5 Tips to Extend Your Mattress Lifespan

When you buy a mattress, it’s an investment, and you want to maximize your return on that investment. Most consumers feel that an expensive new mattress is more than worth the money. You spend a big portion of your life on your mattress, after all.

Two primary factors tend to make a more expensive mattress worth the cost. One is overall comfort. Secondly, they likely include high-quality materials and are constructed in a way that is intended for longevity. That being said, there are certainly ways to cut this cost while still benefiting from premium materials and craftsmanship. Namely, by purchasing your mattress online from a highly recommended brand like Saatva or Nectar, you can enjoy the benefits of an expensive mattress without paying the exorbitant prices of mattresses that are sold in brick and mortar stores.

How Long Do Mattresses Last?

How long should a mattress last? Most mattresses need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years. That being said, you can shorten or extend the lifespan of your mattress, depending on how you treat it.

Signs You Need a New Mattress

If you’re questioning the length of your mattress lifespan or contemplating a new mattress, the following are signs it might be time to replace it:

• You don’t feel fully rested when you wake up. You should wake up refreshed, so think about whether or not that’s the case for you and if not, whether your mattress could have anything to do with it.
• You wake up in pain.
• Certain areas of your mattress feel more comfortable than others. Typically, your mattress should feel the same and uniformly comfortable.
• Your mattress is creaking.
• There is a sag that you can either see or feel.
• You are experiencing symptoms of a dust allergy.
• You’ve experienced a significant weight gain or loss during the time you’ve had your mattress. You may not feel what was once comfortable works for your body now.

How Can You Extend Your Mattress Lifespan?

If any of the above is true, you might be in the market to buy a new mattress. If your mattress isn’t old, however, and especially if you’ve recently purchased it, there are things you can do to keep it comfortable and well-maintained.

First and foremost, choose a new mattress from a reputable brand if you’re currently in the comparison-shopping phase. When you choose a new mattress from a brand like those featured in our list of most recommended mattresses, you’re not just getting the peace of mind of great construction and materials, but you may also get a great warranty on your mattress too.

When you’re comparing mattress warranties, think about not only how long it’s for but what it covers. Every company will be different, and some companies, such as Nectar, do offer lifetime warranties.

Other ways to extend the lifespan of your mattress are:

1. Deep Clean Your Mattress

You should commit to deep cleaning your mattress regularly. You don’t necessarily need any particular mattress cleaner tool. What you can do is take everything off your mattress and start by using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum.

Once you’ve sucked all the particles out, you can use a mattress cleaner solution or make your own with dish soap and warm water. Put the solution on your mattress, let it sit, and then scrub with a damp towel. Sprinkle some baking soda on your mattress and leave it until it’s dry, and then vacuum again.

As well as deep cleaning your mattress regularly, plan to wash your bedding often. Your bedding has things like body oil, sweat, and human and pet hair on it. When you sleep, the cells can accumulate and become a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria, and this can negatively affect your mattress.

2. Use a Mattress Protector

Right after you buy a new mattress, one of the most important things you can do is put on a mattress protector. Mattress protectors will help keep stains off your investment. A protector is especially important for foam mattresses because it keeps natural body oils off it, which can degrade the material.

When you’re shopping for a mattress protector, don’t forget about a pad. A mattress pad will help serve as an additional layer of defense between everything that could happen and your mattress itself. It’s cheaper and easier to replace a mattress pad than buy an entirely new mattress.

3. Treat It Well

If you want a longer mattress lifespan, make sure your kids know how to treat it well. Don’t jump on the bed and don’t let anyone else do so. Jumping on the bed can cause damage over time, and it can be bad for your frame and box spring.

As well as making sure your kids follow the no-jumping-on-the-bed rule, it might be best to keep your pets off too. Pets can expose your mattress to bacteria and other contaminants, and they might also be likely to have an accident.

4. Give It The Support It Needs

To improve your mattress lifespan, make sure it has good support. When your bed has a strong foundation underneath, it can prevent sagging and absorb force so the mattress will last longer. If you have a spring mattress, you can place it on a box spring. If you have a foam mattress, you might think about putting it on an adjustable base or slatted frames.

5. Regular Rotation

Finally, in your quest to keep your mattress for as long as possible without it losing its comfort, remember to rotate it regularly. When you rotate your mattress you’re making the wear and tear more even so you’re not putting too much pressure on one particular area. Most mattresses these days don’t require you to flip them, but you’ll want to check the instructions that come with your mattress.

The Takeaway

While a high-quality mattress should last for around ten years, there are plenty of things you can do to make that an even longer lifespan. Just like any other investment, treat your mattress well to maintain its quality over time.