| A mattress isn’t supposed to last a lifetime but how long does a mattress last actually? A mattress is a crucial investment for restful, undisturbed, and comfortable sleep. The right mattress can change the way we sleep, and function throughout the day. All of us spend nearly one-third of our lives in our beds and a good quality mattress does make a difference. But no matter how carefully you choose a mattress, it will last for a specific time. Even the best quality and most expensive mattresses deteriorate over time and the performance level starts to drop with each passing day. This helpful guide will provide you with significant details about a mattress’s average lifespan. Moreover, it will introduce the important care and maintenance steps that you can take to help prolong its life. Besides, the article will also shed light on when you should replace a mattress and invest in a new bed. |
How Long Does a Mattress Last? Some Valuable Insights
As we spend a significant portion of our day in bed, a supportive and comfortable mattress is crucial for helping us enjoy a safe and sound sleep. On average, best-quality mattresses usually last 7 to 10 years with moderate use. Some mattresses last much longer and the numbers reflect a rough approximation only.
The longevity of a mattress depends on how frequently we use it and how much effort we put in to maintain it well.
How you sleep, what is your body weight, and what number of people sharing the bed affect the performance and life of a mattress. Also, some materials like natural latex are generally more durable and resilient than their other counterparts, and thus, they help the bed last quite a long.
The Average Lifespan of Different Mattress Types
Depending on their construction and material, mattresses differ in their average lifespan. Some of them last more than 10 years while others last around 7 to 8 years only.
Mattresses, in present times, are made up of a plethora of different materials and designs. However, the most common types of mattresses, in terms of material, available in the market include:
- Memory Foam Mattress ( Lasts 8 to 10 years)
- Latex Mattress (lasts 15 to 25 years)
- Hybrid Mattress ( lasts 7 to 10 years)
- Innerspring Mattress (lasts 5 to 7 years)
- Air mattress (lasts 2 to 5 years)
How Long Does a Memory Foam Mattress Last
Memory foam is a durable material used for constructing comfortable mattresses that usually lasts 8 to 10 years. If used moderately and with care, a Memory foam mattress may last more than 10 years. It has a decent average life because of the lesser material and design components used in the construction of the mattress.
Memory foam mattresses generally have multiple foam layers and boast a simple design; thus, lesser risks are involved in their deterioration.
These mattresses are advised to be rotated at least once a year and kept clean and moisture-free for a longer lifespan.
How Long Does a Latex Mattress Last
Latex is the most durable of all the materials used for constructing mattresses. Latex mattresses have the longest lifespan and last for 15 to 25 years. If you have invested in a natural latex bed, be assured that you won’t have to upgrade to a new bed for the next 25 years. Dunlop latex and Talalay latex beds are the most resilient options if you are looking to buy a sturdy and durable mattress.
Latex beds may cost you a bit more but they are worth the high price tag. Considering their longevity, the increased price rate is somewhat justifiable. Synthetic latex mattresses, however, are cheaper but they have a shorter lifespan. Blended latex beds, on average, last around 5 to 10 years.
How Long Does a Hybrid Mattress Last?
Hybrid models usually are not as durable and resilient as latex and Memory foam beds are. Nevertheless, they can still last many years with moderate use and good care. Some high-quality hybrid mattresses last around 10 years because of the sturdy and superior components used in their manufacturing.
As hybrid beds have multiple layers and a lot of components as compared to other mattresses, they can start to sag a little earlier than Memory foam and latex beds. The components may begin to deteriorate soon and the bed may lose its ability to offer sufficient support and comfort to the sleeper.
Hybrid beds can be rotated to keep the surface even. However, these mattresses cannot be flipped unless the brands recommend doing so. These mattresses usually have a softer top and a solid base and flipping them over may result in damage to the comfort layers.
How Long Does an Innerspring Mattress Last?
Innerspring beds are comprised of metal or steel coils and springs that may start to wear down after some years of use. This can cause the mattress to sag and result in uncomfortable sleep. Because of the design and components involved, innerspring mattresses don’t last long and may begin to deteriorate after 5 to 7 years on average.
However, these beds are highly popular among the masses because of their increased responsiveness, elevated comfort, and cost-effective price.
If you do want to invest in an innerspring bed and do not want to replace it more often, then look for options that are sturdier due to multiple layers of springs coupled with a plush pillow top surface.
How Long Does an Air Mattress last?
An air bed usually lasts 2 to 3 years with constant use and may last for 8 to 10 years if used occasionally. Air beds are used as an alternative to conventional beds because of their small space. These beds are typically used for camping purposes and used as a feasible sleeping option for guest rooms.
However, if you plan to use it regularly, know that it won’t last more than 3 years on average as the structure starts to wear down with time. Air mattresses are hollow with no supportive structures inside. They are filled with air that may begin to leak with constant pressure applied on the surface. However, some high-quality air mattresses may withstand frequent use and may last for over 5 years. It all depends on the materials used in the construction and the frequency of use.
Air mattresses are not supposed to be used as a permanent sleeping solution. Constant use may result in back aches and body pains as these beds are less supportive and lack a solid foundation.
Factors that Affect the Lifespan of a Mattress
Besides the types of mattresses being used, other notable factors also influence the longevity of a bed.
Quality of Mattress Materials
Mattress quality plays a major role in determining a bed’s average lifespan. Low-quality and cheaper options begin to wear down sooner than beds made up of premium-quality materials. Prefer quality over quantity when shopping for a mattress.
Body Weight and Sleeping Position
Heavy-weight sleepers may find their beds to sag sooner than expected. Because of increased pressure on the bed surface, the inner components may start to deteriorate after some time. If you are purchasing a mattress for heavy-weight sleepers, look for options that are made up of durable and heavy-duty components.
Similarly, sleep position also plays a role in determining the average lifespan of a bed. Slide sleepers usually put increased weight on the bed around the hip and shoulder areas causing these points on the bed to sag sooner. The Memory Foam mattress is generally considered a good option for side sleepers as it offers increased support and pressure relief to sensitive body areas.
Mattress Usage
It’s quite an obvious fact that a mattress that is used frequently is exposed to more wear and tear as compared to beds that are used only occasionally. A mattress in your bedroom may start to sag sooner than the bed placed in your guest room.
Care and Maintenance Tips to Help Prolong Mattress Life
If used with proper care, mattresses may last longer than their expected lifespan. By cleaning, maintaining, and taking care of your bed in a good way, you can save yourself a good amount of money as you won’t be having to invest in a new bed after every few years.
You can follow the tips below to help prolong your mattress life.
Rotate or Flip the Mattress
Rotate or flip your mattress regularly as it helps in keeping the surface even and reduces the risks of indents. However, some mattresses cannot be flipped. So, be sure that the mattress you are using can be flipped; otherwise, it may result in damage to the inner construction.
Place the Mattress Over a Solid Foundation
Place your mattress on a solid foundation. The majority of all mattress brands mention on the packaging the type of foundation and bed base to be used for a particular mattress type. But in general, box springs, platform beds, and beds with slats that have been spaced out evenly are the best options. A supportive bed prevents a mattress from sagging prematurely and helps in maintaining an even surface.
Clean and Vacuum Regularly
Clean and vacuum your mattress regularly to keep it dust free and hygienic. A lot of mattresses, these days, are designed with washable covers that can be ripped off to be washed in the machine easily. However, some mattresses can only be spot cleaned and cannot be washed. Read the instructions on the packaging for cleaning and maintaining your bed.
Vacuum the bed frame and mattress surface along with the sides as well to keep dust particles away. Bacteria, dust mites, and moisture can damage a bed and result in bad odor. Use protective sheets, mattress covers, and mattress toppers to safeguard your mattress from bacteria, moisture, and dust mites.
Use Mattress Protectors
Keep your mattress protected with a fitted protective sheet or a mattress cover to prevent dirt from invading the inner structure. Mattress protectors can be easily washed in the machine and wouldn’t cost much.
Air Dry
Air your mattress regularly. Keep your mattress uncovered under direct sunlight or in a well-ventilated space for a few hours at least once a month. This helps it stay dry and clean.
Use Fresh and Clean Bed Linen
Use fresh and clean bed linen and accessories. Regularly wash the sheets and pillowcases and use mattress fresheners for a nice and fragrant feel.
How Often Should You Buy a New Mattress? When Should You Replace a Mattress?
How often to replace the mattress? What is the right time to upgrade to a new bed? These are some questions that you may be confronted with while thinking of investing in a new mattress. As mattresses are expensive, one cannot afford to replace them quite too often. When shopping for a new mattress, people often wonder how long a mattress will last, and how often a mattress has to be replaced.
Following are some of the signs that indicate that a mattress should be upgraded and replaced with a new bed.
- You find it more comfortable to sleep on other beds
- You wake up feeling tired and with pains around sensitive body areas
- You wake up during the night and keep tossing and turning to find a suitable comfy spot
- Your mattress has spots and yellow stains because of aging
- Your mattress has visible worn-out patches and tears on the surface.
- Your bed starts to sink along the edges or in the center
- The mattress overall feels saggy and fails to offer sufficient support
- You keep waking up because your partner moves around during their sleep
- You are noticing an increase in allergies and respiratory diseases
If you find any of the above signs, maybe it’s time to find a better alternative and replace your old bed.
Also, we recommend you check the warranty of the mattress carefully as a lot of times manufacturers replace the bed if it starts to sag or wear out before the expected time. In such cases, you will not have to invest in a new bed and get your faulty product replaced for free.
If you have been using your mattress for over more than 5 years and still sleep comfortably, then you may consider adding a mattress topper to give it a bit of boost and prolong its life. A good quality mattress topper adds to the support and comfort level of a mattress and gives you some extra years of comfort without having to change the bed.
Conclusion
Mattresses are designed to last for a specific time. They just cannot last a lifetime and start to wear down after some years of frequent use. While some mattress types last longer than others, some factors also come into play in determining the lifespan of a mattress. If you have been wondering how often should you replace a mattress, then note that on average a mattress lasts 8 to 10 years. Some high-quality beds may often last more than 20 years. But it also depends on how frequently you use the surface and what cleaning practices you observe.