How Long Does a Mattress Last? The Complete Guide

How long have you been sleeping your mattress?

Just like everything you own, your mattress has a lifespan. But, there are very few people who actually know the answer to a question like how long does a mattress last?. It’s just not a common fact. 

But it’s actually pretty important that you do know. A mattress that’s past its time can cause back problems, lead to bad sleep, and might be the cause of that weird smell in the bedroom. 

To help you work out when it’s time to say goodbye to your mattress and how to make it last longer, we’ve put together a whole guide on the matter. Take a look! 

How Long Does a Mattress Last?

The average life of a mattress can vary based on a whole bunch of factors. On average, though, most manufacturers would give yours around 7-10 years. That might not sound like much, but it’s actually up to 3,500 nights of soundless sleep! 

Of course, there are ways that a mattresses’ lifespan can be extended or shortened, and you definitely want to avoid the latter. Mattresses can be pretty pricy, so making yours last is essential!

To learn more, here are some of the factors that can affect lifespan and how you can help yours stand the test of time. 

Type of Mattress

If you’re a newbie to the world of mattress lifespans, you might not even be aware that there are quite a few different types you can sleep on. This can actually affect the average age of your mattress quite drastically, so pick wisely! Let’s take a look at some of the different types and how long they last.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are the most common. They’re made using lots of coil springs that are hidden away inside your mattress and provide that bounce you know and love. But, the springs in these do loosen over time and the support they provide decreases, making it time for you to get a new one. 

The average life of an innerspring mattress is around 7-8 years. 

Memory Foam 

In recent years, memory foam has been catching up to innerspring in terms of popularity. These super comfy mattresses are free from spring coils and are instead made from one layer of foam that basically molds to your body. Whilst the lifespan will vary depending on the type of foam used, you can expect a quality mattress to last around 10 years. 

Hybrid

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, a hybrid is an ideal option. This mattress combines spring coils with layers of foam, making them very bouncy, comfortable, and supportive! Although this option does have a slightly reduced lifespan, lasting on average around 6 years. 

Waterbed

Waterbeds were super popular during the 70s and 80s, and who can blame them? Filled with water, these mattresses are a big gimmick and very fun! They can also last a hefty 7-9 years, but the fact that they’re prone to punctures and tears makes them less durable than other options. 

Latex

Surprisingly, latex mattresses are actually the most durable of all, lasting for around 15 years! But, the firmness of the mattresses has stopped them from becoming so popular. 

Air Mattress

Air mattresses aren’t designed for long term use and are better for things like camping or staying at a friend’s house. If you have an air mattress, it will last around 5 years if you don’t use it too frequently. They’re very prone to punctures and tears, which can reduce their lifespan, but can also be patched to help them last longer. 

Quality of Your Mattress

When it comes to how long should a mattress last? one of the most obvious factors is quality. The higher quality your mattress, the longer it will last.

This is all down to the materials. For example, a better quality spring mattress will use more sturdy, durable springs that should last longer. 

To make sure you pick a quality mattress, you first need to know more about the average mattress price. The lower quality mattresses will be at the lower end of the price scale so, if you can, it’s best to avoid these. 

However, you don’t always have to break the bank to get a reliable, comfy mattress. Pick out a few options that are reasonably priced and check out the reviews for each. You should get a pretty good idea of their quality from what past customers have said.

The Right Foundation

Just like you need the right mattress for proper support, your mattress needs the right bed frame for the same thing! If you don’t have a good, solid bed for your mattress to lay on, it’s going to be more likely to sag before its time. 

For innerspring mattresses, use a quality box spring bed frame. For memory foam options, pick a solid frame without slats. If you’re not sure which frame is the best for your mattress, you can always ask the manufacturer and they should be able to help!

Keeping Your Mattress Clean

If you look after your mattress, it’s going to last longer. Instead of becoming riddled with stains, smells, or even bugs (gasp!), you’ll have a pleasant bed to sleep on for years to come.

To keep yours clean, place a fitted protector sheet around it as soon as you get your mattress. If it does get dirty, be sure to clean the spill or mark up as soon as you can to prevent it from staining or soaking into the material. It’s also recommended that you vacuum your mattress every few months to keep it clean and extend its life. 

To Flip or Not To Flip?

Flipping mattresses used to be a big deal a few decades ago, but do you still need to do it?

The simplest answer is not really, but it might help. Most mattresses don’t need to be flipped anymore as they’re built different and are more sturdy. However, it can’t hurt to do it every few months!

Flipping your mattress can prevent sagging and loss of support. If you sleep in one place, this area of your bed is much more likely to succumb to wear and tear, but if you move it you give it a sort of rest period and spread the wear evenly. In theory, it should help it last longer, but modern mattresses should do fine without flipping.

How to Tell When a Mattress Needs to be Replaced

Now that you know what can damage a mattress, it’s time to look into how long should you keep a mattress and how to know it’s time to chuck it out. Here are some of the telltale signs you need to get a new one.

It’s Filthy

Even if you keep an incredibly clean bed and change your sheets frequently, you won’t be able to guarantee a clean mattress forever. Overtime, nasty things like dead skin cells, bodily fluids, dust mites, mildew, and pollen can all build up in your mattress. In fact, they’ve been shown to have the highest concentration of dust mites compared anything else in the home!

If your mattress starts to smell or is causing you to have allergic reactions, it’s time to get a new one. 

It’s Sagging

Have you noticed your mattress isn’t as flat as it used to be? A sagging mattress loses its shape, and it’s a common sign that your mattress is too old. If you’re sleeping on a lumpy, saggy bed, get a new one!

You Wake in Pain

There’s something very wrong with your mattress if you’re waking up every morning in pain. Whether your back is sore of your neck is aching, it means that your mattress has lost its ability to properly support you. If you find this happening to you, consider investing in a mattress that’s designed to support the area of your body you’re having trouble with. 

You Sleep Better on Other Mattresses

In short, if you sleep better on another mattress, it’s time to get a new one. The mattress you have should be giving you a soundless sleep and if it’s not then it’s not doing its job properly. 

Find Your Dream Mattress and Sleep Better

Now we’ve answered the question of how long does a mattress last? and what can affect its lifespan, you should be better informed to buy one that suits you. Remember, higher quality mattresses will always last longer, but only if you take care of them!

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to read more on our website! We write about a lot of topics, including parenting, household tips, and looking after your money.