8 Signs That It's Time to Replace Your Mattress

We spend a third of our lives in bed, and we know that quality sleep affects not only our day-to-day wellness and performance, but also our long-term health. Mattresses can make or break a good night’s sleep, and have consequences for our minds and bodies beyond just what side of the bed we wake up on. Yet many of us go for years without giving a thought to our bed.  

Although buying a new mattress is a big investment, and finding the right one can take time, it could be the missing link to better sleep and all the benefits that come with it. So how do you know when it’s finally time to shop for a new bed?

Here are 8 signs:

1. Age

If you’ve had your mattress for over 10 years, chances are there’s enough wear and tear to warrant a new one. Certain mattresses (such as mattresses that aren’t flippable like pillow tops) have even shorter life spans, some as little as 3-5 years, so it’s worth checking for...  

2. Wear & Tear

If you can feel or see any sagging, divots, tearing, lumpiness, or springs, that’s wear and tear. Also, if it’s visibly falling apart, or just isn’t supporting you, it’s time! 

3. Pain in the Morning

If you wake up with a stiff or sore back, neck, or shoulders, or with any numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, your mattress could be to blame.

4. Discomfort in the Night

If you have trouble getting comfortable, falling asleep, or are tossing and turning a lot at night, that’s a big sign.  

5. Allergies

If you have recurrent sniffles, sneezing, headaches, and/or nasal congestion when you get into bed or wake up that disappear over the course of the day - it may be a sign you’re allergic to your mattress - either the materials in it or the chemical treatments used on it. (It’s good to learn about what’s in your mattress if you suspect this may be the case).  

6. Movement

If your partner’s movement wakes you up or keeps you up - it’s time to get a bed that minimizes motion transfer! 

7. Heat 

If you’re constantly overheating or sweating in bed. Some materials like memory foam and synthetic latex are notorious for trapping heat and moisture. Switching to a bed made from natural materials that breathe can really help!

8. Recent Physical Changes

If you’ve experienced a significant injury or illness, pregnancy or menopause since your last mattress purchase, it may have changed your mattress needs. It may not be ideal to get a whole new bed, especially for temporary physical changes, so in some cases, you may benefit from  a mattress that allows you to adjust the firmness down the line, or a mattress topper. The right topper will add extra cushioning or support to an existing bed. 

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If you think it might be time for a new mattress, check out our Choosing a Mattress Guide for helpful tips to get you started. We also interviewed two chiropractors to find out the Best Mattress and Sleeping Positions for your Back - check it out! 

If these 8 signs don’t apply, but something still isn’t right…

If you like your mattress and it’s not too old, it might just need to be flipped or rotated. Not all mattresses have this option (i.e. pillow tops), but many standard spring mattresses benefit from being flipped every 6-12 months. If it’s non-flippable, try rotating it. This simple change can resettle materials, resolve certain comfort issues, and extend the life of your bed.