How Long Should a Mattress Last?

A mattress is a significant investment, and it’s supposed to last you a long time. 

But how long does a mattress last, exactly? It really depends. 

Keep reading to find out how long your mattress will last! 

How Long Does a Mattress Last?

Most mattresses last 8 to 10 years, but that’s not set in stone.

Some beds, like cheap polyfoam beds, can deteriorate after only a few years. On the other hand, a natural latex mattress could even last up to 20 years!  

As you’ll see next, plenty of factors can help us determine how long a mattress will last. 

Factors That Affect the Mattress Lifespan

Some things will make your mattress last longer, and others will wear it away. Here are the main ones. 

Materials

How long your mattress lasts mainly depends on what it’s made of. Different materials handle pressure differently, and some deteriorate faster than others. 

For example, latex is a durable, long-lasting material, and the coils in an innerspring bed can break or get noisy after a while. 

How You Use It

A lot of us love to spend our time in our beds, and not only during the sleeping hours. And why wouldn’t you? It’s warm, comfortable, and safe!

But how often you use your bed and how you use it will also impact its average life expectancy and your sleep quality. The bed’s longevity will crumble if you spend a lot of time lying in it or even jumping on it. 

Quality

It’s also about the quality of the materials and the overall mattress construction. A cheap polyfoam mattress will start to sag after only a few years, but a high-quality memory foam mattress is way sturdier.

If a mattress seems like bad news when you get it, know it won’t get any better. 

Mattress Type

Closely connected to materials, mattress type also indicates how long a mattress will last. 

You can rely on latex mattresses to last a long time, and high-density memory foam mattresses are a close second. Hybrid beds are also durable because they’re usually made from high-quality materials, but innerspring and low-density foam mattresses fall apart more quickly. 

Sleeping Position & Body Weight

Your sleep position can leave a certain body impression on the mattress.

While back and stomach sleepers are mainly good to go, side sleepers might notice that their mattress sags in the hip and shoulder areas. Funny, considering the best mattress for side sleepers is usually the one with foam.

Also, the higher your body weight, the more pressure you put on the mattress. This can cause an average mattress to deteriorate faster, so heavier sleepers must get the right mattress for them.  

Mattress Care

Mattress care goes a long way. If you don’t clean your mattress, use mattress protectors, flip it, and take care of it, you’ll have to buy a new bed in no time.

The lifespan of Mattress Types

Let’s look more in-depth at mattress types and how the life of your mattress is connected to them. 

Foam Mattresses

Foam beds are made from polyfoam or memory foam, and these two materials have varying degrees of durability. 

This is why all-foam and memory foam mattresses can last anywhere from just a couple of years to nine or even 10 years. 

Polyfoam is cheaper and less durable than memory foam. You can get a budget mattress from this material, but it’s not worth it in the long run. On the other hand, a memory foam mattress will fare better.

The critical component here is foam density. Low-density foam tends to deteriorate faster, while high-density foam can handle more pressure. 

Old memory foam can also turn yellow sometimes, which can be a sign to replace your mattress.  

Innerspring Mattresses

A traditional innerspring mattress isn’t very durable, as they tend to last only five to seven years. 

The coils in innerspring beds can deteriorate fast, which causes the bed to sag and lose support. Although, it depends on the coil quality. The coil gauge determines the steel’s thickness, and thicker coils last longer. 

The padding on top of the coils can also deteriorate quickly if it isn’t made from quality materials. That’s why a pillow top mattress will last the same amount of time as a traditional spring mattress.

Innerspring beds are usually cheap, but that’s not worth it if they fall apart so fast. 

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses are mainly constructed from the coils of an innerspring mattress, with memory foam or latex on top. However, they’re usually made from high-quality mattress materials. 

A hybrid mattress usually uses individually pocketed coils and high-density foam on top, so it lasts longer. A typical hybrid mattress lasts around 10 years. Flippable hybrid beds last longer. 

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are durable and tend to last more than 10 years, like 15 or 20. Well, only if they’re made from natural latex. Synthetic latex is more like foam and can’t last that long. 

Organic beds made from natural latex can last 15 to 25 years, but keeping an old bed around for that long isn’t a good idea. Even if it’s a latex mattress.

Air mattresses

Air mattresses aren’t known for their durability. The thin layer separating the air chamber from the rest of the world can get punctured or ripped quickly. 

If you choose to get an air bed, know that it will last about two to eight years. It depends on how often you use it. These beds aren’t made to be used every single day. Airbeds are meant to be left out in a guest room or used occasionally. 

If you plan on using it daily, know that it won’t last long. 

Signs You Need a New Mattress

You got a new mattress, you sleep on it every night, and suddenly eight years have passed. Is it really already time to get a new bed? Even though you’re sleeping soundly and think it can handle a few more years?

When you need to get a new mattress depends on the state of the old one and how you react to it. Let’s get into it. 

Aches & Allergies

If you wake up in the morning feeling groggy, exhausted, and like you slept on rocks, your mattress is probably too old. Back pain is a good sign that it’s losing support, and that it’s time to replace your mattress.

Also, if you start to have an allergic reaction when you’re at home, your bed is probably to blame. As they get old, mattresses can collect dirt and dust mites. 

It Started to Sag

If you notice body impressions or your mattress feels saggy, it’s no longer supportive enough to give you a good night’s sleep. This is your sign to get a new mattress.

Side sleepers might notice their mattress sagging in the hip and shoulder areas. 

Wear and Tear

You can try to avoid wear and tear, but it’ll happen anyway. If your old mattress has stains you can’t remove, rips in the fabric, or other damages, it’s time to say goodbye. 

Bed Bugs

Old beds collect dust, dust mites, dead skin, hair, and bed bugs. 

Fighting off a bed bug infestation is almost impossible, and the best case scenario, in this case, is to get rid of your old mattress before the bugs make a home in the rest of your furniture. 

Noise

Mattresses with coils get noisy over time, and this is a good sign that it’s the end of the lifespan of a mattress. Also, it isn’t enjoyable. 

Do you want the creaks to wake you whenever you turn to the other side? Of course not. It’s time to get a new mattress.

How to Make Your Mattress Last Longer

If you want your mattress to last, take care of it!

The good news is that mattress manufacturers will provide instructions on cleaning and caring for your mattress. They’ll let you know if your bed is flippable or if the cover can be removed and washed, among other things. 

Let’s look for more tips on how to make your mattress last longer. 

Protection

You must keep your mattress protected from dirt, dust, bed bugs, water, and general wear and tear.

Invest in a mattress cover or a full mattress protector. A waterproof mattress protector can prevent stains and mold from growing from spills or other things.

You can also use a mattress topper. Mattress toppers are there to provide more comfort, but they can also be an extra layer of protection.

Cleaning

Make sure to clean your mattress regularly. Don’t eat in your bed or let pets get in it, either. We also love doing these things, but spills, crumbs, and pet dandruff can build up on the mattress. 

Regular cleaning means you clean your mattress every six months and wash your sheets often.

Flip It and Rotate It

Before you do this, check the manufacturer’s instructions. 

A mattress is only flippable if it has the same layers on both sides; if it doesn’t, you can try to rotate it to minimize sagging and body impressions. 

Mattress Support

Some mattresses need proper support to last a long time. For example, most innerspring mattresses need a box spring. A box spring isn’t required for all beds, and most modern mattresses can sit nicely on a solid foundation, like a platform bed.

You’ll also void the warranty if you use a box spring when you’re not supposed to. Read the fine print!

Warranty

Speaking of the warranty, it’s essential when you’re buying a mattress. It’s a sign of good quality, which means you can easily exchange or fix your bed. Aim for an extended warranty! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Mattress Last 20 Years?

It might. However, getting a mattress that’ll last that long, even after being used every night, is tough. 

Mattresses begin to sag and suffer from wear and tear; they collect dust and dust mites over time. After a while, even a high-quality mattress can’t give you proper support. 

That’s why using the same mattress for 20 years is not advised. 

How Long Does a Mattress Last?

Most people would tell you that a mattress lasts 8 to 10 years, but the actual mattress lifespan will depend on a couple factors. 

What is it made from? How well is it made? How often do you use it, and how well do you take care of it? 

Most mattresses can last anywhere from a couple of years to over 15 years. It depends. 

Does a Firm Mattress Last Longer?

Soft beds tend to lose shape and deteriorate faster, but that doesn’t mean that firmer is better. You need to invest in a mattress made from high-quality materials that won’t lose their support or comfort abilities. Even a firm mattress can fall apart if it’s low-quality. 

Final Thoughts

Ah, nothing lasts forever. Not even your super comfortable mattress. 

If you want a long-lasting bed, find a good mattress made from high-quality, durable materials, and take care of it. 

Let’s get snoozing!