What Happens to Mattresses Overtime.

So, you’ve had your mattress for a while and think it might be time for a new one. It’s got some lumps and humps, older than your kids, and you wake up aching and sneeze when the cat jumps on it. But with a new mattress, you can look forward to improved health and well-being. Consider the potential health benefits of a new mattress, such as better sleep quality and reduced allergy symptoms, and why you should replace it for your health and well-being.

Average Age of Mattress

1. Memory foam: 7-10 years
2. Innerspring: 5-8 years
3. Latex: 10-15 years
4. Hybrid: 7-10 years
5. Airbed: 8-10 years
6. Pillow-Top or Euro-Top: 5-7 years

Dust Mites and Allergens

1. Dust Mite Buildup: Old mattresses are prime environments for dust mites, which can affect allergies and asthma. If you’re experiencing symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and breathing issues, especially in people with asthma or respiratory sensitivities, it could be a sign of dust mite buildup on your mattress. Bacteria, Mold, and Mildew: Mattresses can absorb moisture from sweat, spills, or humidity over time, leading to bacteria, mold, and mildew. These contaminants can contribute to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health concerns, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems.

Comfort

1. Sagging and Indentations:
   1. Over time, most mattresses develop indentations or sagging, especially in areas where you sleep most often.
   2. Materials like memory foam and innerspring tend to wear down, leading to a lack of support and comfort.
2. Loss of Support:
   1. A worn-out mattress may no longer provide adequate spinal alignment, causing discomfort or pain, especially in the back, shoulders, or hips. But with a new mattress, you can look forward to relief from these discomforts, ensuring a more comfortable and pain-free sleep experience.

Humps in the Mattress

Also called “mattress ridges” or “peaks,” are raised areas, usually in the center, that can develop over time.

1. Uneven Wear and Tear:
   1. When two people sleep on the same mattress, each side is subject to different pressure levels. The middle area, where less weight is applied, may stay firmer, causing a raised “hump” between the two sides.
2. Poor Material Recovery:
   1. Memory foam and other types of foam sometimes fail to regain their original shape after repeated compression. This results in uneven firmness and eventually leads to ridges or humps.
3. Single-Sided Design:
   1. Modern mattresses are often designed for single-sided use, so they can’t be flipped. This causes uneven wear because one side takes all the pressure without rotation, leading to depressions on the sides and a hump in the middle.
4. Improper Foundation or Support:
   1. A mattress that’s not well-supported by a proper bed frame or foundation might develop lumps, bumps, and humps due to poor weight distribution.

Prolonging the Life of Your Mattress

1. Use a Mattress Protector
   1. Invest in a high-quality, waterproof mattress protector to shield the mattress from spills, stains, dust, and allergens. This barrier helps prevent mold, mildew, and odors.
2. Rotate and Flip the Mattress (If Possible)
   1. Rotate your mattress head-to-foot every 3–6 months to prevent uneven wear. If your mattress is double-sided, flip it in addition to rotating. This will reduce sagging and help the mattress wear evenly over time.
3. Ensure Proper Support
   1. Use an appropriate bed frame or foundation for your mattress type. Many foam and hybrid mattresses require a solid or slatted base with minimal gaps to prevent sagging. Inadequate support can void warranties, so check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Clean the Mattress Regularly
   1. Vacuum your mattress once every few months to remove dust, hair, and allergens. Spot-clean stains with mild detergent and water (avoid using too much liquid), and ensure the mattress dries fully to prevent mold growth.
5. Avoid Sitting on the Edges
   1. Sitting on the mattress edges for extended periods can weaken edge support, especially for innerspring or hybrid models. Use a sturdy bed frame with edge support if you frequently sit or lean on the edges.
6. Control Humidity and Temperature
   1. If you live in a humid area, use a dehumidifier and keep the room well-ventilated because high humidity can cause mold. Maintaining a stable, cool temperature also helps keep the materials in good condition.
7. Avoid Jumping on the Bed
   1. For foam and innerspring mattresses, jumping on the bed can damage internal components and reduce the mattress’s durability. This especially applies to children’s mattresses.
8. Use a Mattress Topper for Extra Protection
   1. Adding a mattress topper can reduce direct pressure on the mattress’s surface, prolonging comfort and keeping the mattress layers in better shape. Toppers can also be replaced more quickly than a full mattress.
9. Remove Excessive Bedding Weight
   1. Heavy blankets and covers can compress the mattress surface over time. Consider lightweight bedding, especially for memory foam or latex mattresses, which respond to body weight.
10. Inspect and Follow the Manufacturer’s Care Instructions
    1. Check the care instructions for specific maintenance recommendations. Each type of mattress has unique needs, and following the manufacturer’s guidance ensures that you don’t void the warranty and get the best longevity.

All these steps and considerations will help you determine when it is time to buy a new mattress or help you prolong the life of your current mattress. By following these tips, you can take control of your mattress’s lifespan, making mattress purchases less frequent and improving your sleep quality.