How Long Does A Mattress Last And Why?

logo by Editorial Staff | Updated on August 5th, 2022

The exact answer is 7-10 years.


The mattress is a rectangular pad used to support individuals as they sleep. They serve as a bed, and bed frames are a component of a bed. Mattresses are linked in three to four layers with a needle and thread.

The mattresses are comprised of strong textiles that incorporate hairs, straw, cotton, foam, rubber, and a metal spring system inside the mattress. There are new sorts of mattresses on the market packed with air and water. They are installed on top of the sturdy bed foundation.

In a nutshell, how long does a mattress last?

Although there are several material combinations utilized in mattresses, the most common varieties are memory foam, hybrid, latex, or innerspring. Each variety will live for a slightly varied amount of time. Here’s a short rundown of how long each style of mattress typically lasts:

Mattress TypeAverage LifespanSigns of Wear
Innerspring5-6 yearsSagging, coils poking through, worn or flattened comfort foam layers, noisy coils
Memory Foam7-10 years Softening, sagging, losing support
Latex Foam8-12 yearsSoftening, sagging, losing support
Hybrid5-7 yearsSagging, coils poking through, worn or lumpy comfort layers, noisy coils.

If you’re still sleeping well in your bed, but your mattress is more than five years old or needs a little extra comfort or support, consider investing in one of the finest mattress toppers.

Get the appropriate one, and you’ll be able to sleep comfortably on your present bed for a few more years.

Mattress Lifespan Influencing Factors

While the usual recommendation is 7 to 10 years, not all mattresses will withstand the test of time.

A mattress’s lifetime is affected by several variables, including:

  1. Materials: The materials used in the manufacturing of a mattress will have a significant influence on its lifetime. Latex and high-density polyfoam can survive for a long period. However, low-density polyfoam wears out considerably faster.
  2. Original Quality: The original quality of your mattress will influence how long it lasts. A low-cost, entry-level mattress will almost probably outlast a high-end hybrid mattress. While a larger price tag does not always imply a superior product, the more costly mattresses frequently have a higher quality structure and tend to last longer.
  3. Mattress Type: Do you have an all-foam, hybrid, latex, or innerspring mattress? The type of mattress you choose can significantly impact its lifetime. Latex mattresses are the most durable, followed by beds composed of high-density memory foam or polyfoams. Lower-density foam beds, as well as hybrid types, wear out faster. Traditional innerspring beds have the shortest predicted lifespan, ranging from five to six and a half years.
  4. Sleep Posture and Body Weight: The position in which you sleep and your body weight will influence how quickly your mattress wears out. Heavier sleepers may notice premature drooping of their mattresses, whereas side sleepers may notice severe sagging around the hips and shoulders.
  5. Care Routine: As with other things in life, taking care of your mattress will make it live longer. Cleaning your mattress regularly, using protective coverings, and following the manufacturer’s care instructions are all part of proper mattress maintenance. Some mattresses may be flipped or turned regularly, but verify the manufacturer’s guidelines first.

Symptoms That It’s Time to Replace Your Mattress

How long does it take a mattress to wear out? Many people assume that the typical mattress lifespan is seven to ten years. However, this is not a hard and fast rule that everyone must follow.

Sagging

Sagging and deep grooves and indentations are the most evident signs that your cherished mattress has to be replaced.

This is especially true if you sleep more on one side of the bed than the other. Your mattress should ideally be level and firm, with no visible dips or craters.

When you sleep, you need your mattress to provide adequate support for your back and spine. A foam topper might assist with some of the sagging. You may also rotate your mattress to correct sagging.

This is particularly true with innerspring mattresses. However, this is only a temporary solution, and you will ultimately need to buy a new mattress.

Stains and odors that will not go away

Accidents are unavoidable whether you share your bed with a youngster or a pet. You will have to cope with inevitable food spills and potty training disasters.

Such mishaps may not even permeate your mattress if you use enough protection, such as a mattress liner or a mattress cover.

Eventually, all mattresses will show indications of use. This might include stains and odors that will not go away no matter how hard you scrub.

When you find your mattress in this state, it’s time to get rid of it and replace it.

Consider donating your old mattress to a sanctuary for animals or transporting it to a mattress recycling center.

Infestation of bed bugs

Bed bug infestations are sometimes unavoidable, no matter how rigorous you are about hygiene and sanitation. If you frequently travel overseas, your house may be more exposed.

Bed bug infestations are commonly found beneath walls and floors, sofa cushions, pillows, linen closets, and mattresses.

If you find these pests in your bed, it’s time to replace the mattress and fumigate the entire house.

Just because you can’t see them, it doesn’t imply they don’t exist. Bed bugs will usually creep out of their hiding spots when you sleep.

If you wake up with strange red spots on your body, you may have bedbugs!

A mattress protector will not suffice; it is time to get a new mattress.

Lumpiness and bumpiness

The lumpiness is not something that should be present in a mattress. Run your hands around your mattress, looking for lumps and rolls, especially in regions where you sleep the most.

This is something that happens to all mattresses over time. A bumpy mattress, however, will not provide enough back support.

Don’t sleep on a bumpy mattress for longer than necessary for a good night’s sleep and optimal comfort. Invest in a high-quality mattress made of high-density foam to ensure a longer lifespan.

Asthma or allergies

Dust mites are unavoidable, no matter how frequently you wash, clean, and vacuum your beds.

A typical mattress might have 100,000 to 10 million dust mites.

Aside from dust mites, your mattress is a breeding ground for common allergies such as mold and mildew. Pillows are yet another allergen hotspot!

Pillows should be replaced once a year. When was the last time you replaced your pillows?

Your mattress has been in use for more than seven years.

If you’ve owned your mattress for more than seven years, it’s time to evaluate its comfort level and consider replacing it.

You may make an exception if it is in a spare bedroom that is rarely used.

Tip: To extend the life of a mattress, keep it covered while not in use.

Creaks and squeaks

Although your mattress may not squeak, a box spring bed base can become noisy and creak with age.

This is due to the internal coils’ wear and tear. Most mattresses and box spring bed bases are offered as a set, but you will almost certainly need to replace the mattress before the bed foundation.

However, you should not overlook the bed foundation. Check to see if the surface is stable, if the base is more than seven years old, or has a lot of wear and tear.

Pains or discomfort

Your bedroom, particularly your bed, should be a haven of comfort and relaxation.

According to studies, a good night’s sleep requires a suitable mattress.

If you wake up in pain, it’s possible that your mattress is to blame.

Beginnings again

Perhaps your mattress is relatively fresh and in the decent condition right now. However, this is subject to change. Life events, such as getting married or moving in with someone and sharing a bed, might put you in the mood for a new beginning. Purchasing a new mattress may assist you in transitioning into this new stage because everything begins with a good night’s sleep.

Mattresses should be replaced every 8 to 10 years, according to the mattress industry. However, this is only the average lifespan for any mattress. However, other elements might influence how quickly the mattress degrades.

How to Extend the Life of a Mattress

You’ll want your mattress to endure as long as possible after you’ve found it. Here are some of the greatest methods for doing so, regardless of the sort of mattress you have.

Keep Your Mattress Safe

Anyone who has attempted to clean a soiled or discolored mattress understands how difficult the job can be. Save yourself hours of blotting and dabbing by preventing stains on your mattress in the first place.

A mattress protector or mattress pad is a common technique to do this. A mattress protector is a thin, almost transparent covering of material that wraps around the mattress like a fitted sheet, whereas a mattress pad is a thicker cover placed on top of the mattress.

Both covers fit between your mattress and bedsheet, providing a layer of protection against dust and filth.

Maintain a Clean Bed

While nothing screams cozy comfort like breakfast (or a midnight snack) in bed, there is always the risk of food spilling across the sheets. Even the smallest crumb might bring bugs into your bed.

Suppose your mattress becomes soiled; attempt to clean it as quickly as possible. A thorough cleaning every few months is also recommended for regular mattress upkeep.

Make Use of Proper Mattress Support

Placing your mattress on a strong foundation allows it to preserve its shape, avoid early sagging, and support you as you sleep. Different mattress kinds may necessitate different foundations, so be sure you have the correct one for your mattress.

Innerspring mattresses, for example, perform best with box springs, whereas foam mattresses work better on stable platforms. It’s usually a good idea to examine your mattress warranty agreement to see which foundation is ideal.

Prevent Excessive Wear and Tear

It’s critical to avoid lasting indentations on your mattress to keep it looking like new. Many mattresses no longer require flipping or rotating.

However, flipping your mattress every few months isn’t a bad idea unless otherwise instructed. Continuously sleeping in one location may ultimately cause a dent in the mattress; therefore, rotating it regularly will assist keep its uniform surface.

Furthermore, avoid putting any excessive strain on your mattress, such as leaping on it or laying heavy things on top.

Conclusion

Mattresses are crucial for persons suffering from severe or minor back pain and cervical pain. A person needs at least eight hours of sleep every night to be awake and productive during the day. People who are sleep deprived are irritated, tired, and have little energy.

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Editorial Staff

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