Waking up feeling rested and rejuvenated sets up your day to be productive, with energy to tackle whatever comes your way. The quality of your mattress has a big impact on how well you sleep – no surprises there! From supporting your body and personal preferences, a good mattress should be comfortable enough that you doze soundly to sleep
However, no good thing can last forever. Over time, even the best mattress will start to wear. A saggy middle, noisy springs and nightly flares of asthma and allergies may be some of the signs that it’s time to invest in a new bed.
How long do mattresses last? & How often should you replace your mattress?
Spending an average of a third of each day supporting the weight of one or more sleepers, your mattress will begin to wear out over time. Factor in a cup or so of sweat per adult, plus shed skin cells, dirt and bacteria (as well as the occasional accidental liquid spill or stray snack crumbs) and keeping it clean becomes a mission, too.
Some are ready to be recycled after 7-8 years , while others can squeeze out a good 10 years of comfort. With that said, there’s a few things that can make your mattress wear quicker.
Things that can impact the lifespan of your mattress
From the type of mattress you buy to the room it lives in, there are a number of things that can make your mattress wear out sooner rather than later. These include:
- Materials. You can expect different materials to have varied lifespans. From innerspring to foam and latex, different mattresses will need to be cared for in distinct ways to ensure you get the most out of them.
- How you use the mattress. Do you have extra sleepers? Do you have the right base for your bed? How you use and care for your mattress will ultimately affect how long it lasts you.
- Maintenance and care. Getting the most out of your mattress comes down to how well you look after it. Depending on the type of mattress you have, you may have the option to rotate or flip your mattress every six months or so to spread and pressure more evenly and avoid concentrated areas of sagging or weakness. Always make sure to check the carers guide to ensure care specific to your mattress.
Signs you need a new mattress
At the end of the day, it’s all about supporting you for a great night’s sleep. If you’re waking up tired, stiff and sore, you could probably do with a mattress upgrade. Other signs that your bed may be past its due include:
- Unpleasant odours emanating from the mattress (usually due to build up of bacteria)
- If you are sensitive towards pollen or dust mites and have started to see a triggered increase each time you go to bed.
- Lumpy or squeaky springs
- Crumbling, sagging or soft foam
- You and/or your partner toss and turn all night trying to get comfortable.
Find a mattress that will last
The first step to buying a good mattress is to understand your needs and preferences. Considering that your bed is likely the most-used piece of furniture in your home, and is directly responsible for helping you get a restorative sleep each night, it makes sense to invest in a high-quality option.
B Next up, think about what a comfortable night’s sleep looks like for you. Are you a side, back or tummy sleeper? Do you like a medium or medium-firm mattress, or do you prefer something a little more cushy? Keep all of these things in mind when looking for your new mattress.
Size is another important factor. Couples mattresses in queen or king sizes give room for bed sharing partners to snuggle or sprawl as they like. Furnishing a small room? A double bed may be ample for the single sleeper, while children are usually quite comfy on a single or king single size mattress.
Let’s recap – How often should you replace your mattress?
There’s a few reasons your mattress can start hampering your ability to get a great night’s sleep, but the bottom line remains the same: If your mattress is causing you discomfort, it’s time to get a new one. Splash out on a quality mattress for enhanced sleep and go for an option that is tailored to your sleep needs. Your health and wellbeing is worth the investment!
How often should you replace your mattress? is a feature post
