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It can be hard to tell when it’s time to swap out a mattress. Because you sleep on it every night, you’re likely not noticing the small changes that occur gradually over time. Plus, mattresses are rarely replaced based on aesthetic reasons—after all, it’s completely covered up by bedding (and sometimes a mountain of throw pillows or stuffed animals).
You’re more likely to think about buying a new mattress when you start feeling those uncomfortable hills and valleys or routinely wake up tired and achy. But how can you replace your bed before you reach that point?
The best way to answer ‘How often should you replace your mattress?’ is to understand its expected lifespan and learn how to assess its condition and impact on your health before you’re losing sleep over it.
Signs Your Mattress Is Ready for Replacement
There are a few telltale signs that it’s time to replace your mattress with a new model. When inspecting your mattress, keep an eye out for:
- Sagging and surface depressions or dips
- Lumpy areas or visible springs
- A hump or ridge down the center of a king or queen mattress (a “king’s ridge”)
- Collapse or loss of support at mattress edges
- Wear and tear of the surface materials, including stains
It’s also important to consider your sleep experience. Physical signs that you may want to replace your mattress include:
- Overall discomfort or waking up with aches and pains
- Lack of support
- Difficulty getting out of bed
- Slipping toward or into mattress dips or sinking
- Only being able to rest in one position due to body impressions
- Frequent waking and nighttime restlessness
Keep in mind that you’re especially likely to notice these issues if you’ve had your mattress for some time.
Factors That Influence Mattress Lifespan
Mattresses generally last five to 10 years, but the same bed can have a very different outcome in different environments., For instance, a mattress isn’t going to hold up as well in a popular vacation rental as it will in a well-kept guest room.
Even still, some truths are universal—mattresses degrade over time, particularly under areas that receive consistent high pressure. At some point, all materials break down and lose their ability to rebound.
How Long Different Mattress Types Last
Mattresses can be broken down into four types based on materials. Under the same circumstances of original quality level, use, and care, you can typically expect the following lifespans:
- Latex – Average lifespan of 7.5 – 8.5 years
Good resistance to sagging
Fair to good resistance to premature softening
Fair to good resistance to developing body impressions
- Hybrid – Average lifespan of 6.5 – 7.5 years
Fair resistance to sagging
Fair to good resistance to premature softening
Good resistance to developing body impressions
- Foam – Average lifespan of 6 – 7 years
Fair resistance to sagging
Poor to fair resistance to premature softening
Poor to fair resistance to developing body impressions
- Innerspring – Average lifespan of 5.5 – 6.5 years
Poor to fair resistance to sagging
Good resistance to premature softening
Good resistance to developing body impressions
How Quality Affects Mattress Lifespan
Did you catch that “under the same circumstances of original quality level” note above? The original quality of a mattress’s materials and construction plays a huge role in longevity—that’s why consumers will sometimes pay a premium simply for a certain brand name.
There are a few ways you can judge quality when you’re shopping for a new mattress. In particular, you want to look for:
- Hypoallergenic materials, like natural latex and cotton, silk, or bamboo
- Manufacturer warranty or guarantee, often of 10 years or the life of the mattress
- Natural flame retardants such as wool and polylactic acid
- The availability of a trial period to test the mattress in your home
- Price—it’s not 100% in alignment, but a high-quality mattress will typically cost more
You can also look for third-party certifications, including:
- CertiPUR-US®
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- Greenguard Gold
- Eco-Institut
- MADE SAFE
- UL Flammability Standard
- GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
Just as important is knowing what materials to avoid. These include:
- Synthetic foams
- Glues, particularly solvent-based
- Chlorinated Tris, a harmful flame-retardant chemical
- Scented mattresses
Better mattresses will also often share information on test results related to:
- Temperature regulation, particularly in avoiding excessive heat retention
- Pressure relief and responsiveness to pressure changes
- Firmness and support level
- Motion isolation
Ultimately, by paying attention to materials, certifications, and test results, you can identify your new dream mattress.
How to Keep Your Mattress in Top Shape
Even the best mattresses won’t last forever, but with the right care and use, you can preserve yours for longer.
To get the most out of your mattress, make sure to:
- Clean it regularly, including vacuuming
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on care and cleaning methods
- Use a high-quality mattress pad under sheets
- Address any spills or spot-cleaning needs immediately
- Rotate the mattress 180 degrees on a routine basis
Additionally, protect your mattress by avoiding the following:
- Placing it on a weak or uneven foundation
- Jumping on it like a trampoline
- Positioning it in direct sun or heat
- Using it as a couch replacement or a hang-out space for snacking
Finally, if you do have signs of wear and age, you can consider adding:
- A mattress topper to even out minor dips and offer more cushioning and support
- A “mattress helper” supportive insert (or piece of plywood) under areas that sag
- A new box spring or bed frame, if either is contributing to the problem
The True Cost of a Worn-Out Mattress
A quality mattress is designed to provide a great night’s sleep for many years, but loss of support over time can lead to poor sleep and exacerbate medical issues. That means buying a replacement mattress isn’t just an investment in your household furniture—it’s an investment in your health and comfort. And research supports this.
According to a joint consensus statement from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society, adults aged 18 to 60 years should get seven or more hours of undisturbed, good-quality sleep per night. Without this, adverse health outcomes can include:
- Weight gain, obesity, and diabetes
- Hypertension, heart disease, and stroke
- Depression
- Impaired immune function
- Increased pain, particularly for chronic neck, back, or joint pain
- Impaired performance, increased errors, and greater risk of accidents
That being said, new mattresses—particularly high-quality ones—don’t come cheap. So, how can you invest in your overall health without spending an arm and a leg?
Leverage Lease-to-Own for a New Mattress Today
While a mattress that serves your needs is an investment, you don’t have to have cash up front or sign up for costly financing to make your new mattress dreams a reality. Instead, consider lease-to-own if you want a better mattress now without running into credit barriers or sacrificing your financial flexibility.
With Katapult’s lease-to-own solution, you can bring home a new mattress and other home furnishings with no pressure. Decide later whether to convert your lease to full ownership or return an item you no longer need or have changed your mind on.
Make monthly lease payments that build toward owning the furniture outright, with the flexibility to cancel the lease at any time and return the item with no obligation (other than for any past-due amount).
Get Started Now
It only takes minutes to apply for up to $3,500 in pre-approved lease-to-own power and start shopping for what you need in-person, online, or with the Katapult app.
There’s no credit required, no surprises, and no late fees—ever. Instead, Katapult helps you access purchasing power by looking beyond credit scores to understand your journey, so you can complete the path from “need” to “own” without stress.
Looking for more information on how long furniture should last? Check out “How Often Should You Replace Your Couch” and other helpful articles on our blog.
Sources:
Sleep Foundation. How Long Should a Mattress Last? https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-long-should-a-mattress-last
Healthline. Does a Good Mattress Lead to Better Sleep? https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/does-a-good-mattress-improve-sleep#how-to-shop
Sleep Advisor. Mattress Certifications Explained: CertiPURUs, Greenguard Gold, and more. https://www.sleepadvisor.org/mattress-certifications/
National Library of Medicine PubMed Central. Recommended Amount of Sleep for a Healthy Adult: A Joint Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4434546/
