Nothing beats the feeling of first receiving your much-awaited mattress. You’re not only excited to lay on it but do every possible thing on it! And then you wish this joy could last a lifetime – but will it?
When asked, most people probably can’t even remember when they last changed theirs. While reading this, take a good long look at your mattress. Is it squeaking? Are lumps beginning to pop in random places?
Before going to signs that you should retire your mattress, it’s important to know what it’s made of.
Different mattress types have varying lifespans. Older models with box springs typically have 5-8 years of life, while high-quality mattresses have more durability and comfort, meaning they’ll last longer.
Does yours have innerspring or memory foam? Is it a latex mattress or a hybrid? Knowing the difference allows you to estimate how much life your mattress has in it.
The temperature of your bedroom also plays a role. If it’s more humid than usual, that might affect how your mattress feels. If you feel the need to change your mattress, your room’s temperature should be considered.
With that out of the way, let’s go to clues that your mattresses give you to tell you it’s time to replace it.
1. Sinks into the bed frame
Normally, you’d want your mattress to put up resistance. Sure, a comfy mattress sounds amazing, but it won’t do your muscles any good, particularly when you suffer from back pain.
Once your mattress starts sagging or losing tension, those are signs that you should begin searching for a new one. Sooner or later, it’ll be too uncomfortable to sit on, let alone lie on top for hours.
Body impressions appearing more frequently and lasting longer is evidence of deterioration. A firm mattress shouldn’t have problems going back to form after you sleep on it, but an old one will struggle.
Another sign is when you can barely get a good night’s sleep as the comfort layer of an old mattress starts to go. Sagging is often the earliest sign that a mattress’ time is up.
2. Cushioning all gone
There are different types of mattresses for whatever sleeping positions you prefer, but a common ground between memory foam and spring mattresses is the cushioning.
Deteriorating cushioning is often the next sign that your mattress has seen better days. Unlike sagging which usually needs a second look, this clue is something that you’ll immediately feel the following day.
If better sleep is one of your goals, it might be time for some mattress shopping.
Aside from less comfort, older styles like innerspring mattresses that have seen lots of use are prone to lumping, making sleep feel like lying on a bed of rocks.
3. Good night’s sleep or good BITE’s sleep?
The main reason why sleep associations recommend replacing your mattress every 8-10 years is due to its potential to be a hotbed of bacteria. Imagine spending so much of your life on a 10-year-old mattress – we doubt it’s clean at all (except if you do clean it).
Dust mites or bed bugs will make your mattress their home if left alone. Sure, you can use a mattress protector, but while that might prevent insect build-up, that won’t be for forever.
Once you see one, chances are, there are others in different areas of your mattress. Nothing takes you out of the mood to sleep than a bite from a dust mite.
The presence of minuscule insects in your mattress extends beyond irritating bites. They threaten your overall health, and the longer you allow these critters to bug you, the worse it’s going to get.
When you discover mites and bugs, the life of your mattress is probably on its last legs. Next time you shop for a mattress, look for features such as water and dust mite-proof.
Something else to worry about is allergen accumulation. Dead skin cells and hair build up on pillowcases and mattress toppers, but they can also build up in your mattress.
If it’s time to say goodbye to your old and worn mattress, remember to look for a hypoallergenic and dust-mite repellant mattress.
4. Needs too much cleaning
You’d be surprised to learn just how much moisture your mattress absorbs, as we can release up to 2 litres of sweat every night. If you’ve washed a mattress that’s been around for years, you know how hard it is to get it to dry.
Sure, you can try airing it out and letting the sun do its thing, but that can take a long time, even leaving you sleeping on the couch for a night while it dries.
People should clean their mattresses regularly, but when yours starts needing it more and more, that’s a bad sign. The older a mattress is, the more it accumulates dirt and the harder it is to clean.
How long should a mattress last?
Most mattress reviews will tell you that a mattress should last for at least a decade, depending on its make. For example, a latex mattress has a different lifespan than a hybrid mattress.
Now that you know the tell-tale signs of a mattress at the end of its life, here are a few things you should look for when shopping for a new one.
- Waterproof and dust-mite free
- Removable cover for easy washing
- Ergonomic support
- 100 Night Trial so you can test it out for yourself
- 15-year warranty, so you know it’s made to last
The Ecosa Mattress ticks all the boxes. Made with ergonomic memory foam and adjustable firmness layers, the Ecosa Mattress is designed to suit you and your needs perfectly. Stop sleeping on an old mattress and shop with Ecosa today.