When it comes to purchasing a mattress or using mattress for a few years, one big question is: how long does a mattress last?
This is because you are not just making an investment but you are also making a decision that you will live with for many years to come. Nevertheless, it is not easy to find the exact answer to this question as there is no a typical solid answer. But we can have a common answer for each type of mattress.
Moving forward, mattress lifespan refers to how long a mattress can maintain at least some of its original comfort and support. By knowing the lifespan of your mattress you can prepare well for a replacement, this will not only save you from uncomfortable nights but it will also save you from medical bills.
A recent research on back pains has shown that worn out and old mattresses increase the risks of back pains. Another research by the Oklahoma State University reported significant improvement in the quality of sleep after mattress replacement.
In this article, we present you with almost everything you need to know about mattress lifespan and we hope that by the time we come to the conclusion you will be able to make your existing mattress last longer.
How Long Should a Mattress Last?
Generally, a good mattress should be able to serve you for several years before the need of a replacement. The average life expectancy varies depending on the type of material used to make it. As a result, some mattresses will last longer while others will need to be replaced soon.
However, the majority of high-end mattresses have a lifespan of between 7-10 years but it can last beyond 10 years and more depend on the level of care. For best results, a mattress should be replaced within 10 years. Generally, foam and latex mattresses tend to last longer than the average lifespan.
#Latex mattress
Latex mattresses are highly superior and beats all the others on the basis of lifespan. On average, latex mattress can last for 15 years if it is properly maintained. This longevity is enhanced by the fact that a layer that wears out can be replaced easily with a new layer. Moreover, each layer of the mattress can be flipped individually to allow even wear.
#Memory foam
A memory foam mattress is less prone to sagging but that is not to say is invincible. Memory foam mattress has mid length longevity of about 10 years. To make it live to its lifespan you need to flip it regularly and take care of it.
#Innerspring mattress
This type of mattress is made using thin coil springs which lose strength and sags quickly. On average even the high-end models won’t last past 7-8 years.
#Waterbed mattress
These type of mattress have medium-high durability because they don’t have springs that can break as with the traditional mattress. On average, this mattress last between 7-9 years but can exceed this limit with good maintenance.
#Hybrid mattress
This type of mattress is made with a pocketed coil support core like that of an innerspring system and a comforting layer like that of memory foam or latex. It has a short lifespan and tends to degrade faster as compared to other mattresses.
On average, a good hybrid mattress can last up to 6 years before the need to replace. However, its lifespan will largely depend on the grade of polyfoam used to make the support core.
#Air mattress
This mattress is popular for to those sleepers who prefer customized firmness. On average this type of a mattress lasts for 5 years because the air in it starts leaking after some time. In addition, the irreplaceable built-in air pump gets damaged.
#Futon mattress
These mattresses do not last long. On average, futon mattress tends to have below-average longevity. With proper care, it can last up to 5 years.
Read more: Top 5 Best Futon Mattresses
Factors That Impact The Lifespan of a Mattress
Frequency of use
Anything that is rarely used will definitely last longer. Similarly, a mattress that is not used often implies more lifespan and vice versa is always true.
Body weight
Huge bodied people exert more pressure to the mattress creating a lot of compressions, this reduces the lifespan of a mattress. Consequently, lightweight or average weight sleepers exerts little pressure on the mattress and this implies longer lifespan.
Activity
Putting heavy and sharp objects on your mattress can damage it. Again eating or drinking on your bed can severely damage your mattress through spillage which may weaken the materials incorporated in the mattress.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning can help keep your mattress in good condition longer as it gets rid of harmful bacteria, dust mites and other insects that can damage your mattress.
How to Check If You Need a New Mattress?
There are many indicators that will tell you that your existing mattress requires a replacement. When you start feeling uncomfortable in the bed while sleeping on it or start waking up with back pain, neck pain, stiffness, and aches or even you start seeing its surface wearing out, it is time to consider a replacement. Common signs of surface wear include sagging, lumps, bumps, holes, and tears.
Other indicators are:
Noticeable increase in allergy symptoms: mattresses attracts allergens and with time the levels increases and this increases the risk of allergies and asthma.
Sleeping better elsewhere: if you are getting a better night sleep somewhere else be it in a hotel or sofa this shows that your bed is uncomfortable and your mattress could need replacing.
Tossing and turning at night: if you turn and toss a lot at night this might be an indicator that you are not getting comfortable sleep. And if your partner also turns and toss it means your mattress no longer reduces motion transfer and it needs replacing.
Common Problems and Simple Ways to Improve Your Mattress
A mattress is an important investment given that we spend one-third of our lives sleeping. However, there are some problems you may encounter with your mattress. some of these problems may be common even with a new mattress so if you encounter them while your mattress still has a long way to go you need not to think of a replacement unless you know that your mattress has given you its service.
Rapid mattress sagging
When your mattress sag the most important thing is to find the cause. For instance, if it sags on the sides this might be as a result of you sitting on the sides putting your shoes on. Others like the king-size mattresses will sag at the center. To solve this, you need to flip the mattress on other sides for even wear and tear. For more information about fixing mattress sagging, take a look at this article: How to Fix a Sagging Mattress
Initial odor
Foam mattresses emit a chemical smell due to the materials and chemicals incorporated. However, this should not bother you because the odor fades away after a few days. You can try positioning your bed at an open and airy place and let it remain there until the smell fades out. Alternatively, you can sprinkle baking soda over the mattress to diffuse the odor and then vacuum it after an hour.
Bed bugs and dust mite’s infestation
Bed bugs and dust mites are as a result of poor hygiene so the first and effective solution is to keep your mattress clean. Make sure you vacuum it regularly. Also, you can use a mattress cover to seal the bugs in. this will prevent them from crawling to the surface of your mattress and also control their growth.
Not enough support
This is a major problem with a lot of people. There is no single solution for this problem because everyone has own preference when it comes to the amount of support. In order to fix it, just take your time when choosing a mattress to ensure it suits your needs. You can also read more on how to make your soft mattress firmer here How to make a soft mattress firmer
Extreme firmness
There are many factors such as density level that can make a mattress feel too firm. A firm mattress can ruin your night sleep. There are various ways to fix a firm mattress and make it feel better and using a softer mattress topper is one them. You can read here fixing a firm mattress for more solutions.
Simple Things to Increase The Lifespan of a Mattress?
There are a few things you can do to your mattress to extend its useful life. This includes;
#Regular cleaning
When it comes to cleaning a mattress there are a number of factors that will determine how long your mattress can stay. These include how clean it? How often you clean it? And who cleans it? Cleaning your mattress regularly can extend the lifespan of your mattress.
Failure to clean it will result in a shorter life because the invisible bacteria, mold, and mildew will slowly eat away the materials used. Besides, cleaning it professionally from time to time can extend its lifespan this is because it cleans even those bacteria and germs that cannot be cleaned properly with household cleaning products.
#Using a mattress topper
A good mattress topper will lengthen the lifespan of a mattress by combating the 3 main enemies of a mattress as follows;
Body perspiration: on average the body releases 2 pints of sweat each night. This fluid finds its way down the covers and into the mattress and this can weaken the core of your mattress. Putting a mattress topper on your mattress stops sweat and perspiration from getting into the mattress for optimal longevity.
Dead skin and bacteria: these mattress enemies settle on the closet layers to the body. By using a mattress topper it means you are keeping them away from the mattress and this gives your mattress more years of service.
Undue settlement and indentations: all foams compress at some point but a mattress topper adds a layer of protection by compressing and sagging at the expense of the mattress.
#Use a mattress protector from the beginning
A mattress protector is a specifically designed to keep the mattress in the most pristine condition as possible. Using a mattress protector is one of the best and easiest way to maintain your mattress longevity.
It provides the final line of protection against spillage accidents and also reduces surface abrasion due to body movement.
Read more: Best Mattress Protectors – Ultimate Guide & Top 8 Picks
#Flip the mattress regularly
No matter what type of mattress you have, rotating it regularly can help extend its longevity. Regular rotation promotes more even wear and this reduces the formation depression. However, the frequency of rotation depends on several things including the mattress type and age.
Some mattress types like an air mattress do not require flipping while others like futon mattress need to be flipped periodically for optimal longevity. When new it is good to flip your mattress at least once a month but after the first year, you can reduce the spin to every few months.
On average, you should flip your mattress at least once every six months to ensure the mattress wears out evenly over its lifespan.
#Get your pets their own bed
No matter how much you love your pet, you need to take extra precaution because pets can easily damage your mattress and reduce its useful life. First, pets are prone to accidents and their sweat and urine can down your mattress materials. This can weaken them and also encourage the growth of molds and bacteria.
Caution: Warranty is not an indicator of longevity
We tend to think that a mattress warranty is an indicator of its lifespan but this is often the case because most mattress warranties are limited to certain aspects. A mattress may promise 5 years warranty and another 20 years warranty, this doesn’t mean the latter is more durable what matters most is the full coverage lengths.
A durable mattress should be able to offer a minimum of 10 years of full coverage. In addition to this, you must also consider the compression depth, this refers to the inches your mattress must compress before the warranty coverage begins. The ideal compression coverage ranges between 1”-1.5”.
You may also like: How to Extend Mattress Lifespan – Thing To DO and DON’T
Conclusion
According to consumer reports, the average lifespan of a good mattress ranges between 7-10 years. However, by protecting your mattress from allergens and accidents, rotating it, cleaning it regularly and using a mattress protect you can actually make your mattress last beyond this range. Again with proper use and care you can extend its longevity even further. Ultimately your bed will feel more comfortable and it will offer a healthier environment for sleeping.
That’s it. We hope that this article can help answer the question “how long does a mattress last?” and provide you useful information. Enjoy your sleep!
Gul Ducati says
Not one word about sexual use? That’s like 50% of the use of a mattress.
Elgee says
Do it on a waterbed. Believe me, you won’t regret it.
Daria says
So interesting info! Thanks for the article!
kabir says
The chart is very useful because any one can easily understand how long last a mattress.many people want to buy long lasting mattress but they do not understand which is the best.They should read this article.
Eichelle says
Thanks for the helpful article. One small note, bed bugs have nothing to do with hygiene. A few years back I had to help my mom with an infestation and learned a lot about bed bugs. Especially in urban areas, bed bugs are unfortunately a very harmful pest that travels around.
Jodie says
Gul Ducati — maybe your mattress. You have sex more than you sleep! lol