How Often Should You Change Your Mattress?

Signs That Your Mattress Needs Replacing

There are a variety of things to look out for that may indicate that your mattress is not fit for purpose. Some of these include:

• General wear and tear: Look for sagging and bumps in your mattress, as well as any easily felt coils or springs.

• Noisy or protruding springs: Springs that squeak are not only annoying and likely to keep you up or wake you up as you turn over, but they also indicate that the mattress is no longer able to provide the support that your body needs.

• Muscle stiffness or pain when you awaken: If you feel discomfort or general pain when you wake up in the morning, it's a good indicator that you may need to replace your mattress. This could help alleviate neck and back pain and allow you to sleep more soundly.

• Allergies become worse: It's a fact that, inevitably, dust mites live in your home and there are few other places where these pesky little beasts thrive than in an old mattress. If you find your allergies or asthma getting worse, it could be a sign that you need a change of mattress if thoroughly cleaning and vacuuming your mattress doesn't help over a short period of time.

• Sleeping better in another bed: If you sleep much better in another bed, whether it be at a friend's house or in a hotel, for example, you may have grown accustomed to an uncomfortable mattress at home which will need to be remedied.

• You notice your partner changing position: If you notice your partner moving in the night, it tends to mean that the mattress has lost its ability to keep motion transfer to a minimum, in which case this can be extremely unhelpful in getting adequate sleep each night.

• Increased weight: If you have gained body weight or have someone sleeping in the same bed as you, this additional weight can really affect how well supported you are.

Types Of Mattress

Which type of mattress you choose can have a massive impact on how often you will need to purchase a replacement.

Innerspring

Traditional innerspring mattresses utilise coils so that the person's body weight will be spread throughout the entirety of the mattress. An innerspring mattress can last an impressive 10 years - or more if it is double-sided because it can be flipped intermittently so that both sides can be used.

Memory foam

A memory foam mattress will require regular rotating as well as proper care. But, when they are well-maintained, memory foam mattresses, depending on the quality and the materials used, can last for up to 15 years.

Latex

There are two types of latex mattresses; synthetic and organic latex, with some on the higher end of the price scale having guarantees for over 15 years. While a latex mattress is more expensive, they are very popular among those who don't want to have to replace their mattresses as often.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses encompass both innerspring and foam, with a coil support system being sandwiched between two layers of foam. Hybrid mattresses don't tend to last as long as some other forms of mattress - sometimes only lasting 6 years - but this largely depends on the grade of the coil springs in the hybrid mattress, as well as the foam quality.

Pillow-top

A pillow-top mattress is essentially a regular mattress with a topper which adds an extra layer of comfort. The extra layer won't stop the mattress from deteriorating and can break down over time to leave an uneven and uncomfortable layer to sleep on.

Tips For Improving Mattress Lifespan

Thankfully, there are some things you can do to prolong the life of your mattress. Some of the best suggestions we have listed below.

• A mattress protector is a great option for providing your mattress with extra protection from dirt, dust, spills and stains.

• Make sure to turn your existing mattress at least every 3 months, which will allow it to stay in optimum shape.

• Adopt a regular mattress cleaning routine but always make sure that you clean according to the directions given by the mattress manufacturer.

• Allow adequate and regular ventilation into your bedroom or anywhere else where you have a mattress. This is a great way to prevent the build-up of moisture and can reduce dust.

• If you are moving house, it's important that any mattresses are stored upright. This will help prevent any damage to the springs and avoid creasing.

• While pets might love to get into bed with you, keeping them away from your bed will stop any damage caused by chewing or clawing.

• Little damages a mattress quicker than children treating it as a trampoline! Although it's sometimes easier said than done, try to keep children from doing this as it can have a terrible effect on any springs.

• When you are changing your sheets, take off the old ones and put your feet up for an hour or two before replacing them with clean, crisp ones. This allows the mattress to air.

• Use baking soda to keep mattresses fresh and free from moisture and any nasty smells. If possible, you should sprinkle enough over the entirety of the mattress and ideally wait 24 hours before vacuuming it.

Final Thoughts

A new mattress is an excellent investment if you want not only improved sleep, fewer dust mites, better spinal alignment, and so much more.

When choosing a mattress size in the UK, it's crucial to consider your preferences and the available space in your bedroom. While the average mattress will last for roughly 8 years, if you replace your mattress with one made from higher quality materials, you could potentially see your new purchase last for upward of 10 years. Happy Slumbers!

Happy Slumbers!