Under normal conditions, mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 8 years. Of course, this is a general guideline and not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Consumer Reports magazine recommends replacement every 7 to 10 years. This may be a shock to many people who have purchased a mattress with a 20-year warranty. You should know that the warranty is meant to cover certain parts (springs) and workmanship and not a mattress's overall comfort.
As per many sleep experts, sleeping on an old and lumpy mattress is highly likely to cause chronic back pain.
It's possible - but not likely - that a mattress can last 20 years. The longevity of your mattress depends on several factors, including how much wear and tear it undergoes and the quality of its parts. Some mattresses, like memory foams and latex, can last up to 15 years, much longer than the average innerspring.
According to the Sleep Council, older mattresses—typically 10 years or older—provide a breeding ground for a variety of bacteria, including staphylococcus, enterococcus, norovirus, and, in rare cases, MRSA. Mold can also be an issue if your room gets humid.
But when should you replace your mattress? Under normal conditions, mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 8 years. Of course, this is a general guideline and not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Make a solution with equal parts of hydrogen peroxide, water, and dish soap. Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and liberally spray the mattress. After 20 minutes, use a clean cloth to blot the moisture out of the mattress. Make sure you get all the moisture.
Sagging is typically the result of normal wear-and-tear to your mattress. The foam materials used in mattresses tend to soften over time, as they are exposed to significant pressure every night from the sleeper's body. Over time, this gradual softening of foam leads to a feeling of sagging, and less even support.
Allergens and dust mites buildup on an old mattress can cause many health issues. People with allergies suffer the most as it causes watery eyes, sinus pressure, sneezing, runny nose, and other allergies. Additionally sleeping on a used mattress leads to discomfort and makes it difficult to sleep through the night.
It's what's inside your old mattress that matters. Here's a quick gross mattress fact: Mattresses gain a small amount of weight over time, and it's not from the foam expanding. Your mattress absorbs dead skin, dust, skin oils and moisture. And then there are the dust mites that are lurking inside your mattress.
For example, enterococcus, staphylococcus, norovirus and even MRSA. They can all lead to skin infections, urinary tract infections and other serious viruses. Mould is also a danger when it comes to old mattresses, especially if your bedroom isn't well-ventilated and susceptible to dampness.
Most often, back pain experienced at a young age is the result of overly strenuous exercising, a job that requires lifting objects that are too heavy, or a sudden awkward movement such as bending over to pick up a toddler. This type of back pain is usually due to Back Strain.
The reason adding a topper can worsen your back pain is; it can take away more of the support you need. Your back most likely hurts because the core support layers mattress not appropriately supporting your body.
While the general guideline is 7 to 10 years, not all mattresses will hold up so well to the tests of time. Several factors contribute to a mattress's lifespan, including: Materials: The materials used in a mattress's construction will have a huge impact on its longevity.
You could experience back or neck pain
As your mattress gets older, it will become softer and less supportive for the spine. The best way to get rid of the problems caused by an old, worn-out mattress is simple: Replace it with a new one.
Overall. It should be easy to tell if a mattress is ready to be replaced. Keep an eye out for sagging, noise, discomfort, and so on, and if you aren't sure, you should try sleeping on a different mattress for a few nights to compare how you feel.
Typically, manufacturers recommend replacing your mattress every eight years. But according to Consumer Reports, a mattress that's well cared for could easily last a decade. (Unless you're over 40. By that age, your body tolerates less pressure, which means you might need a new mattress after five to seven years.)
Yes, an old mattress can make you sick. According to the ISPA Sleep Council, old mattresses may be harboring a whole host of organisms that cause dangerous diseases. Dust mites, bacteria like staphylococcus, and the hospital superbug MRSA are just some of the nasty things that can be found in an old mattress.
Generally, a high-quality mattress should last between 7-10 years before showing significant signs of sagging. However, some lower-quality mattresses may begin to sag within just a few years.
A mattress starts to sag as a result of various factors. For example, the older the mattress, the more likely it is to become sagged. The sag usually develops in the middle of the mattress or where a lot of pressure is applied. If you sleep on the left side of the bed, that's where the sagging develops over time.
To keep your mattress in great condition, we recommend that you rotate it at least once every three months. This means moving your mattress from the head of your bed to the foot - from top to bottom. Rotating your mattress regularly is important, because it helps to keep the comfort fillings evenly distributed.
Sprinkle baking soda all over the entire mattress
Baking soda will break down acid and absorb any remaining moisture or odor. The longer you can leave baking soda on the mattress, the better it will work! As the mattress sits with the baking soda, open any windows in the room to let the light and sunshine in.
Good Housekeeping recommends you vacuum your mattress every three-to-six months, while other sources recommend mattress vacuuming on a monthly basis. If someone has allergies in your home, you may need to vacuum more frequently to remove dust and other allergens.
Sprinkle enough baking soda over your mattress to cover it in an even layer. For minor odors, leave the baking soda to sit for at least half an hour. However, the longer you leave it, the more it absorbs moisture and odor-causing particles. In fact, you can leave it for a full 24 hours for the best results.