You might be surprised to know this, but on an average year, you spend around 2900 hours of your life on your mattress. This means that its usefulness is reduced by the minute. You might be wondering right now, “how many years does my mattress have left?”
An old and beat up mattress is one of the causes of lower back pain. Understanding the life span of your mattress can save you from uncomfortable nights and medical bills. But since you are the one using the mattress, it is only you who can determine if it needs to be changed.
For How Long Should I Use My Mattress?
Choosing the right mattress varies from person to person. Everybody has their own preference. Ultimately it boils down to your level of comfort and the amount of support provided by the mattress.
But even if you have chosen the right one, you need to understand that over time your mattress would sag and lose its form. This will cause you some discomfort. Your spine won’t be properly aligned to give you a comfortable sleep. As a result, it could cause back problems that won’t easily go away.
The problem is in determining the lifespan of your mattress. Different kinds of mattress vary in terms of lifespan. But in general, Better Sleep Council recommends that a mattress should be replaced every 5-7 years. The ironic thing is that most owners replace their mattresses every 10 years.
According to Consumer Reports, on average, a mattress should be of use for 8 years. A well kept one, on the other hand, can last up to 10 years. But they claim that the moment a mattress should be replaced is when it becomes uncomfortable when you lay on it.
A study conducted by Oklahoma State University concluded that sleeping on a new mattress after using their old ones after an average of 9.5 years caused a significant improvement in their sleep. It also gave them fewer back pain and stress from using the new mattresses.
There is also a survey conducted that determined the average lifespan of mattresses in a more specific level. The results are as follows:
- Futon mattress – 4-5 years
- Innerspring mattress – 6-7 years
- Memory foam – 7-8 years
- Latex mattress – 8 years
- Water bed – 8-9 years
- Air bed – 9-10 years
This will give you an idea of when you should replace your mattress. You can narrow it down depending on the type of mattress you have.
Factors That Could Reduce the Lifespan of Your Mattress
The estimates given above are based on average mattress use. It means that it doesn’t include other factors that might accelerate the decline of comfort and support that you should expect from your mattress.
Your body would determine what kind of mattress you need to purchase and for how long can you use it. For example, if you are 40 years old or older, you are advised to replace your mattress every 5 years. Your body would require more support than younger folks and old mattresses has a decreased support it provides on your spine.
Comparing the mattress you use every night to the one in your guest room, you’d notice a significant difference between them even if you bought them at the same time. A mattress used every night loses its comfort and support quicker than those of that are used less often.
Other Reasons Why You Need to Replace Your Mattress
Apart from the normal wear and tear, mattresses should be replaced for various reasons. Year of use would mean that your mattress have accumulated dead skin, dust mites, dust mite droppings. A study has shown that after years of use, your mattress would actually weigh more than when you bought it. The accumulated things can cause allergic reactions and irritations to your body.
It’s clear that we have to change our mattresses every few years. But if you want your mattress to last longer you need to take care of it well and purchase modern and high quality mattresses. Always remember that your mattress affects your quality of sleep, and consequently, your quality of life.
