How Long Should Your Mattress Last? 7 Signs You Need to Replace It

A good night’s sleep is essential to your health and well-being, and your mattress is one of the most important components.

But just how long does a mattress last, and what are the signs it’s time to replace it?

We’ll go over the average life expectancy of mattresses and what to look out for, from visible wear and tear to changes in sleep quality.

How Long Should a Mattress Last? 

A mattress’s lifespan can vary based on these factors:

• Material: The material, including latex and memory foam, affects the durability of a mattress. Generally speaking, this is often determined by construction and the materials used.
• Quality: Mattresses made using better materials and more skilled craftsmanship tend to have a longer life compared to their cheaper counterparts.

• Usage: How you use a mattress has a big impact on how long it will last. A mattress slept in every night is going to wear out much faster than one used only occasionally in a guest room.
• Care and Maintenance: With appropriate care, a mattress can last for several years. This includes cleaning regularly, flipping the mattress, and using a mattress protector.

General Guidelines

The average lifespan of most mattresses is between 7-10 years, but this is just an estimate. Some high-quality mattresses will last up to 12 or more years with good care.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Mattress

1. Visible Wear and Tear

One of the most obvious signs of a mattress that needs to be replaced is visible wear and tear. Examples of this include:

• Sagging: Over time, a mattress starts sagging or develops an indentation at the place you have been lying at for the longest period. This sagging indicates that the supportive underlying skeleton has broken down.
• Lumps and Bumps: If the mattress has started lumping up or bunching during use, that shows an internal change has occurred within the materials that makes the surface uneven.
• Tears and Holes: Physical damage includes tears, holes, or frayed ends, which can compromise the mattress for failing to provide adequate support appropriately.

2. Waking Up Sore or Stiff

If you wake up with aches, pains, or stiffness, your mattress may not be supporting you. With time, this worn-out support due to the use and aging of mattresses is lost, and you start feeling discomfort caused by your body’s natural alignment.

3. Increased Allergies or Asthma

Old mattresses become dusty hideouts for dust mites, mold, and other allergens. If you have noticed an increase in allergy symptoms or asthma attacks that seem to line up with times that you’ve spent in bed, your mattress may be contributing to these issues.

4. Lousy Springs

For innerspring mattresses, squeaky springs are an obvious sign of having worn out. If your mattress creaks with every movement you make on it, then that’s a sure sign that the springs have given in and can no longer function properly anymore.

5. Difficulty Sleeping

Ironically, mattresses can sometimes become the exact reason someone cannot sleep. If you have eliminated stress and lifestyle changes, your mattress may be the problem.

6. Feeling Hot at Night

If you are overheating at night even with breathable bedding, it could be due to your mattress’ materials breaking down over time. Older mattresses eventually lose their ability to conduct temperature.

7. Better Sleep Away From Home

Do you sleep better at hotels or friends’ houses than at home? This could be an indicator that it is time to replace your mattress.

What does a Mattress Warranty Cover?

Your mattress warranty can help you decide when it is time for a replacement. It may cover the following:

• Defects in Materials: Most warranties cover defects in materials or workmanship related to the performance of the mattress.
• Sagging: Most warranties will also specify a certain depth of sag, often around 1.5 inches, that must be attained before coverage applies.
• Exclusions: Warranties generally do not cover ordinary wear and tear. It’s important to look into the fine print for what the warranty covers.

Replacing Your Mattress

Replacing your mattress is a very important step toward better sleep and overall health.

If you pay attention to these 7 signs of wear and tear, you can find the right time to invest in a new high-quality mattress that supports your well-being.