtually always given in most circumstances. A good night’s sleep can affect everything from your mood to your energy levels to your general health. Replacing your old mattress may provide you with the following advantages:

In a 2009 peer-reviewed clinical experiment, new mattresses considerably enhanced the trial population’s sleep quality while also reducing both back pain and their subjective perception of stress. The majority of people who buy a new mattress say that their quality of sleep has improved as a result of the purchase.

You may be waking up in the morning with aches and pains all over your body because of a mattress that is too soft or too firm. Sagging in older mattresses means that your spine is less likely to be properly positioned as you sleep.

Better Sleep: Older mattresses are more likely to transfer motion from one side of the bed to the other. This means that having a companion that moves positions during the night might be a source of sleep deprivation for both of you. It’s easier for couples to enjoy a good night’s sleep on a new mattress, especially an all-foam or hybrid model.

Dust mites, mold, germs, and other allergens proliferate in old mattresses at an alarming pace. Mattresses had the highest concentration of dust mites and other allergens of any household item, according to a short study by the National University of Singapore. If you’ve seen an increase in the severity of your allergy or asthma symptoms, it’s possible that your mattress is to blame.

While it’s tempting to save money by sticking with your current mattress, for the majority of individuals, it’s worth it to upgrade. Remember that you’ll spend around a third of your life in bed, and there’s no better way to invest in your own health than to guarantee that you get a good night’s sleep.
How often should you replace your mattress? - Advice by mattressella.com

When to replace your mattress?

Replace when you notice signs of wear and tear.

Mattresses that show obvious indications of wear and tear should be replaced. Broken springs, rips, tears, or holes in the mattress cover; crumbling or cracking foam; and holes or leaks in an air mattress are all examples of this condition.

Replace if you start having allergies or problems related to asthma.

Another indication that it’s time to get a new mattress is an increase in allergy or asthma problems. Even if you regularly vacuum and clean your mattress, it will continue to collect dead skin, body oils, and moisture, which attracts dut mtes that feed on dead skin cells. The average worn mattress contains between 100,000 and 10 million dust mites, which can trigger allergic reactions in some people and worsen asthma symptoms for others. This is according to an Ohio State University study. Mold and mildew can form on a mattress that absorbs oil and moisture from your skin. You should replace your mattress if you notice any black patches or moldy or musty odors.

Replace when the springs become noisy.

If your mattress starts to squeak, it’s a sign that the innersprings aren’t working properly because they’re supposed to cushion and cradle the sleeper without generating noise. It is a warning that the coils are beginning to decay and may break, sag, or snap if you hear squeaks and creaks. To tell if your mattress needs to be replaced, look for springs peeking out of the cover. As the coils in the box spring begin to deteriorate, they may make noises and squeaks. As the coils in your mattress wear down, you may begin to hear or feel the movements of your companion more frequently than before.

Replace if you consistently wake up stiff and sore.

The support and alignment of your spine that a good mattress provides will help you sleep better and be healthier in the long run. Your mattress should be replaced if you wake up stiff and sore, with unexplained aches or sensations in your back, sides; neck; knees; and shoulders. To see if this is the case, try spending a night in a different bed. Sleeping better in a hotel or someone else’s home may mean it’s time to shop for a new mattress.

Replace when you don’t feel rested after waking up.

If you wake up exhausted and foggy after a night of tossing and turning, you may have an aging mattress. It is well-known that a good night’s sleep is difficult to come by if your mattress is too saggy. A new mattress should be purchased if you notice any troughs or dips in your current one. The mattress’s foam and other cushioning may have changed or degraded, preventing you from finding a comfortable sleeping position, thus it’s time for the mattress to be replaced.

Replace if you’ve experienced a significant change in weight.

It is important to note that the weight of the people who sleep on a mattress has a significant impact on the mattress’s lifespan. If you sleep on a mattress weighing 250 pounds or more every night, it may wear out faster than the average 7 to 10 years, according to Dr. Jonathan S. Kirschner, MD, RMSK, of New York City’s Hospital for Special Surgery. Changing your weight might also effect how long your mattress lasts because it will alter how it conforms to your sleeping posture. If you find yourself no longer able to sleep well after gaining or losing weight, it may be time to invest in a new mattress.

Replace when your mattress noticeably sags.

It’s not good when you start to lose your energy. While a mattress will naturally adjust with your body weight and sleeping position over time, drooping areas that inhibit good spinal alignment are a warning that you need to replace your mattress. Heavy sleepers may experience the “hammock effect,” or sagging, sooner; persons who sleep on their sides may see sagging patches around the hips and shoulders, as well. Sagging can be prevented by rotating your mattress head to foot every six months. As a reminder, the majority of mattresses on the market today cannot be turned from top to bottom.

How to Make Your Mattress Last Longer?

A mattress that has been properly cared for and maintained will last much longer than one that has not. The TLC should begin at the time of purchase and installation: It’s best to start with an excellent-quality mattress and make sure you’ve got the proper foundation in place. There are mattresses that don’t require a foundation or platform, such as standard innerspring versions, while others, such as memory foam or latex foam mattresses, are denser and heavier.

Give your mattress some TLC after you’ve set it up. You may extend the life of your mattress by covering it with a high-quality mattress protector. You’ll be able to keep your mattress free of body oils, perspiration, skin debris, dust mites, mold spores, and other nasties if you do this. A mattress’s lifespan can be extended by routinely changing the sheets and airing out the mattress, as well as cleaning and vacuuming the mattress on an ongoing basis. To avoid stains and spills, don’t eat or drink in bed. A longer-lasting mattress can be achieved by preventing pets from sleeping on the bed and children from using it as a trampoline.

Use a mattress protector.

Mattress coverings made of crackly vinyl are a thing of the past. In today’s mattress protectors, foam padding or fiberfill batting can be added to the mattress to improve comfort and extend the life of the mattress. To keep them from absorbing body oils, sweat, dead skin cells and dust mites, they’re usually made of moisture-resistant fabrics that can help repel spills and stains. Today, many mattress coverings are made to cover the entire surface of the mattress. Zippers are commonly used in these encasement covers so they may be taken out and cleaned as needed.

Place it on the right box spring or foundation.

It is critical that you get the proper base to support your new mattress because different types of mattresses require different bases. These days, the most popular mattress foundations may be adjusted to raise or lower the head or foot portion of the mattress, and some even have heating and massaging features built in. In contrast to standard innerspring mattresses, foam and hybrid mattresses often require a firmer, more supporting foundation or platform.

Following manufacturer guidelines and purchasing the suitable foundation for your mattress is critical. Even while foundations and mattresses are typically offered together, the foundation may last longer than the mattress.. The foundation should also be checked on a regular basis for symptoms of wear and strain, such as warping.

Inspect the mattress every 6 months.

Do not wait until you get a sharp pain in your back or a broken spring to evaluate your mattress for wear and tear. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning and inspecting your mattress periodically, but you should do so at least once every six months. Keep an eye out for any drooping or bumps that can indicate wear and tear. As a bonus, move the mattress from head to foot while you’re at it to avoid uneven pressure points.

How often should you replace your mattress? - Advice by mattressella.com

Keep pets off the bed to prevent chewing or tearing.

Many people enjoy snuggling with their pets while they sleep, but it’s typically not a good idea to allow your pets to sleep on the bed itself. Anxious or bored animals could damage or tear the bedding by chewing or clawing at it. This is especially true for younger and older dogs. Instead, invest in a high-quality pet bed and leave the cuddling for another time and place.

DO NOT jump on the mattress!

It’s no secret that jumping on the bed as a kid was a lot of fun, but it can decrease the life of your mattress and put your children at risk from a fall! It’s not a good idea to jump on the bed since it puts a lot of pressure on a tiny area of the mattress and foundation. Jumping on the bed can cause the coils to decay and the base to break or distort over time, resulting in inappropriate mattress wear. The trampoline is the place to do your leaping!

FAQs

Do you know how to detect if your mattress is in need of an upgrade?

It is inevitable that the materials in your mattress will break down with time. However, a variety of variables must be taken into consideration, like the wearer’s weight, how often they use it, and many more. Before making a decision, consider the quality of the sleep it provides, the condition of the mattress, and the experiences of others who have slept on it.

What does it signify if I’m able to get a good night’s sleep everywhere but at home?

Definitely, this is a sign that you need to get a new mattress. Your current mattress may be to blame if you sleep better in other places, such as hotels or the houses of your friends and family members.

Is it necessary to turn my mattress?

Since you don’t want your pillow top on the bottom of the bed, many modern mattresses cannot be flipped like old-fashioned models. Instead, they are constructed with materials that must be on top and cannot be flipped. Make sure to verify the terms of your warranty to determine whether you can get a refund. You may extend the life of your mattress by rotating it every six to eight months.

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