Why It Might Be Time to Buy a New Mattress
Considering we spend up to 36 years of our lives in our beds (whether sleeping, watching TV or trying to sleep ), our mattresses are very important. But because they’re also big, expensive, and shaded by so much laundry, it’s not always obvious when we should replace them (and given the investment, we don’t often do that). Sleeping on a worn mattress is a recipe for discomfort, poor sleep, and potentially tiring allergies, so here are the telltale signs you should buy a new one.
Your mattress is over eight years old
The simplest indicator is time: the average life of a mattress is seven to ten years . While it won’t fall apart after 10 years, and many mattresses have warranties of 15 or 20 years, that doesn’t mean you should keep it that long. (Warranty covers certain parts; this is not a promise of comfort.)
Like everything else, mattress materials (coils, foam, and springs) wear out over time, making them noticeably less resistant to our weight and physical movement. Also, the life of a mattress depends on proper care, which includes moisture protection , regular cleaning and turning . Neglecting regular care will shorten the life of your mattress.
It is sagging, torn or lumpy
Signs of wear are reliable indicators that a mattress is probably not in the best condition anymore. If you see sagging, tears, holes, or visible lumps, the inside of the mattress has shifted or been damaged. Sagging is a sign that the internal springs have broken, the coils have loosened, or the foam has been irretrievably compressed, causing the mattress to lose its shape. (Heavier people may see a deep dent when they first get up, but the mattress should quickly return to its normal, flat shape.) Bed shortly after lying down.
Similarly, according to Consumer Reports , “Spilling water on certain types of foam can damage the adhesive between the layers, causing them to dislodge.” Damage from water and other bodily fluids (especially sweat) accelerates wear and tear on your mattress, so always use a mattress topper.
You constantly wake up in pain
Mattresses are designed to relieve pressure in certain parts of the body. As they wear out, they no longer support the natural curvature of the spine, causing body parts to become rigid. If you regularly wake up with a sore back, neck, hips, or shoulders, this is a sign that your mattress is no longer providing enough support.
He’s loud and squeaky
If it sounds like a squeaky symphony every time you roll over, something is wrong. First, determine what is the cause: the mattress or the box spring. If you have a spring or hybrid mattress, take it off the box spring first and then ride it to check for noise. If it squeaks, according to the Sleep Foundation , it’s a problem with metal springs. If you have an all-foam mattress, the noise may only be coming from the box spring, which can be eliminated with these homemade fixes . If they don’t work, it’s time to look for a new box spring (but thankfully not a whole mattress).
If you feel the base or springs pushing against you, it’s game over. Contact your nearest mattress supplier.
Exacerbation of allergies or asthma
If you’ve noticed a sudden spike in allergies or other respiratory problems (and it’s not allergy season), your mattress may be the culprit. We have already written about the importance of cleaning your mattress because it is dirty. In addition to the millions of dust mite feces that are highly allergenic, your mattress can also be home to mold, mildew, fungus, or other bacteria. If you suffer from a runny nose, watery eyes, excessive sneezing, or headaches (with no other likely environmental cause), your mattress may not be able to be cleaned.
Your sleep pattern has changed
If you are experiencing significant weight gain or loss, your mattress may need to be replaced. Similarly, if you get a sleep partner or have a health change such as pregnancy, surgery, arthritis, sciatica, or an accident, your physical needs may change. Consider whether a new mattress might be needed to support the new physical conditions.
You sleep better somewhere else
If you notice that sleeping on a different bed makes you feel more rested, your mattress may be on its last legs. (Of course, if you have small children, you’re always better off sleeping outside.) But if you also wake up with less stiffness, joint pain, and a runny nose, that’s a good sign that your home mattress is no longer okay. cutting it.
Similarly, consider your body temperature while you sleep. If you often wake up in bed with heat or sweat (but you didn’t when you first bought your mattress), according to WebMD , this is “a sure sign that your mattress is breaking down. The longer you have a mattress, the more materials will soften and restrict surface airflow.”
Trying to sleep every night (barring other factors such as stress or insomnia) is also a wake-up call. If you suspect your mattress needs replacing, spend a night or two in your new bed and see what the difference is.