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Do I Need a New Mattress? - When to Replace Your Mattress

 
Mary Smith
By Mary Smith. April 27, 2021
Do I Need a New Mattress? - When to Replace Your Mattress

Knowing how often we should change a mattress is difficult. It involves many variables, but there is one important question we need to ask: is our mattress giving us the best night's sleep? Different people may want different things from their bed. This is why some people have a spring mattress, some want a latex mattress and others may prefer a memory foam mattress. When you have found the right mattress for you, you will need to monitor it over time to ensure it is remaining a quality sleeping aid.

At oneHOWTO, we help you answer the question do I need a new mattress? We explain when you need to replace your mattress and what issues you will need to consider when doing so.

You may also be interested in: How to Make the Perfect Bed

Contents

  1. Why change a mattress?
  2. Age of the mattress
  3. Mattress usage
  4. Environmental factors
  5. Manufacturing material
  6. How often to change a mattress
  7. How to choose a new mattress

Why change a mattress?

Sufficient rest is a fundamental to human life. If we want to be healthy and happy, getting enough sleep allows our body the chance to recuperate and have the energy we need to get by. Given this fact, it is amazing how little of us consider the quality of our sleep. The condition and build quality of our mattress is such an important influence on our sleep, yet many of us don't even consider them. A bad mattress will also give us back pain and other physical discomfort.

As with many products, a mattress has an expiration date. There are certain factors which affects its durability, time and usage being two of the most important. We also need to know that a mattress needs to be maintained to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

Before we explain these factors, we should state there is one easy answer to the question do I need to change my mattress? If your mattress is flat, provides no support, is not comfortable and is poorly-made, the answer is yes, immediately. Buying a quality mattress is an investment you won't regret.

Age of the mattress

Many people want to know how long a mattress lasts. Generally, mattresses have a half-life of 10 years. However, this will always depend on other factors that can directly influence its durability, such as the use or the treatment you give it. The age of the mattress is very important to take into account when changing it, since the passage of time affects the progressive wear of the manufacturing materials.

If you sleep on it regularly, but it is well-cared for, a latex or memory foam mattress should last about 10 years. A spring mattress under the same conditions should last about 8 to 10 years, depending on its quality.

Do I Need a New Mattress? - When to Replace Your Mattress - Age of the mattress

Mattress usage

How much we use a mattress is one of the most significant factors when deciding when to renew it. Perhaps the most important question is whether the mattress is for daily or sporadic use? If you have a mattress in the guest bedroom which used once a year, then it is going to last significantly longer than the mattress you use every night. In the case of the former, it could last you 10 to 20 years, as long the other factors don't cause deterioration.

Another factor is to do with who uses the mattress. If a mattress is used by a couple who are heavy in weight, this will not last as long as a single person who has a slight frame. Also, if the bed has been jumped on or generally mistreated, this can damage its quality and reduce its durability.

Environmental factors

Hygiene is a very important issue with mattresses. If we live in a hot country, it is much worse for our mattress than in more temperate climates. Sweat and moisture in the air can cause the mattress to deteriorate in quality. In some cases, the moisture can even cause the springs to rust.

If we do not protect the mattress with a mattress cover, eat in bed a lot or generally don't look after the mattress, it won't last as long. Similarly, accidents can happen which cause damage to the mattress. For example, we might be ill and accidentally vomit on the mattress. Even a leak in the room can not only cause water damage, but the increased humidity can cause bacteria to grown in the fabric.

Take a look at our article on how to clean a mattress to help it last longer.

Do I Need a New Mattress? - When to Replace Your Mattress - Environmental factors

Manufacturing material

As we have pointed out before, the manufacturing material is also decisive when it comes to measuring the durability of a mattress and its quality. If the mattress is made with quality materials, it will last much longer. This doesn't mean it necessarily has to be expensive. In fact, today there are many inexpensive or special offer mattresses that are made from quality materials.

If the mattress is made with poor quality or easily worn material, for example a basic foam, it will last less than the average number of years that we have indicated before. Even less if you use it daily.

If you have an accident with a mattress made from foam, you can help preserve it by knowing how to dry a memory foam mattress and how to clean a memory foam mattress.

How often to change a mattress

In addition to the aforementioned factors that indicate a mattress must be changed every 8 or 10 years, there are signs to look out for which indicate you will need to change your mattress. These include:

  • Sagging or deformation: if you notice the mattress has lost its original shape and that sunken areas or lumps have appeared, it is time to renew it. Sleeping on a deformed mattress can cause health problems both physically and emotionally, since optimal rest will not be guaranteed.
  • Sleep quality: if you wake up day after day tired, you may need to change your mattress. Optimal rest is synonymous with health, so you should pay attention to your body when you get up. If your sleep is poor and your back hurts when you wake up, your mattress may be at fault. You should, however, assess all the factors which might hinder your sleep.
  • If you don't sleep: if you have a hard time falling asleep, despite being tired, and you don't stop tossing and turning or feeling uncomfortable, it may also be an indication that you need to renew your bed.
  • Weight and health problems: if your weight has changed significantly since you purchased your mattress, it is possible it needs replaced. Joint problems, respiratory issues and other health problems can cause you to think you have mattress problems. This doesn't mean the mattress is old or even poor quality, it just may mean it isn't the right mattress for you.
Do I Need a New Mattress? - When to Replace Your Mattress - How often to change a mattress

How to choose a new mattress

Now that you know the importance of changing your mattress, it is necessary to know how to choose a replacement correctly. Keep these tips in mind when buying a new mattress:

  • Always think about your needs to ensure that you acquire a mattress that will not only fit your room, but your physical body and its needs.
  • Keep your budget in mind and look for cheap but good quality mattresses. Do not rush to buy a cheap mattress without first checking its quality. Cheaper mattresses often use poor material. Top tier manufacturers will use good quality materials even if they sell the mattresses at a cheaper price. Look out for sales.
  • Check the characteristics of the mattress: materials, durability, size, etc. With all this information you can select the best mattress to meet your needs.
  • Always check that the product has a guarantee.
  • Test the mattress before you buy it to see if it feels comfortable. The goal is to get a good rest, so the comfort you feel from the first moment is basic.

Ideally, you shouldn't use a discarded mattress, as it usually means it is no longer quality. However, if you do find one which might still be in good condition, check our our article on how to clean a mattress you find on the street.

Remember that having a good mattress is essential to sleep well and rest better. If you want your life to be much healthier, take into account all these tips to be able to change your mattress for a much better one. You will notice the difference.

If you want to read similar articles to Do I Need a New Mattress? - When to Replace Your Mattress, we recommend you visit our Interior Design and Decor category.

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Do I Need a New Mattress? - When to Replace Your Mattress