How Long Do Mattresses Typically Last?

Imagine feeling insulted because someone said you are sleeping your life away, only to discover that we spend a third of our lives sleeping. Given an average lifespan of 75 years, a person is likely to spend 25 years sleeping, going by the recommendation that we are supposed to sleep at least eight hours per night for productivity. This means we are literally sleeping our lives away.

Therefore, you might as well make every second spent sleeping worthwhile by investing in a good mattress. Still, with that much time spent on the bed, you are likely to wear out your mattress fast, which brings us to the question, how long do mattresses last before begging for a replacement? Let’s tell you more.

Factors Affecting How Long Mattresses Last

According to Insider, your mattress should last between seven and ten years. That does not mean that once the ten years are over your mattress has expired. You can go on sleeping on it because some mattresses are still in good condition after a decade. The 7-10-year average is only an estimate of how long mattresses last. Several factors affect the lifespan of any mattress, as detailed below.

Construction

The construction of a mattress plays a huge role in determining how long it will last. Latex mattresses are reportedly the most durable, lasting between 15-25 years. They are made from synthetic and natural rubber, which offer a firm sleeping surface ideal for anyone with back problems. Memory foam mattresses come next, with a lifespan of 8-10 years, while hybrids closely follow since they last for 7-10 years. Innerspring mattresses come last with a lifespan of 5-7 years.

Body Weight

Your weight determines the pressure you exert on a mattress. A person on the heavier side is more likely to cause premature sagging of the mattress than a much lighter person. However, the material of the mattress combined with the body weight of the sleeper determines how fast the mattress wears out. An innerspring mattress resists sagging, making it ideal for heavier sleepers, while an all-foam mattress does not provide enough support for a person weighing over 230 pounds. Therefore, you should always shop for a mattress that corresponds to your weight.

Use

The more time you spend in bed getting your beauty rest the more you wear out your mattress. You will probably notice that the guest bedroom has not needed frequent changes of the mattress as often as other bedrooms.

Care

It’s often said that things last longer if taken care of, and mattresses are no different. If you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the proper care and maintenance, you will increase the lifespan of your mattress.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Mattress

Your mattress will communicate in the most obvious clues that you need to dispose of it and get yourself a new one. Here are a few things that show your mattress is old, according to Reverie.

Sagging

If you get in bed and find yourself sinking into a hole in the mattress, it is long overdue for replacement. A mattress sags because the foam that was once firm softened over time due to the pressure exerted by the body every night.

Wake up with Discomfort or Pain

When you no longer get beauty rest and instead wake up feeling exhausted, your mattress is the culprit. Once the mattress is old, it no longer provides the body the support it needs, so you lack quality sleep and rest. The most common body parts affected by sleeping on an old mattress are the back, neck, and hips.

Your Mattress Stinks

Your old mattress may start emitting a stale odor that makes it uncomfortable to sleep. Such odor is likely from sweating during the night. It could also be that you live in a humid environment, and the humidity is absorbed by the mattress. When this moisture combines with dead skin cells, mold develops, and dust mites find the ideal habitat.

Unexplainable Insomnia

You are not depressed, but somehow find you cannot fall asleep no matter how tired you are. Sleep Foundation published that tossing and turning in bed are common when sleeping on an old mattress. You might take longer than usual to fall asleep, or even if you do, you keep waking up in the middle of the night.

How to Care for Your Mattress to Increase Its Lifespan

A high-quality mattress can set you back as much as $2,000 or more, depending on how luxurious you want to be. This amount is not pocket change to the ordinary American; therefore, ensuring you get the most out of your mattress will go a long way in cutting down expenses. Some tips for proper care routine include:

Provide Proper Support for Mattress

The type of mattress you purchase will also determine the kind of support you need, although the manufacturer usually has recommendations that come with the warranty policy. Good support should consider the weight of the sleeper and bed type. For instance, a king and queen-size bed require central support bars. You should also regularly check the support to ensure there are no broken parts that could affect the lifespan of your mattress.

Wash Beddings Regularly

Cleanliness is the ideal way to prevent stale odors on your mattress. Since sweat and dead skin cells promote mold growth and dust mites, washing your linens will eliminate a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites. Cleaning experts recommend washing bed lines weekly.

Buy a Mattress Protector

A mattress protector is a must-have when you have kids but it is also a good investment even if you do not have little ones. The protector makes cleaning spills a breeze, but most importantly, it prevents the buildup of allergens by keeping sweat, oil, and dead skin away from the mattress. Of course, the protector should also be cleaned regularly; otherwise, what’s the point?