Your first step to a good night of sleep is having the right mattress. You can’t expect to sleep well if you have an old mattress! We know, the big question is, “How often should you replace your mattress?” Knowing when to replace a mattress isn’t always easy, and that’s mostly because all mattresses are different.
Not only do you need the right mattress for you but you need to take care of your mattress — all so you can get a good night of rest. Sleep is important to both your physical and mental wellbeing and one way to ensure a good night of sleep is to get your mattress in order. Here’s how to know when it’s time to replace your mattress.
General Guidelines for When to Replace Your Mattress
Even if you love your mattress, you can’t keep it forever. So how long does a mattress last? All mattresses have a lifespan, and while this amount of time can vary, the average mattress will last about five to 10 years (though it can last up to 15 if it’s memory foam or 20 if it’s latex). If your mattress is within that range, here’s what else to consider that might mean it’s time to replace your mattress.
Is it negatively affecting your sleep? Your sleep can be affected by a lot of things, and an old mattress is one of them. Hopefully, you’re rotating your mattress from time to time, but after a few years, even rotation won’t save your mattress. If you find yourself having a hard time getting comfortable at night or waking up sore in certain areas (hips, neck, etc.), it might be because your mattress is too worn out and you’ve slept some lumps into it.
Is it more squeaky than it used to be? That also might mean it’s time to change your mattress. The springs, as they get older, will squeak more, which is essentially their way of letting you know it’s time to toss it and get a new one.
Do you feel like you’re waking up congested or are experiencing allergy-like symptoms? That could be due to your mattress! As mattresses age, they collect dust and particles from the air, which can make it harder for you to breathe. You can try cleaning your mattress first, but if the problem persists, it might be time to replace it.
Considering what type of mattress you have, you’ll know about how long it should last. Just remember that the average life of a mattress is five to 10 years, with a maximum of 15 or 20 for certain types. So if you’ve had your mattress for longer than that, it might be time for a new one.
What Factors Influence How Long a Mattress Lasts
A few things can affect the lifespan of your mattress. First of all, the quality of the mattress has a large impact on how long it’ll last. Investing in a mattress made with quality products should mean it would last you longer than a cheap mattress. How well you take care of your mattress will also make a difference. If you’re gentle with it and clean it, it can last you a little longer.
You, yourself, also make a difference in how long a mattress lasts. Mattresses that are slept on by heavier people tend to wear out faster, simply because of the weight. That being said, if you invest in a mattress designed for a higher weight limit, it will be sturdier and it can last you longer.
Your pets can also make your mattress wear out. We know you might love having your dog sleep in bed with you, but those nails can do some damage. If your pet isn’t careful and likes to dig or scratch at your mattress, that can cause damage that will break down the mattress and make it wear out faster.
When to Replace Different Mattress Types
- Memory Foam: Memory foam mattresses last a little longer than those with springs. However, the dense foam will still eventually start to break down. You’re looking at up to (at best) 15 years with a high-quality memory foam mattress that you really took care of. You’ll know it’s time for a new one when the foam isn’t springing back into shape like it used to or if the foam feels like it’s breaking down. When that time comes, check out the best memory foam mattresses.
- Latex: Latex mattresses, similarly, can last quite a bit of time. If you’re asking yourself, can a mattress last 20 years? If it’s latex, yes it can. Some high-quality latex mattresses can last for 15-20 years, with some people claiming they’ve had them longer, but 20 years should be the absolute maximum. Like with most mattresses, signs of it breaking down will signal you that it’s time for a new one. You’ll find inconsistencies in the texture of the mattress or a loss of shape. You can shop our favorite latex mattresses here.
- Innerspring: These mattresses usually wear out the quickest. They have a lifespan of about five to 10 years, depending on the quality. Higher-quality springs and construction can last longer, but if you start to notice your bed is squeaking or sleeping unevenly, it might be time for a new one. These are our favorite innerspring mattresses.
- Hybrid: Because hybrid mattresses are all a little different and contain both foam and springs, their lifespan can vary. Typically a hybrid mattress will last up to 10 years if it’s made well. The coils are what usually wears out faster than other materials, and similarly to innerspring mattresses, that’s what you’ll feel worn out. When you’re ready to shop for a new hybrid mattress, make sure you take a look at the best hybrid mattresses.
How Can You Make Your Mattress Last Longer?
Yes, you can extend the lifespan of your mattress! You just have to take care of it. Here are some things you should always do (or not do).
- Use a mattress protector: Mattress protectors are designed for exactly that — to protect your mattress. Put one of these on as soon as you bring home a new mattress and keep it a little safer from stains, allergens, rips, and more.
- Keep your pets out: This one’s up to you, but it can help keep your mattress in better condition if your pets aren’t sleeping on it with you. Instead, get them a cozy bed on the floor beside you.
- Keep your sheets clean: If your sheets are dirty, your mattress pad will get dirty, which means your mattress will get dirty. Keep your sheets clean so that the dirt and allergens won’t collect and transfer to your mattress.
- Rotate it: Rotate your mattress frequently so that your weight distribution won’t always be in one place. You don’t need to do this too often — you can do it every couple of months should suffice.
- Follow manufacturer instructions: Those pesky mattress tags actually have some useful info on them. Look to see if there are care instructions provided and use them! The manufacturer will tell you how to take care of the mattress, including cleaning and frequency of rotation or flippling.
- Be gentle with it: The harder you are on your mattress, the more quickly it will wear out. Maybe keep jumping on the bed to a minimum.
- Get the right bed frame: First of all, you should have a bed frame. Second of all, get one that’s going to properly support your mattress so that there’s no extra stress on it anywhere.
Is It Worth It to Get a New Mattress?
The first thing to consider when looking at new mattresses is how old your current mattress is. If you have a memory foam mattress that’s only five years old, chances are, you don’t really need a new one. If you’re not sleeping well on it, though, your solution might be a mattress topper to change the firmness.
If your mattress is on its last legs and has been with you for years, it might be time for a new one. Though buying a new mattress can be tricky — especially if you’re ordering online without trying it first — you’ll most likely sleep better on a new mattress. It will take some time to break in, but new mattresses will cut down on allergens, joint pain, and other sleep issues that are related to worn-out mattresses. When you’re ready to start shopping for a new mattress, we can help you. We’ve tested numerous beds on the market to make your mattress shopping experience as easy as possible. Find our reviews here.
Final Thoughts
You came in wondering, “How often should you change your mattress?” and hopefully we’ve given you some insight on that. With daily use, a mattress is, of course, going to start to wear out. You can extend the lifespan of your mattress by a little bit by taking care of it, but eventually, there will come a time when it needs to be replaced. Depending on the type of mattress you have, that may be after five years or it might be after 20. Fortunately, mattresses come in a large variety of price points, so if you’re on a budget, you should still be able to find a quality mattress you can afford.
