A good mattress is an investment in your health and wellbeing, providing comfort and support that ensures a good night’s sleep.
But how long should that mattress last?
Well of course it depends on the quality, but a range of other factors can also impact the lifespan of your mattress as well.
So let’s prop up the pillows and tuck ourselves in for a quick insight into the lifespan of mattresses and the factors that impact their longevity.
The key figure
All going well, a mattress should last between seven and 10 years before it requires replacement.
That means over the course of your life, you will probably make you way through somewhere between six and eight mattresses.
But the reality is, mattresses don’t have a set expiry date. Rather it comes down to whether the mattress you have continues to meet your needs. And some factors can shorten its viable lifespan.
What influences a mattress lifespan?
A range of factors can impact exactly how long your mattress will last, including its initial quality, the materials used and even the way you sleep.
Quality
The quality of the mattress you invest in has a major bearing on how long it will last. For example, a cheap basic mattress will likely require replacement long before a premium model will.
It’s worth checking the expected lifespan or guarantee as you select the right mattress to suit your needs. And bear in mind a larger investment now might save you money down the track.
Materials
Quality comes down to the way the mattress is manufactured and the materials used.
The US Sleep Foundation notes materials like latex and high-density polyfoam can last a long time, while low-density polyfoam can wear out much more quickly.
Mattress type
Just as the quality of construction and the materials used impact the lifespan of a mattress, so too does the mattress type.
Typical mattress types include all-foam, latex, innerspring and hybrid varieties.
The Sleep Foundation goes on to note: “Latex mattresses tend to last the longest, followed by beds made using high-density memory foams or polyfoams. Lower-density foam beds wear out a bit quicker, as do hybrid models”.
“Traditional innerspring beds generally have the shortest expected lifespan, at approximately five and a half to six and a half years,” they explain.
Sleep position and weight
Of course, how you use that bed will also have an impact. If you tend to sleep in the same position each night, you might soon notice indents where you regularly lie.
Meanwhile, the weight of the sleeper also has an effect.
Ongoing care
A mattress that is looked after will tend to last longer. Ongoing mattress care includes:
- Routine cleaning
- Mattress protectors
- Toppers
- Adhering to those manufacturer care guidelines
Meanwhile, some mattresses can be rotated or flipped to prevent wear and tear.
You can learn more about setting up your environment for a good night’s sleep here or browse our range of mattress toppers to increase the lifespan of your mattress.
