Tips For Replacing Your Mattress

When it costs more to repair a car than what it’s worth, most car owners know it’s time to get an upgrade.  If only it were as simple when it comes to replacing a mattress.  Unfortunately, it’s not as easy to determine when it’s time to replace your mattress and box springs.  Much like an old chair or a favorite pair of shoes, mattresses may still feel comfortable up to ten years after they’ve been purchased despite losing their ability to provide us with the proper support and comfort we need for a good night’s sleep.  Sleep is critical to our ability to function and feel our best throughout the day which is why evaluating your sleep and mattress on a regular basis is an important part of knowing when your sleep has been compromised and when your mattress needs to be replaced.  Here are some things to keep in mind.

As a general rule, the mattress industry recommends that you replace your mattress at least every eight to ten years.  The reason is because mattresses can become filled with allergens and dust mites which can cause a poor night’s sleep and additional health problems.  Mattresses that are kept in a guest bedroom and not used as much won’t need to be replaced as often.  But if you sleep on the same mattress every night and have owned it for longer than ten years, it’s time to replace your mattress.

Even if your mattress is less than ten years old, it’s a good idea to inspect it at least once or twice a year for rips, soft spots or protruding springs.  Mattresses can become worn out and stop offering the proper body support you need.  By removing all the blankets on your mattress you’ll be better equipped to see if your mattress has any sags or droops.  If you see any sagging or drooping, this means your mattress has lost its ability to support your body the way it needs to be supported for a good night’s rest and you should consider replacing your mattress as soon as possible.

Another sign that your mattress needs replacing is how comfortable you are sleeping on it.  If you find it more difficult to get into a comfortable position in order to sleep, or you can literally feel the springs in the mattress, or your limbs fall asleep while you’re lying on it, now is a good time for an upgrade.

One of the signs it’s time to replace your mattress isn’t so obvious.  When couples marry or move in together, they often use a mattress from their partner’s old apartment.  Whether it’s considered romantic or just plain sentimental, they keep the mattress even though it’s too cramped for the two of them to sleep on together.  Upgrading to a larger mattress is the best way for you and your partner to get a good night’s sleep.  And the same applies if you or your partner have recently gained a significant amount of weight.  A larger plus-sized mattress will help both of you to sleep more comfortably.

Finally, the most important reason for replacing your mattress is the quality of your sleep.  If you mattress appears OK and in decent shape but you find yourself tossing and turning all night because you can’t get comfortable, then it’s time to replace your mattress.  We spend half our lives sleeping.  Making it as comfortable as possible is important.