If you’ve had your mattress for a number of years and are starting to feel uncomfortable on it, or you keep waking up in pain and it isn’t because you’ve changed your pillow, then it’s time to replace your mattress (our top pick is the Saatva Classic luxury hybrid innerspring, from $999 at Saatva).
Even the best mattresses we’ve tested have a lifespan of around seven to ten years, with organic latex mattresses lasting much longer (15 to 20 years for real high quality models).
Here we’re breaking down the most common red flags so that you know exactly when it’s time to swap your mattress. Now is a good time to buy a new one too, as many of this year’s top rated options are down in price in the Presidents’ Day mattress sales.
Today’s top mattress sales
Signs that your mattress needs replacing
1. The edge support has collapsed
Edge support in a mattress is super important. A mattress with good edge support will allow you to sleep or sit near the edge of the bed without falling off.
It’s also super helpful for those with mobility issues who need extra support getting in and out of bed.
If you feel yourself constantly sliding near the edge of the bed, this means the materials around the perimeter are sagging, and the rest of the bed will probably soon follow suit.
Ruth Jones, our Senior Sleep Staff Writer, says: “I know a mattress is no good when I’ve started sliding off the sides in the morning…if you reach over in the morning to say, unplug your phone or switch on your lamp, and all of a sudden you’re clinging to the blankets as you dangle perilously close to the floor, the mattress needs to go.”
2. You can’t get comfy any more
If you find that you’re tossing and turning and just can’t find a comfortable position, even though years ago you slept like a log on the same mattress, then another bed is in order.
As a mattress ages the materials inside begin to wear and sag. This can create lumps and dips that make it hard to settle in quickly and comfortably. This means that your mattress is offering the same levels of pressure relief and support that it once did.
Nicola Appleton, Tom’s Guide’s Sleep Editor, says: “A mattress should have even support across the top of the mattress, so any signs of dipping or sagging are a big red flag that your bed is past its best and no longer providing the support you need.”
However, our Managing Editor of Sleep, Claire Davies, adds this caveat: “Sometimes it isn’t the mattress, it’s you. As we age, our mattress needs change too – our spines become more sensitive to pain, so lumbar support becomes more important.
“Drastic changes in body weight also effect how comfy your mattress feels to you.”
3. It’s covered in stains
A yellowing mattress is another red flag that you’re in need of a new bed. When exposed to body oils, sweat, and light overtime this can cause a mattress to discolor with yellow stains.
While top surface yellow stains can typically be cleaned with things like baking soda or a cleaning detergent, deeper staining can lead to mold, mildew, and dusty, damp smells.
If this is occuring, it’s time to replace your mattress.
4. You’re waking up in pain
If you’re waking up in pain or persistent discomfort, your mattress may be the culprit.
Nicola adds, “When I start waking up in pain, I know my mattress needs a refresh. Whether that’s a dead arm, achy hips, or a throbbing lower back, it’s a sure-fire sign that the pressure relief has gone.”
A mattress that is no longer offering the same levels of pressure relief or support that it once did needs replacing. This indicates that the materials in the mattress are starting to deteriorate.
5. You’re waking up hot
If you’re a chronic hot sleeper, then this may not be the sign for you. However, if your mattress was doing a stellar job of keeping you cool but is not any longer, this is another sign.
Even the best cooling mattresses won’t last forever. They are often made with GlacioTex and Phase Change Materials to help regulate temperatures.
Hybrid and memory foam mattresses often have foams infused with cooling agents such as gel, copper, or graphite. However, these materials can deteriorate over time.
6. Your allergies are worsening
Over time, mattresses naturally collect things like dust mites, pollen, and pet hair. All of which can trigger allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, and even asthma flare-ups.
We would first recommend deep cleaning your mattress to remove any allergens. Then you can wrap it in an anti-allergen protector, like the Coop Ultra-Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector that’s down to $47 for a queen at Amazon.
If you’re noticing these symptoms worsen outside of allergy symptoms or are immediately worse when you’re lying in bed, and you’ve tried the above steps, it’s worth considering a new mattress.
Need a new mattress? These are our top picks…
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