If your mattress features deep valleys or dips that prevent you from attaining ideal postural alignment, it may be time for replacement. Furthermore, waking up achy is another telltale sign.
Conventional wisdom suggests that mattresses should be replaced every 10 years, however there are other factors to take into account.
Age
Mattresses typically last seven to ten years before needing replacing due to comfort or support deterioration. A worn out mattress can lead to discomfort during sleep quality reduction as well as during daily life, which ultimately affects day-to-day living.
Replacement mattresses should also be considered when they begin sagging or showing signs of wear such as lumps, stains or pokes. How long your mattress lasts will depend on a number of factors including its use frequency and how well you maintain it.
Regular cleaning, rotation and flipping should extend its life by 10-20 years; but one exposed to excessive heat or never turned will last only 7-8 years.
An indicator that it may be time for a mattress change is when you awaken feeling fatigued despite getting adequate restful slumber. Most will agree that having an ergonomic mattress that provides support and comfort is paramount for good health and happiness.
Materials
Average lifespans for mattresses and box springs range between eight and 10 years depending on material quality and use frequency. Regular mattress cleaning – vacuuming/sweeping every three months or rotating it head to foot every six months or so – should help extend its life and reduce excessive wear.
Having a mattress seven years or older should be taken as an indication that it may be time to start looking for a new mattress. Trouble sleeping and feeling stiff when awakening are other indicators that it might be time for change.
Investing in a lower-grade mattress made from cheap materials may require frequent replacements; as the cheaper springs wear down quicker and prevent proper spinal alignment. A mattress topper made of natural materials like wool or latex will extend its longevity, as well as reduce allergen build-up that could pose sleep issues – something especially essential if you suffer from allergies or asthma.
Sleeping Positions
Your sleep position plays an essential role. Sleeping in an ineffective position can wreak havoc on the health of both your spine and overall wellbeing, so it is crucial that you find an ideal position that supports back, breathing and circulation while aligning the spine in an ideal fashion.
Side sleeping is often an effective choice, relieving pressure from back and hip areas while helping reduce acid reflux, and encouraging spinal alignment. Unfortunately, however, side sleeping remains one of the most commonly chosen sleeping positions, making switching difficult between styles.
Another effective sleep position is The Soldier – or sleeping on your back with arms by your head. This position is great for your spine as it reduces snoring, sleep apnoea and shoulder pain while improving circulation and the natural detoxification processes within your body.
Most mattresses should be regularly rotated to prevent sagging; however, some should not be flipped as this can damage them. Please check your mattress label to determine whether reversing may be required. Heavier sleepers may need to replace their mattress sooner than lighter sleepers due to body weight causing more wear-and-tear than expected – couples typically purchase longer-lasting mattresses than single individuals.
Weight
As you sleep on it, mattresses tend to lose some of their shape naturally over time; if large valleys or grooves appear as you lay down on it though, this could be a telltale sign that it no longer provides adequate support.
Signs that it’s time for a mattress upgrade include experiencing neck, shoulder or hip ache; these pains could be the result of inadequate support or an old mattress with worn out cushioning layers.
Your mattress’s lifespan depends on a number of factors, from its materials to how often you use it. An estimate might range anywhere between five and 10 years depending on its material and usage patterns.
Proper care and maintenance of your mattress is key to prolonging its useful life. This includes using it with an appropriate foundation or base, washing it regularly, using a high-quality mattress pad to protect against spills or stains, and limiting jumping or running on your bed – children and pets should remain off as much as possible! Finally, if your mattress begins smelling musty or mildewy this could be a sure sign that it needs to be replaced quickly as this could indicate either materials breaking down or being infiltrated with dust mites or bacteria – time for an investment!
Allergens
Conventional wisdom dictates that mattresses should be replaced every eight years, though different factors will determine when it’s necessary.
Dust mites and allergens should never enter your bed, especially if you suffer from allergies. Dust mites and allergens can trigger nasal congestion, watery eyes, sneezing, runny noses, coughs and difficulty sleeping that will interfere with regular restful nightly rest resulting in interrupted or disordered slumber.
Mould is another allergen that often forms on mattresses. Airing out your mattress by stripping back bedding and opening windows regularly will help minimize mould growth; however, certain areas such as its underside may be harder to access for cleaning purposes.
If your mattress starts smelling musty like old footwear, this could be an indicator that mold and mildew have established themselves within it. A fresh new mattress will not only offer better airflow and be more breathable; it can also help avoid allergies and health concerns that might otherwise arise from older mattresses.
Other indicators that your mattress requires replacing include sagging sides and creaks. Rotate it every few months so each side receives equal wear and tear; for hybrid mattresses with zoned or layered construction this may not always be possible, so try rotating as much as possible.
Cleaning
Most mattresses should be thoroughly cleaned every six months to prevent dust mites, fungi and other microbes from building up on them. Cleaning may require vacuuming with upholstery attachments depending on its size and whether or not it features tufted or foam surfaces, while an unclean mattress can lead to build-up of dirt, oil and dead skin cells which contribute to staining – and potentially worsen allergy and asthma symptoms in people living with either condition.
Corrow recommends using a traditional spot-cleaning pen or gel sticks for this task and making sure the area dries fully before redressing your bed.
Rotating your mattress according to manufacturer recommendations is also key in providing even weight distribution and preventing sagging, valleys or lumps in the mattress. Two-sided flippable mattresses should be rotated every three to four months in order to clean both sides, while those who don’t flip should still rotate theirs on an ongoing basis if theirs are more than several years old and provide an optimal sleeping environment.
