Many different types of mattresses on the market promise to give you a good night’s sleep. From memory foam mattresses that can help to relieve pressure points to innerspring mattresses which provide more generalised support, there’s something for everyone — no matter your requirements.
Having a decent mattress is essential for your physical and mental well-being. If your bed is comfortable and your body weight is supported properly, the better your sleep quality will be, and this can help with a wide range of physical and mental disorders.
But even if you have the best mattress that money can buy, nothing lasts forever, and there will come a time when it’s no longer doing its job as effectively as it should be. Like most things, mattresses need replacing from time to time. But you might be wondering when is the right time to trade on your old mattress for a new one.
In this article, we’ll reveal how often you should change your mattress, the factors that can affect your mattress’ lifespan and how you can extend it, and how to tell when you need to replace your mattress. We’ll also explain what can happen if you don’t replace your old mattress and go through the benefits of getting a new one.
How often should you change your mattress?
If your mattress isn’t showing signs of wear and tear, you might think there’s no need to replace it. However, even if it seems in good condition, it’s recommended that you change it for a new one every six to eight years.
Different types of mattresses have different shelf lives, though, with ones made from natural materials like durable latex having the potential to last much longer, and depending on how well you look after your mattress, you may also be able to extend its shelf-life.
Continue reading to find out whether it’s time you changed your mattress.
When should the different types of mattresses be changed?
How often a particular type of mattress needs to be changed depends on the quality of materials used to make it and how well it’s cared for. But to give you an idea of when yours is due for renewal, we’ve described some of the most common types of mattresses and given their typical lifespans below.
Hybrid mattresses
A fusion of innerspring and foam mattresses, hybrids are usually made up of a base layer of foam, coils in the middle, and another layer of foam on top.
A hybrid mattress will usually need to be replaced every five to ten years.
Innerspring and pocket coil mattresses
Thanks to their coil support systems, innerspring and pocket coil mattresses distribute body weight evenly, making them ideal for all sleeping positions.
An innerspring or pocket coil mattress will last approximately five to seven years, but it can last more than ten if it’s two-sided, as it can be flipped over to distribute wear and tear more evenly.
Memory foam mattresses
These types of mattresses are made from a foam material that moulds to the contours of the body.
A memory foam mattress typically lasts for ten years, although it can last up to 15 if it’s looked after properly.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are a combination of latex foam and either springs or reflex foam. The result is a supportive and durable sleep surface. However, the extent of its durability depends on whether the latex is natural or synthetic.
You can expect a synthetic latex mattress to last between five and ten years, while a natural latex mattress won’t usually need to be replaced for 15 to 25 years.
What factors can affect the lifespan of your mattress?
The lifespan of your mattress can be influenced by several factors, including:
Children and pets — Sharing your bed with pets and children can put extra strain on your mattress and reduce its lifespan.
Maintenance — As with most things, the better cared for your mattress is, the longer it is likely to last. We’ll go into some of the measures you can take to improve the lifespan of your mattress in the next section.
Mattress materials — As mentioned above, the durability of your mattress will differ depending on the materials that have been used to make it.
Weight of the sleeper — Most mattresses are designed to support the weight of the average human body. Therefore, if a mattress is supporting a heavier body, the mattress will likely begin to sag sooner.
What can you do to make your mattress last longer?
If you take good care of your mattress, you may be able to prolong its lifespan. If you’ve recently bought a new mattress, it’s a good idea to take the below measures to ensure it stays in pristine condition for longer.
Clean and air your mattress regularly
While it’s best to clean your mattress according to the manufacturer’s instructions, most mattresses will benefit from a quick vacuum to get rid of dust mites and dead skin cells.
For a deeper clean, try sprinkling on some bicarbonate of soda to soak up moisture and odours, and then vacuum it up after a couple of hours.
To air out your mattress, strip off the bedding and open your bedroom windows for ventilation. This will reduce the build-up of dust and moisture. Go a step further by placing the mattress in direct sunlight so that the UV rays can kill the bacteria.
Flip your mattress
If your mattress is two-sided, try flipping it every six or 12 months to evenly distribute wear and tear and increase its chances of staying comfortable for longer.
Take note that not all mattresses need to be flipped, though. Some have a sturdy bottom layer with a softer top, so be sure to check this before you flip it.
Prevent damage
If your mattress is made with springs, keep it upright when you’re moving it about so you don’t damage them.
Children jumping up and down on the bed can also damage coils and other components, so it’s not a good idea to let them do this.
You should also ensure that your bed base is supportive enough for the type of mattress you have. Finally, pets should be kept off the bed to minimise weight and eliminate damage caused by claws or teeth.
Protect your mattress
A mattress protector is a great way to protect your mattress from spills, sweat, dust, and debris. They can be easily machine washed and are relatively inexpensive to buy.
If you can afford to spend a little more, consider a mattress topper, which does the same job as a protector but adds an extra layer of comfort.
Rotate your mattress
Although only certain mattresses can be flipped, most can be rotated, so consider doing this every three to six months. Again, wear and tear will be distributed more evenly and lumps and bumps will level out.
Bear in mind that if your mattress has specific areas that support different body parts, you won’t be able to rotate it.
How can you tell when you need a new mattress?
You’ll know that your mattress needs replacing if it’s showing signs of wear and tear, such as yellowing in colour, sagging or lumps or coils that can be felt through the fabric. However, there are some other signs to look for that could indicate it’s time to get a new mattress. Some of these include:
A change in your sleeping habits, such as waking up more often during the night or choosing to sleep in the spare bed due to discomfort
Increased back pain
Noisy springs
Stiff or achy muscles or joints when you wake up
Worsening allergies or asthma due to a build-up of dust mites and bacteria
You can feel your partner moving, indicating that your mattress has lost its motion transfer reduction capabilities
You have a better night’s sleep in another bed
You’ve gained weight, or you now sleep next to a partner or pet, which can make an older mattress less comfortable
What can happen if you don’t replace your mattress?
In general, older mattresses are less comfortable than newer ones. Depending on the severity of the discomfort, this can have a negative impact on your health.
As well as causing muscle, back and joint pain, an uncomfortable mattress can result in a lack of sleep, which has been linked to several other health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Older mattresses are also more likely to contain dust mites, which feast on dead skin skills and excrete them, which can worsen symptoms for people with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions.
What are the benefits of replacing your mattress?
Changing your old mattress for a new one has many benefits, including:
Better sleep quality — Not only are there health benefits to getting a good night’s sleep, but it can also improve your mood and productivity
Fewer aches and pains — An old mattress that sinks in the middle puts increased pressure on your spine, causing shoulder, neck, and hip stiffness, as well as back pain
Fewer allergic reactions — Newer mattresses contain fewer dust mites and other allergens
Less motion transfer — A new foam or hybrid mattress can reduce motion transfer so that when your partner moves around in bed, you won’t be woken up
Summary
Having a decent mattress is essential for your physical and mental well-being. If your bed is comfortable and your body weight is supported properly, you’ll get a better night’s sleep, which can help with a wide range of physical and mental disorders. By keeping an eye on your mattress for wear and tear, and by cleaning and protecting your mattress, you can prolong its lifespan.
But even if you have the best mattress that money can buy, there will come a time when it needs to be replaced. The lifespan of your mattress can be influenced by several factors, such as children and pets, how well you maintain it, what materials it’s made from and how much weight you put on it. Replacing your old mattress with a new model will help to ensure a good night's rest while protecting you from potential back pain and stiff joints.