How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress + 10 Signs It’s Time

A mattress older than 7 to 10 years should be replaced as soon as possible. An often suggested time frame to replace your mattress is every eight years; however, this is based on practicing good mattress care and if you haven’t, you may need to replace your mattress sooner. 

You can always replace your mattress every eight years but there are some signs that can occur at any age that signal it’s time to replace your mattress. If you find that your mattress is displaying any of the following 10 signs, you need to replace your mattress soon.

1. You Wake Up Tired

If your new BFF is the snooze button on your alarm it is probably time for a new mattress. Mattresses begin to break down over time giving you less and less restful sleep. When this happens, you will begin to need more sleep to feel fully rested.

2. Your Allergies Are Bothering You

If you wake up every morning with sniffles, a stuffy nose, or a sore throat but it gets better as the day goes by, you may need a new mattress. After a time, your mattress collects allergens like dust, dust mites, and mold causing people with allergies problems.

3. Your Mattress Sags

When your mattress is old the fibers, fillings, foams, and coils of the mattress no longer support you as they once did. The lack of support causes the mattress to become unstable and sag. Once you can notice a sag, you should consider buying a new mattress.

4. Your Muscles are Sore

Upon awakening, your body should feel refreshed and replenished. If you wake up and feel like you were in a boxing match, your mattress is on its last legs. These aches and pains occur because the mattress is no longer able to provide relief to pressure points.

5. You Feel Pressure on Your Spine

Feeling pressure on your spine? Daily use of your mattress has broken down the comfort-creating materials of your bed making it harder to find a comfortable position for your back. When this happens, the bed will create more pressure points on your body.

6. You Can’t Get to Sleep

Being unable to sleep at night means that your mattress is no longer serving your needs. While lack of sleep might be caused by a health problem, if this has been ruled out, try out a new mattress and see if you sleep better.

7. Your Weight Has Changed

Significant changes in weight can alter the comfortability of your mattress. Heavier people tend to need a different level of sleep support to get a good night’s rest. This is why your mattress needs should be revisited when you have significant weight change. 

8. You Notice Every Movement

An aging mattress will start to lose many of the features that made you fall in love with it. Motion isolation and absorption are some of those features that start to go making it harder for you to stay asleep when your sleep partner moves while sleeping.

9. Your Mattress is Old

The average lifespan of a mattress is seven to 10 years but can vary depending upon the materials used to construct your mattress. For example, memory foam mattresses last up to 15 years, while hybrid mattresses last 6 years or less. 

10. Your Mattress is Noisy

An audible sign that your mattress has become old and needs replacing are squeaks and creaks. Once your mattress or box spring begins to make noises, it can be time to start shopping for a replacement.

What Causes a Mattress to Deteriorate

To ensure that your mattress lasts a long time you should avoid a few things. Things like a weak base, food and drink in the bed,  jumping or bouncing on the bed, and forgetting to maintain the bed should be avoided. If you avoid these things your mattress will last longer 

Having A Weak Base

Not having proper support for your mattress is the number one cause of premature deterioration. To have proper support you should either use the recommended box spring or a bed frame with lots of slats. The more slats the better the weight is distributed.

Eating or Drinking in Bed

It can be hard to resist a snack in bed but it’s important to try. Eating and drinking in bed not only invites bugs but is also responsible for stains and allergen accumulation. To keep your bed in its best condition, avoid eating and drinking in bed.

Jumping or Bouncing in Bed

Jumping on the bed can have disastrous effects. While your bed might not break due to the bouncing, every jump puts undue strain on your mattress. When you jump on the bed extra force is exerted taking years off your mattress’s life.

Neglecting Proper Maintenance

The basics of proper maintenance for a mattress is rotating or flipping, vacuuming, and cleaning stains as they appear. By taking the time to perform proper maintenance you prevent issues like mold or mildew buildup as time goes on.

How Can You Keep Your Mattress in Good Shape?

If you want to keep your mattress in good shape you need to ensure that you follow 10 rules of good mattress care. These rules allow your mattress to last longer, saving you the expense and time of buying a new one. 

Do

1. Use a supportive base.
2. Always use a mattress protector.
3. Regularly wash bed linens.
4. Rotate and flip the mattress quarterly.
5. Vacuum mattress once a month.
6. Deodorize your mattress regularly.
7. Encase your mattress in plastic when moving.

Don’t

1. Don’t allow pets in bed.
2. Don’t jump or bounce on the bed.
3. Don’t eat and drink in bed.

When Are the Best Times to Buy a New Mattress

If you need a new mattress and are looking to get the best deal there’s always a sale around the corner. No matter what time of year it is there is always a sale going on for mattresses because mattress companies are always competing with each other. If you’re looking for the best times to try here’s a list. 

How to Dispose of a Mattress

Once you’ve upgraded yourself to a new mattress, it’s time to dispose of the old one. There are many ways to get rid of a mattress; however, the most popular ways to do so are:

• Bulky waste pickup
• Charities that accept mattresses
• Junk removal services
• Specialty mattress removal companies

If you find that your mattress is displaying a few of the signs that it’s time to replace your mattress then you should start shopping for a new one. Make your mattress shopping journey easier by trying out SleePare’s mattress comparison tool today.