How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress? Complete Guide

The average mattress lasts between 7 and 10 years, but that number varies widely depending on the mattress type, your body weight, how well you maintain it, and whether you use a mattress protector.

Here is a practical guide to knowing when your mattress needs replacing, and how to make it last as long as possible.

General Mattress Lifespan by Type

• Innerspring mattress: 5-7 years. The coils lose tension over time, leading to sagging and reduced support.
• Memory foam mattress: 7-10 years. High-density foam lasts longer, but body impressions develop over time.
• Hybrid mattress: 7-10 years. The combination of coils and foam provides good longevity with proper support.
• Latex mattress: 10-15 years. Natural latex is the most durable mattress material available.
• Flippable mattress: 8-12 years. Being able to flip extends the lifespan by distributing wear across both sides.

7 Signs Your Mattress Needs Replacing

1. Visible Sagging or Body Impressions

If you can see a dip where you normally sleep, or the mattress does not spring back when you get up, the support layers have broken down. Sagging greater than 2-3 cm is a clear sign the mattress is past its useful life.

2. You Wake Up with Aches and Pains

A worn mattress no longer supports your spine properly. If you wake up with back pain, hip pain, or stiffness that improves after you get moving, your mattress may be the culprit. This is especially true if you sleep better in hotels or at other people's homes.

3. You Cannot Get Comfortable

If you toss and turn more than you used to, or you cannot find a comfortable position, the comfort layers may have compressed beyond their ability to provide pressure relief.

4. Increased Allergies

Over the years, mattresses accumulate dust mites, dead skin, and allergens. If your allergy symptoms are worse in bed than elsewhere, your mattress may be the source even after cleaning.

5. You Can Feel the Springs

In an innerspring or hybrid mattress, feeling individual coils through the comfort layer means the padding has compressed significantly. This causes pressure points and disrupted sleep.

6. The Mattress Makes Noise

Squeaking or creaking when you move indicates worn springs or a degraded foundation. If the noise is coming from the mattress itself (not the bed frame), replacement is likely needed. Check if it is your frame first.

7. The Edges Have Collapsed

When the edges of your mattress no longer support your weight and you roll toward the centre, the internal structure has weakened. This is common in older foam and low-quality innerspring mattresses.

Factors That Shorten Mattress Life

• Higher body weight: Heavier sleepers compress foam and springs faster. If you weigh over 230 lbs, expect a shorter lifespan and consider a mattress designed for heavier people.
• No mattress protector: Moisture from sweat degrades foam over time. A waterproof protector is the single best thing you can do to extend mattress life.
• Wrong base: A box spring under a foam mattress causes premature sagging.
• Never rotating: Sleeping in the same spot every night concentrates wear. Rotate every 3-6 months.
• Kids jumping on the bed: Repeated impact damages internal coils and foam cells.

How to Make Your Mattress Last Longer

• Use a waterproof mattress protector from day one
• Rotate the mattress 180 degrees every 3-6 months (flip if it is flippable)
• Use a proper base with adequate support
• Keep pets off the mattress if possible
• Clean your mattress every 6 months
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water to reduce dust mite accumulation

Ready for a New Mattress?

If your mattress is showing the signs above, visit Mattress Miracle in Brantford to try your next mattress in person. We carry everything from budget-friendly options to premium firm, hybrid, and adjustable bed setups. We also handle old mattress disposal so the whole process is hassle-free.