Your Mattress Is Sagging. Your Mattress Makes A Lot Of Noise. Your Mattress Has A Bad Smell. Your Mattress Aggravates Your Allergies. You Wake Up In Pain mostly back pain. You Can't Get Comfortable. You Sleep Better On A Different Mattress. Your m...
When your back is sagging and springs are jabbing your hips, then waking up with aches and pains is inevitable. So if you wake up feeling beat up rather than refreshed, chances are your mattress needs to go (this is even more likely to be the case if you wake up with pain and it gets better throughout the day).
So the best test of whether a mattress is in need of repair is the sag/string test. You hold a string taught, enough that it's not sagging, across the top of the mattress, no sheet, if the mattress is more than 1 inch below the string it should be replaced if it's less your good.
Types of mattresses and their lifespan
Most experts say that the average lifespan of a mattress is 8 to 10 years. The issue is not all mattress are the same. Mattresses come in many different types and qualities.
If you've purchased a high quality mattress, you should only be replacing it every 10 to 20 years. This is a more-than-achievable lifespan with the right care and cleaning techniques.
A mattress should generally be replaced every 7–10 years, depending on its type, usage, and maintenance. Latex mattresses can last up to 12 years, while innerspring options may wear out after 7 years.
Perspiration and body oils can also make their way into the top layers of your mattress, causing an overgrowth of bacteria and even lingering odor if not dealt with early and often. The same goes for drinks — coffee, tea and even water spills are absorbed into deeper layers of foam, making them very difficult to clean.
You may suddenly find your bed uncomfortable for various reasons — from issues with your bedroom environment to the mattress itself. Here are some common issues: Bedroom is too bright or loud. Old or worn-down mattress that needs to be replaced.
Make sure you test it in your favorite sleep position. Try lying on your back, side, and stomach for a few minutes each. Check how the mattress supports your body in these positions. Look for any uncomfortable spots or pressure points.
Regardless of the type of mattress you have, you should always rotate your mattress from end-to-end at least every three months. If your mattress is double-sided, you'll need to flip it over when you rotate it too. ROTATE OR TURN? You shouldn't turn over a single-sided mattress.
Whether that means the mattress has yellow stains, the fabric is worn or ripped, the springs are jutting out, or you can actually see it sagging, visible wear and tear is a clear sign that your mattress is deteriorating and needs replacing.
Over time, many settle into the cracks and crevices of your mattress. Dead skin is a feast for hungry dust mites. These tiny bugs and their droppings can set off allergies or asthma.
You should replace your mattress if: The coils are squeaking. It is accumulating mold, mildew, or dust mites. Deep, sagging indentions have formed.
Sleep anxiety is a feeling of fear or stress about falling asleep or staying asleep. Sleep problems and mental health disorders like anxiety are closely intertwined. One can often make the other worse, so it can feel like a never-ending cycle. But anxiety and sleep issues are both treatable.
Side sleeping helps prevent the airway from collapsing and can reduce snoring. "And so, all in all, sleeping on the side — perhaps with their head slightly elevated as long as that's comfortable — is a good way to sleep," says Dr. Krahn. Side sleeping also is recommended during pregnancy, especially the last trimester.
Signs of mold on a mattress include visible mold spots or patches, a musty odor, increased allergy symptoms, and any recent moisture exposure that could foster mold growth. It's important to identify and address mold early to protect your health.
A faulty box spring may lead to several issues for your mattress, such as: Loss of support. An uneven surface. Mattress sagging and lumps.
Pour a cleaning solution of equal parts water and white vinegar into a spray bottle (you could also add a teaspoon of liquid dish soap). Apply it to the entire affected area, making sure to thoroughly dampen it. You never want to saturate a mattress, which is why we advise using a spray.
In short, yes, a 20-year-old mattress is definitely too old and should be replaced. At that age, it's highly likely that it's filled with a buildup of dust mites, allergens, and potentially mildew or mould. The structural integrity is also likely compromised, leading to sagging and less effective support.
How Long Should You Wait Before Using a New Mattress? Different mattress types require varying amounts of time to expand fully and reach their optimal feel. Memory foam mattresses, for example, typically take 24–48 hours, while latex mattresses often reach their intended firmness faster, often within 6–12 hours.
Here's how often she recommends changing your mattress based on its material: Latex: 10 to 15 years. Memory foam: Lower-quality mattresses should be changed after around five years have passed. Better-quality ones can be switched out every eight to 10 years.