How long should a mattress last? 5 signs you need a new one

Mattresses are a solid and important investment for your home, and when splashing out on a new addition you might be left wondering 'how long should a mattress last? and do I really need a new one already?

While it can feel like a splurge, a cushy mattress is an investment in your health and well-being. The best mattresses may be a long-term purchase but it won’t last forever. Over time, the materials degrade, and they no longer offer the same support. 

Typically, you can expect a mattress to last seven to ten years, but it depends on factors like the material and who is sleeping on it. Here, our top sleep experts have delved into how long you can expect your mattress to last and the factors that influence it.

How long should a mattress last?

'The average lifespan of a mattress is about 7-10 years. However, this can vary depending on the type of mattress, the materials used, and how well it is cared for,' begins Jeff Kahn, co-founder and CEO of Rise Science. 

Jeff Kahn

Jeff is the Co-founder and CEO of Rise Science, an energy and sleep tracking app. A Forbes 30 under 30, Jeff has also beean featured in Forbes, the New York Times, and the Harvard Business Review.

One mattress made of memory foam rotated regularly and only used at night is likely to last longer than an identical mattress used all the time and never turned around, for instance. 

As a result, it is worth breaking it down into the materials used to decide how often you should change a mattress, Jeff Kahn, sleep expert, says:

Innerspring Mattresses: Innerspring mattresses are ideal for traditionalists – this design has stood the test of time. They are filled with coils, giving these mattresses their distinctive bounce. But it means they wear out more quickly. 'Innerspring mattresses generally have a shorter lifespan, averaging around six years,' says Jeff Kahn, sleep expert. 

Memory Foam Mattresses: How long Memory Foam mattresses last really comes down to how you use them, although they typically have a slightly extended lifespan.
'Memory foam mattresses claim a longer lasting product with better resilience,' says Christopher Anselmi, chiropractor and director at the Center for Spine Care and Mobility. 'Eight to ten years is a typical lifespan when you rotate them but don't flip them regularly,' he shares.

Hybrid Mattresses: 'Hybrid mattresses, which combine different materials such as foam and coils, can last anywhere from 8 to 10 years,' says Jeff. Their endurance varies depending on what exactly the layers are made of. It also helps to know how often to flip a mattress to avoid uneven wear.

Latex Mattresses: Latex mattresses offer ultimate durability. 'Latex mattresses can last up to 12 years,' says Jeff. If you opt for natural latex that can survive even longer. Some manufacturers claim they can live to the ripe old age of 20 years.

How wear and tear affect your mattress

The material is just one factor that affects durability. Wear and tear is often overlooked. 'The weight of a person sleeping on a mattress can affect its lifespan. One study suggests people who weigh more than 250 pounds may need to replace their mattresses more frequently than those who weigh less,' explains Jeff Kahn, sleep expert.

Another obvious one is whether you share your bed with a partner, which puts more strain on the mattress. Plus, if your furry friends snuggle up in your bed it adds extra weight, not to mention the risk of claw damage.

And of course, the longer you spend in bed, the shorter the lifespan of your mattress. If you devote every Sunday to curling up with boxsets in bed, you may need to replace your mattress more often. 

Usually, there are five key signs you should buy a new mattress, experts say:

1. You can’t get comfy

'When you lie down at night, can you settle in quickly, or do you toss and turn a lot? If the first few minutes of going to bed are a struggle, you are sleeping on a bad mattress and need to consider a new one.' says Lauri Leadley, president, clinical sleep educator, and founder of the Valley Sleep Center in Arizona.

Lauri Leadley

Lauri is the founder and President of Valley Sleep Center, one of the largest independent sleep diagnostics centers in Arizona with the facilities to diagnose and treat a variety of sleep-related issues such as insomnia, sleepwalking, snoring, and more. The center has five locations in the Phoenix area including Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Phoenix. 

2. You wake up feeling achey

Another classic sign? 'Listen to your body. An old mattress can cause pain in your hips, low back, mid back, neck, and even your shoulders.' says Matthew Cavanaugh, Chiropractor at Cavanaugh Chiropractic in Louisiana.

Understanding how to test a mattress properly before you bring it home is the best way to mitigate picking a new option that will leave you feeling just as down during the day. 

3. You wake up tired

'How are you feeling during the day? Are you rested and energized? Or do you ‘hit the wall’ rather early?' says Lauri. 'Your old mattress could be stopping you from enjoying a restorative sleep.'

Switching to a newer model and giving yourself time to break in a mattress will help you to sleep better in the long run. 

4. You can feel lumps and bumps

That’s the mattress, not you. Any visible signs are a huge no-no and an indicator that you’re due a new one. 'If your mattress has rips, lumps, or springs poking through, those are clear signs it's time for a replacement.' says Dr. Chris Tomshack, CEO of HealthSource Chiropractic.

If you are only just starting to notice minor lumps and bumps, then it might be time to buy a mattress topper to get the last few years of life out of your mattress but never persist with an uncomfortable bed. 

5. You sleep better everywhere else

'If you notice that you are sleeping better on other mattresses (such as when staying in a hotel or visiting friends), it may be time to consider getting a new mattress.' advises Jeff Kahn, sleep expert. Insider tip – consider trips away from home as an opportunity to figure out your mattress preferences.

Why replacing an older mattress is essential

So why is it important to know how long your mattress will last, and when it needs replacing? 

'Having a supportive mattress allows your spine to rest properly. If your mattress is too soft or too hard you will not be able to get comfortable and relax,' says Christopher Anselmi, chiropractor. 'Giving your musculoskeletal system a chance to rest allows soft tissue structures like tendons, ligaments, and muscles to recover and rehydrate.'

Christopher Anselmi, MD

Chrisopher Ansemli has been a practicing chiropractor for two decades. He runs the Center for Spine Care and Mobility, treating musculo-skeletal issues, sporting injuries, and overuse syndromes. 

We spend a lot of time at H&G testing and reviewing mattresses, so we know exactly what to look for in a quality product. 

When venturing out to find an upgrade, it is important to consider what you are looking for in a mattress, be it the best mattress for side sleepers, or the best luxury mattress, as well as think about mattress sleep trials before committing. A good trial of 100 days or more is essential to helping you decide if a given mattress is for you, especially given that it takes your body at least two weeks and up to a month to adjust to a new sleep spot. 

FAQs

Of course, it is important to note that all of these are rough guidelines. If your bed has started feeling uncomfortable before it should, there's no point waiting for it to improve – but check your warranty before replacing it in case you are entitled to repairs or a free replacement.
You should replace your mattress as soon as you're able, or get one of the best mattress toppers to tide you over if you don't have the money right now.