A common question many people ask is how often should you change your mattress, however, the answer depends very much on what the mattress is made from. Generally speaking, most mattresses have an average longevity of around six to eight years, but some of the higher end mattresses could last even longer.
If your current mattress is looking worn, stained or lumpy, those are just some of the small signs it’s due for an upgrade. And if you keep waking up feeling achy and unrested then it’s clear that you need a mattress that offers more support.
In this article, we’ll go though the average lifespan of different types of mattresses. We’ll also look at some of the signs that it’s time to replace your mattress. With all the early Black Friday mattress deals, now is a great time to upgrade your mattress for a bargain price.
How often do you need to change your mattress?
To give you an idea of how often you should change your mattress, here is how long different common mattress types last on average:
- Innerspring/pocket spring – 5 to 7 years
- Memory foam – 10 years
- Hybrid – 5 to 10 years
- Synthetic latex – 5 to 10 years
- Organic latex – 15 to 25 years
Different types of mattresses have varied lifespans, depending on the materials and the way the mattress is constructed. How often your mattress should be changed also depends on how well you take care of It from the beginning, including regular clean and either flipping or rotating the mattress according to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
When a mattress is made using premium materials, you can expect it to have a longer life. Another good indicator of quality and potentially longer lifespan is the manufacturer warranty or guarantee. If the manufacturer offers a 10-year guarantee for example then you can be sure that with some maintenance you shouldn’t have to worry about changing your mattress soon. Having a mattress topper could also extend your mattress’s life.
How often do you need to change an innerspring mattress?
Innerspring mattresses are oftentimes the most affordable option. You might be tempted to go for one yourself, however, this is false economy, because springs wear down faster than other materials. This means that your mattress will start to sag quicker, won’t offer the needed spinal support and will need replacement in no time.
Most pocket spring or innerspring mattresses only last around four to six years. There are some higher-quality models on the market that use better quality wire and construction design and are therefore guaranteed to last a bit longer than the average spring mattress.
Innerspring mattresses are more traditional. Their construction is a straightforward layer of metal springs. In pocket spring mattresses the spring are individually enclosed in a fabric pocket, which allows each coil to move independently from the rest. This offers less motion transfer than the innerspring as well as better support and more comfort.
How often do you need to replace a memory foam mattress?
A top quality memory foam mattress will last between eight to 10 years, because this type of foam is more durable than the regular foam. In addition, if the mattress is an all-foam one then there is less chance of other layers or components wearing out quicker and compromising the overall integrity of the mattress.
To maintain your memory foam mattress in good condition, you have to rotate it regularly as recommended by the maker and use a bed frame.
It’s common for memory foam to soften or start turning yellow over time, if you notice than happening to your mattress then tis is a sure sign you need to change your mattress. Another hint that it’s time to upgrade your mattress is if it no longer provides you with proper posture relief and you wake up with backache or neck pain.
How often should you replace a hybrid mattress?
Hybrid mattresses combine foam and spring and can last around eight years on average, depending on the quality of the materials and how the core is constructed.
Some top quality brands, use better materials and offer a guarantee of up to 10 years for their hybrid mattresses. So they won’t need replacing as often as budget foam models.
Hybrids are built with a spring foundation and a soft foam top, therefore you should never flip them or you risk damaging your mattress and voiding its warranty. They can still be rotated, unless the manufacturer advises otherwise.
How often should you replace a latex mattress?
Latex is durable, flexible and naturally antibacterial, so it makes for a high-quality and long lasting mattresses. Mattresses made with 100% organic latex can last you for more than 15 years if kept in good condition.
If you can afford the initial expanse of buying a natural latex mattress, it could save you money in the long run.
Synthetic latex mattresses are still very durable, but they might need replacing every 10 years or so. Synthetic latex softens quicker than natural one, so after the first five or more years of regular use it might not support your posture as well as a natural latex mattress would.
Signs that your mattress needs changing
There are certain scenarios where it would be beneficial to upgrade your mattress to a new one. Those include:
- Weight change – If you have gained weight since you bought your current mattress and it now feels too soft, pick a firmer one that can offer you better support. And if you’ve lost weight and your mattress is now too firm, pick a softer model that can cushion the main pressure points of your body.
- Sore back – A sagging mattress can cause your back or neck to feel sore as well as joint pain. When choosing a new mattress look for one with zoned support from head to toe, but if your pain is serious ask a physiotherapist for recommendation.
- Feeling hot – Not only can sweat cause your mattress to stain, but it also creates a breeding ground for dust mites and other bacteria that love hot and humid environments. Luckily for you many new mattresses have cooling technologies and use antibacterial materials such as copper to combat overhearing and pesky mites.
- Allergies – If you keep waking up in the middle of the night unable to sleep because of coughing, sneezing or itching, your old mattress could be to blame. Dust mates love to feast on dead skin residue, then leaving manure that can trigger your allergies. And the years of build-up on your mattress provide dust mites with plenty of snacks.
- Stains and wearing – A well-worn mattress with rips, springs poking out and staining can’t offer adequate support and will also be haven for all sorts of mites and bacteria. While it’s natural for your mattress to start yellowing over the years, it could also be a result of built up sweat and spills, which is a huge sign that your mattress is way past its prime.
How to increase your mattress’s lifespan?
Once you have your new mattress, there are a number of things you can do to help it remain in good condition for longer, including:
- Flipping – Many new mattress models are one-sided with a foundation layer where all the springs are and a softer top layer, so make sue you check before flipping your mattress. When flipping and rotating you want to ensure each side gets the same time at the top of the bed.
- Rotating – This is done to ensure any dips that might form over time are levelled out and your mattress remains even. It’s recommended to rotate your mattress every few month. Keep in mind that some mattresses are zoned to support specific areas of the body and can therefore be used only in one direction.
- Cleaning – Remember to change your bedsheets regularly and keep your bed fresh by vacuuming the mattress. To eliminate moisture and odours, you can also sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on your bed and leave it for a couple hours then vacuum it up.
- Protection – One of the easiest ways to make sure your mattress remains in excellent condition is using a mattress protector. They can be easily washed in a washing machine and also add a layer of protection against spills and sweat.
