How Often Should a Person Replace a Mattress?

Schedule

• Dr. Allen Hedge, an ergonomics professor at Cornell University and frequent contributor to the SpineAdvisor newsletter recommends that mattresses be replaced at least every 10 years. The Better Sleep Council points out that even after a period of just five to seven years a mattress may no longer be offering an ideal level of support and comfort.
  Just because the product warranty is still in effect does not mean that an item is still in good condition. The exact schedule on which to replace a mattress varies depending on the quality, the amount of usage it has received, and several other factors.

Comfort

• The most important way to tell if it is time to buy a new mattress is by examining your sleep patterns. If you wake up aching and tired most mornings, this is often an indicator that your bed is no longer performing its job adequately. If your sleep is actually being interrupted during the night due to discomfort, the need for a replacement is even more urgent.
  Remember that your body changes as you age. This means the level of firmness that was comfortable a few years ago may no longer be right for you. Once you have ruled out other factors for your discomfort, you may need to go mattress shopping.

Wear and Tear

• Rotating and turning your mattress can extend its life. However, it will still need to be replaced eventually. Watch for lumpy spots, sagging, tears in the fabric, and squeaky springs. If you have kids who regularly play and jump around on your bed, it may wear out faster than normal. A worn mattress can be refurbished in some cases, but your money is probably better spent simply buying a new one.

Soiling

• Fluids from sweating and other bodily functions typically seep into the fabric covering and padding on a mattress over time. Spills such as coffee or soda can occur if you drink beverages in bed. A plastic cover offers some protection, but bedding must eventually be discarded to eliminate odors and bacteria. If your mattress is soiled by an accident such as bowel incontinence, you may need to replace it immediately. Steam cleaning can't penetrate the deeper layers of padding.

Parasites

• Beds are a common breeding ground for parasites. Dust mites love to live in mattresses and feed on tiny flakes of shed human skin. Their fecal matter can cause severe, ongoing allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Bedbugs (the kind that actually bite you) are another pest that can be very difficult to exterminate.
  If you replace your mattress because it is infested with parasites, make sure it is destroyed. Don't donate it to charity. Even professional cleaning and fumigation won't necessarily get rid of bugs.