How Long Does a Mattress Last?

A good mattress is an investment in yourself. High-quality mattresses, like the ones we sell at Mattress Warehouse, are designed to help you sleep better for many years to come. But how long does a good mattress last, exactly? And what can you do to help it last longer?

How Long Does a Mattress Last?

There is no single answer to the question of how long a mattress lasts. Several factors come into play when it comes to the lifespan of a mattress:

• The type of mattress and materials used
• The mattress manufacturer
• The weight of the sleeper(s)
• Frequency of use
• The care of the mattress over the years
• If your body or preferred sleeping position changes

Given that there are so many variables, you can expect a new mattress to give you a good night’s sleep for anywhere from 5 to 15 years.

Differences When it Comes to Types of Mattresses

Different types of mattresses have different average lifespans. And while no mattress comes with a guaranteed expiration date, some types can be expected to last longer than others. Even within these three basic categories, mattresses vary in usage, craftsmanship, and care. Purchasing a mattress from a store you can trust, like Mattress Warehouse, helps ensure you’ll go home with a quality mattress.

How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Mattress

Proper care is probably the most important factor in making your mattress last for as long as possible. Think of your mattress as an investment. The more you care for your investment, the longer it’ll serve you. These four tips can help your mattress last longer than average.

1. Use a Mattress Protector

Mattress Warehouse offers many high-quality mattress protectors that can do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to keeping your mattress in good condition. Mattress protectors can keep spills, stains, sweat, and even dust mites off your mattress. They usually fit your mattress like a fitted sheet, providing almost invisible protection no matter what happens.

2. Clean Your Mattress Twice a Year

Vacuuming your bare mattress every few months can help keep it fresh by avoiding dirt and dust mite buildup. Treat any spill or stain as quickly as possible to keep it from settling into the fibers. Twice a year, give your entire mattress a full, thorough cleaning.

3. Start With a Solid Base

Choose a base that’s designed to support your particular type of mattress. For example, innerspring mattresses work best on box springs. When you purchase your mattress, check to see if the manufacturer suggests the type of bed frame that will work best. If you’re unsure, ask one of the Sleep Professionals™ at Mattress Warehouse for help choosing the best base for your mattress.

How to Know It’s Time for a New Mattress

Aside from the age of your mattress, how do you know when it’s time for a new one? Here are some clues that your old mattress might need to be replaced.

You’re Not Sleeping Well

The purpose of your mattress  is to give you a good night’s sleep. Aside from outside factors unrelated to your bed, you should sleep deeply and comfortably most nights. If, more often than not, you find yourself waking up feeling like you didn’t get a wink of sleep, it may be that your mattress has outlived its usefulness. A new mattress based on your sleep needs and preferences might be exactly what you need to get a full, deep night’s sleep again.

Your Mattress Sags

After a while, time and gravity will have an effect on your mattress. The fibers and inner materials will naturally wear down and start to sag in spots. Even if you don’t notice obvious sagging, there are other signs, like having a hard time getting out of bed or rolling over. A sagging mattress can negatively impact your body, and it’s a sure sign that your mattress needs to be replaced.

You Wake Up in Pain

A sagging mattress isn’t the only thing that can cause you to wake up in pain. The wrong mattress for your body and sleep position won’t provide you with the right levels of support and cushioning you need. Side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers have different needs when it comes to how firm or plush their mattress is. When in doubt, ask your Mattress Warehouse Sleep Professional™ to recommend the right mattress for your needs or visit your local Mattress Warehouse to try our bedMATCH® system to find your perfect fit.

Your Mattress is Dirty

Over the years, mattresses accumulate dust mites, dead skin, sweat, bacteria, stains, hair, and other debris. A mattress protector will certainly help, as will regular cleaning. But if your mattress gets a deep stain, or accumulates too much debris, it might be time to switch it out for something new. 

There is Noticeable Wear and Tear

If you notice any of the following, it’s time to consider a new mattress:

• Lumps
• Rips or tears
• Threadbare spots

These are not the types of things that can be easily fixed with a mattress protector or deep cleaning. A worn-out mattress should be replaced as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that the more you take care of your mattress, the longer it will take care of you. And any of these signs might mean it’s time to go mattress shopping.

Learn More About Buying the Right Mattress

Mattress Warehouse has the best selection of high-quality mattresses to suit all your needs. Use our Mattress Buying Guide to learn more about finding the right mattress for you. The Sleep Professionals™ at Mattress Warehouse will make sure your mattress will give you the best quality sleep imaginable for many years to come.