If you want to know how long does the average mattress last, it can be around five to ten years. Remember that mattresses vary in materials and how users sleep and maintain them, and you can find out more below why our mattresses last a specific period.
We’ll also discuss the mattress type that lasts the longest and if using an old mattress has negative effects. So without further ado, let’s get started.
How Long Should A Mattress Last
You can expect the mattress to last as long as 10 years, where some only reach 7 years, and the average is only around 5 years. Of course, the range of a mattress’s lifespan is wide because many factors can help it last longer or shorter than expected. Nonetheless, five to ten years or seven to ten years should be a reasonable assumption on how long an average mattress lasts.
Do mattresses have an expiration date?
Mattresses don’t have a so-called expiration date, but you can start checking for signs that you need a new one once your bed’s age is more than five years. The manufacturer may also mention how long you can expect your mattress to require a replacement. Just be mindful of any potential changes in the bed and your personal sleeping experience that you might be overlooking because you’re accustomed to it.
What are the factors influencing mattress lifespan?
- Overall construction
- Mattress type
- Usage
- Maintenance
The factors that affect your bed’s longevity are its quality, the type of mattress itself, how you use it, and how you maintain it. Consider getting a mattress from a reputable brand that offers a warranty and reasonable return policies that indicate their confidence in their product’s quality. You also want to familiarize yourself with mattress types as they differ in durability for every user’s demands, and make sure that you use and maintain your bed with care.
Can A Mattress Last 20 Years?
A mattress can last for 20 years, but you might be pushing it past its capabilities. The structure might seem intact, but the support and comfort it can give are no longer optimal for your sleep quality. It’s better to replace your mattress once it looks and feels worn out rather than waiting for it to reach its life expectancy.
What kind of mattress lasts the longest?
The mattress that lasts the longest is foam. This includes memory foam and latex foam mattresses compared to other types like pillow tops. Moreover, natural materials such as organic latex foam beds will last much longer than synthetic foam mattresses, so the most durable and long-lasting mattress is natural latex.
However, note that every foam mattress varies in quality, and how you use and care for it can affect its longevity.
What kind of mattress lasts the shortest?
Because they don’t have the integrity that foam beds have, innerspring and air mattresses have a shorter lifespan. The springs inside an innerspring bed can sag or get damaged, while an air mattress is prone to tears and holes that can make it lose its shape. Therefore, select a latex foam bed because it’s the mattress that holds up best, or check the construction quality of an air bed or innerspring if you prefer these mattress types.
What Happens To Your Mattress After 10 Years?
Discoloration and odor
After ten years, you will notice that your mattress no longer has its original color. Some stains might continue to remain regardless of how you treat them, and the bed looks dirty even if you cleaned it. Like most old items, the mattress can also develop a smell, which may even indicate mold or critters that accumulate within it.
Loss of mattress integrity
Mattresses will no longer have their actual shape and structure after a decade. For example, the comfort layer at the top no longer compresses the same, there is sagging in the middle, or the surface developed lumps. Mattresses with metal parts like those in innerspring may even produce noises as the springs break down over the years.
Potentially harboring germs and allergens
Proper maintenance and hygiene of mattresses are crucial to keep the bed free of allergens and germs. However, aging can ruin the mattress materials, making them more prone to bed bugs, dust mites, or mold. Material degradation can also encourage the growth of bacteria.
Can An Old Mattress Make You Sick?
An old mattress can make you sick because of the resulting poor sleep quality. Sleep deprivation and inconsistent sleeping schedules can put you at risk for health conditions. Furthermore, you can develop body pain since you’re spending the night with your spine no longer in a neutral position.
Another effect of an old mattress on your health is allergies. The dust mites, mold, and other allergens on the mattress can worsen your condition. You might also notice skin irritations from the germs and other irritants that are collected on the bed.
Conclusion
We hope this mattress durability guide was helpful. To recap how long does the average mattress last, it can be around 5 to 10 years. However, you don’t have to wait for your bed to reach its life expectancy.
Continuously monitor your sleeping experience and check the mattress visually for signs of wear and tear. Remember that if you’re uncomfortable throughout the night, this can affect your sleep quality and routine. And if you need to know when to get a new mattress, try our separate article about the tips.