How do you know when it’s time for a new mattress?

Don’t look at your warranty to tell you how long to keep your mattress. The Better Sleep Council suggests that a mattress provides optimum service for about eight to ten years of nightly use. Rather than putting a time line on this, we look at replacement from a number of other perspectives.

If you’re waking up feeling rested, restored and rejuvenated on your current mattress, you probably don’t need a new one. On the other hand, if your mattress is no longer comfortable or supportive, and you’re waking up tired, stiff, cranky, and with aching muscles and joints, it could be time for a new mattress.

The comfort life of a mattress can vary based on a number of variables. Anything that might affect one’s body or health can change the comfort needs in a mattress. Normal wear and tear (not considered manufacturing defects), will also depend on a number of variables. Quality of materials used in the mattress, the weight being applied to the mattress, the amount of use, and other activities will determine the life of a mattress.

Although a mattress may outwardly look decent, over time dust mite populations will increase, and bacteria, saliva, and yeast can result in mould or mildew. For this reason alone, people with allergies or those concerned about hygiene might want to consider changing their mattress.