Mattress Resources
Your mattress is getting a bit worse and you are now in pain. Perhaps you feel like you are being held in place or trapped every morning. Or maybe your mattress feels thin and fragile. This is the time to get a new mattress, regardless of how old.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that you replace your mattress every 8 years. High-quality mattresses will last for about the same amount of time. Depending on your age, weight and mattress construction, replacement may be sooner.
This article will discuss how often your mattress should be replaced and other factors to consider before you buy a better, more expensive model.
What Causes A Mattress To Sag Or Degrade?
There are a few things that can accelerate the decline of your mattress, including improper care, weight, and even the use of a mattress with an incompatible foundation. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of your mattress to sink.
Weighing, Thickness, Or Density
A mattress is designed to support your weight. The majority of top-rated mattresses can support heavier weights. However, thinner mattresses (less than 25cm thick) may not be able to. Your mattress might sag faster if you sleep in a bed with someone else, or if you move around while sleeping.
A child or adult weighing less than 68kg can usually sleep comfortably on most mattresses, provided they don’t have any other special considerations such as chronic pain or sleeping hot.
There are many mattress companies that sell multiple mattresses. Each mattress has different features and a different firmness level. There are three main firmness levels that you will see: firm, medium, or soft. It is difficult to determine which firmness suits you best if you shop online.
Knowing the ILD (Indentation Load Deflexion) and the firmness scale can help. The ILD number, which is used by mattress companies to measure how heavy a mattress can support before it begins to indent up to one-quarter inch, or 25% of its thickness. The firmer the mattress, the higher its ILD number. Although most mattress companies don’t advertise the ILD numbers of all mattresses, you can still inquire via customer service or contact.
Most brands will however advertise firmness levels using some type of.
One being very soft and plush and ten being very firm. The average mattress is between a 3-8 on this scale. A too firm or soft mattress will make it uncomfortable and unsupportive for most people. A mattress that supports more weight should be thicker or firmer.
Firmness Scale and Comfort Level
A standard mattress measures between 10-30cm thick. Companies should advertise the thickness of their mattress on their website. Some brands charge more for additional layers. You can upgrade to a thicker mattress by making sure that your sheets fit over it. You can use a mattress topper, but it will make the mattress thicker and change the fit of your bedding.
A mattress that is too firm or too thin can lead to premature sagging, and even damage. Before you purchase a new mattress, make sure you consider all these factors.
Our guide to finding the best mattress for back pain will help you get the best sleep possible and make sure that you wake up pain-free every morning.
Inadequacy Of Maintenance And Care
As with most things, mattresses are a reflection of the care they receive. You run the risk that your mattress will be stained permanently or infested by bed bugs, dust mites, or allergens if you don’t use a mattress protector or encasement. Your warranty can be void if the mattress is damaged, which will invariably decrease the mattress’s value.
Protectors for mattresses are very affordable and are usually made from noiseless materials. Protectors can significantly increase the life span of your mattress and are worth the investment.
Other precautions will help your mattress last longer. For example, vacuum the surface of your bed with a hose attachment and spot-clean any stains using gentle cleaning solutions.
Foundation That Is Weak Or Not Adequate
Nearly all companies will provide information on the best foundation for their mattresses via their website. This is crucial to maintaining their warranty.
Box springs should not be used with foam mattresses as they can alter the feel and cause damage to the mattress. Foam beds should be placed on a platform or mattress foundation with no more than 8 cm between slats or with one piece of plywood underneath the mattress. Although you can use your foam bed directly on the ground, this may reduce airflow.
You can use your mattress with an adjustable foundation using foam, latex and other hybrids.
The innerspring mattresses are not as flexible or compressible as other types and can be damaged if they are used on an adjustable frame.
Although a mattress may be comfortable, it cannot provide the same benefits as adjustable beds. Learn more in our guide.
Mattress Construction And Materials
Comfort layers are located right on top your mattress and take full responsibility for any damage that you cause. Although comfort layer materials and compositions vary between brands, they are generally the same for all types of mattresses.
Comfort layer for InnerspringInnersprings are made up of a combination of foam, cotton, and polyfoam in a quilted comfort layer. Although they are still the most popular type of mattress, innersprings rank lowest in durability.
Comfort layer Hybrid:Hybrid mattresses are made with 50% foam and 50% coils. The core layer is where the coils are found, while the foam layers are distributed throughout the mattress, including the top. Hybrids use memory foam, latex, or polyfoam for their top layers.
Comfort layer of memory foam:Memory foam mattresses are made with low-density memory foams in their comfort layer, and high-density transition and core foams in their core layers. Memory foam mattresses that are durable should have a thicker core of high-density foam than the lower density foam layers.
Comfort layer of latex foam:Latex mattresses typically use aerated latex in their top layers and a higher density latex in the bottom support layers. Latex is one the most durable materials that you will find in mattresses. This accounts for the higher price.
A firmer mattress will last longer than a soft one. This is because it contains more high-density materials, while soft mattresses contain more lower-density ones. You can choose a mattress with a more soft feel by adding a support core of steel coils or high-density foam.
When Should You Replace?
How can you tell when it is time to purchase a new mattress? The following list may help you decide if a mattress is right for you.
Sleep Deprivation
Your mattress could be the reason you feel tired after a long night’s sleep. Bad sleep can cause other more serious problems such as anxiety, depression, weight gain, heart disease, heart disease, and many more. Everybody deserves a good night’s sleep. If your mattress is not providing the support and cushioning you need, it might be time to replace it.
Dust Mites, Bed Bugs
It is almost impossible to get your mattress back once bed bugs and dust mites have invaded it.
Dust mites can irritate your allergies, exacerbate asthma symptoms, skin rashes or cause breathing problems. All of these issues can disrupt your sleep. Once bed bugs have made their home in your mattress, it can be difficult to eradicate them. It is time to get rid of your mattress as soon as you spot them.
Pain
If you wake up with pain, it could be an indication that your mattress is not relieving pressure points. Your mattress should provide relief from pain at night.
The position you sleep in can affect your posture and overall health.
Side sleepers will feel most comfortable on a medium-firm mattress. Most back sleepers prefer a medium to moderate-firm mattress. Stomach sleepers should opt for a medium firm to firm mattress. A mattress that aligns everything and keeps the spine neutral is essential for all sleeping positions.
How To Extend The Life Of Your Mattress
You can prolong the life of your mattress by following these tips if it is beginning to sag and deteriorate. These are temporary solutions and eventually you will need to buy a new mattress.
Toppers
Toppers are used by many people to make their mattresses more comfortable and soft. While toppers may temporarily buffer you from an unsupportive mattress, they are not a permanent solution. If youre still experiencing pain, a new mattress might be the best option.
Flip It!
Flippable mattresses are available from some companies. This allows you to change sides if the one you’re currently sleeping on isn’t working. Flippable mattresses can be made with two different firmness levels, so they may not suit everyone.
If your mattress wasn’t marketed as flippableIt should not be turned.It will feel completely different and may cause it to sag faster. To extend the life of your mattress, rotate it regularly.
What Can You Do With Your Old Mattress?
There are several things you can do once you’re ready to replace your mattress with a brand new one. Some people keep their old mattress as a spare bed in a guest bedroom.
If the mattress is beyond repair, it’s best to dispose of it or donate it.
White Glove Delivery is an option offered by some mattress companies. They will deliver and set up your new mattress as well as take away your old one. Your mattress can also be donated to local charities. Just make sure you contact them in advance to confirm that they don’t have any restrictions. The mattress can also be recycled.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Tell If My Bed Has Become Worn?
You should ask yourself whether you still get a good night’s sleep on your mattress or if its still in good shape. If your mattress is sagging or has permanent indentations, it may be losing its support. You may experience a bad back if you continue to sleep on the mattress.
You might also notice rips or lumps in your mattress. Double-check your warranty before you purchase a new mattress. While most manufacturers will replace a mattress that is sagging, the criteria for eligibility for replacement vary.
You may find that you are getting less sleep than you used to, which is about 7 to 9 hours for most adults. However, you might still feel tired after a good night’s sleep. If you feel congested or sneezing when you get up, it could be due to allergens that have built up over time in your mattress.
Is A Mattress Durable Enough To Last For 20 Years?
A mattress that is used every night will not last more than 20 years, regardless of how durable its materials. Some memory foam or latex mattresses can provide comfortable sleep for up to 15 years. Many beds don’t last as long because the parts are worn down. Allergens can find their way into your mattress and cause irritation while you sleep.
When Is The Best Time For A Mattress To Be Purchased?
May is often regarded as the best month for buying a mattress, since many mattress companies will release new models in June. Mattress stores will be eagerly clearing out old stock in order to make room for new models. The Presidents Day and Memorial Day are some of the biggest mattress sales days.
Which Is Better: A Soft Or Hard Mattress?
It all depends on how you sleep and what your body weight is. Firmer mattresses are better for heavyweights (over 104kg) and stomach sleepers.
People who sleep sideways or weigh less than 59kg might be interested in a soft bed.
Are You Really Going To Need A Boxspring And A Mattress?
Some recommend that box springs last for 10 years or more than mattresses. Modern mattresses don’t require a boxspring to be comfortable. A box spring that is used with a foam mattress could cause damage to the mattress. Foam mattresses require constant support. If they are placed on a boxspring, they can sink between the coils and lose shape.
Are You Ready To Replace Your Mattress?
You have served your mattress well. But maybe it is time to get a new mattress.
