Waking up to achy muscles is not how you should be sleeping.
Getting a good night's rest is key for your overall health and well-being, yet, people still continue to sleep on old, worn-out mattresses that don't give them the comfort and support they need for quality sleep.
Knowing when to replace an ageing mattress can significantly improve your sleep quality and help relieve those painful pressure points from being triggered during your snooze.
Why Replace Your Mattress Regularly?
First thing first: it's best to replace your mattress every 8-10 years or sooner if required. There are several benefits to this that bring the most cOMFy sleep ever:
- Improves sleep quality: Newer mattresses contour to your body shape, reduce pressure points, and allow you to sleep deeply through the night.
- Supports comfort: A new, supportive mattress can provide better alignment for your body during sleep compared to a worn-out mattress, which may contribute to improved overall comfort.
- Boosts immunity: Quality sleep (which you get on a supportive mattress that keeps you asleep for longer) enhances your immune function, waking you up healthy, energised, and well-rested for the day!
- Extends mattress lifespan: Rotating and flipping your mattress periodically promotes even wear and tear, increasing overall durability and elongating its life.
- Improves allergy symptoms: Over time, old mattresses can accumulate everything from dust mites to mould to allergens. A new mattress is more hygienic and prevents allergy triggers during sleep.
- Peace of mind: Newer mattresses come with product warranties, protecting your investment in a quality sleep surface so you can trust that your money has gone to good use.
How Do I Know It's Time To Replace My Mattress?
Need to know the exact signs for when your mattress needs replacement?
There's Visible Sagging or Impression Marks
Dips, impressions, or jagged surfaces show that your mattress no longer provides even support– especially if they're impressions over 3cm deep, which can even more significantly disrupt your sleep quality.
There's Significant Discomfort and Poor Support
When you feel you're tossing, turning, and having difficulty getting comfortable, it's time to replace that old, unsupportive mattress with something fresh and new. Waking up with discomfort might suggest it's time to evaluate your mattress.
You Often Hear Excessive Mattress Noise
Noises such as squeaking or creaking from an old mattress may disrupt your sleep. Often, these sounds suggest that it might be time to consider a new mattress, especially if your current one is nearing the typical replacement age recommended between 8 to 10 years.
You Wake Up Tired After Sleeping
Waking up with muscle soreness, fatigue, or discomfort suggests that your mattress fails to provide adequate rest and body alignment during the night.
You're Experiencing Allergy Symptoms While In Bed
Wheezing, sniffling, runny nose, watery eyes or difficulty breathing could be more than just allergies, especially if you're getting them in bed, which suggests you're experiencing dust mites or mould accumulation in an ageing mattress.
A Strong, Pungent Odour From Your Mattress
A strong odour indicates moisture buildup from years of wear and tear, degrading your mattress.
Notice any of the above? It's time to shop for a new OMF mattress for cOMFy sleep!
Mattress Lifespan: When To Replace Your Mattress
The lifespan of your trusty mattress can depend on many factors, including:
- Mattress materials: Higher-density foam and thicker innerspring increase durability and typically have an average durability of between 6 and 8 years.
- Usage: Your mattress will naturally experience wear and tear with use. For guest bedroom mattresses that are used only occasionally, replacing them every 10-12 years is acceptable.
- Owner weight: Heavier body types compress materials faster, requiring more frequent replacement than lighter body types.
- Maintenance: Rotating and flipping mattresses periodically promotes even wear and increases longevity. OMF experts recommend rotating your mattress every 2-3 weeks for a simple and free way to extend its life.
Instead of letting age determine when to replace your mattress, consider all of these factors– comfort, support, and alternative signs of wear– to replace an unsupportive mattress for a more restful, cOMFy sleep.
Mattress Types And Expected Lifespans
Let's break down the typical lifespans for mattress types so you can have a general guideline to know when to replace:
Innerspring
While an innerspring mattress typically lasts 6-8 years, replace it sooner if its coils are visibly sagging or broken or if you feel them through the surface. The lifespan of an innerspring mattress can be extended based on how well it is cared for.
Latex Foam
All-latex or latex hybrid OMF mattresses have longer durability than other mattresses, with a lifespan up to 20 years on average. Plus, 100% natural latex withstands impressions exceptionally!
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses typically retain their shape and alleviate pressure points up to 20 years, but be sure to replace yours sooner if body impressions measure over 3cm.
Gel-Infused Foam
Gel-infused foam mattresses offer excellent temperature regulation properties, enhancing sleep comfort. These innovative mattresses are designed for longevity, with many models providing quality sleep for up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
Factors That Impact Mattress Longevity
Quality Of Materials
Higher-density foams, more durable fabrics and reinforced edges typically increase mattress lifespan.
Owner Weight
Heavier body weight can compress mattress materials faster. However, the right mattress with high-density foam or reinforced coils should adequately support sleepers over 90kg without premature sagging.
Sleeping Position
Your main sleeping position can significantly impact a mattress's wear. For instance, side sleepers apply concentrated pressure to areas like shoulders and hips, which can create body impressions faster if the mattress's foam density is low.
Frequency Of Rotation
Rotating your mattress head-to-toe every 2-3 weeks distributes wear more evenly and can help prevent depression from developing only in certain areas.
Mattress Protector
Waterproof mattress protectors shield against spills, stains and moisture that degrade mattress components, which can be an easy way to elongate the life of your mattress.
Depth Of Impressions
It's important to measure impressions in areas like the middle or along the edges. Be aware of dips over 3cm, which indicate that your mattress may need to be replaced.
Number Of Sleepers
The more people sleep on a mattress, the faster it'll show signs of wear; beds for couples may need replacement sooner than a single-sleeper mattress.
Benefits of Regular Mattress Replacement
- Improves sleep quality and overall well-being: A newer, more supportive mattress helps you fall asleep faster, sleep deeper and wake up refreshed, improving your overall health.
- Supports comfort: A new mattress can provide better support compared to a sagging mattress, which may contribute to improved comfort.
- Promotes better sleep posture: A supportive mattress can help maintain proper spinal alignment during sleep, which may contribute to overall comfort.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Replacing Your Mattress
Follow these mattress replacement tips from OMF for better, cOMFy sleep:
- Inspect your mattress yearly for impressions, sagging, and wear and wear-and-tear.
- Measure your mattress's dips and replace them if any of them exceed 3cm.
- Rotate head-to-toe regularly to maximise its lifespan.
- Use a waterproof mattress protector to prevent stains and damage.
- Replace your mattress sooner if you're experiencing discomfort or poor support in your current night's sleep.
- Choose quality OMF materials for increased durability and longevity.
Replace that old, uncomfortable mattress at just the right time to improve your sleep quality, ease those aches and pains, and wake up energised and ready for the day!
If you need support, our OMF sleep experts are always here to guide you in selecting your ideal new mattress for restful, cOMFy sleep. Sweet dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mattresses be repaired?
No, mattresses can't be effectively repaired at home once they start to sag, damage, or get irreversible impressions. While some manufacturers offer repairs for newer mattresses under warranty, extensive wear usually requires complete mattress replacement to support an optimal night's sleep properly.
How do I dispose of my old mattress?
Check with your local council about mattress recycling or disposal programs! While some removal companies offer mattress haul-away services, avoid putting mattresses out with regular bulky trash, which can lead to illegal dumping fines, especially if you need to be made aware of the laws in your area. Be sure to sanitise and remove any stains or covers before you dispose.
Should mattresses be flipped or rotated?
Mattresses with single-sided designs should be rotated 180 degrees regularly, and double-sided mattresses should be flipped over and turned to distribute wear most effectively. Be sure to follow guidelines on proper mattress rotation, but the general rule of thumb is to rotate your mattress every 2-3 weeks.