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The benefits of good quality sleep are well known. Sleeping well can help you achieve more and has an impact on your overall health and well-being. Your mattress plays an important role in how well you sleep and replacing your mattress at the right time ensures you get the best possible support and pressure relief.

But how do you know when it is time to replace your mattress? On average, mattresses last between seven and ten years but their lifespan can be affected by various variables such as the type of mattress, for example, foam or spring, the build quality, how well it is looked after, and the weight of the sleeper.

In this article, we explore the question of how long should a mattress last in more detail. We also look at the factors that can affect the lifespan and how you know when it is time to change your mattress since they do not have a specific “expiration date”. Continue reading to discover whether it is time you changed your mattress for a new one.

What Factors Influence the Lifespan of a Mattress

What Factors Influence the Lifespan of a Mattress?

When looking at how long a mattress should last, it is important to look at the factors that will affect the answer. Generally, the better quality the materials are the longer the mattress will last. However, different mattress types will also have different lifespans.

Material Used

The materials used in the making of the mattress will make a big difference in how long it will last. With innerspring mattresses, the lifespan is affected by the quality of the springs used, while in foam mattresses it depends on the quality of the foam.

For example, mattresses made with smaller springs can last longer than mattresses made with larger springs, and foam mattresses made with higher-density foam are likely to last longer than lower-density foam mattresses.

Quality of the Mattress

The quality here refers to the built quality as well as the quality of materials. A well-built mattress with high-quality materials will cost you more but it will also last longer. While cheap mattresses are likely to be less comfortable and wear out sooner, an extra large price tag does not automatically mean better longevity. Check you are not simply paying more for a brand but you are getting better quality for your money.

Type of Mattress

There are four main types of mattresses, which are foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid. Natural latex mattresses are often the longest-lasting, followed by hybrid and memory foam mattresses. Polyfoam mattresses also have good longevity as long as they are made with high-density foam. Among innerspring mattresses pocketed coil mattresses tend to outlast Bonnell and continuous coil mattresses.

  • Innerspring: 5-10 years
  • Polyfoam: 6-7 years
  • Memory foam: 8-10 years
  • Natural latex: 15-20 years
  • Hybrid: 7-10 years

Body Weight and Sleeping Position

Your weight and preferred sleeping position will also affect how long your mattress will last. Heavier people may find their mattresses starting to sag sooner than lighter sleepers. For heavier sleepers, it could be worthwhile to invest in a mattress that will support their weight as long as possible.

The position you sleep in can also make a difference in how well the mattress will last. For example, people who sleep on their side may find that the mattress starts to sag around the hips and shoulders making the mattress uneven.

Frequency of Use

How often the mattress is used will also make a significant difference in how many years it will last. A mattress that is used regularly almost every night will not last as many years as a mattress used in a guest bed if they are the same type of mattress and equal quality.

Mattress Care

If you want your mattress to last as long as possible, you need to look after it properly. That includes cleaning your mattress every six months, using protective toppers, and following the care guidelines from the manufacturer. Some mattresses should also be rotated or flipped periodically, usually once or twice per year, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations.

What Are the Signs to Get a New Mattress

What Are the Signs to Get a New Mattress?

Since there is no exact date when a mattress needs changing, you need to judge it yourself. There are several signs that will tell you when you need to invest in a new mattress. When you know your mattress is coming to the end of its lifespan, start to look out for the signs below. When you experience them regularly, it is time to change the mattress.

You Wake up Tired

One of the signs that your mattress needs replacing is that you often wake up feeling like you have not slept at all. Sleeping between seven and eight hours should mean that you wake up refreshed and rested.

However, if your mattress is uncomfortable, you are likely to wake up several times in the night as you try to find a better sleeping position. This means that your sleep cycle is broken, which may affect your circadian rhythm and make you feel tired throughout the day.

Your Mattress Sags

If you notice your mattress sagging, it is time to start looking for a new mattress. In innerspring coil mattresses, the coils will wear out over time, which can cause sagging and unevenness. In foam mattresses, the foam will get softer over the years and lead to sagging.

A sagging mattress will not support your body properly, and you will often find that you sink into the mattress too deeply. This can make finding a comfortable sleeping position challenging and make you toss and turn continuously during the night.

You Feel More Aches and Pains

An aging mattress will no longer support your body weight properly, and you will end up developing pressure points. In addition, your spine’s alignment is no longer supported while you sleep. As a result, you will wake up with aches and pains, often in new places. You are also likely to have a stiff back when sleeping on an old mattress.

You Wake up Sweating

While some people are prone to sleeping hot, an aging mattress can make this issue worse. If you find that you are experiencing more night sweats, the reason could be an aging mattress. This is because the airflow and breathability of the mattress are no longer as good and this makes it harder to regulate your temperature during the night.

The airflow and breathability are reduced in older mattresses as the layers compress more and more over the years. The compressed layers trap hot air between them and make you sweat more while you sleep, often waking you up.

Your Mattress Shakes or Moves

If you have a pocket coil, foam, or hybrid mattress, they should be good at isolating movement. When you find the mattress sinking or moving at the slightest movement, it is a sign to upgrade to a new one. Bonnell and continuous coil mattresses do not offer the best motion isolation even when new, so this sign does not apply to them as much.

You Suffer From Allergies More Frequently

Over time, even with regular cleaning, your mattress will collect allergens and dust. It is estimated that during its lifespan, a mattress can trap over 10 million allergens and dust particles in its layers. These can aggravate your allergies and lead to breathing difficulties or skin irritation. If you find your allergies flaring up more often, it may be time to change your mattress.

How to Choose a New Mattress

When you have decided to buy a new mattress, you will have an important decision to make: which type of mattress has good longevity and will give you the best night’s sleep and support for your body.

Below, you will find brief details on the four main types of mattresses. Click on the links to find recommendations for the best mattresses in each category in Canada.

Foam Mattresses

Foam mattresses come in polyfoam or memory foam options. Memory foam mattresses are more durable than polyfoam mattresses and this is often reflected in the price. Memory foam mattresses are better at isolating motions but they are not the best at temperature regulation unless you choose a mattress with cooling technologies.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are available in both natural and synthetic latex. Natural latex mattresses are the longest-lasting mattresses on the market, lasting up to twenty years. They are firmer than memory foam mattresses but still offer pressure relief. Natural latex mattresses are an eco-friendly option, hypoallergenic, and resist dust mites. However, they also tend to be priced higher than most other mattresses except hybrid.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses have been around longer than the other three main types of mattresses. Innerspring mattresses that have individually pocketed coils have better motion isolation and targeted support than Bonnell or continuous coil mattresses. You can extend the life of an innerspring mattress by using it with a box spring.

Hybrid Mattresses

These mattresses combine the benefits of memory foam and innerspring mattresses, with a coil core and foam top. They offer better stability than innerspring mattresses and better bounce than foam mattresses.

Hybrid mattresses will be pricier than innerspring or foam mattresses. They are likely to outlast innerspring mattresses but will not necessarily last much longer than memory foam mattresses.

Do You Have to Replace Your Mattress When It Has Reached Its Expected Lifespan?

While mattresses have expected lifespans, they do not all wear out the same way and you may be able to get more years out of your mattress. If you are still sleeping well and have no issues with your mattress, you might be able to keep it for longer. However, it is best not to overstretch how long you use your mattress as it may have a negative impact on your health and well-being.

Conclusion

Most mattresses will last between five and ten years but there are exceptions. For example, some natural latex mattresses can last up to twenty years. There are also a range of factors that can shorten or increase the lifespan of your mattress.

Because there is no exact “best before” date on mattresses, you need to use your own judgement on when you should get a new mattress. If you are no longer sleeping comfortably, often wake up sweating, suffer from allergies more often, or your mattress is visibly sagging, it is time to replace it.

When you are ready to replace your mattress, do your research before deciding which mattress is the best for you. Check out recommendations and reviews to find out how the mattresses perform when in everyday use. You can also find many companies offering risk-free trial periods where you can try the mattress at home and if you are not happy, get a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long you should keep a mattress depends on many factors. One average, most mattresses will last 5-10 years. However, some types of mattresses will last much longer, while poor-quality mattresses may not last even five years. Looking after your mattress properly and using a protective mattress cover can help to extend the lifespan of your mattress.

Natural latex mattresses are the longest-lasting mattresses on the market. These types of mattresses can last up to twenty years. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses also have good longevity. If you want an innerspring mattress, choose a pocket coil mattress for the best durability.

The key signs that your mattress is no longer supporting you properly include waking up tired and with aches and pains. Your mattress may also be sagging, you might have allergy flareups more often, or find that you get very hot in bed.