If you sleep about 8 hours per night, you’re spending 56 hours per week in your bed! That’s more than the standard 40-hour workweek! While mattresses are built to last a long time, they do eventually become less comfortable and supportive. Since you spend so much time recharging on your mattress and it plays a big role in your sleep health, it’s important to replace your mattress when it reaches the end of its lifespan. But when is that exactly? How long does a mattress last?
How Long Does a Mattress Last?
There isn’t a hard-and-fast rule for how long you should keep a mattress. A mattress’s lifespan depends on many factors, including the quality of the mattress, the type of mattress, how the mattress is protected, and how often it’s used. In addition, different companies and organizations have differing views on how long mattresses last:
- With proper care, Consumer Reports states that a mattress can easily last 10 years.
- The Spruce advises that innerspring mattresses generally last at least 7 to 10 years, and memory foam mattresses may last up to 15 years.
- According to SleepFoundation.org, mattresses used under normal conditions should be replaced every 6 to 8 years.
Clearly, opinions vary regarding the right time to replace a mattress. If your mattress is past its prime, it’s important that you regularly make note of its condition and your sleep quality.
Symptoms of a Mattress in Need of Replacement
Since mattresses don’t come with expiration dates, you’ll need to keep an eye on your mattress and your sleep quality to determine when it’s time to replace your mattress. You may need to retire your mattress if you notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- You often wake up feeling tired or achy.
- You wake up with pain in your neck, shoulders, or back.
- Your mattress looks or feels saggy or lumpy.
- You seem to get better sleep in hotel beds or friends’ guest bedrooms.
- Your spring mattress squeaks. (Note: Sometimes this just means the bolts need to be tightened!)
- You wake up with allergy symptoms (watery eyes, runny nose, a headache, etc.).
- Your mattress has begun to smell.
- You’re tossing and turning more than usual. You find it difficult to get comfortable in bed.
In addition, because the body tolerates less pressure as it ages, you should also consider replacing your mattress if you’re over the age of 40 and your mattress is over seven years old.
How to Extend the Life of Your Mattress
A quality mattress is an investment. To ensure that yours lasts as long as possible, follow these tips:
- Purchase a mattress protector to shield your mattress from bacteria, debris, and contaminants.
- Rotate your mattress every two months or so. Move it 180 degrees, so the head is at the foot.
- Purchase a bed frame with a center support. Your mattress needs support to support you!
- Don’t allow your kids to use your bed as a trampoline.
- Avoid eating and drinking in bed.
- Vacuum your mattress regularly.
- Wrap your mattress in a protective covering when moving to a new house.
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Is it time to replace your mattress? Visit Beautyrest Sleep Gallery. At our locations in Springfield and Branson, Missouri, we provide an extensive selection of top-quality mattresses, including Beautyrest®, Serta iComfort®, Tempur-Pedic®, and Scandinavian Sleep Systems. A family-owned and -operated business that supports local charities, Beautyrest Sleep Gallery offers free local delivery and setup as well as a Best Price Guarantee. Shopping for a new mattress can be overwhelming, but with our wide variety of mattresses and expert sales staff, we can put your worries to rest. To get started, please visit us in store or explore our mattress selection online.