Woman is sleeping.

Mattress Experts Share the Signs You Need to Replace Your Mattress

Well-being 5 August 2022 By

A recent study by Beds Divans found that back pain accounts for 28.6% of all complaints about mattresses. Complaints about mattresses being too firm follow closely behind, with over 243 complaints.

From this study and talks with our customers, we realised that one of the most common questions we get asked is how often a mattress should be replaced.

Neil Wright, the sleep expert at Beds Divans, explains how to know when to replace your mattress to improve the quality of your sleep: ‘The average mattress lasts between seven and 10 years, so if it has been over 10 years since you purchased your current mattress, it’s probably time to replace it. Look for the following signs to know if it’s time to replace your mattress.’

Your mattress is sagging

Sagging can occur when the coils in a mattress start to weaken or the memory foam begins to lose shape. If you get up and your mattress does not quickly return to its normal, flat appearance, it might be time to consider a new mattress. This can be uncomfortable to lay on and might affect the quality of your sleep.

You have a noisy mattress

Squeaking sounds might be a sign that your mattress should be replaced. This mostly applies to mattresses that have coils, as the coils begin to age and may not be as supportive as before.

Your mattress has a bad smell

This can happen over time as mould and fungi build up in the mattress.

You wake up in pain

If you wake up with joint and muscle pain, this could signify that your mattress is not as comfortable or supportive as it used to be. You might experience pain in your neck, shoulders, or hips because your mattress is not relieving pressure on those areas. You could also feel lower back pain because you’re not being supported properly.

You can’t get comfortable

Having trouble getting comfortable or staying comfortable while you sleep can be another sign that you need a new mattress, as tossing and turning may mean your mattress has lost its comfort and support.

Neil Wright from Beds Divans has also commented on how to make your mattress last longer.

  • Use a mattress protector – Placing a mattress protector over your mattress can be a quick way to guard against mould and dirt.
  • Support your mattress – Your mattress could sag if it does not have the proper foundation beneath it; adding bed slats will help stop this. These will add structure, so it’s more sturdy and supportive.
  • Don’t jump on your bed – Jumping on your bed can damage the foam, breaking it down more quickly, and coils can also weaken due to the force.
  • Don’t sleep with your pets – Bugs and dirt from your pet can get into the mattress, causing odours and eventually reducing its lifespan.
  • Rotate and flip your mattress regularly – For standard spring mattresses, you should flip or rotate your mattress a few times a year as this can prevent your body from creating a deep impression in one spot.