Mattresses are significant investments. There’s no denying that. Unfortunately, the average person spends far more time browsing through a streaming service looking for a movie to watch, or walking around dealerships looking for a new car, than they spend on deciding on a new mattress they’ll purchase for their bed.
The reality is that you spend more time, on an average day, in close proximity to your mattress than your car — or even your living room sofa watching movies. This means you might want to give your mattress a little more consideration, and make sure you purchase one that is built to last.
Did you know that the average lifespan of a mattress is between seven and 10 years? That’s what the Sleep Foundation reports. Fortunately, latex mattresses have a much longer lifespanthan the average mattress on the market today. Here’s what you need to know about the latex mattress, and how long you can expect one to last.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Mattress
With many mattresses having shorter lifespans than anyone would like, it should come as no surprise that there are quite a few signs you might need a new mattress that you should not ignore. These are a few signs your mattress is no longer giving you the support you require — and that it is time to buy a new mattress.
Notable Mattress Sagging
This can be in the middle, in the areas where you sleep, or in the corners of the mattress. Sagging indicates a lack of support and can leave you without restful sleep.
Body Imprints
Some are visibly obvious while others imprints are dents you can fill in the mattress. If you’re slightly out of your normal sleep position, for instance, the body imprints will let you know.
Lumps Throughout the Mattress
Whether large or small, lumps and bumps in your mattress are uncomfortable, and can disrupt your ability to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Soreness Upon Waking
If you’re waking up with pain in your neck, shoulders, back, or joints, it’s a sure sign that your mattress is no longer meeting your needs.
Allergy Symptoms That Diminish Throughout the Day
If you wake with strong allergy symptoms, such as stuffiness, nasal congestion, headaches, and a tickle in your throat that diminishes as the day goes on, it’s a sure sign that your mattress may be filled with allergens.
Your Bed is Noisy
Noisy mattresses are a sure sign that it is time to move on to a different mattress, perhaps one without springs this time, to avoid constant noise while you sleep, breathe, or move in your bed.
You Have Difficulty Going to Sleep
If you’re spending more time tossing and turning at night than getting your beauty rest, you might consider now a good time to invest in a new mattress.
Your Mattress is More Than Seven Years Old
At this point in time, many traditional mattresses are losing their shape and form, making it difficult for them to deliver the amount of support you need to get a good night’s sleep. Consider replacing a mattress, especially a traditional innerspring mattress, if it is more than seven years old.
While these are all excellent indicators that you may need a new mattress, the bottom line is that if your mattress is no longer working for you, it’s time to replace it.
Types of Mattresses Available
Many different types of mattresses are available today. Some of them are notably longer lasting than others. Natural latex mattresses, for instance, last considerably longer than traditional innerspring mattresses – up to three times longer in many cases. The mattresses below are the types of mattresses commonly available today.
Traditional Innerspring Mattresses
These are the standard for many people when buying mattresses. However, they offer exceptionally short lifespans when compared to other types of mattresses, usually lasting no longer than seven years.
Latex Mattresses
You can expect to pay more for latex mattresses; however, quality latex mattresses can last up to 20 – 25 years with effective care.
Memory Foam Mattresses
These mattresses have an average lifespan of seven to 10 years, though many complain from day one about the lack of support with these mattresses.
Adjustable Air Mattress
These mattresses are prone to problems, including the mechanical aspects of the mattress (motor, pump, etc.) wearing out, and requiring replacing.
Because there are so many options, it isn’t always immediately obvious which one is the best choice for you. Other factors may affect your decision when buying a mattress, such as in-home trial periods, mattress certifications, or even the presence of toxic chemicals in the mattress.
Factors that Affect the Lifespan of a Mattress
There are numerous things that impact the expected lifespan of any given mattress. Each one of these can take years off the usefulness of your mattress. Knowing them all can help you make better-informed decisions when buying a mattress.
Sag Factor
Most innerspring mattresses have sag factors of three. Memory foam has a sag factor between two and three. A quality natural latex mattress, on the other hand, has a sag factor of five, which indicates that it isn’t likely to dip or sag anytime soon.
Mattress Core
With natural latex mattresses, choosing a Dunlop mattress core, or a hybrid mattress that features an innerspring core with latex comfort layers, can help to prevent premature sagging or loss of support in your mattress.
Mattress Warranty
One indication of a quality mattress is a long warranty. Warranties of more than 10 years are quite rare for mattresses, so if you find a product that offers a longer warranty, it is a major indication of quality and belief in the product.
Quality Materials
The materials used in making a mattress are also huge indicators of the type of quality and longevity you can expect from your mattress. For instance, mattresses made with synthetic materials and petrochemicals often break down much faster than those made with natural fibers and materials.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process, or how the mattress is made, is yet another indication of quality and longevity in mattresses. Natural latex mattresses are made with natural manufacturing processes, which help them last longer.
Your Weight
The truth of the matter is that you have an impact as to how long a mattress will last. If you’re a larger person with a higher body mass index (BMI), you’ll want to pay attention to the indentation load deflection and the density of the mattress you purchase. Fortunately, a 100 percent natural latex mattress rates well for both indicators. Heavier people often do go through mattresses faster, especially when it comes to memory foam and traditional innerspring mattresses.
Knowing this, you can look for indicators of quality and durability when you’re in the market for your next mattress.
What Is a Latex Mattress?
Latex mattresses are mattresses made from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tree. Natural latex is processed through one of two methods: the Dunlop method, or the Talalay method. Some latex mattresses will have a Dunlop latex core with Talalay latex comfort layers.
Latex is famous for providing exceptional support for sleepers. However, there are synthetic latex mattresses that do not provide the same degree of support, nor are they as durable as mattresses that are made with 100 percent natural latex.
It’s important that you know what you’re getting when you purchase a latex mattress. Shop for a mattress that is transparent about where it sources its materials, including the latex sap that comprises the mattress, where the mattress is made, and what types of materials are used to make it. Those that have independent certifications are almost always a good choice for quality mattresses.
Are there Different Types of Latex Mattresses?
There are different types of latex mattresses you can choose when in the market for a latex mattress. These are some of the most common you’ll encounter.
Natural Organic Latex Mattresses
These are made with 100 percent natural latex that has been certified organic, meaning no fertilizers or pesticides have been used on the trees tapped for the latex foam sap.
100 percent natural latex mattresses. This means there are no fillers or synthetic materials used in the latex foam.
Synthetic Latex Mattresses
These mattresses may include petrochemicals and other materials that may be harmful to humans, and cause the mattress to break down faster than natural latex mattresses.
Hybrid Latex Mattresses
These are mattresses that typically combine the support of an innerspring core with plush Talalay latex foam comfort layers.
100% Natural Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses made with 100 percent natural latex are often the longest-lasting of the natural latex options due to the minimal processing of natural materials.
How Long Will a Natural Latex Mattress Last?
A quality latex mattress can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, or even longer. If you adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines when caring for your mattress, you may even get a few more years of life from your mattress.
You should note, though, that all mattresses are made differently. Different mattress makers will offer different warranties for their latex mattress products. Latex mattresses that come with longer warranties are often the mattresses most likely to meet or exceed those expectations.
11 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Latex Mattress
There are many things you can do to extend the expected lifespan of your latex mattress. While some of these things are beyond your control, if you’ve purchased a natural latex mattress, these practices will help you maximize the mileage, enjoyment, and restful sleep your mattress delivers.
- Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. These instructions are specific to your mattress, and can help you maximize its life. In fact, ignoring these instructions may void your warranty.
- Use a breathable mattress protector. You don’t want a mattress protector that negates the incredible breathability natural latex mattresses offer. At the same time, you definitely need to protect your mattress with an appropriate mattress cover.
- Rotate your mattress seasonally. If you use the first day of each season as the day to rotate your mattress, you can help reduce the risk of indentations, lumps, and bumps in your mattress from body impressions.
- Spot clean your mattress as needed. All mattresses may need occasional spot cleaning. You don’t have to make massive cleaning efforts to keep your natural latex mattress clean, but spot cleaning can help avoid any unnecessary wear on your mattress.
- Do not expose your natural latex mattress to direct sunlight. Latex is especially vulnerable to heat and sunlight. While you may place other mattresses in the sun to freshen them up, don’t do that with a natural latex mattress.
- Do not jump on your bed.The latex core in a natural latex mattress is incredibly “bouncy”, and kids will be sorely tempted. Don’t allow them to jump on your bed as it can cause damage.
- Resist the temptation to eat or drink in bed. Eating and drinking in bed invite accidents, spills, and other problems to arise. Avoid it when possible in order to protect your latex mattress.
- Wash your sheets weekly. Weekly washing of your sheets gives you an opportunity to examine your mattress for signs of wear, and keeps your sheets in excellent working order, so they do not inadvertently damage your mattress.
- Use a proper foundation for your mattress. Using the wrong foundation for your latex mattress, or no foundation at all, is another act that may negate your warranty. Instead, choose a foundation or adjustable base that can support the weight of a natural latex mattress properly, and that meets the requirements of your mattress manufacturer.
- Do not allow pets to sleep in your bed. Pets can be destructive in their own rights. If you’re hoping to extend the lifespan of your mattress, it might be wise to restrict them on your new latex mattress.
- Use caution when moving your mattress.Latex mattresses are heavy. The larger the mattress size, the heavier the mattress. Be careful when moving them that you do not snag the latex, or damage the mattress.
As you can see, there are many things you can do that will help you get even more life from your natural latex mattress. These are just a few small examples.
Latex for Less Natural Latex Mattresses – Great Values for Your Investment
The Latex for Less Natural Latex Mattress comes with a 20-year warranty, offers a full 120-night risk-free trial, and is made with quality 100 percent natural latex, organic cotton, and pure wool as a fire barrier. Each mattress is hand-crafted in the USA, and comes in two firmnesses, so you can choose the level of support and comfort that works best for you.
Try our mattress today, and see what a difference it can make for your sleep, your comfort, and your state of mind. More importantly, enjoy sleeping on a mattress that is built to last.
