Your mattress is the focal point of your bedroom and the most important feature for a restful sleeping space. There are several critical factors that will come into play when deciding how often to replace your mattress.
A brand-new mattress may not be right for your needs, while even an aged product can give you a satisfying night’s sleep if it’s properly cared for. Learn more about how to calculate the life span of your mattress properly, so you can determine whether it’s time for a replacement.
How Mattresses Age
The most common rule of thumb for mattress replacements is seven to ten years. However, some low-quality mattresses will start to feel uncomfortable after just a few years, while high-end products can last 10 years or more. There are many factors that come into play, so it’s usually best to look at indicators other than age when you’re deciding whether to replace your mattress.
Some variables that will affect how your mattresses ages are:
- How often it’s slept on
- How many people sleep on it
- Size of the mattress
- Weight and body type of the bed’s occupants
- Mattress care
- Mattress quality and construction
Evaluating the Mattress
If you’re thinking about replacing your mattress, the first thing you should do is give your current bed a close examination. Are there visible signs of wear and tear, such worn corners or torn fabric? Does it have a dented frame or obvious coil damage? Can you feel lumpy spots or areas where the mattress is sagging?
A twin mattress typically sees even wear due to its constrained size. Full mattresses wear more evenly as well. However, if you have a queen mattress, a king mattress, or a spacious California king mattress, there may be entire surface areas that have virtually no wear alongside deep grooves that supported the weight of your body on a daily basis for years.
Mattresses that support two sleepers may have two distinct grooves with a raised area in the middle that’s less worn, or they may have a deeper sag in the center that’s difficult to climb out of. Sleeping habits play a big role in how mattresses wear down over time. If the mattress is no longer smooth and supportive, it’s time to start thinking about a replacement.
Considering Your Sleep Habits
How do you sleep at night? Do you rely on sleep aids just to reach La La Land, or do you fall asleep easily on your own? Do you wake up feeling refreshed and rested, or are you perpetually stiff and sore? While your mattress isn’t necessarily at the root of your sleep problems, it is a major factor you should look into if you’re not sleeping well.
If you find you sleep better on the couch, in a hotel, or at a friend’s house than you do in your own bedroom, this is a big indicator that your mattress may be the cause of your sleepless nights. This goes for your partner as well. If there’s more than one person sleeping on the mattress, it’s important to consider both people’s comfort levels. If you or your partner can’t sleep comfortably on your mattress, you should start thinking about a replacement, no matter how new it is.
Determining Personal Needs
Everyone’s sleep habits and needs are different. A teenager might find the minimal support of a futon perfectly acceptable, while even a quality twin mattress would feel confining to an adult with a larger build. There are several different mattress sizes available, so you should make sure you’re sleeping on one that accommodates you and your partner comfortably. If you’re too confined or even feel your sleep area is too expansive, you should look into a bed that’s better suited to your needs.
The common mattress sizes available in most stores are:
- Twin Mattress: 39 inches x 74 inches
- Full Mattress: 54 inches x 74 inches
- Queen Mattress: 60 inches x 80 inches
- King Mattress: 76 inches x 80 inches
- California King Mattress: 72 inches x 84 inches
Your body size isn’t the only factor that comes into play. Age and health are significant variables as well. If you have arthritis or a similar condition, you may be more sensitive to the quality of your mattress. Mattress needs can change over time. Though your bed may still be in fine condition overall, you might find that a new mattress is better suited to your current situation.
Making Your Mattress Last
A new mattress is a big investment. Make sure your purchase lasts as long as possible by caring for your mattress properly. Use these tips to make your mattress last longer.
- Rotate your mattress 180 degrees every three months. If you have a double-sided mattress, flip it over as well.
- Choose a box spring with a center support to prevent sagging in the middle.
- Keep children from jumping or playing on the mattress, putting unnecessary strain on both the mattress and box spring.
- Wash your sheets regularly to prevent dust and dander from settling and making their way into the mattress.
- Put a zipped mattress protector around your mattress to keep dust, dirt, and dander out.
With proper care, you can extend the life span of your mattress to make this important sleep investment last as long as possible.
Evaluate your mattress carefully before you opt for a replacement. Age alone isn’t a proper indicator. Instead, consider all these signs that will let you know when you need a new mattress.
