How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress? Signs, Lifespan & Expert Tips

According to experts, you should replace most mattresses every 7-10 years, depending on the type. However, mattress lifespans depend on the type of mattress, as innerspring, memory foam, hybrid, and latex mattresses all have different replacement windows.

As with most things in life, your mattress isn’t immune to aging. If you’re wondering how often you should replace your mattress, now’s probably the time. From an achy back to lack of comfort, there are some tell-tale signs your bed needs to be upgraded. Below, we’ll go over how often to replace a mattress, the signs your mattress needs replacing, and how to make your mattress last.

Key Takeaways

• The average mattress lifespan for most mattresses is between 7-10 years, depending on the type.
• Mattress lifespans vary by type, with memory foam mattresses needing replacement every 10 years, 8 years for innerspring mattresses, 10 years for hybrid mattresses, 5 years for an air mattress, 15 years for latex mattresses, 10 to 15 years for gel foam mattresses, and 12 to 15 years for waterbeds.
• Signs you need to replace your mattress include sagging and indentation, waking up in pain, the age of your mattress, increased allergies, poor sleep quality, and noisy springs or structural breakdown.
• Replacing your mattress is important for promoting proper spinal alignment, improving sleep quality, enhancing hygiene, and ensuring long-term health and recovery.
• To extend the life of your mattress, use a mattress protector, rotate or flip your mattress (if applicable), keep it clean and dry, and use proper support with a compatible bed frame and/or foundation.

Table of Contents

• How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?
• How Often to Replace Your Mattress (By Mattress Type)
• Signs to Replace Your Mattress
• Factors That Affect a Mattress’s Lifespan
• How to Make Your Mattress Last
• Mattress Lifespan FAQs
• Wrapping Up: Should You Replace Your Mattress?

How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?

On average, most mattresses should be replaced every 7 to 10 years, depending on the type. While this recommendation provides a ballpark for when you should replace your mattress, it’s important to remember this is just a rule of thumb. It’s always important to listen to your body, as you may feel you need a new mattress before this timeframe.

How often you should replace your mattress depends on a variety of factors that can increase or decrease the time you own your mattress. How often you use your mattress, the quality of your mattress, and the type of mattress, such as a memory foam or hybrid mattress, are just some of the factors that can tell you when it’s time to go out with the old and in with the new.

How Often to Replace Your Mattress (By Mattress Type)

The type of mattress you sleep on every night might differ from the type of mattress your neighbors, best friend, or family members sleep on. This means the lifespan of their mattress type may differ from yours. How often should you replace a mattress based on the type? Take a look at the lifespan of different types of mattresses below:

• Innerspring mattress: 8 years. Innerspring mattresses are comprised of individually pocketed coils that provide comfort and firmness. Over time, these coils can break or lose their spring from continuous pressure every night. Flipping the mattress every now and then can help prolong its lifespan. If you notice any springs or coils that feel broken, it may be time for a new mattress.
• Memory foam mattress: 10 years. Memory foam mattresses are unique in that they use body-contouring memory foam that adapts to the shape of your body while you sleep and returns to its original form once you hop out of bed, year after year. Memory foam mattresses are incredibly durable, and higher-quality memory foam mattresses can last well beyond the 10-year mark. Periodically rotating your memory foam mattress can help even out the concentrations of your body weight. If you notice the quality of the foam is deteriorating, it may be time for a replacement.
• Hybrid mattress: 10 years. A hybrid mattress combines the properties of an innerspring and memory foam mattress. Individually-pocketed coils are placed throughout the mattress, while memory foam fills in the gaps to provide comfort, creating a firm yet plush feel. Hybrid mattresses are durable, and their lifespan can be prolonged by rotating the mattress occasionally. If you notice the springs or foam sagging or losing shape, it’s time to find a new one.
• Air mattress: 5 years. These inflatable, portable mattresses, typically made from PVC, urethane, or rubber, are often used for temporary sleeping, such as for guests or camping. Generally, these last around 5 years, but lifespan depends on frequency of use and material quality.
• Latex mattress: 15 years. Latex foam mattresses are similar to memory foam mattresses but are made from natural or synthetic latex that has higher levels of elasticity. Degradation over time is possible with latex foam mattresses, just as with any type of mattress. Any signs of wear and tear mean it’s time for an upgrade.
• Gel foam mattress: 10 to 15 years. Gel foam mattresses are memory foam mattresses, but with gel beads integrated throughout the mattress, which allows the bed to redistribute heat more easily to keep it cool. The gel foam properties can help make the mattress more durable, which gives it a longer shelf life. Rotating a gel foam mattress can help give you more years of comfort, but once you start noticing the foam breaking down, it’s time for a replacement.
• Waterbed: 12 to 15 years. Waterbeds are unique in that they have a polyvinyl layer that holds in water to create a wave-like motion. While waterbeds are becoming less and less common, they have a relatively long lifespan because there are no springs or foam that are prone to sagging. Signs of aging include the top mattress or vinyl layer wearing out or a hole that causes a leak.

Mattress Type	Lifespan
Innerspring Mattress	8 years
Memory Foam Mattress	10 years
Hybrid Mattress	10 years
Air Mattress	5 years
Latex Foam Mattress	15 years
Gel Foam Mattress	10 to 15 years
Waterbed	12 to 15 years

As with all mattresses, the higher the quality, the longer the lifespan. While high-quality mattresses often come with a higher price tag, investing in a top-tier mattress made from durable materials can extend your mattress’s lifespan, which means you’ll have to buy less over the course of your life.

Signs to Replace Your Mattress

Many wonder how often you should replace your mattress. While many sources say 7 years is a reasonable estimate to replace your mattress, there are some revealing signs that your mattress might need to be replaced.

Some obvious signs your mattress needs to be replaced include:

1. Age of your mattress

How long you’ve had your mattress can be one sign you need a new one. If you’ve been sleeping on the same mattress for years or even decades, it’s most likely worn out and lost its shape and comfort. If your mattress is on the older side, take a look at the next few signs to determine if it’s time to make a swap.

2. Sagging or indentation

If you notice your mattress is sagging in any area or has indentations, it means the coils or memory foam are worn out. Indentations in your mattress can be bad for your health, as they put your spine out of alignment and don’t allow your muscles to relax. To prevent your mattress from sagging or indenting, avoid standing and jumping on it, and rotate your mattress every few months.

3. Waking up with pain or stiffness

No one likes waking up with a sore back, stiff neck, or aching muscles. If you’re waking up in pain, the reason might be caused by a sagging and worn-out mattress that makes your muscles work harder to keep you in a comfortable position. This extra strain can leave your hips, back, and shoulders stiff.

4. Difficulty sleeping

There are many reasons you might have difficulty sleeping or waking up in the middle of the night. While some reasons might have nothing to do with your mattress at all, many people can’t sleep when they’re uncomfortable, so you might not get the quality sleep you need if you don’t have a comfortable mattress. Mattresses are designed for one thing – to help you sleep. However, if they’re not helping you sleep, then it’s time to replace them.

5. Noticeable wear and tear

With some mattresses, you can’t see if there are any lumps or bumps on the surface. However, you might be able to feel problems within your mattress. If you rub your hand gently over the mattress, it should feel the same in every spot. However, your mattress can’t get better again if you notice any worn edges, rips, or lumps. Instead, the lumps will get bigger, and your mattress will become even more uncomfortable as time goes on.

6. Lumps and bumps

We’ve already talked a lot about lumps and bumps, but they are a significant contributing factor to the comfort of your bed. If your mattress has lumps and bumps, it cannot properly support your weight, so you can’t put your spine, back, neck, and hips in proper alignment throughout the night. In addition, lumps and bumps can make you uncomfortable and lead to soreness the next day.

7. Noisy springs or structural breakdown

If you have an innerspring or hybrid mattress, it may be time for a replacement if you begin to hear squeaky springs. Not only will the noise disrupt your sleep, but worn-out springs can cause your body to shift out of alignment, which can result in pain or stiffness upon waking up. One of the differences between memory foam and spring mattresses is that foam mattresses are quieter due to the absence of springs. However, for sleepers with memory foam, latex, or gel foam mattresses, any soft spots or structural issues are a sign to replace your mattress.

8. Body and lifestyle changes

As you age, your body and lifestyle might change. Whether your weight has changed or you gained a partner, your current mattress might not be getting the job done. Your mattress should be able to withstand pressure and keep you comfortable night after night. However, with more weight added to your bed, the shorter your mattress’s lifespan will be. Not only that, but mattress technology has also probably changed from the last time you bought a mattress, which means a newer mattress may have better support and comfort to help you sleep better at night.

9. Increased allergies

Mattresses can be covered with millions of tiny organisms called dust mites, which can cause allergic reactions at night when their feces come into contact with your skin. The longer you have a mattress, the more dust mites and other allergens, such as dead skin cells, pollen, and bodily fluids, it may contain, which can leave you with itchy eyes, a sore throat, and a runny nose. To prevent dust mites, you can consider a mattress protector, which creates a physical barrier they can’t enter.

Factors That Affect a Mattress’s Lifespan

While the average lifespan of a mattress is seven to ten years, there are ways you can increase your mattress’s lifespan. At the very least, you should understand what not to do with a mattress to ensure it will last a little while. Mattresses are expensive purchases, so it’s always best to properly care for them so you can help them last as long as possible before replacing them. Here are factors that can affect a mattress’s lifespan.

Bodyweight

Those with heavier weights can cause wear faster than those who are lighter. Additionally, your sleep position might also affect your mattress’s lifespan. For example, side sleepers typically increase sagginess in a particular area of the mattress, where their hips dig into the material. On the other hand, those who sleep on their backs may be able to keep their mattresses for longer because their weight is evenly distributed.

Amount of use

How often you use your mattress will determine how long it lasts. Ultimately, the more a mattress is used, the faster it will wear. So if you spend too much time in bed, you could be reducing your mattress’s lifespan quicker than if you just used your bed to sleep.

Materials

The materials used in a mattress impact the mattress’s lifespan. We already discussed how different types of mattresses have different life expectancies, so finding high-quality materials, such as latex or memory foam, means your mattress will likely last longer as long as you take proper care of it. Also, look at memory foam density, as high-resilience memory foam typically lasts longer than lower-density foams, as it’s more durable and contains a higher concentration of material that’s better at resisting sagging and maintaining shape.

Quality

The quality of the mattress also plays a role in how long it lasts. Unfortunately, quality mattresses are more expensive, but they can save you money because they require you to replace your mattress less often.

Type of mattress

The type of materials used in mattresses can dictate the type of mattress you have. For example, if your mattress is memory foam, it is made out of memory foam material. The type of mattress has an impact on its longevity. Latex mattresses typically last for more than a decade, while innerspring mattresses should be replaced every seven or eight years, especially if they have a broken spring.

Of course, it’s also important to properly care for your mattress. If you’re not washing your sheets, you might have bed bugs and mold that will require you to replace your mattress quickly.

How to Make Your Mattress Last

Mattresses aren’t necessarily cheap, which means you may be holding onto your current mattress for as long as you can to avoid buying a new one.

To maintain your mattress, consider these tips:

• Rotate your mattress: If you have a memory foam or hybrid mattress, rotate your bed every few months to prevent pressure from concentrating in one spot.
• Flip your mattress: If you have an innerspring mattress, review the manufacturer’s tag to see if you can flip your bed. If so, flipping your mattress every few months can take the pressure off of the coils and springs.
• Keep your mattress clean and dry: Avoid spills on your mattress, as they can cause unwanted mold or mildew, and regularly clean your mattress to remove allergens and dust to promote better hygiene and protect your mattress.
• Use a mattress pad and protector: A mattress pad and mattress protector can help prolong your mattress’s life. A mattress topper will add another supportive layer that can absorb weight, while a mattress protector creates a liquid barrier, protects your health, and increases mattress longevity.
• Use the right bed frame and/or foundation: Giving your mattress proper support with a supportive mattress base can help your mattress last longer. Most bed frames and box springs last a long time, which means you can use them for multiple mattresses.
• Keep your pets off of the bed: While sleeping with your dog sounds like a dream come true, their paws and teeth can damage your mattress.

While these tips can help make your mattress last, there comes a time when you need to part ways. When you get rid of your mattress for a new one, make sure to discard it properly by bringing it to a mattress recycling center or donating it, if possible.

Mattress Lifespan FAQs

Is it bad to sleep on an old mattress?

Yes, there are several risks of using an old mattress, as sleeping on an old mattress can impact your health and sleep quality. Sleeping on an old mattress can lead to poor spinal alignment, disrupted sleep, increased allergies, and pain or stiffness when waking up.

Does a mattress topper extend mattress life?

A mattress topper adds cushioning support that can help promote better sleep and extend your mattress’s life by reducing surface wear, direct pressure on your mattress, and sagging. However, a mattress topper is only a temporary solution, and if your current mattress has underlying structural issues, such as broken springs, it’s time for a replacement.

Can an old mattress cause back and neck pain?

Yes, an old mattress can cause back and neck pain, especially if the mattress sags. This is because it can cause your neck and spine to fall out of alignment, putting strain on your back and neck muscles for hours at a time while you sleep.

Can climate affect mattress lifespan?

Yes, where you live can affect the longevity of your mattress. For example, if you live in more humid climates, such as around the Gulf Coast, you may need to replace your mattress sooner, as humidity can cause foam materials to break down sooner and promote dust mite and mold growth.

How do you get rid of a mattress?

When it comes time to replace your mattress, you have several options, such as selling, donating, recycling, or disposing of your mattress. Review our guide on how to get rid of a mattress to learn more.

Wrapping Up: Should You Replace Your Mattress?

If you have a mattress older than 7 to 10 years (depending on the type), are waking up with pain or stiffness, are experiencing allergies at night, or notice any wear or tear on your mattress, it might be time to replace your mattress. Your new mattress should be made from quality materials and offer a comfortable, supportive sleep environment.

At Layla Sleep, we offer two premium types of mattresses: our memory foam mattress and our hybrid mattress. For a more cushioned sleep, our copper-gel memory foam mattress will cradle and support you all night long. If you’re looking for a more supportive sleep, our hybrid mattress with an individually wrapped coil system with flippable firmness will be your favorite sleeping companion. You can also shop our affordable mattress, The Essential by Layla, which features OpenCell+™ memory foam that circulates 3 times more airflow than conventional mattress foams.

Layla Sleep offers mattresses built to last. Using innovative technological solutions and high-quality materials, you can enjoy a deep sleep night after night when you choose Layla.