Wondering, how long does a mattress last? Here’s what to know

Since mattresses are a hefty investment, it’s worth knowing both how long you can expect it to last, and what you can do to extend its lifespan. Here, we’ll look at, how long does a mattress last in most cases, when to look for a replacement, what happens if you sleep on an old mattress for too long, and more.

In a nutshell

Depending on the type and your daily usage habits, your mattress should last seven to 10 years.

• Even the best mattresses will degrade over time, although signs of wear can differ.
• Sleeping on a worn-out mattress can cause increased allergies, sleep disruption and aches and pains, among other symptoms.
• Poor sleep quality, unexplained aches and pains or physical signs of material deterioration indicate a mattress should be replaced.

What is the lifespan of a mattress?

With mattress costs ranging from $250 to $3,000 or more, it’s important to get the most bang for your buck. But even the best mattress will wear out eventually. In some cases, you can add a mattress topper and extend the life of your mattress. Eventually, though, a worn-out mattress will become a problem.

“While it’s hard to find scientific evidence to support this number, the industry seems to think the lifespan of a mattress is seven to 10 years, as the materials can start to break down and lose their support over time,” says Jeff Kahn, CEO and co-founder of Rise Science.

When to replace a mattress

Mattress lifespan estimates are just a guideline, but they can let you know when it’s time to keep an eye on your sleep situation. Derek Hales, founder and editor-in-chief of NapLab.com, also believes the quality of the material plays a role in how long a mattress lasts.

“Mattresses should be replaced as their material degrades over the years,” Hales advises. “Different material types will last different lengths of time, though in general, a mattress will last eight to 12 years.”

What is the lifespan of an innerspring mattress?

Long before foam took over the market, innerspring mattresses dominated. Today, you likely won’t find an innerspring mattress that doesn’t at least have a layer or two of foam built in for comfort. But if you’re looking for innerspring alone, the Naturepedic Chorus Organic Mattress uses coils for both support and comfort level. You can then look at mattress toppers if you’d prefer to keep your foam layer separate.

As with hybrid and foam mattresses, the quality of materials is essential if you want your mattress to last. “Higher number of springs, better quality coils and thickness of the coils will increase the longevity of hybrid and coil mattresses,” says Hales.

What is the lifespan of a memory foam mattress?

Whether you’re shopping for a mattress or pillows, you’ll likely see memory foam mentioned. Memory foam is a type of polyurethane with elasticity built in. The material conforms to your body, providing a comfortable sleeping experience. If you’re looking for pressure relief, the TEMPUR-Adapt® Collection from TEMPUR-Pedic is designed to ease pressure points to keep you comfortable.

But, as Drew Miller, vice president of marketing at Sit 'n Sleep, points out, memory foam has a downside. “Memory foam mattresses may temporarily retain your body's impression, but as the years pass, it takes longer for the foam to regain its shape,” he says. “A permanent body outline is a clear indicator that your memory foam mattress is no longer providing adequate support.”

What is the lifespan of a latex mattress?

If you’re looking for longevity, a latex mattress might be a good option. One big benefit of latex is its environmental friendliness. The Luxerion Latex Mattress uses 100 percent natural latex mixed with high-quality wool for a solution that’s both sustainable and hypoallergenic. Latex mattresses are also among the longest-lasting. “Some materials, like foam or latex, may last 10 to 15 years,” Kahn emphasizes. “Many factors, however, impact the longevity of a mattress.”

What is the lifespan of a hybrid mattress?

If you like the comfort of a memory foam mattress but also like the supportiveness of coils, a hybrid model might be a better choice. One popular hybrid mattress option is the Sealy Posturepedic® Hybrid Lacey 13" Plush Mattress, which combines motion-reducing, high-density coils with breathable memory foam. Another example is the DreamCloud 14" Hybrid Mattress, which uses gel-based memory foam to relieve pressure, along with innerspring coils.

As you’re shopping for a hybrid mattress, you’ll need to pay close attention to the design of the mattress, including both its coils and foam. Hales advises spending a little extra on top-quality materials if you want longevity from your mattress. “When buying a new mattress, the mattress type and weight it is rated for are important factors to keep in mind,” he says. “In addition, getting higher-quality materials is also important. Higher-quality and thicker foams last longer.”

Are there any side effects to sleeping on an old mattress?

Mattresses wear out gradually, so you might not even notice you need to replace yours until it’s already a problem. Sleeping on an old mattress can cause issues, though. Here are some side effects that can come from sleeping on a mattress that needs to be replaced.

Discomfort or pain

You can invest in the best pillow for neck pain or do all your nighttime stretches, only to find that your mattress is the cause of your pain. You may even suffer for months without realizing your mattress is the culprit. But as Kahn points out, discomfort or pain in your back, neck or joints could indicate you aren’t getting the support you need from your mattress.

“Pain can disrupt sleep and disrupted sleep can perpetuate pain, so finding a mattress that can support spinal alignment and pressure point relief is imperative,” Kahn adds.

Allergies or asthma

It’s not pleasant to think about, but dust mites are likely living in your mattress. For most people, these invisible pests aren’t a problem, but if you suffer from allergies or asthma, sleeping on a dust mite-filled mattress can make things worse.

As you’re researching mattresses, also take a look at covers. The Keetsa Anti-Mite and Sweat-Resistant Mattress Protector shields your entire mattress, creating a barrier between you and any dust mites that might be living inside it. But eventually, you may also need to upgrade your mattress. “Allergies can also challenge sleep, and insufficient sleep can make allergy symptoms worse, so here again a new mattress becomes an imperative,” says Kahn.

Reduced sleep quality

Sleep is essential for health and well-being. It’s not just about the hours you spend sleeping each night, you also need quality sleep, which means you go through all five sleep cycles multiple times. Failure to get quality sleep each night can negatively impact your metabolic, respiratory and immune systems. “An old mattress may contribute to restless nights, frequent awakenings and difficulty falling asleep,” warns Miller.

Motion transfer issues

If you’ve ever shared a mattress with a restless sleeper, you know how important motion isolation can be. If you purchase a mattress built to reduce movement, you may notice over time that you start to feel your partner’s tossing and turning. If you bought a mattress without that technology, you might be surprised at the difference the right mattress can make. “Over time, mattresses lose their ability to reduce motion transfer, making it difficult for couples or light sleepers to rest peacefully,” says Miller.

When you’re ready to upgrade, consider the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress, which uses a 3-inch foam transition layer to reduce movement. If you prefer coil springs, the Layla Hybrid Mattress uses pocketed coils to reduce motion.

How to choose a better mattress

Mattress life is only one factor to consider when you’re looking for a mattress. It’s important to choose one with the best materials, but you’ll also want to make sure you have the support you need. Here are some factors to consider when you’re researching new mattresses.

Know your sleep habits

Comfort is subjective. As Kahn points out, even if a product has thousands of five-star reviews, it still might not be the right product for you. In addition to your support needs and comfort preferences, it’s also important to look at your primary sleep position. You’ll need varying levels of support depending on whether you tend to sleep on your side, stomach or back.

“Side sleepers might benefit from a medium-soft mattress that will provide adequate support for their hips and shoulders, while back sleepers might prefer a firmer one that will keep their spine in alignment,” says Kahn.

Look at material quality

With some mattresses costing several thousand dollars or more, it’s easy to suffer from sticker shock. Some mattresses are priced higher due to brand reputation, but others charge more due to the quality of materials and detailed construction.

“Don’t just go on price alone,” Kahn stresses. “While price is important, it's not the only factor to consider when buying a mattress. You should also consider the quality of the mattress, the materials it's made from and the warranty that comes with it.”

Don’t forget temperature

Do you sleep with the ceiling fan on its highest setting and still wake up covered in sweat? If so, it could be your mattress. In recent years, an increasing number of brands have come out with mattresses promising to keep you cool while you sleep. But as Kahn points out, you’ll need to do further research into how this temperature regulation is provided to make sure you’re getting the cooldown you need.

“Not all mattresses support temperature regulation equally,” he notes. “If you sleep hot, consider mattresses with cooling properties, like those with gel-infused memory foam or specific latex types.”

Warranties and trial periods

Adapting to a new mattress takes time, as Kahn points out. Some mattresses come with a trial period that lets you make sure the mattress works for you. Purchasing a mattress with a trial period can take the stress out of mattress shopping.

Kahn also advises us to pay close attention to a mattress’s warranty. “A good warranty can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run,” he adds. “It's important to understand the details of the warranty, including its length, what it covers and any conditions or stipulations.”

Consider alternatives to upgrading

Maybe you don't need a new mattress at all, as a mattress topper can fit on top of your existing mattress to provide that extra support you need. “You might consider a mattress topper instead of a new mattress when your current mattress is still in good condition, but isn't providing the desired level of comfort or support,” says Kahn. “Or if you want to adjust the firmness or feel of your mattress without making a large investment in a new one.”

A mattress topper won’t correct for an unsupportive mattress, but it can make a firm mattress more comfortable. The best mattress toppers reduce motion transfer while also reducing pressure on your joints. The Serene Foam Mattress Topper uses motion transfer-resistant foam with supportive air technology that offers support and relieves pressure. Another option is the Isotonic+ Memory Foam Mattress Topper, which uses memory foam to reduce motion transfer and support your body.

The AP Buyline roundup

The right mattress can make a big difference in sleep quality and pain reduction. If your mattress is more than a few years old, it’s important to monitor for signs of aging. While you should get at least seven years of use out of a new mattress, plenty of factors play into a mattress’s wear, including the quality of materials and your sleep habits.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do you know if your mattress is worn out?

You’ll likely know your mattress is worn out when you start waking with aches and pains. Lumps and deformities in the mattress's surface can also be telltale signs. If you have a tough time getting comfortable when it’s time to sleep, it could be a sign you’re no longer getting the support you need.

“A mattress should provide a flat, even sleeping surface with consistent support,” says Miller. “If you notice sagging, especially around pressure points like shoulders and hips, it's time for a replacement.”

Which is the best kind of mattress for longevity?

Mattress duration depends on multiple factors, including your sleeping habits and the quality of the materials. But some types of mattresses last longer than others. Hales gives the following general longevity estimates based on material type:

• Latex: 10–15 years.
• Memory foam: Five years for lower-quality foams and up to 10 years for higher quality.
• Innerspring: 5–10 years.
• Hybrid: 7–10 years.

What makes a mattress go bad?

A mattress will naturally degrade over time, but use is the number one feature, according to Hales. He also stresses the importance of proper mattress care, since dust, debris, stains and bacteria can all impact the materials inside your mattress. “Other factors impacting how long your mattress lasts include foam density, number of coil layers, types of materials, your own body weight and sleeping position and mattress quality,” he adds.

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