Knowing the answer to how long does a foam mattress last means differentiating foam materials. Remember that foam beds are not limited to memory foam, as there are also latex and hybrid foams. However, the foam itself has an impressive life expectancy compared to other mattress types like innerspring beds.
We will talk about what you can expect from every type of foam mattress. This way, you can care for it better and know when to replace what you’re using. Remember that we can only maintain a supportive sleeping posture if our mattress is in its ideal form.
How Long Does A Foam Mattress Last And Why
Memory foam vs latex foam
The expected lifespan of a foam mattress depends on the type of material. For example, one of the most impressive foam beds uses memory foam, and they can last for ten years or more. But if you want something more natural, latex foam tends to provide service of up to 20 years, depending on the product quality.
Hybrid foam
What about hybrid mattresses? Some beds combine foam with a coil system to achieve a specific feel. They can last for six years but it may be longer if the top and base foam layers and coil support system are well-made.
What to remember
Foam mattresses overcome other mattress types when it comes to life expectancy. The numbers and range mentioned are still not definite and the years can lengthen or shorten depending on the product’s quality, how you use it, and how you care for it. Continue reading to know what affects a foam mattress’s lifespan and how to help it last longer.
How Do I Know If My Memory Foam Mattress Is Worn Out?
Sagging
Perhaps the most obvious sign that your memory foam mattress is worn out is it sags, particularly in the middle where the body’s heavy regions lie daily. Most people even consider sagging as the go signal for shopping for a new memory foam bed. But if it’s still not that deep, you can consider flipping or rotating the mattress or even using a mattress topper until you can get a bed replacement.
While memory foam is free from any springs that can break from continuous use, the material itself can compress after several years. You can ignore the crater, but anything deeper than two inches will hurt your sleeping posture. There’s no doubt that your mattress is on its retirement if it starts to sag.
Dents and lumps
Noticeable sagging is not the only way your mattress can tell you that it’s worn down. General deformity of its surface, shape, or structure means that the foam’s cellular structure has broken down. This leads to dents and lumps since the memory foam loses its “memory” characteristics.
The foam no longer bounces back to its proper form, and you’ll notice more impressions on the surface. You can use this as a quick test for knowing when to get a new bed. Try applying pressure on the bed by pushing it with your hands and see if the mattress will return to its shape.
Unsatisfactory moldability and sensitivity
The final telltale sign that your memory foam mattress has been overused is if it’s underperforming. A memory foam’s unique characteristic is how it can adjust uniquely to the user. You may notice that it’s not as moldable, or the bed feels too soft or too hard.
You tend to wake up more frequently with body pain or even feel generally uncomfortable throughout the night. And while one can expect that memory foam feels hot than other materials, a worn-down mattress will even make you more sweaty and icky. Remember that memory foam is temperature-sensitive, but an old one will lose this very feature’s advantages.
How Often Should You Replace A Foam Mattress?
You can replace your foam mattress every six years, later or earlier, depending on the signs previously discussed. Memory foam beds can even last a decade, which is why some brands boast a 10-year warranty. As for latex foam mattresses, some synthetic products can last longer than a memory foam mattress twice.
Why replace a foam mattress?
The most obvious reason that you should never overlook is the loss of structure. The foam won’t be supportive and comfortable, which leads to poor quality sleep. You might even develop aches and pains in different parts of the body because of the dents and poor moldability.
More so, an old mattress will indeed collect allergens, odors, stains, mold, and even dust mites. They can trigger your allergies and other nasty reactions regardless of how well you clean your bed. Overall, it doesn’t matter if your mattress is foam, but please accept that mattresses aren’t meant to last forever.
Conclusion
Whether it’s memory foam or latex, you must know when to replace it. How long does a foam mattress last? It will depend on the material, construction quality, usage, and maintenance.
A foam bed can last between 10 to 20 years, but you might need to replace it every six years if the signs of aging and wearing are showing. Consider sagging, dents, and poor moldability as your signal to get a new mattress. If you notice allergies and body pain frequently, your body might also be telling you it’s time to say goodbye to the foam bed.