Best Time To Buy a New Mattress
Given that we spend up to 36 years on our beds (sleeping, watching TV, or trying to fall asleep), mattresses are crucial. However, because they’re enormous, expensive, and obscured by so many linens, it’s not always clear when they need to be replaced (and considering the investment, it’s not something we frequently do). However, sleeping on a worn-out mattress is a recipe for discomfort, poor sleep, and possibly irritating allergies, so here are some clear indicators that it’s time to replace it.
It’s been more than eight years since your mattress was purchased
Time is the most straightforward metric: the typical mattress lasts seven to 10 years. While it won’t deteriorate noticeably after ten years, and many beds come with a 15 or 20-year warranty, it doesn’t mean you should keep it that long. (The warranty only covers specific parts; it does not guarantee comfort.)
Like anything else, mattress materials (coils, foam, and springs) degrade over time, becoming much less supportive of our weight and physical motions. In addition, good mattress care involves moisture prevention, regular cleaning, and rotation. Your mattress’s lifespan will be shortened if you neglect essential maintenance.
It’s saggy, ripped, or lumpy
Signs of wear are clear indicators that a mattress has reached the end of its useful life. The interior contents of the bed have changed or been harmed if you detect drooping, tears, holes, or visible lumps. Sagging indicates that the mattress’s innersprings have broken, the coils have weakened, or the foam has been irreversibly compressed, causing it to lose shape. (When heavier people first get up, the mattress may have a deep indentation, but it should rapidly revert to its natural, flat form.) It will definitely help if you did not roll to the center of your bed or “hammock” into an indentation created by your body’s impression.
“Spilling water on certain types of foam may cause damage to the adhesive between the layers, causing them to shift,” Consumer Reports says. Water and other biological fluids (particularly sweat) hasten the demise of your mattress. Therefore always use a mattress protector.
You’re constantly sore when you wake up
Mattresses are made to alleviate pressure in specific areas of the body. When they’re worn out, they can’t support the normal curvature of your spine, causing stiffness in your body. If you wake up with a sore back, neck, hips, or shoulders frequently, it’s a clue that your mattress isn’t providing enough support.
It’s obnoxious and squeaky
Something is wrong if rolling over sounds like a noisy symphony every time. Determine whether the mattress or box spring is the source of the problem. Remove your innerspring or hybrid mattress from the box spring first, then roll around on it to check for noise.
According to the Sleep Foundation, squeaking indicates a problem with the metal springs. If you have an all-foam mattress, the noise is coming from the box spring, which you can remedy yourself. If nothing works, it’s time to shop for a new box spring (but thankfully not a whole mattress).
It’s game over if you can feel the foundation or springs poking you. Get in touch with a mattress retailer near you.
Asthma or allergies are getting worse
If you’re experiencing an increase in allergies or other respiratory troubles (although it’s not allergy season), it might be possible that your mattress is to blame. We’ve already discussed how important it is to clean your bed because it is filthy. Your mattress could be home to mold, mildew, fungi, or other bacteria and millions of dust mite droppings, which are highly allergenic. Your mattress may be beyond cleaning if you have a runny nose, watery eyes, excessive sneezing, or headaches (without another convincing environmental reason).
Your sleeping habits have shifted
Your mattress might need to be replaced or changed if you gain or lose weight. Similarly, your physical requirements may vary whether you have a sleeping companion or go through a health condition such as pregnancy, surgery, arthritis, sciatica, or an accident. Consider whether you’ll need a new mattress to accommodate your increased physical needs.
You’d sleep better somewhere else
Your mattress may be in its last stage if you realize that sleeping in another bed makes you feel more rested. (However, if you have young children, you will always sleep better when you are not at home.) However, if you wake up with less stiffness, joint discomfort, or sniffles, it’s a clue that your at-home mattress isn’t up to the task.
Consider your body temperature while sleeping as well. According to WebMD, waking up hot or sweating in your bed regularly (although you didn’t think when you initially got the mattress) is “a solid sign that your mattress is breaking down.” The materials will soften and limit airflow on the surface the longer you have the mattress.”
Having trouble falling asleep every night (without other variables such as stress or sleeplessness) is also a red indicator. If you think your mattress needs to be replaced, try sleeping in a newer bed for a night or two to see how it feels.
Ameer is the content director of Sleepingmentor, which means he not only reviews new mattresses, bedsheets, pillows, and mattress toppers every week, but also curates all the comparisons, best of pages, reviews pages, and vs pages on the site. He takes a straightforward, honest approach to his reviews. He covers sleep science by researching a lot on Google and finding meaningful content which entertains his users.
