How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?

The timeline might not be as cut and dry as you think—here's what experts have to say.

If you're hesitant to invest in a new mattress, you're not alone. It’s something we spend nearly half our lives on, yet years can go by and we still can’t quite commit to a new model. Thanks to direct-to-consumer brands like Avocado Green and Casper, mattress shopping is no longer a tedious affair, but one that can be accomplished in just a few clicks.

Delivering a mattress to your doorstep has never been easier, plus the materials and technology used to grant you a great night’s sleep have improved, too. This means old truths about the life of a mattress might no longer ring true—and just when things were getting easy, too.

Experts John Clary Davies, senior director of brand editorial and sustainability for Avocado Green, and Russell Jelinek, senior director of engineering, quality, and compliance at Casper, share everything you need to know about when to replace a mattress, including how to get more mileage out of your current model.

How Long Does a Mattress Last?

To be sure, there is no exact lifespan for mattresses. The answer is dependent on a variety of factors, with materials, wear, and use largely impacting the duration of a mattress.

According to Davies, an Avocado mattress is designed to last for at least 25 years. While a quarter of a century is an astounding achievement, Jelinek says somewhere in the 7- to 10-year frame is more the norm, but it's largely dependent on both how often a mattress is used and how you care for it. “Most of the wear and tear from mattresses come from nightly use, so ones used less often should be able to last longer as long as the cover is in good shape and there are no sagging or uneven surfaces on the mattress,” he says. 

How to Extend the Life of Your Mattress

What are some signs that it’s time to start shopping for a new mattress? Most markers have to do with how you feel in the morning. “Having trouble falling asleep, sagging on the side of your bed, and never feeling fully rested when you wake up are some obvious first signs that you need to replace your mattress,” says Jelinek. To delay premature mattress aging (and help you continue to snooze like a baby), there are a few best practices that can extend the life of your mattress.

Set Yourself Up for Success

Find a suitable base, foundation, or frame to support your mattress. Keep in mind that many people overlook using a high-quality bed base or frame, causing your mattress—even expensive ones—to sag or deform over time, not to mention your back won’t be getting the proper support. Make sure you buy the best bed frame for your budget, made with durable materials and compatible with most mattresses, and decide beforehand if you’d like a box spring or bed slats, depending on your needs and preferences.

You’ll also want to select a high-quality mattress protector “to keep it fresh and prevent the buildup of body oils, dust mites, or stains,” advises Davies. Sheets should also be selected with care. Opt for breathable options to help with night sweats.

Related: The 11 Best Cooling Sheets of 2024, According to Our Testing

Treat It Kindly

It’s tempting, but avoid eating and drinking in bed. Also, if you’re trying to extend the life of your mattress, both pets in the bed and kids jumping on the bed are no-nos. Otherwise, regular washing and cleaning of the mattress can help.

Keep Moving

Skip the flip and instead rotate your mattress. “If you sleep on one side of the bed or sleep with a partner that is significantly heavier than you, you should rotate the bed 180 degrees every 3-6 months,” says Jelinek.

Many mattresses come with care instructions specific to their unique materials and makeup. It’s best to refer to your mattress manufacturer for best practices. For example, Davies says Avocado mattresses should be rotated head-to-toe once a month for the first six months of use to ensure the top wool layers of the mattress compress evenly. “Failure to rotate your [Avocado] mattress regularly will create body impressions as the wool layer naturally compresses where you sleep,” says Davies.

Which Mattress Materials Are Most Durable?

Mattress lifespans can vary greatly from one material to the next. “The quality of the foam or springs plays a big factor,” says Jelinek. “If the materials are cheap, you may find your mattress to feel unsupportive after a few short years.”

Davies lauds natural latex as a highly resilient and durable material, while Jelinek says a high-quality spring or foam can maintain its firmness and shape for longer periods than less resilient materials. Find a brand that speaks to your price point, needs, and durability requirements.

As mentioned, mattress care varies greatly from one material to another and one brand to another, so be sure to refer to your warranty, user guide, and/or care specifications for the best chances of making your mattress last well beyond the eight-year mark.

Related: The 5 Best Cooling Mattress Toppers For All Sleepers, According to Testing

For more Better Homes & Gardens news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.