A mattress is obviously the central and most fundamental part of your sleep environment. It can be the sole responsible for a good night’s sleep and make you feel fresh every time you wake up. However, if you are not feeling good in the morning, and are consistently waking up with back pain, or you are not able to get a good REM sleep, the reason may be your old mattress.
In our blog, we have discussed the reasons why you should change your mattress and the signs of its wear and tear. We have also provided some tips to make your mattress last longer along with the importance of a good night’s sleep. Read our blog till the end to learn interesting facts.
Why Should You Replace Your Mattress?
On average, mattresses last up to 8-10 years before showing severe deterioration signs. So if your mattress is about the age, be ready, you may have to change your mattress in the near future. Here is what happened to an old mattress:
- Your mattress isn’t providing restful sleep, leading to morning fatigue or difficulty falling asleep.
- Over time, mattresses can develop lumps, particularly if you consistently sleep in one position for extended periods. This can diminish comfort and indicate it’s time for a replacement.
- As mattresses age, they may lose firmness, resulting in decreased support for your body. When you start feeling this, it might be a sign to consider getting a new mattress.
- Dust accumulation on mattresses over time can trigger itching, sneezing, or skin issues. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it might be a signal to think about replacing your mattress.
What are the Signs of a Bad Mattress?
Following are the top 7 signs of a bad mattress:
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Your Mattress is Old
The average lifespan of a mattress is 8-10 years with continuous care. If your mattress has reached its age limit, you may be looking to replace your mattress with a new one in the near future.
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You are Experiencing Muscle Pain
If you wake up every morning with soreness in your neck and you feel tired after a long night’s sleep, your mattress may be the culprit. It is possible that your mattress has sagged due to its age which can result in severe back pain and muscle soreness in your limbs.
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Your bed makes noises
The springs and coils of your mattress tend to get stiffer with the passage of time and start making noises when you turn it over or toss it. If this is the case for you then it may be the time to get rid of the old mattress.
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Signs of Deterioration
The most obvious sign of a bad mattress is its physical deterioration. With the passage of time, you may start to feel that your mattress doesn’t look like it used to when it was new. That is because mattresses get saggy and lumpy in about 8-10 years and their edge wear out as well.
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It is Losing Its Comfort
Lumpy mattresses can cause a lot of discomfort and may change your sleep cycle as well. So if you are finding that your circadian rhythm is shifting somehow and you are experiencing trouble in falling asleep, you may have to change your mattress.
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Stuffy and watery-eyed in the Morning
Mattresses can attract and accumulate dust and allergens over time if not cleaned properly. It can cause skin, eyes and nose to develop allergy symptoms. Hence, if you are suffering from these symptoms and waking up in the morning with watery eyes or skin allergies, replace your mattress with a new one.
However, if your mattress is not too old, you may only need deep cleaning and sanitisation of your mattress to restore its hygiene.
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You are Deprived of Sleep
If you find yourself waking up multiple times throughout the night or you can’t sleep at all, it is because your mattress has lost its comfort and your body is feeling unbalanced on the mattress due to its lumps. It is recommended to change the mattress immediately before disturbing your biological clock.
What Does Sleep Deprivation Do to the Health?
Sleep deprivation is undoubtedly the most adverse effect of a bad mattress. It is a medical condition that occurs when you are not getting enough good night’s sleep. Prolonged sleep deprivation can cause multiple physical and anatomical problems in the human body, including the following:
- Depression and anxiety
- Reduced libido
- Chronic lung illness
- Memory loss
- Weight gain
- Higher risk of diabetes
- Weak immune system
- Chronic heart diseases
- Hypertension
- Reduced coordination and balance
- Difficulty concentrating
How Can I Fix My Old Mattress
An old mattress is a considerable investment and there is a chance that you may not afford it on the spot. There are a few things that you can do to keep it going for as long as possible. However, keep in mind that it is inevitable that you have to change your mattress at some point of time in the future. Hence it is recommended that you start making some preparations for when the time comes. In the meantime, you can try the following:
- Head-to-foot rotation every 3 to 6 months for even wear.
- Flip traditional innerspring mattresses if applicable.
- Use a mattress topper to adjust firmness if the mattress is too firm or soft.
- Choose an appropriate pillow to Compensate for mattress discomfort temporarily.
- Check the bed frame to ensure the foundation is not contributing to discomfort.
How to Make Your Mattress Last Longer?
You can try following these tips to give your mattress a longer life:
- Use a mattress protector
- Wash bed sheets frequently
- Ensure mattress support
- Avoid jumping on the bed
- Flip or rotate the mattress regularly
- Spot and clean stains immediately
- Get separate beds for pets
- Avoid eating or drinking in bed
- Beware of bedbugs
- Protect the mattress when moving
- Deodorise and clean the mattress frequently
- Follow the owner’s manual for proper care