If you spend an average of eight hours sleeping each night, that’s a third of your life—nearly 3,000 hours every year—spent in bed! That’s why having a supportive and comfortable mattress is so important to help ensure a restful and rejuvenating rest.
Despite that, it’s easy to forget about your mattress until you wake up sore or toss and turn all night. An old or worn-out mattress can really affect your sleep and overall health. Sure, replacing it might seem like a big expense, but it’s an investment in how you feel every day.
How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?
Even if your mattress appears to be in good condition, its internal structure may have degraded over time, reducing its ability to provide adequate support. Most mattresses have a lifespan of around seven to 10 years, depending on the material and how often it’s used.
Average mattress lifespan by type
Check out the typical lifespan for different mattress types:
| Mattress Type |
Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Innerspring mattresses |
Innerspring mattresses use coil support systems to evenly distribute weight and can last 5.5 to 6.5 years, especially if they are two-sided and are flipped regularly. |
| Foam mattresses |
Foam mattresses come in various types and densities, influencing their durability. High-quality foam mattresses can last 6 to 7 years. |
| Hybrid mattresses |
Hybrid mattresses combine foam and coils and generally last around 6.5 to 7.5 years, depending on the quality of materials used. |
| Latex mattresses |
The lifespan of latex mattresses can extend up to 7.5 to 8.5 years, with some offering warranties for much longer—up to 20 years. |
As mattresses age, they lose their ability to support your body properly, even if there are no visible signs of wear. This can lead to discomfort and poor sleep quality. If your mattress is approaching or surpassing these age ranges, it’s a good idea to consider a replacement—especially if you’ve noticed other signs that it’s no longer performing as it should.
Sign 1: Your Mattress Is Sagging or Lumpy
One of the most obvious signs that it’s time for a new mattress is when it starts sagging or developing lumps. Over time, the materials inside a mattress, whether springs or foam, can lose their integrity. This can cause sagging in areas where your body places the most weight, such as your hips or shoulders. These indentations or lumps are more than just cosmetic issues—they can disrupt your sleep by causing discomfort and may lead to back, neck and joint pain.
Strip your bed of sheets and pillows to take a close look at your mattress. If you notice visible indentations or lumps, particularly in areas corresponding to where you sleep, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Sign 2: You Wake Up Feeling Stiff and Achy
Waking up with stiffness or aches and pains is a strong indicator that your mattress no longer provides the support you need. While occasional discomfort can be attributed to factors like sleeping position or daily activities, regular stiffness—especially in the back, neck and shoulders—often points to a problem with your mattress.
If your aches and pains disappear when you sleep in a different bed, such as at a hotel or a friend’s house, it’s a strong sign that your home mattress is the culprit.
Sign 3: Your Allergies or Asthma Are Acting Up
If you’ve noticed an increase in allergy or asthma symptoms, your mattress might be to blame. Over time, even with regular cleaning, mattresses can accumulate dust mites, mold and other allergens.
These tiny invaders can settle deep within the mattress, thriving in the warm, humid environment your bed provides. Dust mites feed on dead skin cells and can trigger allergic reactions, while mold can develop if moisture gets trapped. As your mattress ages, it becomes harder to keep these contaminants at bay, potentially leading to increased allergy symptoms, asthma flare-ups and overall poor indoor air quality.
Replacing an old mattress with a new one, especially one made from hypoallergenic materials, can greatly improve your sleep quality. Look for mattresses designed to resist dust mites and allergens, and consider using a mattress protector to extend the life of your new bed.
Sign 4: You Feel Every Movement
If you wake up every time your partner shifts in bed, that’s a sign your mattress isn’t doing its job. A quality mattress should provide enough support to reduce the impact of tossing and turning, ensuring your sleep isn’t disturbed by a restless partner or pet. It might be time to invest in a new mattress if you’re frequently waking up because of their movements.
Sign 5: Your Bed Has Been Used as a Playground
If your mattress has become a favorite spot for your kids and pets, it might be time for a replacement sooner than expected. Ideally, a mattress should be reserved solely for sleep and intimacy. However, if it has been subjected to frequent jumping, playing and occasional snacking, it can suffer significant wear and tear. These activities can lead to premature damage, affecting the mattress’s ability to provide adequate support and comfort. Over time, the accumulated wear can degrade the materials, leading to less effective support and potential hygiene issues.
If your mattress has seen more than just restful nights and has become a playground for your children or a cozy spot for your pets, it may be worth considering a replacement.
Looking After Your Mattress Is Looking After You
Your mattress plays a vital role in ensuring you get the restful sleep your body needs to function at its best. Ignoring the signs of a worn-out mattress can lead to discomfort, poor health and reduced quality of life. If your mattress is sagging, causing aches and pains, triggering allergies or simply getting old, it’s time to consider a replacement. Take the time to evaluate your current mattress and invest in a new one if any of these signs apply. Your body will thank you.
The Synchrony HOME Credit Card can help you purchase things you need for your home. Use the Synchrony HOME locator to find Synchrony HOME retail partners in your area that may have special offers for cardholders.*
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READ MORE: What Type of Mattress is Right for You?
