Delivering a mattress to your doorstep has never been easier, plus the materials and technology used to grant you a great night’s sleep have improved, too. This means old truths about the life of a mattress might no longer ring true—and just when things were getting easy, too. Experts John Clary Davies, senior director of brand editorial and sustainability for Avocado Green, and Russell Jelinek, senior director of engineering, quality, and compliance at Casper, share everything you need to know about when to replace a mattress, including how to get more mileage out of your current model.
How Long Does a Mattress Last?
To be sure, there is no exact lifespan for mattresses. The answer is dependent on a variety of factors, with materials, wear, and use largely impacting the duration of a mattress. According to Davies, an Avocado mattress is designed to last for at least 25 years. While a quarter of a century is an astounding achievement, Jelinek says somewhere in the 7- to 10-year frame is more the norm, but it’s largely dependent on both how often a mattress is used and how you care for it. “Most of the wear and tear from mattresses come from nightly use, so ones used less often should be able to last longer as long as the cover is in good shape and there is no sagging or uneven surfaces on the mattress,” he says.
How to Extend the Life of Your Mattress
What are some signs that it’s time to start shopping for a new mattress? Most markers have to do with how you feel in the morning. “Having trouble falling asleep, sagging on the side of your bed, and never feeling fully rested when you wake up are some obvious first signs that you need to replace your mattress,” says Jelinek. To delay premature mattress aging (and help you continue to snooze like a baby), there are a few best practices that can extend the life of your mattress.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Find a suitable base, foundation, or frame to support your mattress. You’ll also want to select a high-quality mattress protector “to keep it fresh and prevent the buildup of body oils, dust mites, or stains,” advises Davies. Sheets should also be selected with care. Opt for breathable options to help with night sweats.
Treat It Kindly
It’s tempting, but avoid eating and drinking in bed. Also, if you’re trying to extend the life of your mattress, both pets in the bed and kids jumping on the bed are no-nos. Otherwise, regular washing and cleaning of the mattress can help.
Keep Moving
Skip the flip and instead rotate your mattress. “If you sleep on one side of the bed or sleep with a partner that is significantly heavier than you, you should rotate the bed 180 degrees every 3-6 months,” says Jelinek. Many mattresses come with care instructions specific to its unique materials and makeup. It’s best to refer to your mattress manufacturer for best practices. For example, Davies says Avocado mattresses should be rotated head-to-toe once a month for the first six months of use to ensure the top wool layers of the mattress compress evenly. “Failure to rotate your [Avocado] mattress regularly will create body impressions as the wool layer naturally compresses where you sleep,” says Davies.
Which Mattress Materials Are Most Durable?
Mattress lifespans can vary greatly from one material to the next. “The quality of the foam or springs plays a big factor,” says Jelinek. “If the materials are cheap, you may find your mattress to feel unsupportive after a few short years.” Davies lauds natural latex as a highly resilient and durable material, while Jelinek says a high-quality spring or foam can maintain its firmness and shape for longer periods of time than less resilient materials. Find a brand that speaks to your price point, needs, and durability requirements. As mentioned, mattress care varies greatly from one material to another and one brand to another, so be sure to refer to your warranty, user guide, and/or care specifications for the best chances of making your mattress last well beyond the eight-year mark.
