If your mattress is so worn that you can literally fold it in half, chances are that you have had it for far too long. Sure, there are many pieces of furniture that can last for decades, and even be handed down from generation to generation, even beds. The same cannot be said of mattresses.
They do wear out, and you will need to buy at least three or four new mattresses in your lifetime, if not more.
How Long will Your Mattress Hold Up?
There are several things that can determine how long a mattress will last. One of the biggest factors is the original quality of the mattress in the first place. But, keep in mind that no matter what the quality, once it is old and wearing out, there is no going back and you will need a new one.
Our bodies change as we age, and we need different amounts of support during our lives. It may be that what you need now is not what you needed when you first bought your mattress, and you should think about getting something new that has the amount of support you need.
Other factors that determine the lifespan of a mattress include:
- Wear and Tear – You will likely replace your kids’ mattresses more than you do your own. Kids have a tendency to like jumping on the bed, which is not good for any mattress.
- Maintenance – You need to take care of your mattress, or it won’t last nearly as long as it should. Make sure that you clean it regularly (with a damp cloth and soapy water), and let it air dry. Also, it should be turned regularly to keep it from getting permanent indentations.
- Body Weight – Heavier people will likely need to replace their mattresses more often than those who weigh much less. This is because the more weight on the mattress, the more it is going to decline over time.
How do You Know when it’s Time for a New Mattress?
There are several signs that will let you know it is time to get a new mattress. One of your first hints should be if there are any changes in your sleeping patterns. If you are not sleeping as well as you used to, it could be that the mattress is no longer giving you the support your body needs. The problem is, sometimes we get so used to our beds that we don’t even realize that they are the cause of our sleeping issues, and discomfort in the morning.
There are several signs that you might need a new mattress and/or box spring/foundation. These include:
- Waking up in the morning with stiffness, joint pain, and/or numbness
- You find yourself sleeping better in another bed, or even on the couch
- Visible signs of wear and tear (sagging, rips and tears, holes, stains, other damage)
- You wake up tired, even after sleeping all night
- Your mattress is more than seven years old
Choosing a New Mattress:
When the time comes to buy a new mattress, there are several factors to consider. After all, you want a quality mattress that is going to be comfortable and provide just the right amount of support, and you want to last for at least six or seven years. Here are some things to consider before you go out and buy a brand new mattress.
- Support – The first thing to look at is the amount of support a bed offers. We all need different levels of support, and what is comfortable for one person is not right for another. If you prefer a bouncy bed, get one that has an innerspring. If your preference is extra-firm, you might be interested in a memory foam mattress. If you like buoyance, a mattress made with natural latex is a good option (expensive, but can last for several years longer than the average mattress). Another option is an air-filled vinyl or rubber chamber mattress, which lets you customize the firmness.
- Manufacturer – When it comes to a quality mattress, you really do get what you pay for. But, don’t limit yourself to just looking at mattresses from the top advertised brands. There are some great mattress brands out there that you may have never even heard of. Take your time, and do your research on the various brands and what they have to offer.
- Style – There are several mattress styles to choose from. Ultimately, the style you choose will offer just the right amount of support for your back, neck, shoulders, hips, and legs. Look at support, materials used, coils, springs, foams, etc. Go into a few stores and give different mattresses a test ride to see how they feel. You really won’t know if you like a mattress until you try it.
- Lifespan – It is important to choose a mattress that is going to last. Typically, mattresses give you lots of support for about six or seven years. While some people do wait 10 or more years to change their mattresses, seven years is a good rule of thumb. Look for a mattress that has a lifespan of at least seven years.
- Warranties – Any good mattress will come with a minimum 10-year warranty against any manufacturer defects. But, keep in mind that there is a lot of fine print in most warranties, and you may find that if there is a problem that it is not covered under the warranty. Make sure that there are at least 10 years on it, and read all of the fine print before making any purchase. You don’t want to end up having to spend money on a new mattress less than seven years after buying one.
Conclusion
If your mattress is more than seven years old, it may be time to start looking for a new one. It will really depend on how you feel when you wake up after sleeping on your current mattress. Only you will know when it is time to go out and buy a brand new mattress, but to be on the safe side, try to make the switch at least every 10 years.
