Your mattress spends most of its life hiding beneath duvets, blankets and pillows – so it isn’t always easy to tell when it’s time for a new one. But when you think about it, all the wear and tear that comes with being used every single night is bound to take its toll as the years go by. After all, your mattress is one of the most frequently used items in your home.
We hate to break it to you, but even if you bought the very best mattress you could afford, the time will eventually come when you need to replace it. Once it starts to sag or the springs lose their bounce, you’ll find your mattress becomes uncomfortable, and won’t give you the support you need for a restful night’s sleep either. A worn-out mattress could just be the cause of some of those nagging problems you’ve been experiencing when you go to bed – like general discomfort, or aches and pains.
Here are a few warning signs that might just mean you should replace your current mattress.
It’s (at least) six to eight years old
Durability depends on the original quality of your mattress, As a general rule, if your mattress is six to ten years old (or even older), then it’s likely to be in need of replacement.
It’s sagging – or you can feel lumps and bumps
If your mattress looks and feels like it’s in bad shape, then it probably is – and it’s wise to start searching for a replacement sooner rather than later.
Sagging is one of the most obvious giveaways that your mattress needs replacement. Whether it’s spring or memory foam, unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about sagging or lumps and bumps – it just means it’s been put over pressure as the years have gone by.
Any lumps and impressions you can see on your mattress will be reducing the amount of support you get when you go to bed, especially if you can see tears or impressions more than 1–1.5 inches deep. You won’t enjoy as much cushioning either, meaning you’re compromising on your personal comfort, too. That all adds up to a poor night’s sleep, an aching back, and muscular discomfort.
Waking up is hard – and painful
If you’re finding yourself waking with new pains in your back, neck or shoulders, you might not be getting the support you need from your mattress. As time goes by, they’ll lose their ability to provide proper support for your body – and waking up with pain could mean you need a different level of firmness to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.
It’s stained
Would you be embarrassed for your friends and family to see what’s lurking beneath the sheets? That’s a sure sign that you could do with a replacement. When you buy your new one, it could be worth making an extra investment in an absorbent and breathable mattress cover to prevent this from happening in future. Make sure you clean it on a regular basis.
You sleep better in another bed
Do you find that you have a more restful night in other places? Whether it’s the sofa or a friend’s house, it could be a heads up that your mattress isn’t working for you. If you have trouble sleeping in your own bed, it could be a warning sign that it isn’t giving you the right amount of support for your body. Take some time to think about what would help – and whether an alternative mattress type could make all the difference.
Your search starts today
If any of this sounds familiar, you’ll want to start looking for a new mattress that gives you the good night’s sleep you deserve. There’s no need to head for a traditional bed shop – you can get a mattress delivered right to your door when you shop online.