Most of us think that a mattress lasts for many years to come. However, the truth is that the maximum life span is around 8-10 years. And if your bed is more than ten years old, it is time to replace your mattress. Even though we feel a sense of attachment towards our mattress, we must let go of our emotions and change when the time comes.
When do you need to replace your mattress?
When it comes to replacing your mattress, some common signs will tell you that it is time to change it.
There are a lot of times when we think that the wear and tear of the mattress can be ignored, though the visible signs may help you conclude otherwise. For instance, if your bed is sagging or has lumps or springs turn noisy, it is time to replace your mattress.
What is the best month to buy a new mattress?
May is the best month to get a new mattress for yourself, as this is when there are a lot of clearance sales before the arrival of the new stocks. Early spring and holiday weekends are ideal for getting mattresses at an affordable price.
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How do you fix a sunken mattress?
A sagging mattress is impossible to “repair.” Ultimately, it must be returned to the manufacturer for repair or replacement. The other alternatives are
Invest in a Mattress Topper
A topper though not an absolute solution, is very close. It is also an inexpensive alternative that can delay buying a mattress by another few years, giving you a new feel and more comfort.
Rotate the mattress
Rotate the mattress every three to six months, increasing its life by a few years. Rotating your mattress enables heavier sections of your body to rest on non-sagging regions and prevents early sagging.
Similar results you can get by flipping the mattress. But check that with your manufacturer first. Sometimes they don’t allow that. There are also various flippable mattresses available in the market.
Fix the foundation
Foundations with fewer than six legs might cause early drooping sometimes. The slats’ gap might potentially create issues. Check with the mattress maker about the appropriate slats since this might even void the guarantee.
Extra Pillows
Some individuals utilize additional pillows in the drooping portions of the mattress as a temporary fix. Some like a cushion between their hips, back, or legs.
Can a mattress last for 20 years?
The most important question we all have while getting a mattress is how long will the mattress last? It can last for 20 years or more. However, the longevity of your mattress depends on the type of material the mattress is made of. Or the amount of wear and tear it can undergo. For example, if your bed is made of memory foam or gel foam, it can easily last for more than 15 years if you give it proper care.
Does mattress life also depend on whether you have chosen the right one for yourself? If you are using a very plush mattress for a very heavy person or a mattress meant for a side sleeper is being used by a back or a stomach sleeper, its life might be affected.
How long is a mattress suitable for you?
Many mattresses last more than 15-20 years though it is ideal to replace your old mattress with a new one within 6 to 10 years. But it all depends upon the materials, sleeping styles, and how you take care of the same. When the mattress is worn out and sunken, or its inner springs make sounds, it is time to change it. And the lifespan of the mattress also depends on the type of mattress you own. If you have latex and foam mattresses, they can stay for more than 15 to 20 years.
Can an old mattress make you sick?
It might seem uncanny to some people that old mattresses can make you sick. The truth is, it does. The more the mattress becomes old, the more it makes you unhealthy and vulnerable. How? We will learn in detail.
- Hidden chemicals are dangerous.
Most mattresses are made with formaldehyde, polyurethane, etc. And keeping them for more than 10-15 years can be highly dangerous. It can cause life-threatening diseases like cancer. It can also irritate your eyes and nose and can cause lifelong allergies.
- Loss of elasticity and uneven mattress
You might think your mattress can last up to 20 years. But the fact is, your bed tends to lose its elasticity and becomes uneven over the period. And this can be a threat to your neck, back, and the whole of your body, leading to sleepless nights.
- Presence of bed bugs
Bed bugs are another disadvantage of keeping your mattresses for over 20 years. It can even lead to the heaviness of mattresses and pillows.
Why do mattresses get heavy?
Mattresses acquire weight by absorbing dead skin and dust mites that feed on dead skin, oil, and moisture. Dust mites spend a third of their life in beds.
Ohio State University says an average old mattress has 100,000 to 10 million mites. Dead mites and their excretions may weigh 10% of a two-year-old cushion. Mites enjoy warm, damp environments, such as sleeping mattresses. Dead skin is one of their favorite meals, and we lose approximately a quarter of an ounce of it every week, some of it flaking into our mattresses.
The mattress will likely be heavier than fresh with all those mites and dead skin.
How often should mattresses be replaced?
Mattresses should be replaced every 7-10 years. However, the exact duration depends upon the type of bed you have. After all, quality sleep cannot be compromised, and only if your mattress is of the best quality, can nothing stop you from having a good night’s sleep. However, the longevity of your mattress depends upon the type of mattress you have. Here are some of the types of mattresses and their durability:
- Latex mattresses
If your mattresses are latex, they can be in shape for 15 years. However, it depends upon the monthly rotation of the bed. This will prevent the mattress from Sagging and dents. Even though maintaining it can be arduous, it is not impossible.
- Memory foam mattress
A memory foam mattress is very comfortable and can last over ten years if well-maintained. The mattress suits all sleeping styles, from stomach to side sleepers.
- Innerspring mattresses
Innerspring mattresses have a very low duration, i.e., 6-7 years, compared to other types. The reason for the same is the material of the mattress. The bed is made of a coil system, and once the mattresses sag, the coil starts you poke in. This can ruin your sleep.
How long do pillowtop mattresses last?
Pillowtop mattresses offer a comfortable cushion top layer of memory foam, cotton, downhill, latex foam, etc. It provides excellent support to your body and relieves joint pains. However, the mattresses’ durability is low compared to other mattresses. It lasts only from 5-7 years. Also, you can experience discomfort within the 2-3 years of its use if it becomes too soft and uncomfortable for your back.
What kind of mattress lasts the longest?
Natural latex lasts the longest, and it can be a bit expensive. Furthermore, the actual duration of the mattresses depends from person to person. If you feel it is time to replace your mattress after ten years, go for it rather than compromise sleep.
Is an old mattress unhealthy?
An outdated or unsuitable mattress may affect more than just your sleep. A bad mattress may cause persistent back pain, allergies, and weight gain. Here’s how your mattress is affecting your health.
An old mattress can make you sick
According to WebMD, 20 million Americans are sensitive to bed bugs, causing mattress allergies. Dust mites cause eczema, lung damage, and sore throats.
Bad mattresses cause back pain
Your mattress might cause back discomfort and hinder you from sleeping well.
An aged mattress may cause snoring
Snoring occurs when your airways are strained, or your tissues are depressed due to poor mattress support. Mattresses hug your body, allowing airways to clog more easily.
An old mattress may induce obesity
Obesity is linked to sleep deprivation. Your weight increase and poor eating habits may be linked to your old mattress’s lack of sleep. A bad mattress might wake you at night, the worst eating time.
Weakened immune system
A bad night’s sleep on an old mattress affects your immune system. This increases your susceptibility to colds and other infections, even severe ones
What happens to a mattress after ten years?
When we buy a mattress, most of us think that our mattress will last for ten years. But what after that? Will it last more than ten years or forever? The answer to the question is a yes and no. Yes, it will last as long as we care for the same. And No, because the mattress tends to accumulate bed bites that can increase the weight of the bed and cause disturbance while you sleep.
These are some of the things you can find your mattress to be after ten years of its lifespan:
- The mattress is saggy and lumpy.
If your bed is saggy and leaves behind the imprints of your body, it is time to farewell your old bed and get a new one. When the bed becomes saggy, you will find it challenging to position your body. And this can lead to sleep deprivation and discomfort.
- Noisy mattress
Another crucial point to note is the noise of the mattress while you are lying on the same. If you experience a creek or groan from your bed, then without adieu, replace your mattress. However, rule out that your mattress is not on a metal or wooden frame.
- Worn edges
Worn edges of the mattress are not a bad thing. But if your mattress’s lifespan is over ten years, worn edges signify that you need to replace your mattress. So check the edges now and then to ensure timely intervention.
- Too hard or too soft
Mattresses are generally either soft or rigid as per the person’s convenience who buys them. However, if your mattress is too hard or weak to sleep on, it is time to change it.
- You wake up with pain or soreness.
Pain and soreness in your body are joint when you go for rigorous workouts. However, your mattress will be blamed if you experience the same while getting up one fine morning and it vanishes in the afternoon. So watch out for sudden body soreness and pain, and replace your mattress after ten years.
How long should a mattress last before sagging?
The duration of the mattress is based on the type of mattress you own. Usually, a mattress should last a valid period. Here are some of the types of mattresses and their duration:
- Memory foam
The memory foam mattress should ideally last from 7 to 10 years. And if the mattress shows signs like sagging, too soft, or no support, opt for a new mattress. It will change your life for good. And your sleep will be better.
- Latex foam mattress
If you have a Latex foam mattress, you can wait 8-12 years before getting a new one. However, if you experience sagginess or are too soft on your mattress, immediately look for a new mattress. This will help you sleep tight all night.
- Innerspring mattress
The innerspring mattress is another popular type of mattress. And it should ideally last from 5-6 years. Poking coils and flattened foam are some of the signs that indicate that your bed needs to be changed. And the moment you feel any signs get a brand new mattress.
- Hybrid mattress
One of the latest inventions in mattresses is the Hybrid mattress. The average duration of the mattress is around 5-7 years. But if you find it lumpy and have noisy coils, it is time to replace your mattress.
Conclusion
Thus, we can conclude that mattresses are where you prefer to spend most of your time relaxing and rejuvenating. And it is essential to replace your mattress before it’s too late. You can sleep peacefully all night and wake up to a bright and happy morning. So replace your mattress every 5-10 years and find yourself comfortable and cheery all day.
