Sleep is one of the most essential things the human body needs, and your mattress helps to support the process.
How often are you supposed to change your mattress? Every homeowner will ask this question at least once in their life.
Let’s discuss the factors that let you know when to start looking for a new mattress.
How Often Are You Supposed to Change Your Mattress?
It can be helpful to have a general guideline to know when to replace your mattress, especially if you don’t inspect it regularly.
With all of the different mattress materials on the market, there are different lifespans for each.
Innerspring (10+ years)
When it comes to finding mattresses that last a reasonable length of time, innerspring mattresses are a great option.
Traditionally, they have coil support systems built within that help to distribute your weight.
One of the most significant benefits of innerspring mattresses is that they don’t show as much wear and tear as others.
On average, innerspring mattresses last up to 10 years with daily use.
However, you can prolong their lifespan by flipping the mattress over from time to time.
Since the coil system is integrated into the bed, you should get the same support on both sides and double its use for an additional five to 10 years.
Latex Mattresses (20+ years)
Latex mattresses are not as popular as some of the other varieties, but they last quite a while.
A standard latex mattress can last up to 25 years, if not longer, and many come with extended warranties.
Latex mattresses are unique in that they are available in organic or synthetic versions.
You will find that the synthetic varieties are likely to last slightly longer than organic models.
On the other hand, organic latex mattresses can be significantly more comfortable and healthier to use.
Memory Foam (15+ years)
One of the more popular types of mattresses is memory foam.
These types come in various styles with an array of densities depending on the support you need.
You can easily find memory foam mattresses that let you sink into the material, while other options keep your back supported.
The primary factor that determines how long memory foam mattresses last are their densities.
More dense memory foam mattresses are likely to last longer, as they are thicker and more durable.
A typical memory foam mattress can last up to 15 years with adequate maintenance.
Like innerspring mattresses, you can also flip memory foam over the years for equal use on both sides.
Another great idea is to consider rotating it so that there is an even distribution of wear at the top and bottom.
Pillow-top (8+ years)
Pillow-top mattresses are often regarded as some of the more luxurious on the market.
With their extra plush padding on the top, they can be a wonderful option for those requiring added comfort.
However, they do not have as long of a lifespan as other materials. What’s more, you can’t flip them over to extend their use.
Pillow-top mattresses feature a thick layer of plush padding on top of the springs that feel like sleeping on a cloud.
Just below the surface, there are several springs that help distribute your weight.
Unfortunately, these springs push through the bottom of the mattress, which makes it impossible to flip over.
Also, once you have worn away the plushness of the pillow-top, they can be pretty uncomfortable to sleep on.
These mattresses are not likely to last more than eight years with regular use, but this number also depends on the manufacturer.
Hybrid (6+ years)
Hybrid mattresses are very appealing for people who love innerspring and memory foam beds.
As a combination of both, they often have a high-quality coil support system paired with two layers of foam.
You will find one layer of foam underneath the mattress as well as a second layer on top of the coils.
They are pretty comfortable to sleep on, as you have the support of the coil system plus the plushness of memory foam.
Still, as you sleep on the mattress nightly, the foam is bound to wear down and become flatter over time.
Unfortunately, this also occurs to the foam on the underside of the mattress, which makes it useless to flip.
Although they can be comfortable for several years, you will most probably have to replace hybrid mattresses more often than other types.
On average, you can expect to be on the hunt for a new one every six years.
How to Know If Your Mattress Is Old
You might be surprised to see that your mattress feels comfortable well beyond its life expectancy.
The above timelines help give you a general idea of when to replace your mattress, but every model differs.
Instead of following the general time-frames, it can be beneficial to inspect your mattress to know if and when it needs replacing.
Here are tell-tale signs that you should be scouting for a new one:
1. Your mattress feels like it is sagging
One of the first indicators that it is time to start saving for a new mattress is when you feel your body sagging at night.
You might find that your torso feels like it is elevated more than the bottom half of your body or vice versa.
This indicator means that the wear on your mattress is uneven, with one half sinking in more than the other.
Over time, sleeping on an uneven surface can cause your spine to feel misaligned.
You might begin to notice lower or upper back pain and an increase in headaches and general soreness.
As soon as your mattress starts to feel like a thick hammock, you will know it is time for a replacement.
2. The mattress no longer supports your sleeping position
Everyone has an optimal position that they enjoy sleeping in, whether that be on their back, side, or stomach.
When you first purchase your mattress, you will find that it helps to support your ideal sleeping position.
Over time, the mattress will wear down, making it more challenging to fall asleep.
When sleeping on your back or stomach, your spine should maintain its natural “S” curvature.
On your side, your spine should feel straight from your neck to your tailbone to ensure adequate support.
If you begin to notice your body feels misshapen when you sleep, it might just be your body telling you that a mattress replacement is necessary.
3. Your body feels sore and stiff in the morning
It is normal to feel like you need to have your morning stretch as soon as you wake up.
However, if your body feels sore and stiff beyond your regular stretching, there’s a good chance your mattress is causing distress.
Every morning, it could feel like you have pulled a muscle or that a specific area of your back feels tense.
As mentioned, your mattress is likely to change its shape the more often you use it, especially if you move around in your sleep.
If you find you feel sore after buying a new mattress, the reason could be the type you have chosen.
For example, sleeping on a mattress that is too firm can cause significant discomfort in the mornings.
It is essential to test different mattresses to find the ideal amount of support that your body requires.
If you are unsure, an excellent recommendation is to try a medium-firm mattress that provides optimal comfort.
Medium-firm mattresses are also a great option for people prone to chronic back pain.
4. Your allergies have started to get worse
Mattresses are incredibly comfortable because of the materials used to manufacture them.
On the downside, these materials are usually plush and tend to attract allergens like dust mites.
The longer you keep the same mattress, the more these allergens get trapped in the materials.
Even with a sheet on top, you are likely breathing in the microscopic particles that could be affecting your respiratory system.
It is a great idea to consider regularly vacuuming and cleaning your mattress to help remove as many allergens as possible.
However, the longer you use the same mattress, the more likely you are to wake up with a stuffy nose.
5. You’ve begun to feel more co-sleeper movements
Two people using the same mattress are bound to cause more wear and tear over the years.
With a new mattress, you likely won’t be able to feel your partner shift around in their sleep.
However, the more you wear the mattress down, the more apparent these movements will be.
If you are waking up in the middle of the night from your co-sleeper moving around, you’ll know that the mattress support is worn down.
Also, if you find that you have to continually adjust your position, it might be because you don’t have enough support.
The older your mattress is, the poorer its motion transfer becomes, which can affect your quality of sleep.
Final Thoughts
If you’re asking how often are you supposed to change your mattress, the answer depends on age and use.
Obviously, the more you use it, the faster it is going to wear down, especially with two sleepers.
In line with this, it is essential to pay close attention to how your body feels in the morning to decide if it is time for a replacement.
