Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

10 Telltale Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Mattress

Woman sitting on the edge of her bed, petting her cat and looking at her phone

A mattress is an investment. It’s a larger purchase and generally has a longer lifespan than a lot of things in your home – but how long? With any big purchase, you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

Of course when it comes to purchasing a mattress, you also want to make sure you’re getting your best sleep possible. If you’re sleeping on a mattress that is past its prime, you may be waking up achy and cranky … not to mention that your mattress probably isn’t as clean and fresh as it once was.

So, just how long does a mattress last? Here’s how to tell whether yours may be on its last legs.

What’s the average life of a mattress?

Woman making her bed in the morningWoman making her bed in the morning

Few items in your home will have as profound of an impact on your health and wellbeing as your mattress does. After all, we spend a third of our lives sleeping! It’s so important to purchase a quality mattress and replace it when needed.  

How will you know it’s time? Generally speaking, the average life of a mattress is between 7 and 10 years. Of course, it’s hard to pin down an exact number because there are a lot of factors that influence mattress lifespan, such as:

  • Mattress quality
  • Product care
  • Foundation/box spring
  • Your weight/sleep position
  • Frequently eating/working/relaxing in bed
  • Sleeping with pets

Mattress materials make a big difference

Ever heard the expression, “Buy cheap, buy twice?” For mattresses, you can most certainly expect to replace a cheap mattress sooner rather than later. Less expensive, lower-quality innerspring and memory foam mattresses tend to have the shortest lifespan and are prone to sagging and body impressions. Not to mention many mattresses on the market today, especially in the lower price range, are made with toxic chemicals that are harmful to your health.

Latex and hybrid mattresses have a longer lifespan, offering more durability and longer-lasting support. Additionally organic materials typically fare better than synthetic because they are higher quality and avoid harsh dyes and treatments.

Shop Happsy Organic PillowShop Happsy Organic Pillow

Happsy Organic Pillow

Shop Happsy Organic Mattress PadShop Happsy Organic Mattress Pad

Happsy Organic Mattress Pad

Shop Happsy Organic Sheet SetShop Happsy Organic Sheet Set

Happsy Organic Sheet Set

Product care matters, too

Like with anything, a mattress will last longer if you care for it properly. Set your mattress on a suitable and supportive base, foundation or frame – definitely don’t keep your mattress directly on the floor! Also, cutting down on eating, drinking, jumping or having pets on your mattress can help, too. (But psst … there are benefits to sleeping with your furry friend!)

A high-quality mattress protector pad can also come in handy. A waterproof mattress pad protects against spills and also acts as a barrier against dust and other allergens.

10 Signs it’s time to replace your mattress

Starting to suspect it’s time to replace your mattress? If you haven’t been sleeping well, sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint why. Here’s how to tell if your mattress is the culprit:

1. Your mattress has a strong chemical smell

If your mattress smells like chemicals long after you first remove its packaging, it's off-gassing, likely from toxic flame retardants, glues and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). All of these are a sign that the mattress is toxic and low-quality.

2. Your bed has obvious dips or lumps

This is a telltale sign that your mattress is losing its proper support, which can cause neck, back and joint pain, as well as poor sleep. Proper spinal alignment is key to waking up without any aches.

Woman lying on her stomach and looking exhaustedWoman lying on her stomach and looking exhausted

3. You’re regularly waking up stiff and sore

Again, this is likely a sign that your mattress has lost its support after years of use and wear and tear. This can also be a sign that you’re simply sleeping on the wrong mattress firmness – learn more here.

4. It looks shabby or sounds noisy

In addition to dips and lumps, look for sagging, rips and tears, holes, springs that are poking out or noisy springs – all of which indicate that it’s time to replace your mattress.

5. Your mattress has visible stains

No one wants to sleep on stains. Whether they’re from spilled beverages, water leaks, sweat, urine or more, any semblance of stains is a sign to replace your mattress.

6. You experience insomnia or night sweats

If you can’t seem to get a good night’s rest, continue to toss and turn, sleep hot or wake up feeling exhausted, it may be time to switch out the mattress you’re sleeping on.

7. Your home has a mold issue

Mold is extremely common, overlooked, misunderstood and harmful. If you discover your home has a mold issue, you’ll need to dispose of porous items where mold spores will accumulate. Unfortunately, that includes mattresses.

8. You’ve been exposed to bed bugs, mites or other critters

Again, this is something you don’t want to risk cross-contaminating or re-exposure to once you’ve treated your home. Bed bugs can hide in crevices and are nearly impossible to expel.

9. Your allergy symptoms are getting worse

If it’s not allergy season and there’s no other explanation, your mattress may be to blame for worsening of allergy symptoms or skin reactions. This can be due to dust mite feces, mold spores, general bacteria or other allergen accumulation.

10. It’s been over 7-10 years since you first purchased it

This is a good general rule to follow if nothing else indicates it’s time to replace your mattress. We hate to break it to you, but nothing lasts forever.

Woman sitting corss-legged on her bed and rubbing her eyesWoman sitting corss-legged on her bed and rubbing her eyes

Happsy is here to help!

Whether you’re already sleeping organic or new to the idea, replacing your mattress is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your sleep. Happsy’s certified organic mattress is made with sustainably sourced materials and without toxic chemicals. Our “no” list includes flame retardants, polyurethane foam, pesticides, GMOs, adhesives and more, all while keeping our price point affordable. So you can get the most bang for your buck – and the best sleep of your life.

Looking for more ways to improve your sleep hygiene? Here’s our sleep hygiene checklist!

Shop Happsy Organic MattressShop Happsy Organic Mattress

Happsy Organic Mattress

Shop Happsy Organic Mattress TopperShop Happsy Organic Mattress Topper

Happsy Organic Topper