How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?

6 to 8 years

But when should your mattress be changed? Mattresses should be changed every 6 to 8 years under typical circumstances. Of course, this is only a general recommendation and not a fix-all method. When you should replace your mattress depends on a number of things.

Quick Answer

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One of the most crucial elements of human health is sleep.

Without sufficient sleep, our bodies are unable to recover and regenerate, and our minds find it difficult to process emotions and retain memories.

The comfort of your mattress is one of the most important aspects of having a good night’s sleep.

Few other goods have the power to impact our health and happiness in such a profound way.

Therefore, it’s crucial to make the greatest mattress investment and replace it in accordance with advice from professionals.

But when should your mattress be changed?

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

Of course, this is only a general recommendation and not a fix-all method.

When you should replace your mattress depends on a number of things.

In general, if any of the following apply to your mattress, you should replace it:

Aged 6 to 8 years or more

It’s influencing your sleep badly.

There are obvious sags or deterioration in certain places.

More noise is being produced than normal (noisy springs are common in old innerspring mattresses)

You discover that you slept more soundly at motels, friends’ homes, etc.

You see an increase in asthma or allergies

You often awaken with tight joints or muscles.

Basically, if your bed isn’t allowing you to have comfortable sleep anymore, you should change it.

There is no certain method to determine when you need a new bed, but in general, if you’re considering one, it’s probably wise to spend money on one now rather than later.

Do You Really Need To Change Your Mattress Every 6 To 8 Years?

The mattress business often refers to the 8-year rule of thumb, however this is by no means the only factor to consider when determining whether to replace your mattress.

The lifespan of a mattress is influenced by a variety of factors, including the materials used, the standard of the initial construction, the number and weight of sleepers using the mattress, their preferred sleeping positions, and how well the mattress has been cared for.

Mattresses don’t have set expiration dates.

The 8-year number may get some support from a 2009 research that was published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine.

According to the study, “participants’ sleep quality dramatically improved with the replacement of the old sleeping surface.

The participants’ beds, which had an average age of more than 9 years, indicated that they had slept in them for an average of 3 years each.

The life of the support, structure, and comfort of the mattress as it pertains to sleep quality may be much shorter than generally imagined, despite the fact that mattresses and bedding surfaces are backed by extended warranties.

The kind of mattress you possess and the caliber of the original construction are two important elements that affect your lifetime.

Mattresses constructed of inferior materials often deteriorate more quickly than mattresses made of superior materials.

Additionally, different mattress kinds have various anticipated lifespans: Mattresses made of innerspring often last 5 to 8 years, whereas mattresses made of memory foam, regular foam, and hybrids typically last 6 to 8 years, air mattresses typically last 6 to 8 years, and latex mattresses typically last 8 to 12 years.

The longevity, however, is just that—an average.

You are the one who decides when to change your mattress, not the calendar.

In order to extend the life of your mattress, you should couple it with the right base, buy a high-quality mattress cover, frequently clean and maintain your mattress in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and check it for wear and tear every six months.

Pay attention to any indicators of wear and tear, particularly the quality of your sleep, loud or broken springs, obvious drooping or lumpy places, and so on: It could be time to get a new mattress if you routinely feel fatigued, sore, or rested in the morning.

In general, as your mattress becomes older, keep an eye out for the following warning signs that indicate it’s time to shop for a new mattress.

#1. Replace When You See Wear And Tear Indicators

You should replace your mattress if it shows obvious symptoms of wear and tear.

This includes holes or leaks in an air mattress, crumbling or cracked foam, broken springs protruding out of the top or side of the mattress, and rips tears, or holes in the mattress cover.

#2. Replace If You Begin To Have Allergies Or Asthma-related Issues

Another indication that it’s time to get a new mattress is a rise in allergy or asthmatic symptoms.

Your mattress will collect dead skin, body oils, and moisture no matter how often you vacuum and clean it, attracting dust mites that feed on dead skin cells.

An average worn mattress houses between 100,000 and 10 million dust mites, which may trigger allergic responses in many individuals and aggravate asthma symptoms, according to research from Ohio State University.

Similar to how a mattress may encourage the development of mold and mildew when it takes in oil and moisture from your skin.

Black patches and musty or moldy odors are clear indications that your mattress needs to be replaced.

#3. Replace When The Springs Start To Make Noise

The springs in your mattress should not squeak; properly functioning innerspring are intended to comfort and cradle the sleeper without producing noise.

The coils may really start to droop, split, or shatter as a result of squeaks and creaks, which indicate that they are beginning to deteriorate.

It’s time to get a new mattress if you see or feel springs protruding through the mattress cover.

As the box spring’s coils start to deteriorate, noise and squeaks may also originate from it.

Another sign that the coils are aging and your mattress is getting close to the end of its usable life is if you start to hear or feel your partner’s movements more often than previously.

#4. Replace If You Often Wake Up Sore And Stiff

A good mattress supports your body and helps keep your spine straight, which improves your sleep and benefits your general health.

It is a solid indicator that your mattress needs to be changed if you wake up stiff and painful, with undiagnosed aches or pains in your back, sides, neck, knees, or shoulders.

Spending the night on a different bed is a fantastic approach to verify this.

It could be time to get a new mattress if you sleep better at a hotel or someone else’s home.

#5. Replace When You Wake Up And Don’t Feel Rested

An old mattress may be the cause of your nightly tossing and turning and subsequent fatigue and fogginess.

Particularly renowned for keeping you from a restful night’s sleep are saggy mattresses.

It’s time for a new mattress if there are any obvious troughs or dips.

The foam and other cushioning in the mattress may have moved or deteriorated, and it’s time to replace the mattress if lumps or bumps prohibit you from reaching a comfortable resting position.

#6. Replace If Your Weight Has Significantly Changed

The typical lifespan of a mattress is significantly impacted by the weight of the person sleeping on it.

Heavier people tend to wear out mattresses more quickly.

Dr. Jonathan S. Kirschner, MD, RMSK, of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City claims that sleeping on a mattress with 250 pounds or more on it every night might cause it to age more quickly than the average 7 to 10 years.

Additionally, a major weight increase or reduction will alter how your mattress conforms to your sleeping position, which will also have an impact on the mattress’ longevity.

You should seek for a new mattress if you notice that after increasing or losing weight, you are no longer at ease in bed or are having difficulties obtaining a good night’s sleep.

#7. Replace When Your Mattress Starts To Clearly Sag

Sagging is not good.

Large valleys, dips, grooves, or drooping regions that hinder you from establishing good spinal alignment are an indication that you should replace your mattress.

Over time, your mattress will naturally start to adjust to your body weight and sleeping posture.

In addition, persons who regularly sleep on their sides may see drooping areas forming around the hips and shoulders.

Heavier sleepers may experience sagging, also known as the “hammock effect,” sooner.

Rotate your mattress often, going from head to foot roughly every six months, to avoid sagging.

Be aware that the majority of mattresses sold nowadays cannot be turned from top to bottom.

How to Extend the Life of Your Mattress?

Your mattress will last longer if it is properly maintained and cared for.

The TLC should start with the first setup and purchase: Start with a high-quality mattress and make sure it is supported by the appropriate base or foundation.

While certain mattresses, like those with typical innerspring, need a box spring, others, like latex or memory foam mattresses, are heavier and denser and need a sturdy platform or base.

Give your mattress some attention after it is set up.

Use a high-quality mattress protector to cover it so it stays clean and fresh for a long time.

Additionally, it will lessen the likelihood that body oils, sweat, dead skin cells, dust mites, mold, mildew, and stains may seep into your mattress.

Along with routine cleaning and vacuuming, frequent bed linen changes and occasional mattress airing may also help a mattress last longer.

To avoid spills and stains, avoid eating and drinking in bed.

Additionally, preventing dogs from sleeping on the bed and preventing kids from using the mattress as a trampoline may help your mattress live longer.

#1. Invest In A Mattress Protector

Mattress coverings made of cracked vinyl from the past are long gone.

Modern mattress protectors use foam padding or fiberfill batting to give a layer of comfort in addition to extending the life of the mattress.

They are often made of moisture-resistant materials that may assist repel liquids, spills, and stains as well as shield against the absorption of bodily fluids including perspiration, oils, and dead skin cells as well as dust mites.

Today, a lot of mattress coverings are made to fully encircle the mattress.

The majority of these encasement covers have a zipper so they can be taken off for routine cleaning.

#2. Put It On The Appropriate Foundation Or Box Spring

It’s crucial that you choose the right foundation to support your new mattress since various kinds of mattresses need different bases.

The most widely used and best-selling bases available today are adjustable, enabling users to modify the mattress’s position by elevating the head or foot region.

Some bases additionally have heating and massage features.

Foam and hybrid mattresses often need a firmer, more robust base or platform; as mentioned above, the majority of conventional innerspring mattresses are designed to be put on a regular box spring.

Always get the proper foundation for your mattress according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Despite the fact that the majority of foundations and mattresses are marketed together, the foundation may last longer than the mattress.

Additionally, you should routinely check the foundation for evident indicators of deterioration, such as warping.

#3. Every Six Months, Check The Mattress

Checking your mattress for wear and tear before you experience a broken spring pricking you or persistent backaches is a good idea.

Although some manufacturers advise washing and examining the mattress every three months, you should frequently clean and check your mattress at least once every six months.

Check for symptoms of aging, such as any apparent lumps or drooping.

In order to avoid your body weight causing dips and valleys, turn the mattress from head to foot while you’re at it.

#4. Pets Should Not Be Allowed On Beds To Avoid Gnawing Or Tearing

Although many people like cuddling with their dogs in bed, it is typically not a good idea to allow your animals lie down on the mattress.

Bored or agitated animals may chew or claw at the mattress, causing rips and tears.

Younger and older animals may have messes that may be extremely hard to clean.

Instead, invest on a high-quality pet bed and reserve the snuggling for another location.

#5. Avoid Leaping Onto The Mattress!

Everyone knows how much fun it was to jump on the bed as a kid, but doing so may significantly reduce the life of your mattress, not to mention putting your children in danger of a crash.

Jumping on the bed puts a lot of weight and force in a tiny space, and the foundation and mattress are not designed to withstand that kind of impact.

Jumping on the bed often may cause the coils to deteriorate over time and may cause the base to fracture or deform, which will affect how the mattress wears.

Use the trampoline for your leaping instead!

There Are Several Mattresses With Varying Degrees Of Durability

#1. Memorable Foam

Your memory foam mattress may last a wonderful, long time if you take proper care of it and rotate it regularly (as suggested).

A thick, supportive memory foam mattress composed of high-quality materials may last up to 10 or 15 years.

#2. Innerspring

Mattresses with innerspring typically last between 5.5 and 10 years.

However, if they are taken care of, maintained tidy, and, if flippable, routinely flipped over, they may survive even longer.

#3. Hybrid

If the foundation foam and coil system in these mattresses are made of high-quality materials, they should provide a decent degree of durability.

They typically survive between six and seven and a half years, however they may live longer with proper care.

#4. Latex

Customers may tolerate latex beds’ usually higher price tags since they typically endure a long time.

If you select the natural or organic latex type, they may be even more durable.

They may last as little as eight years, although they sometimes have long warranties that can run up to 25 years.

#5. Airbeds

These mattresses include air chambers that may be individually adjusted for comfort on each side or across the whole bed.

Some are also equipped with convenient remote controllers for this.

Despite being more expensive than other choices, they are renowned for their high-quality construction and longevity—they typically last at least eight years.

The major drawback of them is the sporadic equipment failure that may be costly to fix.

Mattress Lifespan Determinants

The durability of a mattress is influenced by several different things.

For instance, a quality mattress will deteriorate far slower than a cheap $250 one.

Key elements that affect recommendations for mattress replacement include:

Mattress Components – Your bed’s durability is significantly impacted by the materials used in its construction.

The shortest lifespans are often seen in lower-quality innerspring and all-foam mattresses since they are more prone to sagging and body imprints.

Hybrid mattresses are similarly susceptible to these problems, but since they’re often marketed as higher-end products and constructed with better materials, they typically last longer.

The longest-lasting mattresses are those made of latex, lasting up to 8 years.

There are a few reliable methods to forecast durability depending on the material.

Look for a lower coil gauge in innerspring and hybrid mattresses (which means thicker coils).

Check for greater foam densities in mattresses that include foam (1.7+ PCF for polyfoam, 5+ PCF for memory foam).

Last but not least, be sure to get genuine latex rather than synthetic.

Maintenance and Care – A mattress will last longer if you take proper care of it, just like any other product.

This entails using a mattress cover and turning your mattress about every three months (unless the manufacturer advises differently).

Sleeper Size & Weight – The weight of anybody who shares your bed with you as well as your own weight affects how quickly the mattress will wear out.

While lighter sleepers will have less of an effect, heavier sleepers may notice that mattresses droop more quickly.

Similar to how a mattress for two people would probably last longer than one for one person.

Kids & Animals – You’ll probably need to change your mattress more regularly if you share your bed with young children or pets.

In addition to the additional weight, children and dogs are more prone to discolor the mattress and/or cause damage.

Is a New Mattress Pricey Enough?

Is it worthwhile to spend a considerable amount of money on a new mattress?

Almost often, the response is “definitely.” Your sleep quality, which affects everything from your energy levels to your mood to your general health, may be improved with a new mattress.

The following are some possible advantages of a new mattress:

Improved Sleep – According to a 2009 peer-reviewed scientific investigation, new mattresses dramatically increased sleep efficiency and decreased trial participants’ felt stress and back discomfort.

The majority of people who possess new mattresses also say that switching to a new bed has enhanced their quality of sleep.

Reduced Aches & Pains – It’s likely that your mattress is contributing to any back, shoulder, hip, or neck discomfort or stiffness you have when you wake up.

Older mattresses have a tendency to droop in certain areas, reducing support and decreasing the likelihood that your spine will be correctly aligned.

Reduced Motion Transmit – Older mattresses have a tendency to transfer motion from one side of the bed to the other more strongly.

This implies that if your companion moves throughout the night, it may interfere with your sleep.

A new mattress, especially one made of all-foam or hybrid material, can reduce motion transmission and improve couples’ quality of sleep.

Reduced Allergies/Asthma – Dust mites, mildew, germs, and other allergens collect alarmingly quickly in old mattresses.

Mattresses have the largest concentration of dust mites of any home object, according to tiny research by the National University of Singapore, and older mattresses are also extremely likely to have additional allergens.

Your mattress can be partly to blame if you’ve noticed that your allergies or asthma symptoms have become worse.

While it may be tempting to save some money by keeping your current mattress, for the majority of individuals, it will be wise to update.

You will spend nearly one-third of your life in bed, so doing all you can to get good sleep is the best investment you can make in your health.