Quality sleep is a cornerstone of a healthy life. We all know how disrupted we can feel in body and mind if our sleep is disturbed and a good mattress is an important contributory factor to that. An old or damaged mattress, even one that has served us well, can become a problem if we hold onto it for too long. So, how often should we change our mattress?
A RULE OF THUMB
Sleep experts advise that a mattress should be changed every 7 to 10 years, depending on the type of mattress, how much use it has had, its original quality and your individual needs and preferences. But the bottom line is always whether or not it is continuing to give you the quality of sleep you need.
MATTRESS TYPE
The type of mattress you have will affect how frequently you need to change it, at least as far as durability is concerned. Memory foam or latex mattresses can last for 10-15 years, due to the density and resilience of their materials. But the most common type of mattress, which is inner-sprung, may only last 7-8 years before their support begins to weaken. Hybrid mattresses, combining the two, have only a slightly longer life, perhaps 7-9 years.
QUALITY CONSIDERATIONS
The quality of your mattress reflects its strength and durability due to the materials used in its construction, meaning a high-end mattress will naturally cost more and give you greater value for money. As always, it is important to balance the consideration of a mattress’s quality with your personal budget.
CARE AND USAGE
How you use and care for your mattress will affect its lifespan. Using a mattress cover will extend the life of a mattress, as will considerations of cleanliness, such as whether or not you allow pets on the bed or if you perhaps eat or drink in bed. A mattress in a guest room is going to last longer than one that is slept on every night. Wherever it is, every mattress should be turned regularly, both side to side and end to end, to spread wear and tear.
PERSONAL FACTORS
A person’s weight, size and health issues are also going to affect the need for a change. You may only have had a mattress for three or four years, but if you have put on a lot of weight or acquired a health condition that affects your sleep, your mattress may no longer be suitable. So, the first question is not, ‘How long have I had this mattress?’ but ‘Is my mattress in a good condition and still facilitating a good night’s sleep?’
ASK YOURSELF…
- Am I waking up with a sore neck or back?
- Are any allergies getting worse?
- Are there any signs of damage to the mattress?
- Do I sleep better when I sleep elsewhere?
- Can I still remember when I bought my mattress?
- So, there are guidelines – condition is important, but listen to your body too.