With the mattress technologies available today, how long does a mattress last? The decision to get a new mattress is a big one. Mattresses are big purchases that are meant to be used daily for years. A new mattress is one of the largest investments you can make for your overall health and well-being. One of the biggest fears for mattress shoppers is that after all the research and comparing, their mattress does not last. That's why below, we will review the importance of latex mattress longevity and sustainability.
Because sleep is so essential to overall health and wellness, a high-quality bed that is durable is a must. When it is time to buy a new mattress, it makes sense that you would want one that will help you sleep better for many years. This essentially comes down to the quality of the manufacturing and materials used to make your mattress.
Read on to learn more about how long different types of mattresses last on average, how to extend the lifespan of your mattress, and how to tell when it is time to replace your mattress. With this knowledge, you will have no trouble finding a bed that offers you a good night’s sleep for years to come.
How Long Do Different Types of Mattresses Last?
So, how long does a mattress last? The average lifespan of a mattress is typically between seven and 10 years. However, the type of mattress affects how long a specific mattress will last. Different mattress types have different average lifespans.
The quality of the materials in your bed plays an important role in how long your mattress lasts, in conjunction with your mattress care and maintenance. Make sure your mattress company is transparent about its materials, supply chain, and certifications.
Innerspring Mattresses
Traditional spring mattresses typically need to be replaced every five to seven years. These mattresses are not considered very durable, and have a low longevity rating.
An innerspring mattress also needs to be used in conjunction with a box spring, so you have to factor in replacing that as well. A high-quality box spring may last up to 10 years, so slightly longer than innerspring mattresses last.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Traditional memory foam mattresses typically last seven to 10 years. They are considered more durable than innerspring mattresses, but still do not score highly on a durability scale.
Memory foam mattresses have a good longevity rating compared to traditional spring mattresses, but most consumers do not want to replace their mattresses after seven years.
Additionally, a memory foam mattress type will likely show signs of premature softening due to its construction. Because this type of mattress is designed to conform to a sleeper’s body, its structure can break down over time, creating indentations that might affect its ability to provide a good night’s sleep.
Latex Mattresses
Natural latex mattresses are known to be considerably more durable than other mattresses on the market. A latex mattress can last up to 15 or even 20 years without losing its support.
The lifespan of a latex mattress makes it a highly popular choice for those looking to get a new mattress that will last longer. When you do not have to replace your mattress frequently, you save lots of money and stress in the long run.
Hybrid Mattresses
A hybrid mattress is a type of mattress that combines factors from two or more mattress types. A hybrid mattress might have individually wrapped springs, and a foam outer layer, for example. A hybrid mattress may last longer than any of the individual mattress types that combine to create it, like memory foam or innerspring.
Still, the lifespan of a hybrid mattress is usually about seven to 10 years on average. This type of mattress has benefits when it comes to sleep quality that innerspring and memory foam mattresses do not, like added support and comfort. But when it comes to the mattress lifespan, a hybrid mattress is average.
Factors That Affect Mattress Lifespan
Different factors affect how long an individual mattress will last. For example, your bed may succumb to wear and tear before it reaches its average lifespan. On the other hand, proper care can extend the life of your mattress beyond its average lifespan.
Other circumstances include the sleeping environment where your bed is kept, and the manufacturer from which you bought the bed.
How Often it is Used
Naturally, most mattresses are meant to be used nightly. However, your mattress may be used more or less than this, depending on different lifestyle considerations.
Is your bed in a guest room? If so, it likely will not be used as often, and might last far longer than predicted. Or, if you or someone in your household is put on bed rest for an extended period of time, your mattress might be used more frequently than originally anticipated, leading to more wear and tear.
Maintenance and Care
You should take good care of your mattress to extend its lifespan. If you perform proper mattress maintenance, you will prolong the health of your mattress, and you will not have to replace it as frequently.
Material and Manufacturing Quality
Quality manufacturing may seem like a given when you are investing so much in a new mattress, but it is an important part of your due diligence research when buying a mattress.
For example, some manufacturers fill their mattresses with a variety of poor quality and unnecessary layers to make their mattresses appear thicker or plusher. Not only are these layers unhealthy, but they do not hold up well, and they affect the lifespan of the mattress.
Latex For Less understands that providing a good quality, all-natural latex mattress at an affordable price is important, which is why all of our mattresses are handcrafted in the United States, and sold directly to you, with no additional fees, markups, or sales commissions by middlemen.
Mattress Type
One hundred percent natural latex is known to be very resilient and durable compared to other mattress materials. Essentially, natural latex mattresses are made from rubber sap, whipped into foam. The rubber properties allow it to contour to your shape, and offer pressure relief.
Night after night, your mattress supports different amounts of pressure, and latex has the unique ability to support this without losing its structural strength, form, and flexibility. This is why 100 percent natural latex mattresses last up to 25 years without losing their integrity, or developing indentations as other mattresses do.
Sleep Position
The body weight and sleep position of the person or people sleeping on a mattress also affects how long it will last. However, any good mattress should be made to offer a good night’s sleep to any sleeper, no matter their body weight or preferred sleep position.
Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Mattress
No one wants to replace their bed more often than necessary. Fortunately, there are ways to prolong the health of your mattress to extend its life for as long as possible. It is important to note that it does require some level of work to keep your bed in good condition. However, it is worth it to avoid replacing your mattress every few years.
Use a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector adds a barrier between your mattress and any potential pollutants that could contaminate it.
Sweat, urine, drool, and any bodily fluid that could stain your mattress will have a harder time breaking through when you use a mattress protector. Additionally, dead skin, crumbs, pet hair, and any other debris will not make their way into your mattress. Plus, mattress protectors are easy to remove and wash.
Use a Mattress Topper
Similar to a mattress protector, a mattress topper or mattress pad adds another layer between you and your mattress. Mattress toppers can offer additional comfort or cooling properties, as well.
Prevent Sagging with a Strong Support
If you have a type of mattress that is prone to sag, ensure it has proper support underneath. Your mattress’s foundation should have enough support that your mattress does not break through and sag, which would cause fundamental damage.
Clean Your Mattress Regularly
No matter what type of mattress you have, you should clean it regularly. With a mattress topper and mattress protector, cleaning your mattress should be easy.
Vacuum your mattress to eliminate dust mites, pet dander, dead skin, and other allergens that might accumulate in your bed. Latex mattresses are resistant to dust mites and allergens, but you should still clean them to ensure you are sleeping in the most comfortable and healthiest environment possible.
Clean Your Bedding Frequently
Just like your mattress, you should clean your bedding frequently. You should wash and change your bedding at least once per week. While it is difficult to see the signs of tiny, microscopic debris, we shed dead skin cells daily. Dust mites feed on those skin cells as they make their homes in our bedding.
Keeping your bed and bedding clean can keep you healthy, and prolong the lifespan of your mattress for years.
Protect Your Mattress from Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are a mattress’s worst nightmare. Once you have an infestation, it is a nightmare to rid your mattress of bed bugs. That is why it is so important to prevent bed bugs from ever taking hold of your home.
When visiting hotels or other homes, thoroughly inspect the area for bed bugs. If you feel nervous about bringing bed bugs home, consider covering your mattress in a bed bug cover.
Rotate Your Mattress Periodically
Rotating your mattress can even out wear and tear, preventing sections of your mattress from wearing out sooner than others. With even wear, your mattress will last longer than you might have thought possible.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Mattress?
Eventually, even with all the care and maintenance in the world, it will be time to replace our mattresses. Our goal is not to avoid replacing our mattresses forever, but to extend the lifespan of our mattresses for as long as we can by buying great, durable mattresses, and taking excellent care of them.
So, if you feel like it might be time to replace your faithful old mattress, there are signs to look out for that will let you know for sure.
If You Notice Signs of Wear and Tear
If your mattress is saggy or lacks the support that it used to have, it is time to replace it. Additionally, if your memory foam mattress no longer relieves pressure where it used to, or if indentations no longer bounce back, these are indicators that your mattress’s structure is compromised.
If Your Mattress Is Dirty
If you notice that your mattress is looking dingy, and regular cleaning is not cutting it, consider looking for a new mattress. Even when we clean our mattresses, sometimes accidents happen.
If You Wake Up with Aches and Pains
It is time to get a new mattress if you notice that you are waking up with aches and pains every morning. Your mattress should be offering you support and comfort, and painful sleep is not what you need from your mattress.
If Your Sleep Quality Suffers
If you toss and turn throughout the night, or have difficulty falling asleep that is not related to something medical, you can bet that your mattress needs to be replaced. If you are not sleeping well, something is wrong.
If You Sleep Better on Other Mattresses
Do you travel to hotels, or to family members’ homes, and notice that their mattresses are much more comfortable? That is a definite sign that your mattress is no longer doing it for you.
If Your Mattress Is Very Old
Has your mattress lasted longer than you ever expected it to? You can thank it for its loyal, unwavering service, and consider retiring it.
Choosing a Mattress That Will Last
When you buy a mattress that you will sleep on for many years, you are making a commitment. Even though many people want to find and fall in love with the right mattress, the idea of keeping it for years and years can also cause some unneeded stress if it is the wrong fit!
Once you have researched the durability, materials, and manufacturing of the mattress, it is highly recommended you check the return policy and the warranty. Researching all of these details will help you to make the right choice for your needs.
Why Choose a Latex For Less Latex Mattress?
We know that manufacturing and materials play the largest roles in the overall quality, durability, and cost of your mattress. Another detail to consider is your sleeping habits and needs.
All mattress buyers can agree that they are looking for comfortable sleep, but could that mean something different for each person? If you are searching for a mattress based on criteria like materials, quality, and durability, a 100 percent natural latex mattress might be a great option to consider.
Natural latex mattresses, such as Latex For Less, use a linear supply chain to ensure you can afford a high-quality, 100 percent natural latex mattress. Because of this, you do not have to sacrifice quality and durability for cost.
Additionally, 100 percent natural latex is dust mite resistant and antimicrobial. This helps your mattress stand the test of time, while also offsetting those unpleasant thoughts of dust mites, dander, and excess sweat absorption.
Structurally, 100 percent natural latex proves to be more resilient than traditional mattress materials, while still offering the comfort options you deserve. It can offer you up to 25 years of the best quality, and healthiest, comfortable sleep.
