The 7-Year Itch: How Often Should You Change Your Mattress?
There's nothing better than lying down to sleep on a comfortable and supportive mattress, but over time, that feeling fades, and soon enough, you need a new mattress. So, how often should you change your mattress to avoid aches and pains?
No matter how expensive your mattress is, with daily use, the fibres and springs eventually break down, leaving you with a lumpy, uncomfortable place to sleep. Replacing your mattress before you get to that point is crucial for your health and well-being.
So, let’s talk about what factors influence how often you should change your mattress!
Summary: How Often Should You Change Your Mattress?
- Most mattresses need replacing every 7–10 years, depending on use, care, and material.
- Key signs it’s time to replace include sagging, lumps, spring noises, morning stiffness, poor sleep, and worsening allergies.
- Different mattress types have varying lifespans and benefits, from pocket sprung and gel to latex and hybrid options.
- Your ideal replacement depends on firmness level, sleep position, and comfort needs.
- Old mattresses should be disposed of responsibly through council collection, recycling centres, or Fairway’s disposal service.
The Mattress Lifespan: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
Just like any product you buy, a mattress has a lifespan that determines how long it'll be comfortable and supportive for.
The General Rule of Thumb:
In general, mattresses have a lifespan of 7-10 years. This lifespan applies to mattresses that are used daily and well looked after.
If you have a mattress in a guest room that's used infrequently, it could last longer than 10 years. On the other hand, if your mattress isn't well-maintained or gets heavier than standard use, it might need replacing sooner.
The 5 Red Flags: Physical Signs It's Time to Change
While the age of a mattress is a good indicator of whether it needs replacing or not, there are other things you should be on the lookout for in case you need to replace it earlier to avoid disruptions to your sleep.
- Visible wear
- Spring/coil noises
- Waking up stiff
- Tired/groggy
- Allergies worsening
Visible Wear
Visible wear on a mattress includes sagging, lumps, fraying fabric, or noticeable tears. Indentations from prolonged use can reduce support and comfort.
If the mattress surface appears uneven or damaged, it may no longer provide proper spinal alignment, indicating it’s time to replace it for better sleep health.
Spring/Coil Noises
Spring or coil noises indicate that the internal support system of the mattress is deteriorating. These sounds result from worn-out or damaged springs, which compromise the mattress’s ability to provide proper support.
Persistent noises can disrupt sleep and signal that the mattress is nearing the end of its functional lifespan.
Waking Up Stiff
Waking up stiff is a tell-tale sign that your mattress isn't supporting your body properly. Over time, mattresses lose their ability to distribute weight evenly and keep your spine aligned. This can create pressure points, which lead to discomfort and stiffness in the morning.
If you're still feeling stiff after trying things like stretching or changing your sleep position, it’s a strong sign that it's time to replace your mattress.
Waking Up Tired/Groggy
Waking up feeling tired and groggy could indicate that your mattress is no longer providing proper support or comfort.
Over time, worn-out mattresses can disrupt your sleep quality, preventing your body from fully resting and recovering. Replacing your mattress could help restore refreshing, energising sleep.
Worsening Allergies
Old mattresses can accumulate dust, allergens, and even mould over time, triggering or worsening allergy symptoms.
If you frequently wake up sneezing, congested, or with watery eyes, your mattress could be the culprit. Replacing it with a new, hypoallergenic option can help create a cleaner, healthier sleep environment.
Upgrading Your Sleep: Different Mattress Types
So, you've realised your old mattress is past its best and needs to be upgraded, but where do you start?
These days, there are so many different types of mattresses and materials on the market that it can feel a little overwhelming.
To help you find the perfect mattress, we've broken down the different types to explain what they can offer you.
Pocket Sprung: Breathable & Affordable
Pocket-sprung mattresses are a popular choice for good reason. Each spring is placed in its own fabric pocket, allowing them to move independently and provide great support.
This design adjusts to your body’s shape and reduces motion transfer, making it ideal for couples. Pocket-sprung mattresses are also affordable, offering a durable and comfortable option without costing too much.
Their breathable design helps regulate temperature, giving you a cooler and more comfortable sleep.
Gel: Cooling & Pressure Relieving
Gel mattresses are renowned for their cooling properties, making them an excellent choice for those who struggle with overheating during the night.
The gel-infused layers are designed to draw heat away from the body, helping to regulate your temperature even during the height of summer.
These mattresses are great at relieving pressure points by evenly distributing your weight, helping to reduce aches and improve comfort.
With cooling features and pressure relief, they provide a refreshing and restful night's sleep.
Latex: Natural & Durable
Latex mattresses are a great natural choice for anyone looking for a durable and comfortable sleep surface.
Made from sustainably sourced materials, latex is eco-friendly, long-lasting, and offers excellent value over time. It provides responsive support, adapts to your body, and maintains its shape and firmness.
Latex is also naturally breathable and resists dust mites and allergens, making it a healthier option for a better night's sleep.
Hybrid: The Best of Both Worlds
A hybrid mattress combines the traditional support of pocket springs with the modern comfort of materials like latex or memory foam, delivering the best of both worlds.
The pocket springs provide excellent support and motion isolation, ensuring that you experience a stable and undisturbed sleep.
Meanwhile, the latex or memory foam layers add a luxurious level of comfort, contouring to your body and relieving pressure points.
This combination creates a balanced sleep surface that caters to a wide range of sleep preferences, making hybrid mattresses an ideal choice for many people.
What About Firmness?
Mattresses typically come in a range of firmness levels, from soft to firm, and the best choice depends on your sleeping position and personal comfort needs.
Once you understand mattress firmness levels, you can choose one that suits your sleeping style and needs, like relieving pain or improving your posture.
| Firmness Level | Ideal Sleep Position(s) | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft | Side sleepers | Lighter individuals | Excellent cushioning for shoulders and hips; alleviates pressure points. |
| Medium-Firm | Back sleepers, combination sleepers | Most versatile sleepers | Provides a comfortable balance of support and contouring; helps maintain proper spinal alignment. |
| Firm | Stomach sleepers | Heavier individuals; those needing maximum spinal support | Prevents hips from sinking too deeply, reducing back strain; ensures adequate support. |
Read our simple guide on how to choose a mattress to make sure you get the best night’s sleep possible.
How To Dispose of Mattresses Responsibly
Disposing of mattresses responsibly in the UK is essential for reducing waste and minimising environmental impact.
One of the most effective ways is by contacting your local council, many of which offer bulky waste collection services for a small fee.
Alternatively, take your mattress to a nearby recycling centre, where components such as foam and metal springs can be repurposed.
Another option is to donate a mattress in good condition to a local charity or furniture reuse organisation, as these often pass them on to families in need.
Always avoid fly-tipping, as this is illegal and harms the environment; instead, explore these responsible and eco-friendly options.
At Fairway Furniture, we offer a like-for-like furniture disposal service for an additional fee. This means our dedicated delivery team will remove your old mattress for you when delivering your new one, so all you need to worry about is getting a better night's sleep.
Final Thoughts: Investing in Your Rest
Regularly replacing your mattress is a vital step towards ensuring consistently good quality sleep, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining your health and well-being.
Over time, mattresses lose their ability to provide adequate support and comfort, potentially leading to disrupted sleep and physical discomfort.
By investing in a new mattress when needed, you can enjoy restful, rejuvenating sleep that contributes to better overall health, improved mental focus, and a greater sense of well-being.
Don't underestimate the impact of quality sleep on your life—it all starts with the right mattress.
Sleep Soundly On a Quality Mattress From Fairway Furniture
At Fairway Furniture, we stock a wide range of mattresses to suit every sleep style and budget. Whether you prefer the softness of memory foam, the support of pocket springs, or a hybrid blend of materials, we have options to meet your needs.
Our collection includes mattresses in all standard bed sizes, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your bedroom.
Order your new mattress online today for convenience, or visit one of our South West stores to try it out for yourself and experience the comfort firsthand!
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