How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?

Key takeaways:

Experts recommend replacing your mattress every 7 years.
If you notice lumps or sagging, it may be time to replace your mattress. Poor sleep quality, increased allergy symptoms, and muscle stiffness when you wake up could also mean it's time for a new mattress.
You can extend the life of your mattress by rotating it regularly, protecting it with a mattress cover, and keeping it clean.

A good night's sleep is important for your physical and mental well-being. And your mattress plays a key role in your sleep quality.

Several factors determine how long your mattress will last. But there are some important signs it’s time for a new one. Here's what experts say about how often you should replace your mattress.

When should you replace your mattress?

Experts generally recommend replacing your mattress every 7 years or so. However, many people keep their mattresses longer than that. The Better Sleep Council found that people often wait 10 years or more before replacing their mattress.

Although a mattress won’t last forever, it’s an important investment that can benefit your health in different ways. After all, we spend one-third of our lives sleeping (or trying to). That said, the cost of a new mattress can be quite high. (We’ll review how to get the most life out of your mattress below.)

Benefits of replacing your mattress

A supportive mattress is critical for your sleep quality. In a small clinical trial, people with minor back pain who had their mattresses for an average of 9.5 years tried sleeping on a new, medium-firm mattress. After 28 days, they reported reduced back pain, less stress, and better sleep quality.

Those are major benefits, given that lack of sleep and poor sleep quality can increase the risk of several health conditions, including:

Getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep can help you:

Rest and conserve energy
Boost your immune system
Process information and form new memories
Support your emotional well-being

What factors affect how long your mattress can last?

How long your mattress lasts depends on a handful of factors. Let’s review those with the biggest impact on mattress longevity.

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Mattress material and type

There are several different materials used to make mattresses. And what’s comfortable for you may not work for someone else. Try different mattress types to find out which you like best. But note that some mattress materials may wear out quicker than others.

The four main types of mattresses are:

Innerspring: The innerspring mattress is what most people consider a traditional mattress. These mattresses have steel coil springs that are covered by padding or upholstery. They often have shorter lifespans than other mattresses and are prone to sagging.
Memory foam: These mattresses are made of polyurethane foam and contour to support your body. They come in different densities. High-density memory foam (higher than 5 PCF) mattresses may last longer than lower-density ones.
Hybrids: Hybrid mattresses have both foam and innerspring components. The top and base layers are often foam, while the middle usually contains innerspring coils. The lifespan of these mattresses varies depending on the foam density and coil quality.
Latex: Latex mattresses use a durable latex foam to support your body. And they may last longer than other mattress types.

Body weight

How much weight you put on your mattress can affect how long it lasts. For example, if two people regularly sleep on a mattress, the mattress may wear down faster than if one person sleeps on it. If one of those people weighs more than the other, it can cause uneven wear and tear on the mattress.

Frequency of use

The more you sleep on a mattress, the faster it’ll wear down. So, for example, the mattress in your bedroom that you sleep on most nights may need to be replaced much sooner than a mattress in a guest room that only gets used once in a while.

Care and maintenance

Rotating your mattress every 6 months (or per your specific mattress instructions) can help prevent uneven wear and extend its lifespan. Using a mattress cover can also help protect your mattress and keep it clean.

Pets

If your pet sleeps on your bed, you might need to replace your mattress more often. The pet adds extra weight. Plus, they may stain, scratch, and leave pet dander, which can cause damage to the mattress.

What are signs that you should replace your mattress?

The following may be signs that it's time for a new mattress:

Your mattress is 7 years old or older. If you've had your mattress for 7 years or longer, it’s time to consider replacing it. While you may not need to replace it at that point, it’s a good reminder to check for other signs of wear and tear.
You notice sagging or other signs of damage. If you see sagging, lumps, or dips in your mattress, it is time to replace it. Damage from mold or significant stains, which may have trapped odors or allergens, are also clear signs that it's time for a new mattress. Noisy springs and visible coils are some other signs.
You see black, brown, or red spots on your mattress. You won't be able to see dust mites on your mattress, as they’re microscopic. But small black or brown specks could be fecal droppings from dust mites. Black spots could also be a sign of mold. Red or rust-colored spots on your mattress could be a sign of bedbugs.
You have trouble sleeping. Do you wake up more frequently at night? Does it take longer for you to get comfortable and fall asleep? These could be signs that your mattress isn’t as supportive as it used to be.
You often wake up with muscle aches or stiffness. Waking up with pain and stiffness is a sign that your mattress is no longer providing enough support.
Your asthma or allergies have gotten worse. If your allergies or asthma have worsened without explanation, your mattress may be the cause. Allergens, such as dust mites, can pile up on mattresses and worsen allergy and asthma symptoms.
You can feel your partner moving. Your mattress loses the ability to prevent motion transfer the older it gets. If you start feeling your partner move around, it may be time for a new mattress.

How can you prolong the life of your mattress?

Consider these tips to help your mattress last longer:

Rotate your mattress. If the manufacturer instructions say it's OK, rotate your mattress every 6 months or so. To be clear, rotating a mattress means you turn it so your head rests where your feet used to go and vice versa. Rotating your mattress helps prevent sagging and promotes even wear. (Flipping is when you turn the mattress all the way over, so you’d be sleeping on the other side. But not all mattresses are designed to be flipped.)
Use a mattress cover. A washable mattress cover protects your mattress from spills, stains, sweat, and dust mites. Look for a mattress protector that’s water-resistant or waterproof.
Wash your bedding regularly. Wash your sheets every week and your comforter every few weeks or so. This protects your mattress from moisture and stains. Removing your bedding also lets your mattress air out.
Clean your mattress. You can vacuum your mattress to remove debris and dust mites. You can also sprinkle it with baking soda before vacuuming to remove odors and moisture.
Find the proper mattress support. Make sure you use the right base for your mattress. Innerspring mattresses use box springs, while other mattresses use slatted bed frames or solid foundations.
Avoid wear and tear when you can. Avoid letting kids jump on the bed, and try to keep pets from chewing or scratching your mattress.

Frequently asked questions

Not all mattresses are designed to be flipped. In fact, many mattress models are designed to be rotated but not flipped. First check to see if your mattress is labeled as flippable, dual-sided, or reversible. If so, consider flipping the mattress every 6 months. This can prevent wear and tear.

A memory foam mattress can last around 7 years. However, the exact lifespan of your mattress will depend on different factors, including how often you sleep on it, the construction, and how you care for it.

Latex mattresses tend to have the longest lifespan. But keep in mind that the material of your mattress is only one factor that influences how many years you’ll get out of your mattress.

The bottom line

Experts recommend replacing your mattress every 7 years. But your mattress may need to be replaced more or less often, depending on the material and other factors. If you notice your mattress sagging or wake up with aches and pains, it may be time for a new one. You can help your mattress last longer by protecting it with a cover and cleaning it regularly.

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Written by:

Kim Grundy, PT

Kim Grundy, PT, is a writer, editor, and licensed physical therapist. She worked at an outpatient orthopedic facility, where she treated patients with chronic conditions and post-surgical athletes working towards recovery.

Edited by:

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN, is a California-based registered nurse and staff medical editor at GoodRx, where he focuses on clinical updates and Latino health.

Reviewed by:

Farzon A. Nahvi, MD

Farzon Nahvi, MD, is an emergency medicine physician and author of “Code Gray: Death, Life, and Uncertainty in the ER.” He works at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, and teaches at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

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