What shape is your mattress in? Better yet, how does it feel sleeping on it? The surest way to know if your mattress is ready for the big adios is how it feels when you wake up on it. Stiffness, feeling unrested, or having trouble falling asleep could all be signs your mattress is kaput!
Join us as we explore mattress physiology 101 to investigate the burning question: How long does a mattress last, and when should you replace it?
Average Lifespan of Different Types of Mattresses
A good mattress is an investment, and knowing how long it will last is a key consideration for that investment. Let’s dive into the typical lifespan of different mattress types, giving you the inside scoop on how to plan for your future slumbers right here.
Innerspring Mattresses
This type of mattress will last only as long as its steel spring support system does, which is, on average, about 7-10 years.
Memory Foam Mattresses
How long does a memory foam mattress last? While memory foam mattresses can last up to 15 years, if one is made of lower density foam, it can soften over time and lose support quicker, which will shorten its lifespan.
Latex Mattresses
Latex is one of the most durable mattress materials, with a lifespan of up to 20 years. How long a latex mattress lasts will depend on its maintenance and care.
Hybrid Mattresses
About 20 years is the general consensus on the question: how long does a hybrid mattress last? But this is only valid if the top is made of high quality and high density foam, and there’s a high grade stainless steel spring system underneath.
Air Mattresses
What about blow-up mattresses? How long does an air mattress last? Depending on how it’s made, and provided you don’t puncture it accidentally during use, most air mattresses can last for several years if they’re primarily used for guests.
Factors That Affect Mattress Longevity
The lifespan of a mattress isn’t set in stone; several key factors come into play. Let’s unpack what influences how long a mattress lasts.
Material and Construction
A mattress will tend to last longer if it is made with high quality materials like high-density foams and natural latex that are durable and can stand up to constant wear and tear.
Likewise, a solid design and construction with components like stainless steel springs will also contribute to providing the mattress with a longer life.
Furthermore, the type of foundation used, such as a traditional box spring bed, can affect how the mattress wears over time by providing consistent support.
Usage and Weight Distribution
Different mattress types, such as memory foam or hybrid models, used nightly, will age more quickly than an air mattress used occasionally. A heavier person can also wear out their mattress faster due to the increased stress on its support system compared to a lighter individual.
Similarly, couples put more strain on a mattress than single sleepers, and a single person consistently sleeping in the same spot will cause localized wear. These factors, combined with the sleeper’s body weight and usage patterns, ultimately determine how long a quality mattress will last.
Maintenance and Care
Keeping your mattress clean, airing it out regularly, and rotating it periodically will all act to lengthen its life and prolong its effectiveness. Speaking of different life stages, you might also wonder: how long does a crib mattress last, and what affects its longevity?
Generally, a good quality crib mattress can last for the entire time a child uses a crib, typically around 3 to 5 years.
However, just like adult mattresses, this lifespan can be significantly influenced by maintenance and care. Keeping it clean and protected will undoubtedly help it last longer and remain a safe and comfortable sleep environment for your little one.
Environmental Factors
How long does a good mattress last under different environmental factors? High humidity can lead to mold, mildew, dust mites, and other allergens that can deteriorate the surface of a mattress.
Extremely high or low temperatures can also affect your mattress, especially a foam one as the foam can be distorted in extreme temperatures. Direct sunlight can also deteriorate fabrics and cause the breakdown of certain foams.
Signs You Need a New Mattress
By now, you know how long a mattress should last. But how do you know when it’s time to bid farewell to your old faithful and welcome a new cloud of comfort? Let’s dive into the tell-tale signs that your mattress is waving the white flag (or maybe just sagging a little too much).
Noticeable Wear and Tear
If you see a sagging area or any sort of indentation or deep imprint on your mattress where you usually lie, it likely means the support system is breaking down, and you’re ready for a new mattress.
Other damages to the mattress surface, like rips in the fabric or foam, tears, or holes, are also an indication that your mattress may have reached the end of its days.
Discomfort and Poor Sleep Quality
If you find yourself consistently waking up in the morning with stiffness, aches, or pains, then it’s likely that your mattress is breaking down and not providing the proper support you need.
Another tell-tale sign your mattress needs replacing is if you find yourself not quite feeling rested after a full night sleep. On the flip side, if you’re consistently having trouble falling asleep because you can’t seem to get comfortable, that could very well be another sign your mattress needs replacing.
Allergies and Asthma Symptoms
As a mattress gets older, it can start to provide a home for dust mites, mold, and other allergens that can affect your respiratory tract and cause asthmatic symptoms. For asthma patients, studies on anti-allergic mattress covers have shown that they can greatly lower the amount of house dust mite allergen present in dust samples.
Noises
If your mattress emits a symphony of creaks and squeaks every time you get in and out of bed, it could mean the innerspring system is shot and you need a new mattress.
Odors
Likewise, if your mattress is emitting a musty or stale odor, it could mean that it is infected with mold or excessive dampness, and you need to start shopping for a new mattress.
Tips on How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Mattress
A wise guru once said, “Life is maintenance,” which also holds for increasing the lifespan of your mattress. Instead of worrying, “How long does a mattress last,” take matters into your own hands and try applying a few of these simple tips.
Use a Mattress Protector
Mattress protectors are both inexpensive and easy to find and can help a great deal in preserving the newness and quality of your mattress. These protectors are usually made of vinyl and slip over your mattress like a contact sheet to offer protection from dampness, dust, and mites.
But how long does a mattress topper last anyway? Because if you’re gonna go the extra mile for comfort, you’d want that investment to last, too, right? From what we’ve seen, you’re probably looking at around 3 to 5 years for most toppers, depending on what they’re made of and how much you’re using them.
Regular Cleaning
Vacuuming your mattress regularly can help to extend its life by keeping it dust, moisture, and mite-free. A study demonstrates that regularly vacuuming mattresses significantly lowers levels of house dust mite allergens, endotoxin, and β-glucan. This provides individuals with allergies a practical and more affordable way to decrease their exposure to these indoor triggers and microbial contaminants [1].
Routinely Wash the Bedding
You probably wouldn’t stay in a hotel if the sheets weren’t changed regularly, so why go a long time without changing them in your own bed? Clean sheets inhibit the growth of mildew, dust, and mites that can trigger allergy symptoms.
Research indicates that consistently washing bed linens weekly, especially with longer soaking times, should substantially decrease dust mite populations over time. This effect is amplified when mattresses and pillows are encased to prevent the mites from returning [2].
Rotate the Mattress
Rotating your mattress on a regular basis will help to eliminate consistent wear and tear in any one area and help your sleeping surface as a whole remain responsive and resilient.
Support
A sturdy bed frame or box spring will go a long way in helping to keep your mattress solid and in the best shape, so it remains responsive and supportive over time.
FAQs
Now that you have a detailed answer to the question, “How long does a mattress usually last,” here are some common questions from customers who want to know the same thing.
How Often Should I Replace My Mattress?
It is recommended by sleep experts that you should replace your mattress every 6-8 years for the best sleep quality. Of course, this can vary depending on the type of mattress, as well as several other factors. A few signs that it might be time to change your mattress are aches and pains, poor rest quality, and physical wear and tear like sags or lumps on the surface of your mattress.
Can a Mattress Last 20 Years?
A mattress can last for 20 years, yet it is unlikely. The normal lifespan of a mattress is approximately 7 years, though some mattresses have been known to last for longer if it is a high-quality model that has been cared for properly.
How Do You Tell When You Need a New Mattress?
Common signs that you need a new mattress are sagging, lumps, or other damage: waking up with pain: difficulty sleeping; or experiencing allergic symptoms.
How Long Does A Tempurpedic Mattress Last?
A Tempur-Pedic mattress typically lasts around 8 to 10 years, with many users reporting comfortable use even beyond that when properly cared for. Its high-density memory foam is known for exceptional durability and pressure relief, but longevity can vary based on factors like weight distribution, usage, and whether a proper foundation is used.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Mattress?
The average life expectancy of a mattress is 7-10 years. This can vary, though, depending on the type of mattress, how well it’s cared for, and how often it is used.
How Long Does a Mattress Last? Conclusion
If you started reading this article because you haven’t been sleeping well, hopefully you’ve learned more about the role your mattress plays in your sleep health.
Like a car, or even a home, mattresses are long term investments that we can lose track of over time until suddenly they turn into a problem.
Hopefully, this article has adequately answered the question, “How long does a mattress last?” and opened your eyes to the tell-tale signs of when it’s time to say adios to your mattress and hello again to a good night’s sleep. Don’t let the bed bugs bite!
References
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Wu, Francis Fu-Sheng, et al. “Daily Vacuuming of Mattresses Significantly Reduces House Dust Mite Allergens, Bacterial Endotoxin, and Fungal β-Glucan.” The Journal of Asthma: Official Journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma, vol. 49, no. 2, 2012, pp. 139–143, doi:10.3109/02770903.2011.654023.
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Vyszenski-Moher, Diann L., et al. “Effects of Laundry Detergents on Dermatophagoides Farinae, Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus, and Euroglyphus Maynei.” Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, vol. 88, no. 6, 2002, pp. 578–583, doi:10.1016/S1081-1206(10)61889-3.