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There’s nothing more rewarding than a good night’s sleep, but the quality of your snoozing hinges on the answer to this question: How long does a mattress last? It can vary widely by type, brand, and the amount of wear and tear you subject yours to. Read on for a detailed breakdown of how long a mattress can support your sleep, all thanks to Naturepedic Organic Mattresses founder Barry Cik and Mattress Advisor executive director Alesandra Woolley.
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How Long Does a Mattress Last?
The average mattress life span is anywhere between five and 10 years, but some types last longer. For instance, gel beds hold up for five to eight years compared to foam and spring mattresses, which last for approximately seven to 10 years. Similarly, expect a hybrid mattress to remain in solid condition for up to 10 years. Latex, however, outlasts them all with a life expectancy of 12 to 20 years (all the glory goes to rubber’s high durability).
Five Signs It’s Time to Kick Your Mattress to the Curb
In addition to the age of your mattress, Cik counts body aches and restless sleep as reasons to replace your current setup—see our full list of indicators, below. However, he recommends sleeping on a different mattress for a few days first to monitor any changes in your sleeping patterns and checking in with your doctor to rule out all other possible causes.
You Toss and Turn All Night and Wake Up in Pain
Can’t find that sweet spot in bed? Your mattress might be the culprit. “A mattress that’s too old (or not right for you) can mean that it’s not responding to your body movements throughout the night,” notes Woolley. “It doesn’t give in or push back in the places it should, causing your body to feel sore or achy in the morning.” Specifically, back or neck pain can indicate an alignment issue, in which your mattress no longer offers spinal support or pressure-point relief, Cik points out.
It Sags and There’s No Bounce-Back
“Over time, the materials in a mattress can start deteriorating or losing shape, particularly in areas that get the most use,” says Woolley, which causes you to sink a little too much into your bed.
Your Body Feels Numb After Lying on Your Mattress
If the mattress has lost all firmness, there’s a solid chance you’ll wake up with numb limbs. “Your body is essentially getting stuck in certain parts of the mattress, which is not a great position for physically recharging and rejuvenating muscles—a critical part of sleep,” Woolley notes.
It Smells Not-So-Fresh
No matter how frequently you clean a mattress or replace the protector, there will come a day when disinfecting simply won’t suffice. Mattresses collect all kinds of cringe-worthy stuff (dust, dander, microorganisms, and bodily fluids—you get the picture), so either the calendar or your senses will let you know when you need a new one.
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