As mattresses accumulate body fluids, dead skin cells, dust mites, mildew and allergens over time, it is usually best to replace it every seven to 10 years.
Your bed should provide restful slumber. If you find yourself awakening with sore muscles or stiff joints, perhaps now is the time for a change – investing in a new mattress might just do the trick!
It’s time to replace it
Over time, mattresses lose their shape and begin to sag, creating dips and lumps that disrupt sleep quality and may worsen issues related to back pain, allergies or asthma. Therefore, it is advised that mattresses be replaced every 8-10 years for maximum effectiveness.
A mattress’s lifespan depends on a number of factors, including its quality and type when purchased as well as how often you use it. Although some people might get up to 20 years out of their mattress, on average it usually lasts less than that – an expensive hybrid mattress may outlive an inexpensive entry-level mattress, for instance.
Condition is another key indicator that can tell us whether a mattress should be replaced. If it shows obvious wear and tear signs such as protruding springs or rips in its cover, sagging, rips or holes in its fabric, squeaks or creaks from the box spring, or creaks coming from it as evidence of degraded coils then now may be an omen that it needs replacing.
If you want to determine whether or not a new mattress is right for you, sleeping on one that’s more comfortable may help determine if one is needed. Many chiropractors agree that an outdated, unsupportive mattress can lead to chronic back pain so it might be worthwhile considering making this change.
Mattresses should also be free from dust mites and mold; if they smell musty or feature black spots, it is time for an upgrade.
Pets and children should not jump on beds as this puts too much weight and force in one area, which could damage both mattress and foundation. Furthermore, jumping can shorten a mattress’s lifespan by degrading springs and foam. Therefore, save jumping for trampolines instead and prolong its life span for when it’s time to replace it – remember, after all, purchasing high quality mattresses is one of the biggest investments you will make for your health and well being!
It’s sagging
Mattresses begin to lose their structural integrity within 10 years of regular care and use. Slumping on an old, worn mattress is uncomfortable and may lead to back and neck pain; additionally, its quality of sleep could decrease dramatically leaving you more frequently awake during the night and more tired throughout your day.
Sagging mattresses may be caused by various factors. An old bed frame that does not offer adequate support could be to blame; you could also sleep in an uncomfortable position most of the time and cause it to sag there; or simply due to too many body impressions being left in its fabric over time and no longer having its original form.
Invest in a high-quality mattress protector to prevent sagging. A protector will shield it from spills, body fluids, dust mites and allergens that may compromise foam over time – keeping it looking its best and giving you better nights’ rest!
Revolve your mattress every once in awhile to redistribute pressure across its entirety and increase its lifespan. A high-quality bed frame may also extend its useful lifespan for maximum results.
If your mattress has started to sag, it’s definitely time for an upgrade. Sagging mattresses can not only be painfully uncomfortable but can lead to back and neck pain and other health problems as well. Furthermore, you might notice more often waking up with aches and pains throughout the day which is a sure sign it’s time for something new.
Beyond these tips, there are other ways you can extend the lifespan of your mattress until it’s time for replacement. One such way is using pillows to prop up areas of sagging beds – just be sure that they offer excellent shape retention to prevent this process accelerating further.
It’s dirty
Mattresses tend to accumulate some extra weight over time due to not just foam expanding. Mattresses also absorb dead skin cells, sweat, dander and dirt that can contribute to poor sleep and worsen allergies or asthma attacks.
At least once annually and spot cleaned as necessary, mattresses should be thoroughly deep-cleaned and spot-cleaned as necessary. A mattress protector is highly recommended to prevent spills, odors and body fluids (like sweat) from seeping into the mattress as well as to block out dust mites and allergens.
People shed about one half a billion skin flakes each night while sleeping, which accumulate in the cracks and crevices of mattresses and become food for dust mites that feed off these dead cells – contributing to allergy and asthma symptoms.
Even those without space or funds to buy new mattresses can still find ways to improve the comfort of an old one. If it has been 10 years or longer since you had one installed, now might be an appropriate time to replace it.
Significant life changes such as moving in with roommates or adopting pets often necessitate changing mattresses, including shifting weight distribution patterns that cause the mattress to sag or even collapse.
Depending on its condition and use, your mattress could sag, become lumpy or have an offensive odor – in such instances it would probably be wiser to replace it than keep using it unless there are major structural issues present that necessitate replacement. Donating it might be an option.
Most communities offer programs for homeless families, children and seniors that could use donated mattresses in good condition. Contact your municipal office and see if there are any programs which may accept donations of this nature.
Donated mattresses in poor condition often end up going straight to landfill. But with proper tools and space available to you, broken-down mattresses may be broken into components which recycling centers may accept; such components include metal springs that can even be recycled at your local scrap metal dealership!
It’s worn
Once a mattress reaches 10 years, it’s time to consider replacing it. Coils that poke through the surface, a sagging appearance and firmness in certain areas are all telltale signs that it no longer provides adequate support to ensure restful slumber – leaving stiff muscles feeling tighter and creating discomfort overall. A new mattress could even ease symptoms associated with back pain by offering better restful nights sleep.
Over time, mattresses accumulate dirt, odors, sweat, dead skin cells and other gross substances which attract dust mites – tiny bugs which cause allergies and asthma symptoms such as runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, sinus pressure and difficulty breathing. A dirty mattress can also trap moisture which causes mold and mildew growth; replacing it will eliminate these build-ups while simultaneously eliminating dust mites altogether.
There’s an old wives tale about mattresses doubling in weight after 10 years, which simply isn’t true. A mattress’s spring core is constructed from resilient materials; comfort ingredients wear out much faster than springs themselves. Sagging or softening of top layers should not be blamed on age; rather they should be addressed using an effective mattress protector.
Regular mattress care and maintenance is crucial to its long-term survival. Proper care for this includes changing bed linens regularly, not eating or drinking in bed and using a mattress protector – one with an impenetrable barrier against body oils, perspiration stains dead skin cells mold mildew can prevent your mattress from being compromised! Regular vacuuming and airing out are also effective measures that can extend its lifespan; two-sided mattresses should be rotated every six-12 months in order to even wear and tear evenly – it’s also best not allowing children to jump on them as this could damage foam which may reduce its lifespan!
