how often should you change your mattress?
To ensure you’re getting your best night’s sleep possible, it’s important to keep an eye on your mattress as the years go on. Your mattress is there with you as you wake up in the morning, relax in the day and fall asleep at night, and all this activity can take its toll. Sometimes, it’s hard to know when it’s time to swap out your old mattress for a new one and factors such as the mattress you choose, and your sleep habits can lead to your mattress needing a refresh sooner than you think. Keep on reading and find out how long you can expect your mattress to last, and how you can ensure it keeps supporting your sleep for years to come.
the sleep summary
On average, you should replace your mattress every 8 years, however some mattress types will last longer than others including pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses.
It’s usually time to change your mattress if it’s heavily stained, has visible wear and tear, is sagging, or is affecting how you sleep.
To increase the lifespan of your mattress you should use a mattress protector and regularly rotate and clean your mattress, as well as ensuring you have the right size mattress for your bed.
when should I replace my mattress?
The typical rule of thumb is that you should change your mattress every 8 years to ensure it looks its best and is still giving you the support you need. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be throwing your mattress away the second the anniversary arrives, or holding onto a mattress that’s clearly past its best. Different types of mattresses have different life expectancies and it’s important to keep an eye on your mattress to know exactly when it’s time to part ways.
how do I know that my mattress needs replacing?
To figure out if it’s time to change your mattress, there are a few telltale signs you can look out for which will indicate whether it’s time to say goodbye to your old one and pick up something new.
Discolouration or stains: years of use may leave dark patches across your mattress which can be a hive of bacterial activity.
Holes, rips and tears: physical signs of wear can lead to compromised support and structural damage which can potentially lead to hazardous loose springs or fibreglass.
Sagging: a well-worn mattress is much more likely to sag which can make it harder to get comfy as you drift off.
Waking up sore: if your mattress is getting on and you find yourself waking up with unexpected back or neck pain, an old, lumpy mattress may be the culprit.
Allergies: waking up with itchy eyes? Congestion when you’re trying to sleep? An old mattress is more likely to be harbouring dust mites and other allergens, making it harder to sleep.
do different mattresses and materials impact longevity?
Each mattress type is different and certain mattress types can be more resistant to the effects of countless night of slumber. To show you how the design of a mattress impacts its lifespan, here are a few of the most popular mattress types and how long you can expect them to last.
memory foam mattresses
Memory foam mattresses typically last for between 8 to 10 years. For these, persistent, deep body impressions which won’t go away are the most common sign that it’s time to switch.
pocket spring mattresses
The pocket springs within these mattresses act independently, giving these mattresses a long lifespan of around 8 to 12 years as you’re less likely to experience sagging or slumps.
open coil mattresses
While open coil mattresses are often initially a more cost-effective option, the unified spring structure means that if one part suffers wear, the whole mattress support system falls, giving them an average lifespan of 3 to 5 years.
gel mattresses
Gel mattresses with a high density offer long lasting support, with many lasting around 7 to 10 years before starting to show signs of serious wear and tear.
hybrid mattresses
The combination of pocket springs and a plush memory foam or gel layer not only provides a comfortable sleep surface, but also means that hybrid mattresses are durable, lasting around 7 to 10 years.
how to increase mattress longevity?
If you’re looking to get the most out of your mattress and ensure it’s keeping you company in an evening for years to come, it’s important that you know how to look after it. Thankfully, we’ve got five easy rules you can follow to keep your mattress looking, and feeling, its best.
rule 1: use a mattress protector
The most important rule when increasing your mattress’ longevity is ensuring you use a mattress protector. This will keep your mattress clean and protect against allergens, all while giving your bed a luxurious finishing touch.
rule 2: rotate your mattress
Frequently rotating your mattress 180° every few months is a great way to ensure the support remains consistent across the surface. For partners with differing body types sharing a bed, you may want to rotate more frequently to avoid any indents developing, especially if you have a memory foam or hybrid mattress.
rule 3: keep it clean
Cleaning your mattress regularly will help to keep any allergens, mites or dirt from burying deep into your sleep surface and disrupting your rest.
To find out more, read our guide all about cleaning your mattress.
rule 4: use the right bed base
Not every mattress is suitable for every bed base type. Too much distance between the slats and your memory foam mattress may become damaged. You should also regularly change your bed frame as warped slats or supports can lead to a saggy mattress.
rule 5: use the right size mattress
You should also make sure your bed base is a suitable size for your mattress. If your mattress is too big for the base, the sides will sag over the edge and may even tear. And if your mattress is too small, the mattress will sink into the gaps in the slats.
can a mattress topper increase a mattress’ longevity?
Yes, a mattress topper can extend the lifespan of a mattress as it provides a protective layer between yourself and your sleep surface. A mattress topper protects against stains and indentations however, it won’t fix an already worn-out mattress.
does flipping a mattress increase its lifespan?
Traditionally, you could flip open coil mattresses to give your mattress a longer lifespan, hiding any stains and presenting you with a ‘fresh’ sleep surface. However, as mattress technology has evolved, sleep surfaces are often made from several intricate layers. These mattresses should not be flipped as doing so would minimise the benefit of your mattress and may even damage it.
how to sustainably dispose of your old mattress
Once you’ve decided that it's time to retire your old mattress and you’re ready to make the switch, your next question is likely ‘how do I dispose of my old mattress?’. At Silentnight, we’re here to help you sustainably dispose your old mattress by offering a mattress disposal service, ensuring your mattress has a second life long after it has left your bedroom, all while making your mattress removal hassle-free.
Want to learn more about making the most of your mattress? Check out our guide covering the best mattress toppers.
