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Bed Basics
Bed Basics

How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?

A family pillow fighting on a bed. Text reads: Replace Every 8
Qi Guo

How often should you get a new mattress? Probably more often than you think. If you wake up each morning feeling tired, stiff and achy, or you can't remember when you last bought a mattress — it could be time to consider updating your sleep space.

If you're wondering how often you should replace your mattress or when to replace a mattress, consider this: mattresses, even high quality Mattress Firm mattresses, are designed to last between five and ten years. By planning ahead to “replace every eight," you can avoid sleepless nights caused by a worn-out mattress and have ample time to budget and shop for the perfect replacement.

5 Signs of When to Replace a Mattress

Wondering how often to replace mattress accessories and other bedroom necessities shouldn't keep you up at night. Here are a few reasons why it makes sense to replace every eight so you can make sure you're getting the most out of your sleep space:

1. Time = Change

There's no denying our body has probably changed since you last bought a mattress. You may have gained a few pounds or sustained an injury that's still susceptible to pressure. Not to mention how much mattress technology has evolved since your last purchase, updating your mattress to provide maximum support for your body will help you get the sleep you need night after night.

2. Lifestyle Changes

What most people often forget is that changes in your lifestyle may warrant the purchase of a new mattress. The one you're sleeping on now might have belonged to your partner before you met and may not provide you with the support (or space) you need. If you share a bed, it's important to find a mattress that suits both of you. And, if you now have more space available for a bigger bed, it's wise to upgrade to the largest mattress you can afford.

3. Your Bed Is Dirtier Than You Think

All sorts of unwelcome matter tends to collect on mattresses — dead skin cells, body fluids, dust mites, pollen and other allergens. In fact, the accumulation of all this matter may cause your mattress to nearly double in weight after ten years, according to a report by CBS News' “The Early Show." While laundering your linens and vacuuming your mattress regularly is recommended, these particles will still be present and may cause problems for people with allergies. If you or someone you know suffers from severe allergies, we recommend replacing your mattress more frequently, and investing in a high-quality mattress protector.

4. Sleeping with Pain

Morning aches and pains, stiffness, sore muscles, tingling or numbness in your extremities, and feeling groggy and fatigued despite a full night's sleep are all signs of a worn-out mattress. Sleeplessness due to tossing and turning or shifting positions throughout the night is also an indication of a need to replace your mattress. If you suffer from back or neck pain, there are many mattresses that can help you get the rest you need, without sacrificing your savings.

5. Your Mattress Looks Its Age

While changes occur slowly and you may not notice signs of aging in your mattress, it's important to take time regularly to check your mattress for signs of age and wear. Look for lumps, sagging and indentations, all of which can contribute to uncomfortable sleep, and if you notice these signs of aging, it may be time to reconsider your sleep surface.

A family having a pillow fight in bed. Text reads: Life changes. Your mattress should, too.

Don't Ignore the Signs to Replace Your Mattress

Because mattresses can be an added expense in many family budgets, people tend to delay their purchase. But, this type of thinking may be penny wise and pound foolish. During a study by Oklahoma State University professor Bert Jacobson, participants indicated they slept much better on new mattresses rather than on their own mattresses, all of which were five or more years old. Better sleep can lead to better health, and might result in fewer doctor visits and prescriptions.

While there are a few things you can do to keep from prematurely wearing out your mattress, such as not allowing your children to use it as a trampoline and rotating and turning it every few months, a mattress that is used daily will most likely still need to be replaced every eight years.

Older adults should consider replacing their mattresses even more often because the aging process causes bodies to become more sensitive to pressure. Many seniors have back and joint pain or other health problems that can be alleviated by sleeping on an updated mattress.

A poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that more than 90% of people surveyed said a comfortable mattress is important for good sleep. Making it a priority to replace every eight will ensure you get quality sleep that contributes to good health and mental well-being.

To find the best bed at the best price, shop our current sale in-store or online today!

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