What to Do with Old Mattress and Replace Your Mattress?
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to replace the mattress or not, Mattress1000 will reveal shocking truths and telltale signs to help you understand better.
First of all, we want to affirm that the rule of thumb you need to replace the mattress every eight years is not a good guide. According to the Better Sleep Council, the suggested period is between 7 and 10 years. That means eight years just represent a statistical average.
Additionally, this number is something of a marketing ploy so that manufacturers guarantee more sales.
So, when is the exact time to replace the old mattress? Down here to know now!
What influences the lifespan of your mattress?
The lifespan of a mattress can change wildly. Depending on different types and quality, you can get less or more time from it. Instead of thinking of a particular number of years, it’s best to check signs to see whether your old mattress needs to be replaced or not.
But before diving into the signals, Mattress 1000 want to talk about some factors that affect your mattress’ lifespan firstly.
Type of mattress
With different materials, you will get various kinds of mattresses. While some offer outstanding comfort, the others are not as durable as you expect.
- An innerspring mattress includes coil support systems that help to spread out your weight evenly. This bed can last over 10 years, and sometimes longer in case that it’s two-sided.
- The memory foam mattress has different densities and materials. It can last from 10-15 years with the proper care that involves common rotation.
- The durability of the latex mattress will change depending on whether you choose an organic or synthetic latex one. This type can last for up to 20 years.
- As a combination of innerspring and foam mattress, the hybrid one often comes with three layers including a top layer of foam, a coil support system, and a base layer of foam. Since it depends on the type of coil and base foam, you should replace this mattress after 6 years.
Aside from the different types, you should notice the quality. Better foams, more springs, thick covers, and better craftsmanship will create a bed that maintains its shape longer, giving a better sleep.
However, note that spending too much money on a mattress doesn’t ensure a high-quality one. It’s best to examine the composition of the bed.
Your maintenance
In case your children use your mattress as a trampoline, or you accidentally spill drink and food on it, your bed will not last as long for sure.
Don’t be surprised! Since mattresses are made of fibers, fabric, and foam, usual turning and tossing can send wear-and-tear on it. Hence, if you feel a lot of movement in the mattress, you need to replace it.
Rotating your mattress
When sleeping, exerting pressure on the bed in all places are not equal. There are many “pressure points” at different locations in the bed, and they are different for every person. If your mattress tends to lose or sag its bounce quickly, all are due to the pressure points.
Frequent rotating the mattress will change the pressure points on it. Every three months, especially if it’s new, is the best amount of time you should turn or flip. Or you can do this earlier if discovering any “hard spots” or noticeable sags.
Why replaces the mattress?
Before answering the question “How to replace your mattress when it’s old” you need to know the BIG reason why we need to replace it.
The main one might be the COMFORT. Over time, your old mattress will lose its shape and start to sag, creating dumps and dips. And an uncomfortable bed can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.
What happens next? Some diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, infectious disease, high blood pressure, and stroke might appear and influence your health.
Additionally, dust mites and other allergens would gather in the mattresses that worsen or cause symptoms in people with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. According to a study in 2015, the mattresses are known as the place that holds the highest concentration of dust mites in a house.
For more information about how to get rid of dust mites in the mattress, you can read here.
Now, you understand why we need to replace the old mattress, right? Or in case you’re not convinced, please continue consulting a study from the US National Institutes of Health. It pointed out anyone who sleeps on a new mattress will improve their sleep quality better.
What to do with an old mattress and replace it?
Your mattress is 7-10 years
As outlined above, a lifespan of the mattress changes by mattress type, manufacturer, how you sleep, and whether you sleep alone or with anyone. Additionally, if you’re a big guy, your mattress can wear out quicker than manufacture guidelines offer.
The truth is that not all the mattresses last forever, and extreme wear and tear will wear it faster. The second-rate products or even the highest-quality mattresses have a maximum lifespan and need to be replaced at the right time.
So, if your mattress lasts between 7 and 10 years, it’s the first sign you need a new one.
You wake up with pains and aches
Are you waking up tired, sore and stiff every morning? If YES, your mattress might be part of the trouble.
The old mattresses tend to lose their ability to offer the right support, and soon you will feel the pressure points. When the comfort zone loses its compression, the heavier part of your body will sag into the mattress. And this leads to significant pain in the back, shoulders, and neck.
Morning back and neck pain is another signal that you need a new mattress, or you are still sleeping on the mattress that comes with the wrong firmness for the body.
Your mattress is saggy
Feeling pain in your muscles, joints or back? Try to examine your mattress to check whether there is any sign of body impressions or sagging.
Sagging might happen when the springs fail and lose resiliency while impressions occur as the polyester fiber and foam compresses over a short time. If impressions and sagging are 1.5 inches in depth, that means you will get an increased pain.
Your spine is not aligned when sleeping
If your mattress doesn’t provide correct alignment and support, you cannot get the best sleep.
- For stomach or back sleepers, your spine’s natural S curve needs to be clear when lying on the mattress. In case it’s exaggerated and flattened, your mattress is not aligning your spine correctly.
- For side sleepers, your spine needs to be straight from neck to bottom if you’ve received right support. In case of NO, you can use a good pillow to correct. But, if you can slide your hand in the gap between your mattress and body, you have to replace it instantly.
You are suffering from asthma and allergies
If it’s not allergy season and you find that allergies seem worse whenever sleeping, the mattress might be the culprit.
According to an interview between Slate and an expert on dust mites, your mattress is described as a “crime scene regarding how it receives inoculated with dust mites” over time. The protein in dust mite feces that gather in the mattress may create asthma attacks and allergic reactions.
It’s okay to vacuum, steam and slip the mattress to lessen dust and mites. But, if these steps don’t work effectively, it’s time for a new mattress.
You gain or lose weight
Home Body tends to gain or lose weight during the life cycle of the mattress. This might occur if you have a diet, accident, surgery, pregnancy or as you age. Even if your mattress is still in proper condition, what supported you or was comfortable 5 years ago might no longer do the trick when you gained or lost weight.
In case the pressure points or firmness are the troubles, you can purchase a mattress topper as a temporary solution until buying a new mattress. But, if your mattress lacks support, a topper cannot help your sleeping conditions.
Let’s say goodbye to your old mattress
Whenever you suspect you want a new mattress, you should follow our guidance above to know How to change this mattress when it old. Sometimes, it might be alluring to live with the old one. However, replacing it will result in BIG benefits for your sleep and health.
And the good news is that replacing your mattress is not too hard or expensive. You can consult the best online mattress in a box without leaving your home for buying a new one. Even, you can receive a risk-free trial period to test whether this new mattress is the one you need or not.
In case you still have questions related to this issue, don’t mind leaving your comments in the box below. We will support you with all our heart.