How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress

Posted April 22, 2022

If you’re ready to shop for a new mattress or tired of waking up with a sore back every morning, you may be wondering how often you should replace your mattress. Here is everything you need to know about the average lifespan of a mattress and suggested steps you can take to ensure your mattress brings you a comfortable night’s sleep for years to come.

How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?

SleepFoundation.Org says that you should consider getting a new mattress if your current one is between 6 and 8 years old. If you have a mattress older than that, you should consider if you are feeling rested after a night's sleep or wake up with body pain.

If your mattress is not leaving your body in pain, and you are feeling well-rested every day you do not need to replace your mattress. If your mattress is past its expected life, it may be just a matter of time before you will need to consider getting a new mattress.

Signs of Wear and Tear

So, how do you know when it is time to replace your mattress? Here are some signs that you may need to consider shopping for a replacement.

• You wake up sore. If you wake up every morning with a sore back or body aches, this might be a sign that your mattress is no longer supporting your body as it should. This can be the result of your mattress breaking down or sagging over time.
• Your mattress has an odor. If your mattress is starting to break down, it may give off a chemical odor that will not go away. Over the years, sweat and dust may build up in your mattress as well and cause an odor that will not go away with cleaning. These can both be a sign that your mattress should be replaced.
• Stains, holes, or rips. Naturally, your mattress will show signs of wear throughout its lifetime. If your mattress has gotten to the point that it has several rips, holes, and stains that will not go away, it is likely time to consider a replacement.
• It is lumpy or sagging. If you find yourself tossing and turning each night and feeling lumps in your mattress this is a sign your mattress is past its lifespan and no longer serving you well.
• Your allergies or asthma are unusually worse in the morning. Over time mattresses can collect dust, pollen, and mildew. If you have had your mattress for several years and find that your allergies are unusually bad in the morning, your mattress may be the cause.

Steps You Can Take to Extend Your Mattress’s Life

Mattresses are a big investment. Regular maintenance and careful selection can prevent you from shopping for a new mattress again before you would like to. Here is our advice.

How to Care for Your Mattress

Taking measures to clean your mattress regularly and keep it protected will help lengthen its life and ensure you can benefit from its comfort for years to come. We suggest the following measures to care for your mattress.

• Purchase a high-quality mattress protector, wash it regularly, and replace it as needed.
• Flip or rotate your mattress as suggested.
• Properly support your mattress with a quality base or platform.
• Wash your bedding every week to two weeks to prevent bacteria buildup or dust mites.
• Clean your mattress as needed following the manufacturer's recommendations.

Things to Consider When Shopping

A mattress is one purchase that you certainly do not want to settle on. Keeping certain things in mind during your shopping process can help ensure you have a quality mattress that you will be happy with for years to come.

Before you shop for a new mattress, consider the following.

• Comfort. You can shop for new mattresses by comfort scale. If you have owned mattresses in the past, you may already have an idea of which comfort level you prefer. If not, test out several mattresses and ensure you select one that you are truly comfortable on.
• Warranties & Guarantees. Oftentimes, brands and stores offer warranties and guarantees on their mattresses. A comfort guarantee can be a big selling point.
• Brand. Choose a mattress brand with a good reputation and high-quality construction.
• Reviews. Read reviews online of any mattresses that you are considering. This will help give you an idea of other purchasers’ experiences and determine if a particular mattress will be a good fit for your sleep style.
• Test in person. Shopping in person is especially important for a mattress. Find a local mattress retailer near you and test out mattresses in-person to ensure you are comfortable laying on a mattress before making the purchase.

Shop for a New Mattress at Queen City

Are you ready for a new mattress? Queen City’s team of experts are ready to help you find the perfect mattress to meet your needs. Browse our mattress selection online by size, comfort scale, construction type, or brand, and stop into a Queen City location near you to test out mattresses in person.