Average Life Span of a Mattress
Are you debating on whether or not it’s time to get a new mattress? Or maybe you’ve recently bought one, and you’re wondering how long it will last. Either way, we've got the answers that you're looking for.
Buying a mattress is an expensive but necessary purchase that you’ll have to make at some point. It’s important to know what to expect from your mattress and how long it’ll last you.
Keep reading our page to learn the average life span of a mattress, what types of mattress will last longer, what factors will affect how long your mattress will last, and signs that you need a new mattress.
What Is the Average Life Span of a Mattress?
The lifespan of a mattress can vary depending on multiple factors, so it isn’t easy to know exactly how long your mattress will last. Without considering all of those important factors, the average life span of a mattress is about 7 to 10 years.
If you’re trying to figure out how long a specific mattress will last, you also need to consider the type of mattress you have, as well as the proper care of it and how much it's used.
Types of Mattresses
The first thing that will determine how long your mattress will last is what type it is. We’ve made a list of the different types of mattresses, their durability, and some other benefits.
Innerspring Mattress
An innerspring mattress comprises a steel or titanium coil support system with a layer of material on top for comfort. Innerspring mattresses typically last about 8 years.
Foam Mattress
Foam beds are popular because they provide pressure relief and are often made with a layer of cooling gel for hot sleepers. Memory foam is the most popular of these mattresses and can often last 10 to 15 years.
Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of innerspring and foam mattresses. These beds are composed of a base of coils and a comfort layer of memory foam or latex to offer the best of both worlds. Despite offering the benefits of both mattresses, hybrid beds only last about 6 to 7 years.
Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses are made of latex, which offers a firm feel and resists impressions. Because of these qualities, latex beds are the most durable mattress type and have a lifespan of about 15 years.
These mattresses can come from all-natural latex or synthetic latex; synthetic latex is cheaper but will wear down faster.
Waterbed
Waterbeds can be really fun but require more maintenance than a regular mattress. These beds consist of a large, water-filled vinyl bag that can even have specific ranges of motion. With proper care, a waterbed can last 7 to 10 years.
Air Mattress
When we say air mattress, we aren't referring to the quick, blow-up ones you pull out when you have company staying over. Airbeds are made up of multiple chambers of air that give you comfort and support without the risks of popping or deflating.
These beds can last anywhere from 3 to 8 years. The mechanical features of an air mattress are more likely to break and need replacement or repairs, which can be costly. Because of this, the lifespan of an airbed is shorter than most mattresses.
Factors of a Mattress Lifespan
Aside from what type of mattress you have, other factors contribute to the lifespan of a mattress. Here is a list of the main things that contribute to how long your mattress will last.
Use
How often a mattress is used is a major factor in how long it will last. Do you sleep 8 hours on your mattress every night, or is it sitting in the guest room and only used occasionally? Do you spend a lot of your free time lying in bed?
The more use that your mattress gets, the shorter its lifespan will end up being. If a mattress gets less use, it’s likely to exceed the average lifespan of a mattress as long as it’s properly cared for.
Care
Any mattress can last a long time if you take good care of it. The main things you can do for your mattress are provide a sturdy foundation and protect it from moisture.
To get the most out of your mattress, you'll want to make sure it's resting on a warranty-approved foundation. New boxsprings and a stable bed frame will provide your mattress with the best support and keep it off the floor.
You should also always protect your mattress from moisture by covering it with a waterproof mattress protector. A waterproof mattress protector will clean your mattress from spills, accidents, dust and allergens, and sweat.
Even with a waterproof mattress cover, you'll still want to clean your bed should any accidents happen. Here is a helpful guide on how to clean your mattress naturally.
Body Weight
The bodyweight of whoever uses a mattress is a contributing factor to how long it will last. The more pressure that's put onto a bed will eventually cause sagging in the mattress.
People who weigh more should consider getting a thicker mattress for more comfort, support, and longer shelf life for their bed.
Signs to Buy a New Mattress
Even though every type of mattress is different, easy signs will tell you it's time to invest in a better bed. We’ve listed some of the most common signs that your mattress is getting worn out.
- There is sagging on a particular side or spot.
- Permanent stains and odors are trapped in your bed.
- Mold is growing inside your mattress.
- You constantly wake up with back pain because of how uncomfortable your bed is.
- Bed bugs or dust mites have found a home in your mattress.
- The surface is permanently lumpy and uneven.
If you're still unsure of whether or not it's time to replace your mattress, check out our more thorough guide about mattress replacement.
Invest in Better Sleep With a New Mattress
There are a lot of factors to consider that can affect the average life span of a mattress. Knowing what to expect from your mattress will help you make the best decisions when it's time to purchase a new one.
So, is it time for you to get a new mattress? Please look at our mattress selection and see how easy it is to find the perfect nest bed for your home. With our 100-night risk-free trial and lifetime warranty, we guarantee you'll be well-rested.