Last Updated on January 1, 2023
Mattresses aren’t exactly cheap, most people replace them very infrequently and consider buying a new one either a chore or a burden. It’s easy to delay or prolong this process simply by taking proper care of whichever type you own. As a general rule, most should be replaced within ten years for best results in sleep and health, however, the average life of a mattress can last beyond ten years or more if taken care of properly. While it is true that how long one lasts depends on different factors, you can easily increase its life expectancy by undertaking a small number of simple steps. Here is a look at a few of the factors that can decide how long should a mattress last, and possible ways to increase its lifespan:
1. The Type
What type do you have? For instance, is it air, innerspring, memory foam or latex? Each one has its own life expectancy; air and innerspring being the shortest, memory foam being mid length, while latex types are known to last the longest.
- Air mattresses will over time either develop leaks or generally become less effective at retaining air pressure. If they have a built-in pump that becomes faulty, this too can lead to premature replacement. Overall, the average air mattress life expectancy is placed at five years.
- Spring mattresses are good for sharing couples who like a springy and bouncy surface, but unfortunately, due to the inner core being thin metal wire, this type does tend to sag and lose its support even if flipped and rotated regularly. Even ones which have been well cared for will most likely need replacing within 7-8 years.
- Memory foam mattresses are less prone to sagging but not invincible. They too require rotating, and foam does eventually lose its support but after a long while. This type should be good for at least ten years if kept ventilated, clean, and rotated.
- Latex mattresses are the creme de la creme and tick all the boxes for quality and longevity. The naturally hypoallergenic and anti-microbial properties add to the durable nature of latex rubber foam to combine a core which can last up to 15 years.
2. Regular Cleaning
Another important factor that determines mattress life expectancy is to do with cleaning. How do you clean it? Do you clean it regularly? Do you give it to a professional cleaner? It’s essential that you clean your mattress regularly to prolong the life. If you do not, it won’t last long at all. This is due to the invisible bacteria, mildew, and mattress mold that can slowly eat away at the materials involved. Moreover, it may be better if you could have it cleaned professionally from time to time, as mattresses are home to bacteria and germs in plenty, which might not get adequately cleansed with household cleaning products and methods.
3. Amount of Use
As you can imagine, anything that is used more will last less. However, there are two things that need to be kept in mind. Whichever type you own, it wouldn’t last as long in cases of extreme use, for example sharing couples who use for 10+ hours per day, and secondly on the other hand, if it has been left unused and uncleaned for prolong periods of time. Mattresses that are moderately used, where people sleep on it for around 7-8 hours a day, and then cleaned regularly are the ones that have the longest life.
4. The Cleaning Products
The question of how long do mattresses last really is to do with many supporting factors, but quite often depends on the cleaning methods used to clean them. For instance, in the case of blood stains, you might have to use hydrogen peroxide to get rid. Too much of this chemical (and other heavy-duty stain removers) would lead to a reduction of mattress life as these are not made to withstand such chemical uses.
5. Proper Precautions
It is always nice to have kids around the house. However, if your kids want to use your bed as a trampoline, it seriously isn’t a good idea. You would rather have them play elsewhere since this can seriously damage your bed. Imagine you have an innerspring, the springs will become too soft and compressed in no time at all and will leave you with a creaky and sagging surface. Additionally, whether it’s latex or memory foam, soon there will be indentations that are beyond repair. To prolong its life, you can also rotate and flip it from time to time, but that’s only if it’s double-sided and permits you to do so. You could perform this every few months for the duration of its life, which will significantly improve how long a mattress can last.
When Do You Know You Cannot Use Your Mattress?
Usually, mattresses that are over seven years old do not provide the comfort and support you need on the bed. Once you see there are signs of the surface and support wearing out, or you’re feeling uncomfortable in the bed when you are sleeping on it, you would be better off changing it. Some of the common visible signs of wearing are sagging, holes, and tearing. If you cannot get a full night’s sleep and feel that you’re having a better slumber elsewhere than your bed, you need to start looking for a replacement.
You might buy the most expensive mattress, but if you do not care for it properly, it might not even last ten years. On the other side, ones which are taken care of correctly are known to last more than 15 years.
I have an 8 year old queen size mattress. It is a pocket spring type with latex foam. Unit price $2040. A couple of years ago my wife complained that the area about a fifth of the way from the top had developed a crater. Since the product was still under warranty I rang the manufacturer to explain the problem and enquired if it would be covered by the warranty. I explained that we live some distance from the factory. When I arrived with the mattress the top cover was removed and I was told my problem was due to normal wear and tear and to replace the springs would cost almost $300. I wonder what is the value of a 10 year warranty if the springs are not capable of performing for that length of time?
Thank you. This topic has been most helpful. My bed is going on 16 years and is starting to show wear and tear even though I spent $3000.
I think of my mattress as “like new” even though it is 35 years old! It is a Sealy, and it was expensive in 1984 at $800! We rotated it every 6 months Sometimes I have lower back pain, and I’m beginning to think I might need a new mattress I’ll have to “sleep on that thought!”
Wow, that’s impressive. Glad you got some good usage from it.
My mattress is a Stearns and Foster. I’ve been told that I should get a new mattress because it is 14 years old. It doesn’t sag. It’s not torn. In fact it looks like a brand new mattress. You can still lay on the side of the bed and it is still firm. I’m trying to figure out if I really need a new mattress.
Has the mattress been used daily for 14 years? By yourself, children, or a couple? Have you used a mattress protector all the while, or has it been cleaned regularly? There are many variables that determine the longevity of a mattress. 14 years with light usage and good maintenance is fine to keep provided you’re not waking up with joint pains.
I’ve been told I need one, but I think it was a sales pitch. We bought our craftmatic bed 10 years ago. It’s had a 4″ foam on it from the get-go and a mattress protector to boot. I think it’s basically a new mattress, right?
Yes, i’d say it’s time for a new mattress
I rotate my mattress every 3 months. It makes it last longer. It s 13 yrs old.
Our Queen bed (New at the time), was given to us by a brother just prior to leaving for Australia in 1982… x4 boys later (whom have all left home and had families of their own)… this bed still resides in our room without me… the other owner of our abode (with back pains and all), lives in Lala Land… Go figure!@#$%^&*… who/what needs to be replaced!!!
Hold me back or turn me loose? Buy or continue with the same? We have an Englander natural rubber mattress eastern king bought in 2001 per tag. Nearly takes an African elephant with tusks to turn over due to weight.
Using thick mattress topper(s) changed out over time… it continues to lack smells and still feels fine. My imagination worries some creepy rubber-loving bacteria or mite has overcome the resistance of the rubber and now lives within. I can almost hear it’s breathing. aaa-chaa, aaa-chaa, aaa-chaa. Hear it?
Hi Mike, natural latex is dust mite, mold and mildew resistant. Dust mites can not live in natural rubber, so you should be ok provided it still feels fine 🙂
Dude-ette! Thanks, Lindsay. We will go fwd without replacement as it still seems the same as first bought. Happy new year!
No problem,
Happy New Year to you too. 🙂