How often should you replace your mattress? 5 signs it's time for an upgrade

As H&G's resident sleep writer, I get the question: 'how often should you replace your mattress'? My short answer: around every 7 years. That's when the foam starts to go or the springs start to sag and the careful balance of comfort and support is thrown off-kilter. My long answer is specific to each sleeper and depends on a whole host of factors, from the mattress materials to how you sleep.

Even the best mattress will wear and tear over years of nightly use. Your mattress might start to degrade within a few years, or you might get a few decades out of it, depending on which mattress type you buy. The point is that, at some point, you'll need to replace your mattress. This article should teach you how to spot the warning signs so that you can replace your mattress in plenty of time and save yourself a bad night's sleep.

I lead a team of expert testers to find the world's best mattress. We test each mattress for months, if not years, before we write our reviews, so we've learned how to tell when a mattress is past its prime. To save you time and money in your search for a new mattress, I've picked out a few of my favorites to solve common sleep problems.

How often should you replace your mattress?

I asked a panel of mattress experts and medical professionals to share their wisdom on when it's time to replace your mattress with a new model. First, we had to work out how long a mattress should last, depending on its internal materials and the quality of your care.

What is the average life of a mattress?

'As a general rule of thumb, you should look to change your mattress every six to eight years, and certainly every 10 years,' says Karen Yu, Head of Marketing & Product at Zinus.

Karen goes on to clarify that 'Some mattresses will last longer than others: you'll get six or seven good years out of an innerspring or foam mattress, but you could get a lot longer from a hybrid mattress or a latex model. Still, seven years is the average lifespan for a mattress.'

I can understand your skepticism − you might have slept on the same mattress for as long as you can remember, and you've turned out alright. The truth is that, even if your mattress still feels supportive after seven years, there are other reasons why it might be time to replace your mattress, related to health and hygiene.

When should you buy a new mattress?

• If you see obvious signs of aging: the clearest signs that you need a new mattress are cosmetic. You might see that the surface of the mattress has incurred indents and impressions from where you tend to lie on the bed. Once you remove the fitted sheet, you might see that your mattress has accrued unsightly yellow stains. This sort of discoloration is often the result of bacteria settling into the mattress, and it might be why you're waking up with watery eyes or a persistent cough.
• If your body has changed significantly: it's not just your mattress that changes shape over the years − your body does, too. Licensed chiropractor Dr. Ben Carvosso explains that as you age, your sleep needs change, so 'you may find that your current mattress is no longer supporting you as it should. Whether you gain weight or lose it, a new mattress might help to improve your sleep.' Dr. Ben advises that 'smaller-framed individuals might benefit from more cushioning, while larger individuals tend to find a firmer mattress more supportive.'
• If you always wake up warm: if you suffer from night sweats or hot flashes, or you simply tend to run a little warm, then you're what's known as a hot sleeper. Sleep psychiatrist Dr. Chester Wu advises that 'If you're getting too hot while you sleep despite other efforts at temperature control, then you may need a new mattress.' Replace your old mattress with one of the best cooling mattresses to dissipate heat and wick moisture. But, before you buy, consider whether there are other, more affordable changes you can make to your sleep space. A set of the best cooling sheets or the best cooling comforter could go a long way toward helping you sleep more comfortably.
• If your sleep arrangements are changing: perhaps you've always slept alone, but now you're planning on sharing a bed with your pet or partner − you'll want to find a mattress that's big enough for both of you. Or maybe you're moving house. Whether you're upgrading or downsizing, you might need to replace your old mattress with one that suits your new space. Before you buy, I suggest you consult our mattress size chart and double-check the dimensions of your bed frame and bedroom.
• If you just can't get comfortable: perhaps you've only recently bought your mattress, but you just can't get comfortable. 'If you find you sleep better on different mattresses, like when you're staying at a hotel or a friend's place, then it might be time to think about getting a new mattress,' says Dr. Chester. You might feel that it's time to replace your mattress, even before you see the signs. Take note of any new lumps and bumps in your mattress from deformed foam and sagging springs. If you consistently wake up with aches and pains, that could be your body's way of telling you that you need a new mattress.

FAQs

How long should a mattress last?

I've written an entire article answering the question: 'how long should a mattress last?' If you don't have time to read the whole thing, just check your mattress warranty – that should give you a good indication as to how long your mattress might last.

The mattress type informs its lifespan. As a rough guide, an innerspring mattress should last you around 6 or 7 years; a memory foam model should last between 6 and 9 years; and a hybrid mattress could last you up to 10 years. Latex has the longest lifespan: if you take good care of your latex mattress, it could last you as long as 20 years.

How can you make a mattress last longer?

By taking good care of it. Make sure that your mattress has the right support from the best bed frame, plus a foundation or a box spring as necessary. Rotate or flip your mattress once or twice a year to evenly distribute wear and tear across the surface. Finally, and most importantly, invest in the best mattress protector to safeguard against sweat, spills, and stains.

Final thoughts

If your mattress is past its prime, or you've spotted signs of premature aging, then it might be time to replace your mattress with a new model. Before you start shopping, take a second to think about what you need from a mattress. Your sleep positions, your personal values, and your budget constraints all inform which mattress you should buy.