There are a few ways of understanding whether your mattress needs to be upgraded. And don’t be fooled by thinking that if you have a firmer mattress it will last longer because it doesn’t! On average, it’s said that a mattress lasts around 8 years. However, this really depends on these factors:
- What type of mattress it is and how durable it is
- How frequently the mattress is used
- Your bodyweight
- How often the mattress is cleaned and cared for
Take a look below at how durable typical mattress types are and how long they generally last…
This kind of mattress has hundreds to thousands of small springs that move independently from each other, which means that the mattress can move to the contours of your body. Pocket spring mattresses avoid the ‘roll-together’ issue in open coil mattresses, making them good for couples who share a bed. Generally, pocket sprung mattresses last for around 7-8 years but maybe more if cared for properly.
Comprised of interconnected spring systems which can often provide very firm support. However, due to the way the springs are connected, prolonged use means they can eventually ‘roll-together’ and cause sagging in the middle. Because they’re fairly inexpensive and the quality doesn’t match other mattress types, it’s said that generally open coil mattresses should be replaced at around 5 years.
How long a foam mattress lasts depends on its density. Reflex foam has a higher density than memory foam, but both will eventually develop permanent body indentations. When this occurs, you know it’s probably time to replace the mattress. Generally, memory foam can last 7-10 years, but there are cases where they have lasted longer and shorter – it really depends on the quality!
Argued to be one of the most durable kinds of mattresses, latex is extracted from rubber trees or made synthetically. In terms of durability, it can last a very long time and can take over a decade to see body indentations from prolonged use. The natural latex mattresses last longest, way above the overall latex longevity average of 10 years.
With this in mind, a top tip is to look out for the signs of deterioration: sagging, increased soft/hardness and body indentations. If your mattress is showing signs of this, then you know it’s time to probably invest in a new one.
It’s no myth that caring for your mattress can increase its longevity. If you have a two-sided mattress, then flipping it over every few months will relieve the pressures on the springs. If you haven’t got a two-sided mattress, then it’s good practice to rotate it frequently for the same reason. Generally, it gives the mattress a chance to use other springs, and give the ones that are frequently used a break.
In terms of cleaning, it can actually increase the lifespan of your mattress. Keeping it clean can help eliminate some bacteria, insects and dust mites. All of these can damage your mattress if they’ve built up over time, so keeping on top of the cleaning can help this.