The average mattress has a much shorter lifespan than many people think. Some people may even be sleeping on a mattress older than they are!
The good news is that if you are asking if you need a new mattress, chances are, you understand this.
The general rule of thumb is to replace a mattress every 7 to 8 years. However, the lifespan of a quality mattress ranges by type.
Here is the lifespan of the average mattress, and 6 strong signs you need a new mattress.
Your mattress is simply too old
If you can’t remember the decade when you got your mattress, chances are it is too old. While the general lifespan of a mattress is 7-8 years, this can greatly vary depending on mattress type.
Here are the average lifespans of the top 5 mattress types:
Mattress Type: Innerspring Mattress
Average Lifespan: 7-8 Years
Mattress Type: Memory Foam Mattress
Average Lifespan: 5-7 Years
Mattress Type: Latex Mattress
Average Lifespan: 10-13 Years
Mattress Type: Pocketed Coil Mattress
Average Lifespan: 8-12 Years
Mattress Type: Hybrid Mattress
Average Lifespan: 8-12 Years
As you can see, latex mattresses are the most durable with the correct care. However, they also tend to be the most expensive. On the other hand, innerspring mattresses are typically much more affordable, but they are also much less durable.
Understanding the average lifespan of your mattress can help put these other signs into perspective. You can read more on our Mattress Buying Guide to explain more in detail but lifespan
The mattress is misshapen
The most obvious signs that you need a new mattress are the ones that tend to stand out. If the mattress is misshapen, has lumps, or sags in the middle – it is time to make the switch.
You sleep better away from home
If you enjoy spending the night at a friend’s house or in a hotel room particularly because of how well you sleep, this may be a sign you need to change your mattress.
While some simply enjoy the change of environment, if you wake up feeling much more refreshed when you are away from home, it is a sign you need a new or more supportive mattress.
Waking up feeling unrested
This is one of the most important signs you need to change your mattress. Sleep should be a rejuvenating experience for both body and mind. If you are regularly waking up feeling groggy, in pain, or otherwise unwell, it may be a sign your mattress is no longer supporting you like it should.
Your mattress is uncomfortable
Again, your mattress should feel supportive and comfortable. If your spine is not aligned as you sleep or you have to toss and turn to get comfortable each night, it may be a sign you need a new mattress.
Sudden allergy symptoms
While there are a number of sources of allergies, dust mites and allergens in the bed can be a major source of allergens for some people. Dust mites can build up over the years as the mattress ages. Other allergens can also collect in the bed. Breathing these allergens in for 8 hours each night can lead to a spike in allergy symptoms – another sign you need a new mattress.
The memory test
A great way to test if you need a new mattress is to think back to one or two years ago. How were you sleeping then? Was your bed comfortable? Where you waking up refreshed and new?
If you remember sleeping much better just one or two years ago, and not much else has changed – it is time for a new mattress.
It is important to stay educated on what kind of mattress you need. Working with a knowledgeable mattress professional, such as us here at Mattress King, can help ensure you get a new mattress perfectly suited to your needs.
