Do you get irritated by questions that are answered with "it depends"? Well, we are sorry, but that is the answer to how long a mattress lasts. It depends on the materials and their quality, the way of use, or even if you haven't used it.
We will rephrase the question focusing on what interests you: when should a mattress be changed?
How long does a mattress normally last?
Mattresses that are not used also wear out. Once this point is clarified, let's think about mattresses that are used daily or reasonably continuously, assuming they have the appropriate thickness for the weight of those sleeping on them.
We will also trust that users respect the manufacturer's instructions on the frequency of turning and flipping the first month and repeat this activity when it's time.
Note that we are introducing many assumptions. We do this to avoid answering you with "it depends."
As a general rule, a good mattress, firm and used regularly, following all the manufacturer's instructions lasts at most 10 years.
However, even if you do everything right, if you have back problems, have gained a lot of weight, or we are talking about mattresses for children when we already have a teenager at home, the lifespan of that carefully chosen mattress is reduced by at least 2 years.
The mattresses that last the least in good condition are those made of low-density foam, being mattresses with pocket spring cores offer the longest durability in perfect condition, even if you gain weight or have back problems that force you to change your mattress more often.
How often should a mattress be changed?
You should change your mattress when it is time based on its lifespan (remember that even if you don't use a mattress, it still wears out) or as soon as you feel that you are not resting well.
The fact of waking up with stiffness or pain not just one morning, as it may be due to a bad sleeping posture, but relatively frequently, is what determines when to change the mattress. In other words, you should change the mattress when it no longer allows you to rest well about it, regardless of whether it has worn out or if you now need a firmer or more ergonomic mattress.
The issue is that your mattress is no longer serving you, although if it is not old, you could donate it or leave it for someone else who does not need a mattress as good as yours because they weigh less or do not have back injuries.
Keys to know if you need to change your mattress
Now that you know there is no specific number indicating how often a mattress should be changed based on its materials or density, as your circumstances and requirements can also vary within that period of up to 10 years, let's see how to know for sure when it's time to renew the mattress. There are unmistakable signs.
You are sleeping poorly
If you are sleeping poorly, be alert. Observe yourself and consult first with a doctor, psychologist, or physiotherapist if you suspect something is interrupting your rest. But if they find nothing significant, start looking for mattresses because yours is likely starting to cause problems. Don't forget to check the condition of your pillow.
There are sunken areas or deformities
Maybe you have been resting poorly for a while, but you are under a lot of stress, training very hard, or something else is happening that could explain that reduction in sleep quality.
Well, if your mattress shows areas with indentations when you lie down, not to mention if they are visible to the naked eye, it’s time to change the mattress without a doubt. And you should do it quickly because, even if you may not notice it yet, your spine is not completely aligned.
Your spine is no longer properly aligned
Connecting to the previous point, you may be sleeping in a bad position, even if your mattress, apparently, still maintains uniform density.
One reason could be that you have gained weight due to age, diet, or pregnancy, but what matters is that when you sleep with your spine misaligned, you expose yourself to injuries, initially temporary ones like muscle strains and tendinitis, and if you don't address the problem soon, possible spinal deviations.
The hips and pelvis can also suffer, not to mention the risk of experiencing sciatica attacks.
You have gained a lot of weight and your mattress is not firm enough
Overweight individuals and athletes with a lot of muscle mass need a firm mattress, often thicker than those for average-weight individuals. This can also happen to you if you are pregnant, in the third trimester.
The good news is that there's nothing wrong with sleeping on a mattress designed for people heavier than you, as long as you have chosen one with excellent adaptability.
To do this, the best approach is to play with the materials and to opt for a hard core with a cover of your choice. You decide whether you prefer to fall onto the bed as if you were landing in a feather sack or if you prefer a firmer feel on a mattress that takes a couple of minutes to adapt to you due to its high-density memory foam cover.
Remember that if you choose a mattress adapted for people with high body mass, you will still be able to use it if you regain your weight. We return to the case of future moms.
Consequences of sleeping on an old or worn-out mattress
In case you are wondering what happens if my mattress is a little old but still holds up, or why change my mattress now if I am still sleeping wonderfully, we have put together the following list:
- You expose yourself to all kinds of injuries in your spine, shoulders, and hips. At first, there will be muscle contractions or tendinitis, but they can end up becoming permanent injuries if you insist on spending a third of your waking hours without adequate support.
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You may find it harder to reach the REM phase of sleep. It has been discovered that good rest is not based on the hours you sleep but on whether you manage to go through all the phases of sleep. The REM phase is the last, but it is essential for physical and mental health.
Problems with very high or very low temperatures, environmental noise, and a bad mattress or pillow usually make it difficult for your sleep to be uninterrupted. When there is a micro-awakening, your brain has to start sleeping again in phase I. For one night, it’s not a big deal; at most, you will feel less energetic, but if the problem repeats… - Your mattress may have accumulated mold or moisture. with years of use, especially if you have not taken care of it as you should. If you suffer from certain allergies or asthma, you know how it feels when the environment does not guarantee the hygiene you need.
It is complicated to know how long a mattress lasts at the moment you buy it because it depends not only on the materials and density but also on how you take care of it and whether your needs change unexpectedly. However, there are signs that indicate it is time to replace the mattress.
The answer to how often a mattress should be changed is also not easy to answer a priori for the same reasons, although if you choose a mattress with a firm core, good materials, and one that will serve you in case of weight gain, you will have ensured the amortization of your purchase.
If you are scared of buying a mattress that is too firm, we invite you to contact us to inform you about all the possibilities offered by mattresses with pocket spring cores. These are mattresses that are assembled with different materials, so they are almost made to your taste and size. Can you imagine it?