When Should You Replace Your Mattress?

A good night’s sleep is an important contributor to good health and wellness. But if you find yourself tossing and turning at night or waking up feeling sore, you may find that your mattress is to blame! Over time, even the best quality mattresses will start to decline – meaning that the support and comfort they used to provide is a thing of the past. This will often lead to a decline in your sleep quality, so it can be really useful for you to know when to replace your mattress.

However, it can be easy to think that once you’ve invested in a quality mattress, you’re set for years to come. But that won’t always be the case. If you’ve been experiencing poor sleep lately, you may be asking yourself – ‘should I replace my mattress?’. Well, let’s find out!

The Lifespan of a Mattress

The Sleep Foundation recommends that a mattress should be replaced every 6-8 years. However, there are many factors that go into the specifics of that and will determine the right lifespan for you. So, if you’re wondering when to replace your mattress, we’re going to go into the key factors that will influence this decision.

What About if They’re Not Used Daily?

You may be thinking, should I replace a mattress if it’s not used daily? However, even if you have a guest bed that isn’t used regularly, it can still collect dust and bacteria. So it’s important to bear this in mind when considering your mattress replacement times.

When to Change a Child’s Mattress

Another thing to note here is the lifespan of a child’s mattress, as you may find that you need to replace their mattress more frequently – regardless of the signs we will outline below. Your child will often start out with a crib mattress before moving onto their toddler bed; many mattresses can be used for both. But as they age, they’ll often need a single mattress before moving onto a queen as they progress into their teenage years. So, focusing on their size and comfort is key here.

8 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Mattress

So now you know more about the lifespan of a mattress, you may be feeling more informed. But how do you know when the right time to change it will be? We’re now going to detail the signs to look out for!

1. Your Mattress is Over 7-10 Years Old

As we have seen, the lifespan of a mattress can vary depending on the type and quality, but most should be replaced every 7-10 years. Over time, the materials break down, which leads to less support and comfort. If your mattress is approaching or exceeding this age range, it might be time to consider investing in a new one.

2. You’re Waking Up with Aches and Pains

If you consistently wake up with stiffness, soreness, or back pain, your mattress may no longer be providing the necessary support. A sagging or uneven surface can misalign your spine, causing, discomfort and long-term issues. If you know you’re no longer comfortable when you sleep, it could be a sign it’s time for a replacement.

3. There’s Visible Sagging and Indentations

Another really clear sign that your mattress may be worse for wear is how it looks! One of the most obvious indications will be the visible signs of sagging or deep body impressions in the mattress. As the materials in your mattress begin to compress and lose resilience, the surface of your mattress can become uneven. This is going to contribute to the lack of support and comfort you get and cause poor sleep posture.

4. You’re Experiencing Increased Allergy Symptoms

Over time, older mattresses can accumulate dust mites, mold, and allergens. So even when it’s not allergy season, your mattress could be triggering allergies and respiratory issues. If you’ve noticed that you tend to wake up with a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, or increased sneezing, your mattress could be the culprit. This means it might be time to replace your tired old mattress with a newer, more allergy-resistant model!

5. You’re Tossing and Turning at Night

If you experience difficulty staying asleep at night or you’re constantly changing positions, this is a huge clue. It’s likely to mean that your mattress is no longer giving you the level of support you need to sleep well. When your mattress loses responsiveness, it can become a lot harder to find a comfortable sleeping position. This means it will likely disturb your rest more frequently. Replacing your mattress might be the logical next step here!

6. You Sleep Better Elsewhere

Have you recently had an overnight stay at a hotel, on vacation, or even at a friend’s house? If you noticed that you slept a lot better elsewhere, it can highlight just how poor your old mattress has become! Clearly noticing a difference in how comfortable your own bed is in comparison to another really highlights the contrast in sleep quality that you had elsewhere. This is often a super strong indicator that your mattress no longer fits the bill!

7. You Have Noisy Springs or Creaking Sounds

If your mattress has springs and you hear creaking or notice increased motion transfer, this is another sign that it could be time for a change. Excessive noise and creaking might mean that the internal structure of your mattress has begun to break down. This will mean that it’s not only uncomfortable but that you might be disrupting the sleep of your partner too.

8. Your Sleep Partner is Affected

On that note, if your partner complains, it might be time for you both to invest in a new mattress. It might be that you are both aware of the discomfort, noticing a lack of space, or even experiencing motion transfer. But sharing a bed should be comfortable for you both. If your old mattress is negatively affecting the sleep quality for both of you, it’s time to replace your mattress!

The Benefits of Buying a New Mattress

When you’ve figured out that your mattress might have seen better days, you may be thinking about investing in a new mattress. But perhaps you’re wondering if the expense will be worth it?

There are many benefits to replacing your mattress, such as:

Better Quality Sleep

The biggest reason is an improvement in your sleep quality. Many people report having a better night’s sleep after buying a new mattress. If you want to sleep better, get more rest, and feel more energized, this is the biggest reason to replace your mattress.

Less Aches and Pains

As we have seen, older mattresses can cause aches and pains. If you regularly wake up feeling stiff or with aches and pains, it’s a sign that your mattress may need replacing – especially if you can see visible signs of sagging and wear.

Less Motion Transfer

One of the best benefits of replacing your mattress is less disturbance! If you regularly wake because your partner is moving, a new mattress will help with this. New mattresses, particularly when made of foam or hybrid mattresses, will transfer less motion – helping you both get a better night’s sleep!

Improved Allergies

Finally, if you have noticed that your allergies tend to be a little worse, you should find that this improves when you replace your mattress. If your mattress is older, there may be trapped dust mites or bacteria causing your allergies to flare up. A new mattress can resolve this issue for you.

Choosing the Right Replacement Mattress With Wolf Mattresses

When you’re looking to replace your mattress, it’s important to factor in a range of different options that will help you to make the right choice. Firstly, it can be all about preference. But you also need to factor in how you sleep, your body type, and whether you’re looking for specific features, such as pressure relief, cooling technology, or motion isolation.

Ultimately, a comfortable and supportive mattress is essential for restful nights’ sleep. If you have begun to notice any of the signs above, it may be time to replace your mattress. Upgrading to a new mattress can enhance sleep quality, reduce pain, and contribute to better overall well-being.